As winter loosens its grip and the first signs of green start to appear in the landscape, it means two things: Spring is here, and mowing season is on its heels. Yes, it’s (finally) time to get your mowers back into cutting shape. Read on for a few quick tips on how you can get your fleet roaring and ready to go for a busy mowing season.
It may sound obvious, but the first step in prepping your fleet is a nice cleaning. Grab a shop towel or some low-pressure air and get to work removing any dried grass or dirt from the exterior of your mower. Also, don’t forget to clean the underside of your deck and sharpen your blades before you tackle any new jobs this spring. Sharp blades lead to a sharp cut and are key to starting off your spring on the right foot. And, if you don’t want any of your hard work to go to waste, be sure to throw a thin coat of wax over your freshly cleaned mower to keep it tidy throughout the season.
Just like we need yearly check-ups with the doctor, mowers need check-ups too. Before you get to work, take a moment to inspect your mower for any immediate replacement needs. Check your spark plugs and air filters first. While they might just need a good cleaning, it’s important to double check and make sure you won’t need to replace these parts on any of your mowers. Next, replace your fuel filter and drain any leftover fuel from your machines. Be sure to use a fuel stabilizer, like STA-BIL®, throughout the year to preserve fuel freshness and prevent gumming in the carburetor.
Check all your belts: drive, mule, and deck. If any look too worn or torn, don’t hesitate to replace them. Kevlar® -type cord belts work as the perfect replacement and are designed to perform through multiple seasons. Lastly, be sure and give the tires a good kick. Over- or under-inflated tires can have a substantial effect on the quality of cut and are an easy fix.
Of course, always consult your mower's operation manual for full maintenance schedules and procedures, and always use OEM-specified replacement parts.
Before you send your fleet out this mowing season, run through this quick check list to ensure the highest quality of cut for all your mowers—and your customers too.
