Mower Maintenance

• 1). Follow the mower manufacturer's instructions on adjustments and settings. Like a vehicle, mowers also need to be tuned up and serviced for optimum performance and increased life span.
  
  
• 2). Sharpen the mower blades. Sharp mower blades will leave a clean cut, not ragged edges on grass that will brown.
  
  
• 3). Check the tire pressure. Many riding lawn mowers have inflatable tires and may need air.
  
  
• 4). Adjust the cutting height. This is dependent upon the grass species, season and grass utility. If the cutting height is too high, the grass will have a weedy look. If the cutting height is too low, the mower could scalp the grass and kill it.
  
  
• 5). Pick up stones, sticks or other objects in the yard. Stones and sticks can be flung from the blades, and possibly damage the mower.
  
  

Mowing

• 1). Put on long pants and shoes. Leather shoes are ideal, but any shoes fully covering the foot with slip resistance will work.
  
  
• 2). Fill up the mower's gas tank. Always fill the mower on concrete to encourage evaporation. If it is an electric mower, make sure there is enough charge to mow the grass.
  
  
• 3). Push the mower into the grass. Starting the mower on concrete can cause damage to the blades.
  
  
• 4). Plan a route. Some common routes are up and down, or making a rectangle starting at the outer edges and working inward. Be sure to blow grass in the opposite direction of the path.
  
  
• 5). Start the mower. Read the owner's manual if there is difficulty in starting the mower.
  
  
• 6). Engage the blades. Some newer mowers have a clutch or lever to drop and start the blades to begin mowing.
  
  
• 7). Push or drive the mower. Begin your route at a steady pace. If the pace is too fast, the mower will miss a lot of grass blades. If the pace is too slow, the mower could scalp the grass.
  
  

Cleanup

• 1). Wash off the mower. Leaving debris on the mower can cause it to rust and distribute weed seeds to other parts of the lawn. Don't forget the undercarriage.
  
  
• 2). Leave grass clippings. The grass clippings will decompose, leaving valuable nutrients for grass. If there is clumping, distribute it evenly across the lawn.
  
  
• 3). Remove and dump bagging attachment. Grass clippings are great nitrogen source for compost.
  
  
• 4). Sweep off walkways and driveways. This keeps clipped grass from staining concrete or bricks, and from being tracked inside.