When to replace your lawn mower

You may own many pieces of lawn care equipment, but none of them are as important or as frequently used as your lawn mower. There are many types of lawn mowers out there, some of which have a much longer lifespan than others. When the time comes to replace your lawn mower, you want to make sure that you’re investing in a model that will serve you well for years to come, as well as do a quality job of cutting your grass. But how do you know when to replace your lawn mower? There are many signs to look for, some of which can easily be repaired in your existing mower if you aren’t ready to invest in a new one.

Take a look at your blades

The blades are responsible for much of the work that your lawn mower does, and they are the only part that comes in direct contact with your grass. These blades need to be sharpened or replaced from time to time, and neglecting to do this will cause damage to your lawn. Sharp blades slice the blades of grass evenly, offering a uniform appearance in your yard and healthy growth.

Once lawn mower blades have become dull, they begin to rip at the grass instead of slicing it. This can destroy the blade, and soon enough your lawn will start to die. Blades can be sharpened several times before they need to replaced, this can be done at home or by a professional. Blade sharpening requires just a few tools that can purchased at any hardware store. You may not be ready to invest in these tools, but over time they will pay for themselves in the amount that you’ll save on replacement blades or professional sharpening.

Don’t let gas sit in your mower

If you’ve ever had problems getting your lawn mower to start, it could be because of old gas that’s sitting in the tank. Add small amounts of gas at a time, and let it all run out before you store your lawn mower following trimming. Old gas in the tank can cause all sorts of problems, some of which can be so serious that the entire machine will need to be replaced.

Be especially careful to remove all remaining gas following the last time that you mow your grass for the season. If gas sits in the tanks for several months, it may never start again. This bad habit could lead you having to replace your lawn mower every year, an expense that is extremely unnecessary and easily avoidable.

See if a tune up is needed

If you’ve been having problems with your lawn mower you may think that it is time to buy a new one, but the solution could be in a simple tune up. A tune up can make an old mower run like new, and the cost is very little in comparison to buying a whole new mower. You wouldn’t use your car for years without a tune up, and you should think of your lawn mower the same way. Lawn mowers use engines that are very similar to cars, so tune ups and oil changes should not be neglected.

If the time has come to replace your mower, make sure to do your research before you buy. Shop around to compare prices on similar models, and research the differences between the models that are in your price range. You may find that a slightly more expensive model is worth the money, especially it means servicing and replacing less frequently.