Protect Your Investment: Lawn mower/tractor

Whether your mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn-radius riding mower is new or old, some midseason maintenance can keep it cutting cleanly and reliably for years to come. Otherwise, you may face the same situation of one Keith Walendowski of Milwaukee, who shot his Lawn-Boy mower because it wouldn't start. (In all fairness, here is one opinion that insists the mower got what was coming to it.)

I asked Peter Sawchuk, our lead tester of outdoor power equipment, about the best ways to extend the life of a lawn mower or tractor, including zero-turn-radius mowers. They're a smarter, cheaper, and safer alternative to going postal in your backyard:

Clean the deck regularly. Make it part of your mowing routine to wash out the underside of the deck with a hose after each mowing. Clipping buildup reduces mulching performance and corrodes the metal over time, particularly when those clippings include fertilizer. Do it immediately after mowing, before clippings dry and harden.

Many tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers come with washout ports that accept a hose. Some models also accept retrofit ports. (Among walk-behind mowers, newer Toros are among the models that include washout ports.) If you have to wash out a riding mower manually, get a set of automotive ramps and simply drive the front of the tractor onto the ramps for easier access beneath.

An extra tip: After washing the underside of the deck, consider spraying it with an organic-based, non-toxic lubricant to help keep clippings from sticking next time around.

Keep blades sharp. Especially during the hotter, dryer part of the season, sharpen the blade(s) or have it done. Optimally, you'll do it at the start of the season and monthly thereafter—more often if you do lots of heavy cutting. Dull blades damage the grass as they cut, leaving unsightly brown-tipped grass in their wake. You'll also pay more in gas, since dull blades make your mower work harder and longer. Buying spare blades means your lawn won't overgrow while you get the first sharpened.

Check the oil. Walk-behind mower engines typically give out after 150 to 200 hours of use—or about eight to 10 years. But you can easily cut that lifespan if you let the oil level on four-stroke engines get too low on the dipstick or don't change the oil as often as the manufacturer recommends. Each time you mow, check the oil before you begin, and add more when the level drop to halfway point or lower. But filling above the "full" mark can also shorten engine life by causing the oil to foam and fail to lubricate critical parts.

Check the tires. For a tractors or riding mower, midseason is also the time of year to check tire pressure. As with car tires, those on mowers gradually lose air even without an actual leak, making the machine harder to steer and damaging the tires if air pressure gets too low. A rear tire that's low can also affect traction, making it easier to tear grass or slide on inclines.

Consider a new mower if your old one is tired. As with appliances and most products we test, it typically makes sense to replace rather than repair if the fix costs more than 50 percent of what you'll pay for a comparable new model. A timely benefit to newer gas mowers and tractors: They tend to run more efficiently and use less gas. If you're considering an electric mower for a smaller property, check with your local government for trade-in programs (like this recent one in Chicago) that let you swap a gas-powered mower for a less-polluting new battery-powered one.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: We tested more than 70 mowers and tractors (including zero-turn-radius mowers) in time for the early mowing season, but you can still find models in stores if you need to shop now. Here's advice on mower types, mowing safety, emissions, and robotic mowers. View Ratings of push and self-propelled mowers and tractors and our repair-or-replace charts (available to subscribers).

Comments

[zeplin44]

The vast majority of people never do the one thing that is most important for a small engine. Changing the oil. This simple task can extend the life of even the most inexpensive push mower to 10-12 years.

[Gerry]

I work on mowers all day. This post would make a great check list to hang in you garage. If every one would follow the list it would add alot of lift to their mowers.

[Bob]

Just a wonderful check list indeed. Many basic ideas but absolutely must do chores to keep that mower running for years. I am still using the old Craftsman model and it is still purring along. Taken very well care of! This is indeed a great guide and if followed correctly will no doubt prolong the life of your lawn mower. Thank You!

[R Hollis]

What is a organic based non-toxic lubricant? Name some so I know what to look for and where.

[Dave]

One thing that wasn't mentioned, which was highly recommended by Sears service personnel that I've spoken with, is that you should use a fuel stabilizer with your gasoline. It prolongs the life of gas, whereas a cause for repair to a small engine is stale gas damaging the crucial engine parts.

[drew]

ok thanks! i think that all mowers need checked before each run

[Bruce Corbett]

Fuel stabilizer should be used in all seasonal small engines rather than draining the motor of fuel at end of season. (Carb parts are better in stabilized fuel rather than being exposed to air and condensation.) Easist to do is to keep a small-motor fuel can that always has fuel stabilizer in it.
Premium fuel is better for small engines (particularly two-strokes) as they tend to operate at maximum rpm continuosly. You get a little more power, but more important a lower temperature - a key cause of shortened engine life for air cooled units.

[John H.]

It doesn't hurt to store it without any gas in it. All gas contains ethanol now, which attracts water - which can degrade metal parts. Stabilizers don't seem to have anything for water. Also, fresher gasoline would have less water. Name brand higher octane gas usually has more additives which also serve to improve life/performance.

I don't have any evidence that any of this is true, but it is what my dealer tells me. And it sounds very logical.

[dg van arsdale]

The heading for this webpage is "Where to Shop",,,and what a confusing(A MESS) weblayout of cul-de-sacs CR is!!,,,but no listing so far on this subject. OK, so where is the best place to buy a new gasoline push lawn mower? Lowe's, Home Depot, OSH, Sears,independent mower shop,,, or online like at Amazon.com ??

[Mower Tires]

I think this is a great checklist too, and I definitely learned a few things. Is there a time difference between choosing to use a fuel stabilizer and just leaving it empty? Like, should you use a fuel stabilizer is you live in warmer climates and plan to have it sit 2-3 months, but empty it if you live up North and plan on your mower sit 4 or more months?
To prolong the life of my mower tires, I keep my mower up on blocks when I am not using it, and try to keep them out of the extreme heat and cold. Anyone else?