Whether you own a gas-powered riding lawn mower or an electric riding lawn mower, we’ve compiled some steps to keep your machine running like new season after season. Gas-powered mowers require much more maintenance compared to electric mowers.
Gas-Powered Mower Repair and Maintenance
STEP 1: Clean and Maintain Your Riding Lawn Mower
- Make sure the grass clipping and mulching bags are fully emptied. Next, remove any accumulated grass, dirt, and debris from the underside of your riding mower deck. A leaf blower is ideal for this step! Discover 7 ways to use a leaf blower here.
- Check and clean the air filter to ensure proper engine performance and prevent damage from dust and other debris.
STEP 2: Check Spark Plugs and Tighten Bolts and Screws
- Spark plugs wear out over time and cause starting problems or poor engine performance. To check the spark plugs on your riding lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug lead and remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. Inspect the spark plug for wear, such as burned electrodes or damaged insulation. If the spark plug is clean and appears to be in good condition, you can test it by holding it near a grounded part of the engine and pulling the starter cord to see if it sparks.
- Vibrations from using your riding lawn mower over the course of a long cutting season can loosen bolts and screws, potentially causing safety issues or damage to your riding mower. Tighten bolts and screws clockwise for standard threads and check your owner’s manual for specific torque specifications (especially for critical parts like the blade bolt).
STEP 3: Freshen Up the Fuel and Add New Oil
- You’re probably aware that old oil can cause engine problems, but did you know that old fuel can too? As oil and fuel ages, it loses its lubricating properties—leading to increased friction and potential damage to engine components. To keep your riding mower running efficiently, empty the old fuel and add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
- Next, change the oil filter and add new oil. Changing the oil filter with every new season ensures cleaner oil. Periodically check the oil levels in your riding mower and top it up or do a full oil change according to the intervals recommended by your owner’s manual.
STEP 4: Sharpen Your Mower Blade
- Using a wrench, remove the riding lawn mower blade and sharpen it with a file, grinder, or drill-powered attachment. Safety is key here! Always wear safety glasses and gloves when sharpening your mower blade. Read our detailed guide on sharpening lawn mower blades.
- Reattach the blade and make sure it’s balanced. A good way to balance your lawn mower blade is to remove it from the mower and use a nail and piece of wood (or a blade balancer if you have one) to determine which side is heaviest. Then, remove metal from the heavier side by sharpening until the blade balances horizontally.
STEP 5: Final Checks
- Check and inflate tires to ensure a smooth ride and prevent uneven wear.
- Lubricate moving parts such as pivot points and spindles. Don’t forget the steering wheel!
- Inspect the belts for wear, damage, and proper tension.
- At the end of mowing season, protect your riding lawn mower from the elements by storing it in a clean, dry place such as a garage or shed.
- And now you're done with your gas riding mower maintenance and repair!
Electric Mower Repair and Maintenance
Prefer the simplicity of an electric mower? While electric riding mowers require less maintenance than gas-powered models, they still benefit from some care to ensure longevity and efficiency.
STEP 1: Optimize Your Battery Life
- Electric mowers run on batteries, so ensure they’re fully charged before each use. Batteries are susceptible to cold temperatures, so bring your riding mower battery indoors during the winter months. At the start of each mowing season, check the battery for damage or signs of wear and tear and consider replacing it every 3–5 years depending on use.
STEP 2: Keep it Clean
- Clean the underside of the mower deck, battery compartment, and vents regularly to prevent a buildup of grass and debris. This is especially important before putting your electric mower away for the season.
STEP 3: Sharpen the Blade
- Once a year or every 100 hours, check the blade of your electric lawn mower to make sure it’s sharp for efficient mowing. If it needs sharpening, follow your owner’s manual to safely remove and sharpen the blade. Read our detailed guide on sharpening lawn mower blades.
STEP 4: Lubricate Moving Parts
- Your riding lawn mower wheels, deck height adjustment, and the rear discharge door can all benefit from a little light oil or WD-40. Also, check that the tires are properly inflated according to the specifications in your owner’s manual.
Wondering if electric riding mowers are worth it? Read up on the benefits in this blog!
By following these guidelines for proper riding mower repair and maintenance, you’ll ensure that your riding mower makes lawn care easy for years to come!
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
