If you pride yourself on maintaining that vivid stretch of green around your home, a reliable lawn mower is undoubtedly your key ally. Among the various brands available, Bolen’s lawnmowers stand out for their durability and effectiveness. However, just like any other machinery, a Bolens mower requires regular upkeep to keep it functioning at its best. This article provides you with top maintenance tips ensuring that your mower continues to keep your lawn looking lush and healthy.
Understand Your Mower’s Anatomy
To effectively maintain your Bolens lawn mower, first familiarize yourself with its parts and functions. Understanding what each part does will help you pinpoint issues before they lead to significant damage. Typically, maintenance will look slightly different between models especially when it comes to specific Bolens lawn mower parts, but the basics generally remain the same. This includes the care of blades, filters, spark plugs, belts, and batteries.
Regular Cleaning is Crucial
After each use, it’s essential to clean your mower to prevent grass clippings, dirt, and debris from clogging it. Start by disconnecting the spark plug for safety, then use a hose to wash off the grass and dirt from the mower deck. Be cautious not to spray water directly on the engine to avoid damage. For electric mowers, a simple wipe-down might suffice, but ensure it’s completely dry before storing.
Blade Maintenance
The condition of your mower’s blade directly influences the quality of your cut. A dull blade tears grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can lead to an uneven lawn and potential grass diseases. To maintain sharp blades, remove them periodically for sharpening. This task can be approached DIY if you have the right tools and safety equipment. If you’re not confident in doing it yourself, seeking professional sharpening services is advisable. Remember, always handle blades with care to avoid injuries.
Change Oil and Filters
Just like any other vehicle, your Bolens mower needs an oil change. Typically, changing the oil after every 50 hours of operation (or at least once a season) is recommended. This helps in ensuring the engine runs smoothly. Along with the oil, check and replace the air and fuel filters as needed. Clean filters ensure that your mower’s engine is not forced to work harder than necessary, which can extend its lifespan.
Inspect and Replace Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are pivotal for your mower’s operation. They should be checked at least once every season for wear and tear. A bad spark plug can cause your mower to perform inefficiently or even fail to start. Replacing it is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure smooth performance. Ensure you get the correct size and type for your model.
Check Belts and Batteries
For riding mowers, belts are an essential component that requires regular checks. They drive your mower’s transmission and blades. Check these belts periodically for any signs of wear such as cracks, fraying, or looseness. Replace them as needed to avoid mower breakdown during operation.
Batteries in electric or start-enabled mowers should also not be overlooked. Ensure they are fully charged and clean. Corrosion on the battery terminals can lead to starting problems, which can be cleaned off with a simple solution of baking soda and water.
Storing Your Mower Properly
Finally, proper storage is critical, especially during the off-season. Clean the mower as recommended, ensure all moving parts are lubricated, and the battery (if applicable) is fully charged and stored separately in a cool, dry place. Always remove fuel or run your mower dry before storage to prevent stale gas problems, which can clog your carburetor and hinder the efficiency of your mower next season.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your Bolens lawn mower may require some time and effort, but the payoff is a reliably neat lawn that enhances your home’s curb appeal. By following these maintenance tips, you ensure that your mower operates efficiently and lasts many cutting seasons, providing you with green grass galore. Remember, regular upkeep is not just about fixing what’s broken, but preventing future issues and optimizing the performance of your mower.
