How to Prepare Your Mower for the First Cut of the Year

As the weather warms up in the Midwest, homeowners, and businesses, across the state start thinking about dusting off the lawnmower and getting ready to whip their yards into shape. But before you start mowing, it's important to make sure your mower is ready for the season ahead. 

Our team of parts and service professionals can help you get your mower ready for a satisfying first mow of the year! Keep reading for a quick list of tasks you can complete at home. We’ll be here to help you get the right parts or get the job done. 

1. Check the Oil

Before you start your mower, check the oil level and make sure it's at the recommended level. If the oil is dirty, drain it and replace it with fresh oil. You may have done this at the end of last year’s mowing season, but it’s important to check your oil level and make sure there are no problems with the engine oil in the tank. 

2. Check the Air Filter

A dirty air filter can reduce the performance of your mower and cause it to stall. Check the air filter and replace it if it's dirty. If you don’t think the air filter needs to be completely replaced, you may be able to clear away the dust and debris with an air compressor. 

3. Inspect the Spark Plug

A worn or dirty spark plug can cause your mower to run poorly or not start at all. Check the spark plug and replace it if it's worn or dirty. Pay close to attention to how it shows wear, as it could indicate other issues.

4. Check the Blades

Inspect the blades for damage or wear. Dull or damaged blades can make your mower work harder and cut unevenly. Sharpen or replace the blades as needed to avoid uneven cuts and lawn damage.

5. Check the Fuel

If you left fuel in your mower over the winter, with or without a stabilizer, it could result in your mower running poorly. If you have any suspicion that the remaining fuel has gone bad, you should drain the old fuel and refill the tank. You may also want to add a stabilizer at this point as well to make the first start a bit simpler.

You may not have to worry about fuel at all if you’re operating an electric mower! John Deere recently released an electric zero-turn mower. So, if you’re using an eclectic model, you can skip to step six. 

6. Check the Battery

If your mower has a battery, make sure it's fully charged before you start mowing. If the battery is weak, replace it. Many mower owners will remove the battery over the winter to avoid corrosion and leaks, so if you did remove the battery, make sure to test it before you replace it.

7. Check the Tires

Check the tires for proper inflation and make sure they're not worn or damaged. Uneven tire pressure can cause your mower to cut unevenly. You may have elevated your mower during the off-season or you might have removed the tires altogether. Even then, make sure to check the pressure and quality of the tread. 

You could also upgrade your tires and avoid the need to check tire pressure by looking into the tweel turf tire option. We anticipate more and more tweel tires will become available over the coming years, which can reduce your overall maintenance costs, especially in a commercial setting. 

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your mower is ready for the season and you can enjoy a well-manicured lawn all summer long! Whether you need a home maintenance kit or you’d like us to do the heavy lifting, Castongia Tractor is here to help you keep your equipment running throughout the season. You can visit us at one of our Northwest Indiana locations, where we proudly serve the Merrillville, Rensselaer, and Fowler, Indiana, communities.