Having a properly functioning lawn mower is essential for achieving a lush, attractive lawn and well-manicured landscape. With regular use during the growing season, it’s expected for mower performance and longevity to gradually wane over successive years. However, implementing fundamental preventative maintenance along with proper use can dramatically extend its dependable service life.
Hand-wash and dry after use
After wrapping up each mowing session, avoid just hosing down a hot mower deck then leaving the machine outdoors. This allows moisture accumulation while grass clippings and debris get hardened onto the underside of the deck. Instead, take 5 extra minutes to gently hand-wash the mower deck using a soft-bristle scrub brush and mild detergent. Remove all visible grass clumps, dirt accumulation and stuck-on grease. Follow up by carefully wiping the deck dry using a microfiber cloth to prevent water spotting before storing the mower. These simple habits prevent surface rusting and deterioration issues which commonly plague mowers between seasons.
Sharpen blades before extensive damage
Repeated mowing with dull blades takes a punishing toll on the cutting deck and mower drivetrain due to the extra force required. Excess vibrations from attempting to cut grass with a dull blade accelerates wear and tear of moving components. Before extensive underlying damage occurs, sharpen blades immediately when you notice ragged or uneven cutting quality. Alternatively, replace severely worn steel blades outright with new blades to restore original cutting performance. Keep extras on hand so blades can be swapped mid-mowing if needed. This increases the equipment longevity by lowering unnecessary mechanical stress.
Lubricate moving joints
Small hinges, pivots, cables and lever joints on your John Deere lawn tractors rack up plenty of repetitive motion over weeks of mowing. Without ongoing lubrication, friction wears down joint surfaces and linkages faster. Refer to the owner’s manual for recommended lubrication points and maintenance intervals specific to your mower model. Common areas needing regular lubrication include wheel axles & bushings, handle hinges, lift linkages and cable sheathes. Just a few small squirts of quality lubricant reduces abrasive friction and prevents excess component wear issues through the years.
Avoid tough mowing conditions
Repeatedly using a standard walk-behind mower to cut extremely tall, thick grass taxes the cutting system and risks breakdowns. Similarly, pushing the mower well beyond its horsepower or weight ratings accelerates deterioration of drivetrain components. Instead of overworking equipment in demanding situations season after season, consider upgrading to a more heavy-duty mower better suited for larger properties and yard conditions. Avoiding consistently running equipment over capacity boosts longevity.
With the help of fundamental lawn mower care techniques into yearly routines, you safeguard against rapid performance decline and protect your investment in equipment longevity. With minor preventative maintenance habits, push your trusted mowing companion to new heights of lasting dependability year after year. The time invested pays back exponentially in continual uniform cuts and flawless lawn aesthetics for extra seasons. Follow these longevity tips and your mower will keep your summer lawn pristine for seasons to come!
