The key to keeping your lawn looking spring fresh all summer long lies in the maintenance of your mower. Before your first cutting, it's always a good idea to perform some key checks. We'll even give you a #PartsProTip to go along with your service checklist: visit your local Horizon Equipment showroom to pick up a Home Maintenance Kit, complete with all the annual maintenance parts you'll need to keep your mower in tip-top shape.
ENGINE OIL & FILTER
Be sure to check your engine oil and oil filter at the start of each mowing season. Oil keeps your engine properly lubricated, so it's important that there is no debris or foreign material running through. The engine oil filter's job is to keep large debris pieces from contaminating your system. If you're changing the oil, it's best to change the oil filter at the same time. On top of servicing at the beginning of each season, your Operator's Manual will outline regular service intervals that should be followed.
FUEL FILTER
Ever had a mower that's tough to start or stalls? This could be due to a clogged fuel filter. Similar to the engine oil filter, the fuel filter's job is keep the fuel running through your mower clean and free of debris. Your fuel filter should be replaced at the beginning of each season, as well as during any intervals that are recommended in your Operator's Manual.
AIR FILTER
Air filters have a very important job on your mower: they keep the air coming into your engine clean, meaning your mower runs at peak performance and doesn't use excessive amounts of fuel. You'll notice a common theme here: we recommend changing your air filter at the beginning of each season, and as outline in your Operator's Manual service intervals.
SPARK PLUG
If your mower doesn't want to start, and you know that the fuel filter is clean, the issue could be lying in your spark plug. By replacing your spark plug at the beginning of each season, you'll ensure a stress-free mowing experience.
MOWER BLADES
Dull mower blades can negatively impact the look of your lawn after mowing. Even worse, blades that are bent, chipped, or dented can cause further damage to your mower deck. Check your blades at the beginning of each season. Depending on the size and model of your mower deck, you may have multiple blades. If this is the case, we recommend replacing all blades at the same time to ensure you get an even mow pattern.
CLEAN THE DECK
It's best to keep a clean deck and discharge chute area on your mower to prevent clogs and rust. We recommend cleaning your mower deck and chute after your last mow of the season. But no worries - if your deck wasn't cleaned last year, you still have time to clean it before your first mow this year.