Lawn Mower Pre-Mow Checklist: Things To Check Before You Start

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Tackling various issues related to lawn mower use begins with educating operators on correct lawn mower maintenance. By adhering to our lawn mower pre-mow checklist, you can ensure that you will avoid many problems linked to overlooking these essential maintenance aspects.

Building on the previous post that outlined basic lawnmower usage, found here: https://www.maverickmowers.com/post/how-to-use-a-lawnmower, we'll now emphasize the critical maintenance items, particularly those that should be checked before each gas fill up.

First and foremost, always consult the user manual for your specific unit. It contains essential instructions on best maintenance and safety practices, ensuring your machine's longevity and your safety.

Alongside the operator's manual, adhere to these general guidelines applicable to most walk-behind mowers:

Locate your unit's air filter and inspect it for cleanliness. Can light pass through it? (if it's the paper type). It might require removing fasteners to open the air filter housing for inspection.

An example of a paper style engine air filter close to needing replacement. If grass or dirt is on filter gently remove debris by tapping on a hard surface, do not blow with compressed air!

This foam style filter can be cleaned; simply soak in dish soap, dry by squeezing in dry towel, saturate in clean engine oil and squeeze excess oil by hand; then reinstall

The most crucial information is as follows: Once you've found your air filter, ALWAYS tilt the unit with the air filter facing up. This prevents oil and gas from soaking it, avoiding future starting issues! It is best practice to empty fuel tank before tilting as spilled gasoline presents a fire hazard!

Follow this tip when tilting your mower and safe many hassles and headaches!

On a reasonably level surface, check the oil level on the dipstick to ensure it's within the operating range. Never run an engine with a low oil level indicated on the dipstick.

Make sure oil level is between the high and low marks indicated on your dipstick

Tilt the unit correctly (with the air filter facing up!) and examine the blade's cutting edge, as well as the area where the curved portion meets the flat portion, for notches, slots, or other wear. If any are found, replace the blade before using your machine.

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Keep Your Mower Ready to Go

A good lawn mower maintenance routine starts with knowing what to check—and when to check it.

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cut.

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Pro Tip: An often overlooked aspect of lawn mower maintenance is the lubrication of cables that connect the blade engagement bail to the mower. The bar in which you hold down before starting must be periodically lubricated to prevent seizing and eventual replacement. It is best to spray some spray silicone lubricant on the opening of where the metal wire enters the rubber cable. Then gently depress blade engagement bail several times to work in the lubricant. It is recommended you do this at least once a season. If blade engagement cables seize they must be replaced, and can render your machine inoperable!

The green arrows indicate where silicone spray lubricant should be sprayed, work the lubricant through by engaging the bail lever several times to distribute throughout cable

In summary:

• Locate and inspect unit's air filter for cleanliness; replace if necessary

• Check oil level prior to each use on a level surface

• Inspect cutting blade for damage; ensure when tilting the unit, do so in a manner that the intake side is facing up!

Following these basic inspection points, prior to each use, sets a solid foundation for extending your lawn mower's service life.

Click and print this summary cue card for future reference!

Never the Norm!