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How to maintain a lawn mower

A Victa lawn mower on a work bench

Overview

Your lawn mower is an important gardening tool, so it's worth taking the time to maintain it. At least once a year there are some simple things to do to make sure your lawn mower runs well and lasts longer.

Steps

  1. 1

    Safety first

    Before you start any maintenance work on your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug and make sure the throttle is in the off position. The mower is now safe to work on. Only carry out maintenance on the mower when the engine is cold.
    A person disconnecting the spark plug on a lawn mower
  2. 2

    Clean the mower

    Use the rags and the soft brushes to clean the outside of the mower to remove any dirt, grime and grass that has built up.
    A person cleaning a lawn mower with a brush
  3. 3

    Apply lubricant

    Once you have cleaned the outside of the mower it's time to apply some lubricant. Spray WD40 onto the wheels, the throttle cable and the height adjuster. Use the rag to wipe away any excess WD40.
    A person applying lubricant to the throttle cable of a lawn mower
  4. 4

    Check the spark plug

    If you have a four-stroke mower, it's worth checking the spark plug. If you have a two-stroke, replacing it can give your mower a new lease of life. Use the socket set to remove the spark plug. If it doesn't need replacing, clean it with the wire brush. When replacing the spark plug, screw it in with your fingers as far as you can, so that you don't cross-thread it. Then tighten it with the socket. Be careful not to overtighten it.
    A person cleaning a spark plug with a wire brush
  5. 5

    Check the air filter

    Remove the cover from over the air filter. If it's not too dirty, give it a tap on the bench and a clean with a brush. If it is dirty, it's well worth replacing it.
    A person removing the cover from the air filter on a lawn mower
  6. 6

    Clean the catcher

    Remove the catcher from the mower. If it's very dirty you might need to give it a thorough hosing out. If it's not too bad, clean it out with the brushes.
    A person cleaning a grass catcher with a brush
  7. 7

    Clean and check underneath the mower

    It's not a good idea to tip your lawn mower upside down, so just lean it back so you can clean and check underneath. Use the brushes to remove the grass. It's especially important to do this if you have a steel mower because a build-up of grass can cause rust. Inspect the blades to make sure they're not too badly damaged. If they are, you'll need to replace them. Sharp blades cut grass well and keep it healthy. Wear the safety gloves when working around the blades.
    A person cleaning the underneath of a lawn mower with a brush
  8. 8

    Check the oil

    If you have a four-stroke mower, check the oil. Remove the cap and check the oil level on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, top it up. If the oil is dark and dirty it will need draining and replacing. Another handy tip is to only add petrol to the mower before you use it, that way it won't go stale.
    A person checking the oil level in a lawn mower
  9. 9

    Ready to go

    And there you have it, some simple ways to maintain your lawn mower. If you can carry out this maintenance at least once a year, your mower should run long and strong.
    A Victa lawn mower on a work bench

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.