For some of us, fall can be a busy time and the last thing on our minds is the maintenance on our lawn mowers. So, many of us must do this maintenance in the spring before the mowing season.

Here we will walk you through some steps that will get your mower or trimmer ready for the coming season.

Step 1: Drain the left-over fuel from the tank

Have you ever started your mower in the spring and spent several minutes pulling the starter cord and priming the motor? Unused gas left in the tank and fuel lines can go bad. Untreated gas can “gum up” the tank and lines. “Gumming up” is when the fuel becomes thick making it hard for your mowers carburetor or injectors to spray into the cylinder, you can avoid this by adding a good fuel stabilizer to the tank in the fall. Leave the tank empty

Step 2: Disconnect, remove, and inspect the spark plug

We recommend this for two main reasons. One is that some of the coming steps require some work around the mowers deck which can de dangerous if the motor were to be accidently started or turned over. Without the spark plug the motor cannot start. Second inspecting the spark plug for “fouling” will prevent hard starts over the coming season. “Fouling” is when carbon deposits build up on the tip of the spark plug making it take more energy to create the spark. If the tip of the spark plug is black it needs to be replaced. You can take it to your nearest parts supplier to get a replacement. If it does not need replacement, reinsert the sparkplug but do not connect the sparkplug wire to it.

Step 3: Remove, sharpen, or replace the blade

To make it safer to change the oil and clean the deck of the mower detach the mower blade or blades by removing the bolts that hold them in place. Wear thick leather or cut proof gloves when removing and handling the blade. With the blade removed, take this chance to sharpen and balance it. You can do this by taking the blade to your local dealer or by buying a blade sharpening kit at your local hardware.

Step 4: Change the oil
If your mower has a 4-cycle engine (gas and oil separate), you’ll need to change the oil. To change the oil on your 4-cycle engine, have a container to catch the used oil ready, and place a tarp or other floor covering under the mower to catch any oil that might miss the container. Set the mower on its side with the air filter and carburetor facing up. Remove the oil plug and carefully tilt the mower until the oil begins to drain into your container. Replace the plug when all the oil has drained out.

Step 5: Cleaning the deck
Using a putty knife or paint scraper and wire brush, remove the grass and mud build up on the bottom of the mower deck. With under the deck clean reattach the blade. Once you’re finished under the deck you can turn the mower upright and clean the upper part of the deck being carful not to get water into the air cleaner. Next refill the oil tank with new SAE 30 or 30-weight oil. You can take the used oil to a service station for recycling. “Do Not Use a Thicker Oil” than what is recommended by the mower manufacturer. For example, if they recommend SAE 30 don’t use 10w40.

Step 6: Change the air filter
If your mower has a paper air filter, then replace it with a new one. The paper edges should face out. If it’s a sponge filter than it needs to be cleaned and oiled, remove it, wash it with soap and water and allow it to dry completely. Then oil it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Clear any cooling fins of dirt and debris.

Step 7: Reattach the spark plug wire and start
Finally reattach the spark plug wire to the top of the spark plug. After you have reattached it refill the fuel tank with fresh gas. Prime the motor according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and attempt to start the mower. If the mower does not start repeat the priming and starting steps provided by the manufacturer.

Preparing your lawn mower now, before the grass starts growing, will assure that you’re ready to tackle your lawn maintenance as soon as the grass starts growing.