Gasoline Lawn Mower Maintenance: How to Extend Its Lifespan

A gasoline lawn mower is a powerful tool that can serve for many seasons with proper care. But without regular maintenance, even an expensive model may begin to stall, start poorly, or wear out quickly. This article offers a practical guide on maintaining a gasoline lawn mower — from oil changes to seasonal storage tips.

Why lawn mower care matters

A gasoline-powered lawn mower operates in dusty, humid, and sometimes extreme conditions. Grass clippings, dust, overheating, and old oil all affect the engine and cutting system. Without regular upkeep, the risk of failure increases, cutting performance suffers, and fuel consumption grows.

TOP 5 procedures to extend mower life

1. Oil change

• First change — after 5 hours of use (break-in period);
• Then — every 25–50 hours or once per season;
• Use 4-stroke engine oil (commonly SAE 30 or 10W-30).

2. Cleaning from grass and debris

• Clean the blade, deck, and air inlets after every use;
• Don’t let wet grass accumulate — it causes corrosion;
• Blow out filters with air monthly (if not washable).

3. Blade sharpening or replacement

• A dull blade tears the grass, causing yellowing;
• Sharpen the blade every 10–15 hours of work;
• Replace if it’s damaged or bent.

4. Spark plug replacement

• The plug affects starting and stable engine performance;
• Replace once a season or when hard starting occurs;
• Clean carbon deposits and check the gap before installing.

5. Winter storage

• Drain fuel and oil to prevent oxidation;
• Clean off any remaining grass and moisture;
• Store in a dry place, covered with cloth (not plastic).

Common mistakes in maintenance

• Neglecting oil changes — leads to overheating and engine wear;
• Storing with fuel inside — clogs carburetor jets and oxidizes parts;
• Using low-quality spark plugs — causes unstable engine performance;
• Skipping blade sharpening — results in poor cuts and engine overload.

Conclusion: prevention is better than repair

Regular care for a gasoline mower helps avoid costly repairs and extends the life of the engine, blade, and all working components. Even a budget model can serve 5–7 years with proper handling.

The lawn mower catalog at 130.com.ua features models for any property size. If assistance is needed with choosing or maintaining a mower — our consultants are ready to help.