How to Maintain a Cylinder Lawn Mower

Maintaining your lawnmower is necessary to keep it running smoothly and ensure that it lasts for years to come. This article will discuss how to maintain a cylinder lawnmower. Cylinder lawnmowers are a popular type of lawnmower, so knowing how to take care of one is essential for every homeowner. This article will go over everything from changing the oil to sharpening the blades—so read on!

1. Clean the blades and housing with a degreaser

The first thing you should do is clean your lawnmower. Use a slightly dampened cloth to wipe down the deck, side panels, discharge chute, handles, fuel tank lid, etc. Make sure to remove mould or plant residue from around the filters or cover plates.

2. Lubricate the moving parts

The next step is lubricating all of the moving parts with bushings or bearings. You can use any type of general-purpose grease, but only put it where specified by the instructions. Some components may require oil instead. The manual should indicate which lubricant to use and where—follow these instructions carefully to avoid damaging your machine.

3. Sharpen the blades if they are dull

If your mower is equipped with detachable blades, remove them and sharpen them before assembling the lawnmower again. If you aren't sure how to properly sharpen blades or don't want to do it yourself, please consult a garden equipment engineer. You should also inspect the blade while it's off the lawnmower and replace it if there is any sign of damage (i.e., dents in the metal).

4. Inspect the belts and replace them if necessary

You should check belts for wear every season. If you've been mowing your lawn consistently each week, then checking the belt should only take a few minutes. You can also buy a special wrench that makes checking the tension much more straightforward. Of course, always refer to your manual for proper guidance on how often belts need to be replaced by the number of hours your machine has been in operation.

5. Add fuel stabiliser to the fuel tank

This next step is for those of you with a lawnmower equipped with a gas tank. If your mower doesn't have one, skip this part! At the beginning of every season, add a fuel stabiliser to your mower's gas tank. Fuel stabilisers help prevent condensation from forming in the gasoline during storage. It also prevents oxidation and clogging of the carburettor or injectors caused by gasoline degrading into varnish over time.