When it comes to lawn mower maintenance, you can never be too careful. Without sufficient knowledge to care for your lawn beautification equipment, its lifespan can drop significantly. Unfortunately, there are a number of common mistakes people make when caring for their lawn mowers. Here are just a few lawn mower maintenance mistakes to avoid.
Neglecting Blade Sharpness
Many people think that their lawn mower’s blades don’t need any maintenance whatsoever and will always remain sharp enough to cut grass. The average American spends, on average, four hours per week taking care of their lawn, and experts say that your mower’s blades should be sharpened at least three times a year, depending on how often you use your mower. Without a sharp blade, your mower will rip and tear through grass instead of providing a clean cut. If you cut your lawn and see white streaks left behind, a dull blade is the most common culprit. Grass that is ripped or torn instead of cleanly cut is also more prone to diseases, so take the time to keep your mower’s blades sharp.
Improper Mower Storage
Another common mistake people make when storing their mowers is making the assumption that as long as the mower is sheltered from the elements, it’s thoroughly protected. It may sound surprising, but there has been an increasing number of rodent problems around the country in the past several years, and it’s not the least bit uncommon for these critters to make their way into the inner workings of your mower or other lawn equipment. Mice, for example, are known to chew through wires and coils and can significantly compromise your mower’s integrity and mowing ability. Not only will you have to spend money on potentially expensive replacement parts, but you’ll have to take further action to prevent another rodent infestation. Be proactive about where and how you’re storing your mower and do all that you can to keep mice and other rodents from accessing it.
Ultimately, being aware of these major mower maintenance mistakes can help you keep your lawn mower in optimal condition for years to come. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss even more maintenance mistakes that compromise mower quality and lifespan.