Lawn Mower Services in Hope Mills, NC

The Basics of Lawn Mower Maintenance
You probably know the importance of caring for your lawn, but how about your lawn mower? Your mower also needs regular maintenance to stay in good shape. Most of the necessary tasks are quick and easy, so maintaining your mower doesn’t need to be a major hassle. The following guide from Hope Mills Saw & Mower covers all the most important steps.
If you have any questions about mower maintenance, feel free to ask the qualified staff at Hope Mills Saw & Mower. We proudly serve Hope Mills, NC, along with our neighbors from Fayetteville, NC, and Lumberton, NC.

Change the Oil
Refresh the oil tank regularly to ensure your mower is operating at full capacity. Push mowers have an oil capacity of 15 to 18 ounces and will need an oil change every 50 operating hours or annually, whichever comes first. Riding mowers have an oil capacity of 48 to 64 ounces and will need an oil change every 100 operating hours or annually.

To change the oil in your mower, you must first disconnect the spark plug. Once the spark plug is removed, remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain into an oil-safe container. If your mower does not have a drain plug, you can use an oil extractor kit to remove the oil. Now add fresh mower oil up to the dipstick fill line. Finally, take care to dispose of your old oil properly. Your city may offer curbside recycling for used motor oil, but if not, many service stations will accept used oil.

Clean or Replace Air Filter
Your mower’s air filter does an important job of protecting the engine from dirt and debris. Get in the habit of checking your mower’s air filter regularly, especially during periods of heavy use, and clean or replace it as needed.

There are two types of filters used in lawn mowers: plastic foam and paper. Foam filters can be removed and washed using warm, soapy water. Check the operator’s manual to determine whether you need to use a pre-cleaner. After cleaning, air-dry your foam filter thoroughly and apply a light coat of clean mower oil. Then reinstall the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Paper air filters will simply need to be replaced when they look dirty, so keep plenty of spare filters on hand.

Add Fuel Treatment
Stale gasoline can interfere with your mower’s performance and even harm the engine, so keep your gasoline fresh by adding a fluid stabilizer. You should also make sure never to use gasoline that has been stored all winter.

Sharpen the Blade
Mower blades can wear down easily from regular use, not to mention the inevitable encounters with hidden rocks and branches. A dull mower blade is going to make your lawn look less-than-perfect, delivering a ragged cut that can damage your grass. Brushing off your mower blade after each use will prevent debris from building up and causing problems down the road. You should also sharpen your blade regularly using a file, grindstone, or bench grinder. Remember to keep the blade at a 45-degree angle, and wear eye protection.
If your mower blade develops any cracks or dents, it will need to be replaced.

Change the Spark Plug
Your lawn mower spark plugs should be replaced once a year. To change the spark plug, first, disconnect the wire and remove the existing spark plug using a wrench or pliers. Then, screw in the new plug and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Clean Your Mower
You should give your mower a thorough cleaning about twice a year. To clean your mower, start by emptying the gas tank and laying the mower on its side. Clear any debris from the mower deck and blade, then spray the underside of the mower deck with a hose to loosen up any caked-on dirt. Now scrub the deck with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse off with a hose, and allow your mower to dry completely before returning to storage.

Store Your Mower Properly
When preparing to store your mower for the winter, first run the engine until the gas tank is empty. Then drain the motor oil into a suitable container for recycling, and refill the oil tank per manufacturer instructions. Store your mower in a dry indoor space, like a garage or garden shed, away from any sources of heat or humidity.

Get Ready for Spring
Spring is a critical time of year for lawn mower maintenance. When you take your mower out of storage, make sure to give it a complete maintenance inspection before you start mowing. Check the tires, the blades, and the engine fluids, and make sure all the components are working as they should. If you come across any repair needs, address them right away, before they have a chance to interfere with the performance of your mower. Taking care of all these tasks before you get started will ensure a smooth, successful cut!

Get Expert Help
If you ever run into a maintenance issue not covered on this list, it’s probably time to seek the help of a trained professional. You can count on the service department at Hope Mills Saw & Mower to take good care of your mower, so you can get back to taking good care of your property. We specialize in repairing and maintaining power equipment.
The next time your mower needs servicing, head to Hope Mills Saw & Mower in Hope Mills, NC. We welcome customers all the way from Fort Bragg, NC.