How to Love Your Lawn Mower

(ARA) - Mowing your lawn may never be your favorite yard task, but if you find yourself dreading the moment when you turn the key or pull the cord and nothing happens, it may be time to give your mower some tender, loving care.

"Lawn equipment requires regular care to stay in top shape and working well throughout this season and many seasons to come," says Scott Mack, senior training specialist at Kohler Engines, a global manufacturer of small gasoline and diesel engines.

Mack offers these maintenance tips to help keep lawn equipment running at its best:

1) Clean Out Debris
When your mower sits unused for a while, mice and other critters may nest in it. In particular, it's important to check where the air cleaner is located. Look for grass and other dried plants as an indicator. If you think an animal has been in your equipment, look at the wires also to make sure they haven't been chewed on and damaged. A nest built in the engine's cooling fins will cause overheating.

2) Fully Charge the Battery
It sounds simple, but a battery can lose its charge if it has been unused for months, and should be fully charged before you turn the key again. Most batteries are maintenance-free, but some will require you to check water levels. If your equipment has this type of battery, remember to always use distilled water.

3) Clean Battery Connections
Build-up and corrosion occur over time in the battery connections and it's important to clean them before it causes permanent damage. Remove the wires from the battery and clean connections by scrubbing with a wire brush. A baking soda and water solution will neutralize the acid and clean the parts without causing any damage. Make sure that terminals are dry before reassembling the battery cables. Also, assure to properly torque the bolts -- this information can be found in your user's manual or on the engine manufacturer's Web site.

4) Change Oil and Spark Plugs
If you didn't change the oil before the equipment was stored a few months back, it's important to do it now before the new season. Additionally, spark plugs are easy to replace and help keep equipment running in top condition during peak usage. Be careful when removing and reinstalling the plug not to cross thread or over-tighten the plug. Consult your user's manual or local dealer if you have questions.

5) Check for Proper Functioning
While the machine is off, check to make sure the moving parts operate smoothly. Check the throttle and the choke linkage. If there is a ticking noise when the engine has warmed up and is running at low idle speed, this may indicate the valves need adjustment. Consult your user's manual if you have any questions on proper adjustment or ask a professional.

6) Use the Right Fuel
It's a good idea to buy fuel in small quantities because fuel varies for different seasons. If your equipment is also used in the winter, it most likely will have a different fuel type than what is required during the warmer months. By keeping parts clean and using fresh fuel, your engine will run more efficiently. If using old gas from the last season that did not have a fuel stabilizer added, consult your local gas station on how to properly dispose and start with fresh gas.

7) Clean the Carburetor
If the fuel wasn't stabilized before storing your equipment, it's possible that it gummed up in the carburetor. There are various additives you can purchase that can help solve this problem. If an additive doesn't work, you might need to disassemble the carburetor and clean as recommended by your user's manual or service dealer. The do-it-yourselfer with a high level of small engine knowledge can clean the carburetor carefully, but it might be a good idea for most people to bring their equipment to a small-engine repair professional to be cleaned.

"Taking some small maintenance steps can help reduce the wear and tear on your lawn equipment's engine so it runs great for a long time and you can spend more time enjoying your yard," adds Mack.

For more information, visit www.KohlerEngines.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent