Melton Mowers

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Your petrol lawn mower is a workhorse, battling through wet grass, dusty conditions, and tough weeds to keep your lawn looking pristine. But like any hard-working tool, it needs a little TLC to perform at its best, last longer, and start reliably every time you need it.

Regular cleaning and maintenance aren't just about aesthetics; they're crucial for efficiency, safety, and extending the life of your valuable investment. Plus, it's often simpler than you think!

Here’s your ultimate guide to cleaning and looking after your petrol lawn mower:

 

1. Safety First, Always!

Before you even think about touching your mower for cleaning or maintenance, always do the following:

• Disconnect the Spark Plug Lead: This is paramount. It prevents accidental starting, which could lead to serious injury. Pull the rubber boot off the spark plug.

• Wait for it to Cool Down: Never work on a hot engine.

• Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp blades and grime.

 

2. The Post-Mow Clean: Don't Let Grass Build Up!

This is the most frequent and arguably most important step. Dried grass clippings are the enemy of efficiency!

• Remove Grass from Underneath (The Deck):

  • Carefully tilt the mower onto its side, ensuring the air filter and carburettor face UPWARDS to prevent fuel or oil from leaking into them. Check your mower's manual for the manufacturer's recommended tilting angle.

  • Using a stiff brush, plastic scraper, or even a wooden stick, scrape away all caked-on grass from the underside of the cutting deck and around the blade. This prevents rust, allows the blade to spin freely, and ensures an even cut.

  • Pro Tip: If you have a hose, you can spray the underside. However, be careful not to spray directly into the engine, air filter, or exhaust. Some modern mowers have a wash port – if yours does, connect a hose and run the engine briefly (safely!) to clean the underside. Always let it air dry completely before storing.

• Clean the Wheels and Body: Brush off loose grass and dirt from the wheels, wheel arches, and the main body of the mower. A damp cloth can be used for stubborn marks on the plastic or metal casing.

• Empty the Grass Collection Bag/Box: Don't leave clippings in it, as they can rot and smell, and impede airflow for the next mow. Give it a shake or brush out thoroughly.

 

3. Engine & Air Filter Care: The Lungs of Your Mower

The engine needs clean air to run efficiently.

• Clean the Engine Area: Use a brush or compressed air to remove grass, dust, and debris from around the engine's cooling fins and spark plug area. This helps prevent overheating.

• Check and Clean/Replace the Air Filter: This is often overlooked.

  • Locate the air filter housing (usually a plastic box near the engine).

  • Open it and carefully remove the filter element.

  • Paper filters: Tap it gently against a hard surface to dislodge loose dirt. If it's very dirty or oily, it needs replacing. Never wash a paper filter.

  • Foam filters: These can often be washed gently in warm, soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and then allowed to dry completely. A light coat of engine oil can then be squeezed into the dry foam before reinstallation (check your manual for specifics).

  • A clogged air filter starves the engine of air, leading to poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and difficult starting.

 

4. Blade Inspection & Care: For a Perfect Cut

A sharp blade is key to a healthy-looking lawn. A blunt blade tears grass, leaving it susceptible to disease.

• Inspect the Blade: With the spark plug disconnected and the mower tilted, carefully examine the blade. Look for:

  • Dullness: The cutting edge should be reasonably sharp.

  • Nicks or Bends: Impacts with stones or roots can damage the blade.

  • Cracks: A cracked blade must be replaced immediately, as it can be extremely dangerous.

• Sharpening (If Confident) or Replacement:

  • You can remove the blade (using a wrench and block of wood to secure it) and sharpen it with a file or grinder. Ensure it remains balanced – an unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and damage the mower.

  • If you're not confident, bring it to us for sharpening or consider buying a new replacement blade. It's often safer and ensures correct balancing.

• Tighten the Blade Bolt: Always ensure the blade bolt is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications when reinstalling.

 

5. Spark Plug Check: The Ignition Spark

The spark plug is vital for starting your mower.

• Remove the Spark Plug: Use a spark plug wrench.

• Inspect: Look at the electrode. It should be clean and light brown. If it's black, oily, or corroded, it needs cleaning with a wire brush or, more likely, replacement.

• Check the Gap: If you have a feeler gauge, check the gap between the electrodes (refer to your manual for the correct specification).

• Replace: It's good practice to replace the spark plug annually, especially before the main mowing season.

 

6. Fuel & Oil: The Lifeblood of Your Engine

• Fuel: Always use fresh, clean, unleaded petrol. Stale fuel can cause starting problems and engine damage. If storing for a long period (e.g., over winter), either drain the fuel tank completely or use a fuel stabiliser.

• Engine Oil:

  • Check the oil level before every use using the dipstick (ensure the mower is on level ground). Top up with the correct type of engine oil as specified in your manual.

  • Change the Oil: Change the oil at least once a season, or every 25-50 hours of use (check your manual). Dirty oil significantly reduces engine life. It's a simple process, but ensure you dispose of old oil responsibly at a recycling centre.

 

7. Storage: Protecting Your Investment

• Clean Before Storage: Give your mower a thorough clean before putting it away for the winter.

• Fuel Management: As mentioned, either drain the fuel or use a stabiliser. Running the engine dry after stabiliser is added can help.

• Store in a Dry Place: A shed or garage is ideal. Avoid damp conditions that can lead to rust.

• Cover It: A breathable mower cover can protect it from dust and dampness.

 

By following these simple steps, you'll ensure your petrol lawn mower remains a reliable partner in achieving that perfect lawn, season after season. A little bit of care goes a very long way!

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If having read what you should do and you don't feel confident then give us a call and book in your machine for a full service.