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Celebrate National Lawn Mower Maintenance Week with Toro

As spring approaches, maintaining your lawn mower is crucial to avoid unexpected repair costs and equipment breakdowns. Toro, a leading innovator in outdoor equipment, dedicates the first week of March to National Lawn Mower Maintenance Week, a time to remind homeowners of the importance of regular mower upkeep. Wes Bollingmo, channel and product support manager at Toro, emphasizes that a well-cared-for mower can last for generations, while neglecting maintenance can be detrimental.

Why Mower Maintenance Matters

Mower maintenance tasks, often overlooked, can save homeowners from significant expenses and equipment downtime during the mowing season. Basic maintenance is essential because dull blades and neglected oil changes can hinder a mower’s performance and lead to premature failures. During Maintenance Week, Toro encourages all users to commit a small amount of time toward essential mower upkeep.

Universal Maintenance Tasks

Regardless of whether you have a gas or a battery-powered mower, certain maintenance practices apply to all types:
1. Inspect Components: Regularly check screws, bolts, and parts to ensure they are tight and in good condition. Replace or repair any faulty components.
2. Clean the Underside: Disconnect the spark plug or the battery, and wear protective gloves while cleaning grass and debris from under the mower. Remember, tip the mower to avoid oil leakages into the air filter area.
3. Sharpen Mower Blades: Sharp blades are essential for a healthy lawn. Check the sharpness of your blades; it's recommended to sharpen them for every 25 hours of usage and replace them if they become nicked or broken.

Bollingmo points out the impact of dull blades: “They can damage grass, resulting in browned patches. This occurs because dull blades tear instead of cut the grass, stressing the plant.”

Specific Maintenance for Gas-Powered Mowers

For gas-powered mowers, there are additional tasks to consider:

• - Spark Plug Inspection: Verify the spark plug is clean and securely attached.
• - Fuel Management: Empty old fuel from last season and refill with fresh fuel before the first run.
• - Oil and Filter Replacement: Changing the oil and air filter keeps the mower running smoothly, avoiding future oil-related breakdowns.
• - Test Recoil System: Ensure the recoil starter works effectively and inspect for any damages.

Battery-Powered Mower Maintenance

If you own a battery-powered mower, maintenance includes:

• - Battery Testing: Charge the battery for about 24 hours and test it to ensure it’s in working condition.

Bollingmo stresses the value of expert assistance from local dealers. These professionals can provide tailored advice for specific maintenance needs or assist in sourcing appropriate parts to keep the mower in excellent working order for the mowing season and beyond.

Join the Maintenance Movement

As National Lawn Mower Maintenance Week draws near, Toro invites lawn owners to prioritize their mower care and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #LawnMowerMaintenanceWeek. For additional resources and detailed guides, visit Toro's blog at yardcare.com. With the right approach to maintenance, you can ensure that this year’s lawn care is smooth and hassle-free.

About Toro

Founded in 1914, Toro stands as a leading entity in providing innovative solutions for landscaping and outdoor maintenance. With a vast network of distributors and dealers in over 125 countries, Toro is dedicated to helping customers maintain golf courses, sports fields, and various green spaces, showcasing their commitment to quality and performance in every product they offer.