Introduction
As an affiliate, I have access to a wealth of information about various products. In this article, I will be sharing some key tips for maintaining your gas mower.
Gas mowers can be a great investment for keeping your lawn looking tidy and well-kept. However, they do require some maintenance in order to keep them running smoothly. In the following sections, I will be sharing some tips and tricks for keeping your gas mower in top condition.
Look After Your Gas Mower Essential Tips
- Regularly check and change the oil as needed
- Keep the air filter clean and replace it when necessary
- Inspect and replace spark plugs as recommended by the manufacturer
- Use fresh gasoline and add fuel stabilizer if the mower will be stored for an extended period
- Sharpen or replace the mower blades as they become dull
- Clean the underside of the mower deck to prevent grass buildup
- Store the mower in a dry, covered area when not in use
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and storage
9 Tips To Maintaining Your Gas Mower
Gas mower maintenance and servicing doesn’t have to be done by the experts, unless specifically requested by the manufacturer to keep your warranty valid, it can be done at home with a little know-how and following tried and tested tips and tricks.
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Understand Your Specific Gas Mower
To ensure the best performance and longevity of your gas mower, it is crucial to read and understand the instruction manual for your specific model. Neglecting maintenance can impact your warranty coverage, so it is important to be aware of the maintenance needs and warranty requirements.
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Ensure That Correct Fuel Is Used at All Times
Using the correct type of fuel for your gas mower is essential for efficient operation and to ensure that the mower starts first time, every time. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific gas mower and use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
Avoid exceeding a 10% ethanol mix in the fuel, as gas mower engines are not designed to accommodate fuel mixed with ethanol. Ethanol can cause rusting and clogging of your engine. To minimize this, drain your fuel at the end of the mowing season, buy enough fuel for 30 days mowing, and add a stabilizer to your fuel.
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Check Levels of Fuel
Always ensure that your gas mower has enough fuel for the job at hand. It is not recommended to run your gas mower on the last remaining fuel left in the engine. If the gas mower needs to be topped up, always use fresh gasoline. Consider the storage and age of the fuel to prevent it from becoming stale and ensure it provides the best possible performance and lasts for many years to come.
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Correct Storage of Fuel
Storing fuel in the original tightly sealed container on a level surface and in dry conditions is crucial. Fuel stored correctly can stay fresh for up to 12 months but will start to deteriorate in as little as 30 days. Using a fuel additive or stabilizer will extend the shelf life of the gasoline, make starting the mower easier, and achieve higher performance levels.
Over the winter months, ensure that your gas mower is drained of all gasoline. Storing your mower with fuel will inevitably attract moisture that can form rust or residue that is likely to block the carburetor.
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The Tank Needs to Be Drained Regularly
The tank of your gas mower needs to be emptied completely every so often. Some manufacturers recommend as often as every 2 months, depending on whether or not you have used a fuel stabilizer.
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Ensure That Correct Oil Is Used and Levels Are Correct
Using the oil recommended by the gas mower’s manufacturer for optimum performance is important. Check the oil level before each mow using a dipstick, same as you would with your car. Check the color of the oil too, to ensure the quality is good. If the color is dark or the oil has any debris, it means that the oil has gone bad and needs replacing with fresh oil completely.
To drain the oil from your gas mower, open the drain plug and let the oil drain out into a suitable container. Do not let the oil drain out onto your lawn as this would damage and contaminate your lawn and soil. Never pour oil into the sewerage system and dispose of responsibly.
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Check, Clean and Replace Air Filters
A properly functioning air filter will keep the engine safe from dust and dirt. Clogged air filters will smother the engine, reducing the amount of air-intake provided to the engine. This will result in less power and inconsistent performance. Replace the air filter if needed, as it is normally very cheap to purchase.
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Check and Replace Spark Plugs
The spark plugs should be checked and replaced regularly to ensure consistent and reliable starting. Replace spark plugs after every 25 hours of use to ensure your gas mower is provided with a consistent spark and more reliable starting of the engine. Have spare spark plugs on the shelf ready when needed.
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Check the Mower’s Blade
Check the blade periodically to ensure the cut quality is sharp and clean. A blunt or damaged blade will result in poorly cut grass and an unhealthy and stressed lawn. Sharpen the blade with basic DIY skills, or purchase a replacement blade. Check the availability of replacement blades for your new gas mower prior to purchase, as some models are harder to find than others.
Maintaining your gas mower doesn’t have to be done by experts. With a little know-how and following these tried and tested tips and tricks, you can keep your gas mower in top condition for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that gas mowers require regular maintenance and servicing to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While it may not be necessary to change all serviceable items each year, it is important to check everything on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear.
Special attention should be paid to areas such as the oil filter, air filter, oil draining and changing, spark plugs, blade, deck of the mower, grass catcher bag, and handles. Checking these areas will ensure that the gas mower is in good working condition and will reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Gas mower maintenance and servicing can be done at home by someone with a little know-how, but it is important to check the manual for your specific gas mower as some manufacturers require you to have the gas mower serviced at one of their own authorized service centers. Failure to do so could result in the mower warranty being invalidated.
Despite the need for annual maintenance, gas mowers offer superior power, versatile features, larger deck sizes, self-propulsion with variable speeds, and cutting features including mulching and side/rear discharge. These benefits far outweigh the modest annual maintenance required.
If you have any questions about gas mower maintenance or selection, please feel free to ask them in the comments section below. Alternatively, you can use my easy-to-use lawn mower selection tool to find the perfect gas mower based on your requirements.
