4 Essential Maintenance Tasks to Extend the Life of Your Riding Lawn Mower

1. Tune Up the Engine

Tune up the engine on your riding lawn mower at least once a year to keep it running efficiently. An engine tune-up includes changing the oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plug and fuel filter—this video walks you through the process so you can keep your engine performing at its best.

Gather Supplies and Tools

You need an oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, motor oil and spark plug—or 2 spark plugs if your engine has 2 cylinders. Many mowers have a sticker under that hood that lists part numbers for these supplies. Of course, you need a drain pan or container to catch the old oil. Use a container with a spout or a cover so you can carry the old oil to a collection facility after the oil change. Also, grab a strap wrench to loosen and tighten the oil filter.

Change the Oil

1. Run the mower for a few minutes in a well-ventilated area. This will warm the oil so it drains easily.
2. Park the mower on a level surface. Set the parking brake and remove the ignition key.
3. Remove the oil drain valve cap and install the oil drain tube. Put an oil pan under the drain tube to catch the draining oil. Push in and turn the drain valve counterclockwise to unlock it and then pull the drain valve outward to open the valve and drain the oil.
4. Push the drain valve in and turn clockwise until the pin locks. Remove the oil drain tube and reinstall the drain valve cap.
5. Pour clean oil through the dipstick tube, stopping several ounces before the full amount specified in the owner’s manual. Follow the tips in the video to properly fill and check oil level in the engine.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. Check it regularly and replace it if it's dirty or clogged to ensure proper airflow and prevent engine problems.

Release the air filter from the intake tube and pull out the filter. Slide the new pre-filter over the new air filter and attach to the intake tube. Slide the filter into the housing and reinstall the air filter cover. Turn the retaining knobs clockwise to lock the cover in place.

Change the Spark Plug

A worn or faulty spark plug can hinder your mower's performance. Replace it as per your mower's manual, usually every season or after a specified number of hours of use.

Disconnect the spark plug wire. Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug from the engine cylinder. Using a gap tool, set the gap on the new spark plug to the gap specified in your owner’s manual. For this engine, the gap is .03 inches. Thread the new spark plug into the engine and tighten it with the spark plug wrench. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Replace the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter keeps contaminants out of the fuel system. Replace it as recommended by your mower's manufacturer to ensure optimal fuel flow.

Use two pinch-off pliers to clamp the fuel line on both sides of the fuel filter. Place a shop rag under the filter to catch fuel. Release the hose clamps and pull the fuel line off each side of the fuel filter. Remove the filter and wipe up any spills.

Connect the fuel line to each side of the new filter using the pliers. Release the hose pinch-off pliers from each side of the fuel filter. Reinstall the lower left dash, and tighten it with the fastener. Reconnect the spark plug wire and lower the mower hood.

By routinely performing these tasks, you can extend the life of your riding lawn mower and keep it running efficiently. If you need to have a technician perform these engine maintenance tasks for you, schedule riding mower maintenance service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services mechanic to your home to tune up the engine and maintain the entire riding mower.

2. Replace the Belts

Replacing worn or damaged belts is another crucial riding lawn mower maintenance task. There are two belts to inspect and replace if necessary: the blade drive belt and the ground drive belt.

Blade Drive Belt

To replace the blade drive belt, ensure the engine is off and the parking brake is engaged. Follow the steps shown in this video to replace the blade drive belt:

Ground Drive Belt

Similarly, to replace the ground drive belt, ensure the engine is off and the parking brake is engaged. Follow the step-by-step procedure shown in this video to replace the ground drive belt:

Regularly inspecting and replacing the belts will help extend your riding mower’s life expectancy and improve mowing performance. If you need to have a service technician replace the belts on your riding mower, schedule riding mower repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install new belts on your riding mower.

3. Maintain the Mower Deck

Proper maintenance of the mower deck is crucial for the longevity and performance of your riding lawn mower. Perform these tasks to keep your mower deck in top shape.

Clean the Mower Deck

Regularly clean the mower deck to prevent grass clippings, debris, and moisture from building up. After each use, remove accumulated grass and debris with a brush or scraper to prevent corrosion and clogging, which can affect the mower's cutting ability.

Replace the Mower Blades

Inspect the mower blades regularly and replace them if they are dull or damaged. Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to an unhealthy lawn and additional strain on the mower's engine. Follow the steps in this video to replace the blades:

Replace Worn Mandrel Pulleys

If you notice unusual noises or vibrations while mowing, it could indicate a worn-out or damaged mandrel pulley. Replace any faulty pulleys promptly to avoid further damage to the mower deck and blades. Follow the step-by-step procedure shown in this video to replace any worn mandrel pulleys on your mower deck:

Lubricate the Bottom of the Deck

Apply a light coating of MO-DECK silicone lubricant on the underside of the deck. This prevents grass clippings and debris from sticking to your mower deck. It also helps prevent rust and corrosion on the bottom of the mower deck.

Regularly performing these maintenance tasks on your mower's deck will extend its life and ensure optimal performance. Consult your mower's manual for specific instructions and use genuine replacement parts to maintain warranty and compatibility. This will help in extending your riding mower life expectancy.

4. Perform End of Season Lawn Mower Maintenance

End of season lawn mower maintenance is essential for extending your riding lawn mower's lifespan and ensuring it remains in excellent condition. Follow these steps to winterize your riding mower and keep it in top shape:

• Clean and lubricate the riding mower body and deck: Thoroughly clean the body and deck of your mower, removing any dirt, grass clippings, and debris accumulated during the mowing season. This prevents rust and corrosion. After cleaning, lubricate moving parts like the wheels, pulleys, and hinges to ensure smooth operation. Spray the underside of the mower deck with MO-DECK silicone lubricant to help prevent rust and corrosion.
• Winterize the engine and battery: Before storing your mower for the winter, change the oil and replace the oil filter. Remove the spark plug and add a small amount of oil into the spark plug hole, then pull the starter cord a few times to distribute the oil. Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.
• Cover the riding mower: Protect your riding mower from the elements by covering it with a weather-resistant cover. This prevents damage from rain, snow, and UV rays. Choose a cover that fits securely and has ventilation to prevent condensation buildup. Additionally, consider storing your mower in a shed or garage for added protection.

By performing these end of season lawn mower maintenance tasks, you can prolong the life of your riding lawn mower and ensure it remains in excellent condition. For any replacement parts or professional assistance, Sears Home Services is here to help. Visit our website to explore our wide range of mower maintenance products and services. Remember, routine riding lawn mower maintenance is key to extending your riding mower life expectancy. If you prefer to have a Sears Home Services technician perform riding mower maintenance for you, schedule service and we’ll visit your home to perform the tasks described above.