Birkey’s Mower Tips Part 1: Pre-Season Maintenance
Spring is here, and as the weather warms up, you’re probably thinking about mowing your yard. But is your mower ready? To ensure your riding mower is in optimal condition, Birkey's has compiled tips for proper maintenance before you begin mowing the lawn. These tips are designed to help prevent many common issues and can be done on your own, or you can bring your mower to your local Birkey’s to be serviced by one of our factory-trained technicians.
Tire pressure – Start with a quick walk-around of your riding mower see if any of the tires are flat. A completely flat tire mean you ran over a sharp object and it needs to be patched or plugged, but it could also mean the tire needs replaced. If all appear to be fine, you should use a tire gauge to make sure the tires on the mower have the same pressure. This will help keep the tires from getting worn and will give you a more stable ride.
Leaks – If you notice liquid or oil pooling underneath the mower, it’s a good sign there may be a leak. A leak could lead to multiple issues. If the leak is oil, you run the risk of having your engine seize up because there isn’t enough lubricant for a piston to move through the cylinder. If the leak is gas, it could become a fire hazard. Regardless of the type of fluid, bring your mower to your local Birkey’s for inspection in the event of a leak. Our factory-trained technicians can help.
Air filter – A general rule of thumb is if you can’t shine a light through it, the filter is probably dirty and needs to be replaced. A clean filter will allow air to flow through the carburetor while keeping out any dirt or particles that could potentially cause scoring in the piston or cylinder. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can make tuning the engine more difficult.
Blades – Check the sharpness of the blades. A dull blade won’t cut as well and can leave your grass looking uneven, or in extreme cases, uncut. If the blades need sharpening, you can sharpen them with a file or grinder but will need to be careful not to change the balance of the blades. In some instances, the blades may be beyond sharpening and will need to be replaced.
Undercarriage – Inspect the mower deck for clumps of grass and/or dirt that may have accumulated and could cause problems. You should also go over the belts to see if any fraying or slipping has occurred. This is also an ideal time to look over any gears, pulleys, or bolts to check for obstructions or to see if they are loose or need greasing.
Battery – Make sure the connections are clean and tightly attached. If you have a voltmeter, you should check the voltage of the battery. A low or bad battery will prevent your mower from starting. Try charging it with a slow trickle charger. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to replace the battery.
Oil and filter – Check the oil level and filter. As mentioned before, low oil can cause serious engine issues. Add more oil if necessary, but check your owner’s manual for proper viscosity and amount for your mower’s engine. The mower’s operating manual will also tell you how often to change the oil and filter.
Fuel and filter – Most likely, your mower has sat unused all winter. It would be a good idea to get some fresh fuel in the tank and replace the fuel filter. This can make it easier to start the engine and run more smoothly.
Grease chassis and mower deck – There are several spindles on the mower deck and chassis for adding fresh grease. This should be done twice a year. Greasing these areas can help prevent rust and keep moving parts from grinding against each other.
These maintenance steps should be done at the beginning and end of each mowing season. If you are uncomfortable doing these steps yourself, or would just prefer to have a professional perform the maintenance, contact your local Birkey’s.
Birkey’s factory-trained technicians will also inspect your carburetor, spark plugs, safety switches, transmission, and steering system in addition to our maintenance recommendations so your mower will operate at peak performance.