posted
on Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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Dealer News
Central Texas climate doesn’t always have clear seasons. The warm and humid weather often brings mild winters, making lawn maintenance a necessity year-round. While your mower puts in more and more hours around your home, ensure your equipment receives the proper care to keep running strong no matter the weather. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your mower performing its best throughout the year.
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Spring Inspections
Before you begin the prime season, perform these routine maintenance checks to be sure your lawn equipment is in good standing.
Visual inspection
Give your mower a walk-around to look for obvious wear and tear. Start by checking your tires for worn tread, holes, or low pressure. Inspect the exterior for dents, scratches, or chipped paint that could lessen its value. Don’t forget to lift the hood and examine belts and hoses for signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Spotting and addressing these issues early on can prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs down the road.
Change Oil and Filters
You need to change your oil at least once every year or every 50 hours, so taking care of it before peak season can be a good time to get this done. Change out your oil and install a new oil filter while you’re at it for optimal engine performance.
Sharpen Blades
Your mower might be working overtime to control unruly grasses in the Texas climate, which can quickly dull blades over time. To keep cuts clean and pristine, you should make it a habit to sharpen blades at least once a year. For safety reasons, always remove the blades before sharpening. If you notice significant damage, like deep dents or large chips, it’s probably a good idea to replace the blade entirely for best performance.
Clean or Replace Spark Plugs
Spring is also a good time to check your spark plugs and replace them if needed. Your spark plugs are what ignite your fuel so the engine can run. It’s important to clean them and check for any electrical complications to ensure they are in good condition. Start by disconnecting the spark plug with a gentle pull, then use a plug socket and ratchet to remove it completely. Clean off any debris, soot, carbon, or oil buildup, or, if the plug shows significant wear, simply replace it with a new one.
Summer Maintenance
The sun shines brighter in Texas, or at least it feels that way in the scorching summer heat. In the height of the summer, it can be good to check in with your mower to see how well it’s handling the heat.
Cooling System Checks
Proper ventilation is a big factor in keeping your engine cool, especially in long mowing sessions. To prevent overheating and engine strain, regularly inspect and clean your cooling system. Use compressed air or a soft cleaning brush to clear away dust, grass clippings, and debris that can block airflow.
Inspect Fuel System
Extreme heat can cause vapor lock in fuel systems if left unchecked. To avoid this, use fresh, high-quality fuel, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gumming or clogging. You should also check for cracks or leaks in the fuel lines and ensure the gas cap vents properly.
Store Properly
Prolonged sun exposure can cause plastic components to fade and make other components extremely hot. When your mower is done for the day, store it in an enclosed, shaded area or use a mower cover to protect it from the blistering sun.
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Winter Maintenance
As the temperatures cool, you will likely use your mower less frequently or put it in storage altogether. To prepare for your mower's hibernation in the cooler temperatures, follow these steps for proper winterization:
Clean Your Mower
Before you service your mower, wash off all the months of hard work it’s endured this year. Clean your mower by removing all the debris, dirt, and grass clippings from the exterior. You can do this by power washing or using an old-fashioned garden hose. Make sure to thoroughly clean the deck and engine components then dry everything off to prevent rusting.
Stabilize Fuel
Letting your fuel sit in its tank over the cold months can cause it to break down and gum up the engine. Avoid this by adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank and running the engine for a few minutes to let it circulate through the system. Another option is to drain the fuel completely and add new fuel in the spring. This is ideal for those who don’t plan on using the mower at all for an extended period.
Inspect and Maintain the Battery
Winter weather can be a battery killer. If you are keeping your mower in storage, fully charge and disconnect the battery before you store it. Once disconnected, store it in a dry and temperature-controlled room.
Protect Engine
If you want to get ahead of some spring maintenance checkpoints you can go ahead and service your engine by changing your oil and replacing air and oil filters. It is also important to remove your spark plug while you’re working on it to prevent it from starting accidentally.
A well-maintained mower is a high-performing mower. By following these tips throughout the year, you can give your lawn the proper care it needs while extending the life of your equipment. For additional tips or to get your mower serviced by a professional, reach out to our Service Department at Tellus Equipment and we’ll be happy to help you. We proudly serve Central Texas.
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