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Table of Contents

The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Riding Lawn Mower

Maintenance Tasks Essential to Your Riding Lawn Mower's Longevity

Proper Storage and Winterizing Tips

Common Riding Mower Problems and How to Fix Them

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Increasing the Life of Your Riding Lawn Mower: A Homeowner's Guide

Updated Mar. 15, 2024Lyle Weischwill5 min read
How-to DIY tips to keep your lawn mower in top shape

Homeowners with big, beautiful yards can’t live without their lawn tractors. Proper care and maintenance can substantially increase the lifespan of this valuable machine. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your mower continues to perform its best.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • By taking good care of your mower, you can extend its lifespan and protect your investment.
  • Storing your riding lawn mower correctly in the off-season can greatly extend its lifespan.
  • Schedule riding mower maintenance through Sears Home Services to have your lawn tractor professionally serviced.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Riding Lawn Mower

Just like your car, your riding lawn mower needs regular maintenance to run smoothly and last long. By taking care of small issues before they become larger problems, you can avoid expensive repairs and prolong the life of your mower.

Maintenance helps in spotting early signs of wear and tear, loose parts, or fluid leaks, which can be promptly fixed. This not only saves you money in the long run but also helps to keep your mower running smoothly and efficiently.

Regular oil changes, cleaning or replacing the air filter, and sharpening the blades are all part of maintenance that enhances the performance of your mower. A well-kept mower will cut your lawn evenly and efficiently, improving the overall look of your yard.

Moreover, maintaining your mower is crucial for your safety. Faulty parts can pose a risk when operating heavy machinery like a riding lawn mower. By regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out parts, you can ensure your mower is safe to use.

By taking good care of your mower, you can extend its lifespan and protect your investment. It's always a good idea to consult your mower's manual or a service professional for specific maintenance guidelines for your model.

Maintenance Tasks Essential to Your Riding Lawn Mower's Longevity

Proper maintenance of your riding lawn mower is key to extending its life and maintaining its performance. Here are some tasks you should be doing regularly to keep your mower in top shape:

  • Cleaning and inspecting the mower's deck and undercarriage: Remove any grass clippings, dirt, and debris after each use. This helps prevent rust and keeps your mower running smoothly. To help prevent accumulation of grass clippings under the deck, use MO-DECK silicone spray.
  • Changing the oil and replacing the filter regularly: Your riding lawn mower's engine needs fresh oil and a clean filter to run effectively. Check your mower's manual for the recommended oil type and change frequency.
  • Sharpening the blades for optimal performance: Dull blades can strain your mower's engine and give an uneven cut. Regularly check and sharpen the blades for a clean, precise cut. Replace any worn or damaged blades as needed.

By regularly performing these maintenance tasks, you can extend the life of your mower and keep your lawn looking its best. For all your maintenance needs, trust the professionals at Sears Home Services.

Proper Storage and Winterizing Tips

Storing your riding lawn mower correctly in the off-season can greatly extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to ensure your mower is ready to go when spring comes.

Preparing for Off-Season Storage

Follow these steps to prepare your lawn tractor for off-season storage:

  1. Clean your mower thoroughly, removing any grass clippings, dirt, or debris.
  2. Change the oil and oil filter.
  3. Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Check the battery's charge periodically during storage.

Maintaining the Fuel and Battery During Winter

  1. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to keep the fuel fresh and prevent carburetor problems.
  2. Disconnect the battery and store it in a safe place. Cold temperatures can damage the battery, so it's important to protect it.

Steps to take before using the mower in spring

  1. Check the tire pressure and inflate if needed.
  2. Replace the spark plug if necessary.
  3. Check the air filter and clean or replace it if needed.

Following these tips will ensure your mower is ready to go when the mowing season returns.

Common Riding Mower Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with regular maintenance, you might encounter some common problems with your riding lawn mower. Here are some issues and solutions:

Addressing Starting Issues

If your mower is having trouble starting, check the battery first. If the battery is fine, the problem might be with the ignition switch or spark plug. Clean or replace the spark plug if necessary. If the mower still doesn't start, follow the expert tips in this video:

Replacing Worn Belts

If the belts on your mower are worn or damaged, they should be replaced. Check your mower's manual for instructions on how to do this. Here’s a video that shows how to replace the blade belt in a common lawn tractor:

Maintaining the Cutting Blades

Sharp blades are essential for a clean, even cut. Regularly check and sharpen the blades. If the blades are severely damaged, replace them as shown in this video:

Keeping your riding mower or lawn tractor in top shape using these helpful tips will help is last longer and perform smoothly.

If you prefer to have a Sears Home Services Technician perform professional maintenance on your riding mower, schedule a lawn tractor tune-up and we’ll visit your home to get your mower in top shape.

Schedule riding mower maintenance now!

Maximize the efficiency and longevity of your riding mower with our professional maintenance service, tailored to keep your lawn looking pristine all season long.

Call (213) 596-2538 or schedule online now.

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