Don't neglect to get the lawn mower or lawn tractor ready for the cutting season

Jeff Barron, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
·1 min read

LANCASTER − Flowers aren't the only thing that come to life in the spring. So does the grass and it needs to be cut regularly.

But you don't want to just pull the mower out of the garage and start cutting. Jay Morris of CEC Turf and Tractor in Canal Winchester and Scott Laughhunn of Foltz Ag in Lancaster said there are several things to do in order to get the lawn mower or tractor reading for the cutting season.

Steven Kessler, Lawn and Garden Services Manager, does a post delivery inspection on a Bobcat lawn mower in the service area at Foltz Ag on Apr. 17, 2024, in Lancaster, Ohio.
Steven Kessler, Lawn and Garden Services Manager, does a post delivery inspection on a Bobcat lawn mower in the service area at Foltz Ag on Apr. 17, 2024, in Lancaster, Ohio.

Morris said not preparing the mower properly can cause engine and other running-related issues, including overheating.

Steven Kessler, Lawn and Garden Services Manager, prepares to do a post delivery inspection on a Bobcat lawn mower in the service area at Foltz Ag on Apr. 17, 2024, in Lancaster, Ohio.
Steven Kessler, Lawn and Garden Services Manager, prepares to do a post delivery inspection on a Bobcat lawn mower in the service area at Foltz Ag on Apr. 17, 2024, in Lancaster, Ohio.

Here are some things to do before using the mower for the first time of the new cutting season:

  • Change the engine oil and oil filter. Check the oil regularly throughout the cutting season. Check the hydraulic fluid periodically with a zero-turn mower.

  • Replace the spark plug and fuel filter.

  • Sharpen the blade and clean debris of the mower deck and underneath the mower. Also clean the grass off the mower after each cut so it won't start rotting out the mower deck. A mid-summer cleanup of the mower is also a good idea.

  • Drain the old fuel that has been sitting in the mower all winter and add new fuel.

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter/X: @JeffDBarron

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Make sure to prepare the mower or tractor for grass cutting season