Petrol Lawnmower Maintenance Guide

Basic engine maintenance is essential to keep your mower starting easily and your lawn in good shape. Follow these professional tips to extend the life of your machine.

The Golden Rule: Accessing the Underside

If you need to inspect the blade or clean the deck, ALWAYS LIFT THE MOWER FROM THE FRONT so the spark plug points upwards.

NEVER turn the mower on its side. This will allow fuel and oil to flow into the air filter and exhaust, causing starting problems, excessive smoking, and permanent damage to the filter.

Fuel and Oil

1. Fresh Fuel is Vital

Modern unleaded petrol goes "stale" if stored for more than 3 months. Stale fuel is the #1 cause of starting issues.

Storage: Keep fuel in a sealed can in a cool, dry place. Avoid old metal cans (rust causes blockages).
Conditioner: Add a fuel conditioner to fresh fuel to extend its life up to 2 years. (Note: Conditioner cannot revive fuel that is already stale).
Disposal: Stale mower fuel can often be safely used in a petrol car, where the larger volume of fresh fuel dilutes it.

2. Check Oil Levels

Check the oil level on the dipstick before every use and top up if necessary. Change the oil annually or after every 50 hours of use.

Blades, Filters and Belts

3. Air Filter and Spark Plug

Air Filter: Check regularly. Sponge elements can be washed in soap and water (dry and re-oil afterwards). Paper elements must be replaced if dirty.
Spark Plug: Keep it clean and check the gap regularly.

4. Blades and Hardware

Nuts and Bolts: Vibration can loosen fasteners. Frequently check the handle, chassis, and engine bolts.
Blades: Have your blade sharpened regularly. We recommend replacing rotary blades every 2 years to prevent metal fatigue.
Drive System: On self-propelled models, remove the belt cover occasionally to clear out grass clippings that can cause belt slip.

Cleaning and Winter Storage

Cleaning the Deck

Grass attached to the underside of the mower creates acids that rot the steel. Clean it after every use.

Remove the air filter element (safety precaution).
Tip the mower backwards (handle to the floor).
Scrape the deck with a plastic scraper or wire brush.
Warning: If the tank is full, fuel may leak from the cap vent. Drain fuel first or take fire precautions.

Winter Storage Procedure

Before storing for the winter:

Drain Fuel: Drain the tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor.
Oil Change: This is the perfect time to change the oil (warm engine drains faster).
Level Surface: Always store on a level surface. Never hang a mower on a wall or tip it sideways for storage.
New Season: Start fresh in spring with new fuel and a quick oil check.