They Say Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: and its No Different in Keeping Your Lawn Mower Clean!

A frequently neglected aspect of lawn mower maintenance is the significance of keeping your machine clean. The importance of this habit cannot be overstated, as doing so not only impresses the neighbors, but also significantly extends the lifespan of your equipment!

How does maintaining a clean lawn mower contribute to its durability? There are two main reasons: it prevents heat and corrosion.

Let's begin with the engine. Allowing grass, dirt, and debris to gather in areas they shouldn't, such as on the engine or beneath the engine cover, leads to excessive heat.

Lawn mower engines, like other small engines, are air-cooled. They depend on cooling fins and a spinning impeller/flywheel to circulate air and cool the engine.

When dirt and debris cover these cooling fins, they can't perform their cooling function as intended, resulting in an overheated engine. In short, an overheated engine wears out much faster.

The solution: always ensure the area beneath the engine cover is free from grass or dirt buildup. The cover is usually secured with a few fasteners, so make sure the engine is off and cool before attempting to remove it.

Once the area beneath the engine cover is clear, focus on the undercarriage or deck. The deck houses the blade and supports the engine.

After each use, it's crucial to remove grass clippings from beneath the deck. When grass sticks to the steel deck, it retains moisture and can eventually cause rust holes or even through-rot.

It's best to use a putty knife or wire brush to remove this grass buildup after each use. Ensure the engine is off and tilt the unit with the carburetor facing up (the reason for this is explained in a previous post). Additionally, grass buildup hinders the blade's ability to effectively discharge grass clippings, ultimately affecting performance.

So, in summary, if you want your lawn mower to last and perform at its best for many seasons to come, it is crucial not to neglect cleaning the two areas mentioned above! Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your lawn mower, and keeping it clean is one of the most effective ways in doing so!

Never the Norm!