Regardless of the type of equipment, yard tools need maintenance. Electric lawn mowers are no exception. With the correct care, an electric lawn mower can last a long time, and perform consistently every single time you operate it. However, if you don’t take the time to maintain your mower, you can see a drastic decline in its ability to get the job done the way you expect. Here are some tips on how to maintain an electric lawnmower.
Clean Your Machine
Cleaning your lawn mower immediate after each use is the best way to ensure that it will be ready to use the next time you need it. Waiting to clean it until it is caked up with grass and debris will impair the machine’s ability to work correctly and make it harder to get back to pristine condition.
Aside from just cleaning the mower deck, be sure to clean the:
- Blade
- Ventilation system
- Power system
- Fasteners
- Wheels
Sharpen the Blades
Sharp blades make the difference between an evenly cut lawn and a chopped-up mess. If you realize that it is taking longer to mow your lawn, the blades are most likely getting dull.
One way to easily accomplish always having sharp blades is to purchase an extra set. While you have one set off to be sharpened, the second set can be on the mower. Switch and sharpen as needed.
Ventilation System
It is essential that the ventilation system remains clean and debris free. It helps keep the machine cool and working correctly. If the system starts to fail, the mower can get too hot and may overheat.
The best way to clean the ventilation system is to use an air compressor or a soft brush to clean any blockages. Just as a safety measure, make sure that the machine is always off when you are performing maintenance on the mower.
Clean the Fasteners and Wheels
Make sure that all of the nuts and bolts are tightened before you start the machine. The rattling of the mower can cause the hardware to loosen. Eventually, parts can fall off the machine; this can be dangerous.
As for the wheels, make sure that they rotate smoothly with each use. While they don’t require much maintenance, you may need to lubricate them, to maintain proper movement, once or twice a year.
Battery Maintenance
The battery is the life of the mower. Without a working battery, you won’t be mowing your lawn.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to run the battery down to nothing; this could compromise the longevity of the battery. Instead, charge it after every use. Don’t make the mistake, however, of leaving it on the charger; this can cause overcharging if it’s an older mower. Newer mowers have safety systems in place so that overcharging cannot occur.
Winter Maintenance
Even in the winter, you should put the battery on the charger once a month or so to ensure that it doesn’t drain down to empty during the offseason.
Clean and lubricate the entire mower, as well, before storing for the winter. You will appreciate having a clean mower that you can use right away in the spring when you are ready to mow your lawn for the first time.
If you are ever unsure how to clean or lubricate a part, it’s always wise to refer to the user’s guide. If you no longer have the original manual, most manufacturers have their user manuals available free online.