Lawn mowers provide you with an efficient means of landscaping. However, it’s important to understand they are complex machines that require regular maintenance to perform safely and effectively. Fortunately, working with a trusted power equipment dealer will ensure your mower remains in peak condition for many years. To help you avoid some common challenges associated with lawn mower ownership, Hartill's Mountain Saw & Tractor in Chewelah, WA, shares four don’ts of upkeep.

4 Don'ts of Mower Maintenance From a Power Equipment Dealer

1. Don’t Forget to Check Your Oil

Like a car, your lawn mower needs adequate lubrication to run and prevent overheating. Operating it without oil is extremely damaging to the machine and can end up costing you the engine or, worse yet, the whole mower. To avoid this costly expense, always check the oil levels before each use.

2. Don’t Let Your Engine Overheat or Clog

To run properly and prevent overheating, your mower’s engine needs consistent air circulation. Without it, the engine can lock up or even catch fire. To maintain constant airflow and stay safe, be diligent about keeping dirt, grass, and debris from blocking the cooling fins by examining the underside of your mower after each use and removing any debris. This will keep the pulleys and belts moving freely without overheating.

3. Don’t Use Unsafe Mower Blades

Be careful not to over-sharpen the blades, as this could render them too thin, causing them to break off and injure someone. You should also make sure not to bend, crack, or break the blades, as this can ruin your bearings, scalp your yard, and cause injuries. In fact, it’s best to leave any blade alterations to a professional. 

4. Don’t Forget to Check for Nesting Animals

Believe it or not, small animals such as rodents can actually burrow and nest inside your engine unbeknownst to you. This is especially common when equipment is left outdoors in the winter, when animals seek warmth and shelter. Check both your air filter and engine components regularly for signs of nesting wildlife.

If you’re looking for a quality tractor and outdoor power equipment dealer in Chewelah, WA, look no further than Hartill's Mountain Saw & Tractor. Since 1965, the family-owned company has been providing personal and reliable customer service. Offering monthly specials and financing as well as excellent repair and maintenance services on all of the equipment they sell, they are the go-to landscaping equipment dealer in Stevens County. To speak with a team member, call (509) 935-8829, or visit their website for more information.