Time to get that lawn mower up and running. Lawn mowers, like any other machinery need to be serviced on a regular basis. Change the air filter at least once a season, if it is a paper cartridge type or wash and re-oil the sponge filter once per season.

Clean air filters will ensure continued full power in the heavy grass as well as extending the life of the engine by several years. A blocked filter will cause a richer fuel mixture, allowing some raw fuel to mix with the engine oil.

This causes faster internal wear and possible premature part failure. A lawn mower is an investment and just like a car, should be protected. Engine oil should be changed at least once per season or when it shows enough blackness to be noticeable. The blackness is caused by raw fuel mixing with the oil and internal engine wear.

When changing the oil, runn the engine until the the body or block of the motor gets luke warm. This will ensure the oil has thinned out and makes it easier to remove. Let the dirty oil drip as long as possible to ensure complete removal. Once this is complete, add the appropriate amount of oil by checking the dip stick level or as per the manufactures instructions. Do not over fill as this will cause foaming of the oil and engine damage.

Blade sharpening is also another regular maintenance that needs to be done as required. Carefully unbolt the blade to be removed. A sharp blade gives a good cut and reduces the wear on the engine. Stone nicks, wet grass, sticks and other such items can dull a cutting blade reasonably quick. Safety precautions should be taken when sharpening blades.

A flat file is used to sharpen the bade properly and keeps the cutting surface flat. Signs of a dull blade are hearing the labor more than normal, having to cut the same area more than once to complete the job and severe grass blockage in the under side of the cutting area.