Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring maximum reliability and longevity for any mechanical equipment. By adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule, you can proactively address potential issues on your lawnmower before they escalate into costly repairs or breakdowns. This not only saves money in the long run but also minimizes downtime, allowing your equipment to operate at peak performance. Routine maintenance involves tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, changing of filters and inspections, which help identify and rectify minor problems early on. By addressing these issues before they become major, you can prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Therefore, investing in regular maintenance is a wise decision that ensures your lawnmower operates reliably, efficiently, and safely for many years to come.

What is involved in servicing my lawnmower? And why do I need to do each step?

• Oil Change – One crucial step is regularly checking and replacing the oil. Old oil accumulates engine-damaging debris and loses its lubrication abilities, so adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes. Normally, this is annually or every 50 hours of operation. Under normal circumstances, oil should not require topping up between oil changes, unless the engine is showing signs of wear. When it’s time for an oil change, warm up the engine first to reduce the viscosity of the oil. Then, unscrew the oil dipstick and use an oil vacuum pump to remove as much of the old oil as possible. Finally, replace the oil using a funnel, ensuring that you adhere to the specified capacity and oil type as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Replacing spark plug – Over time, a spark will lose reliability due to electrode erosion and combustion deposits. Eventually, it will cease to operate. Remove the old spark plug by firstly detaching the ignition lead by simply pulling it off. Using the appropriate sized plug spanner, unscrew the old spark plug and replace it by screwing the new spark plug into the same position and finally re-attach the ignition lead by pushing it back onto the top of the spark plug. When screwing the new spark plug into position, you must be very careful not to ‘cross-thread’ it

• Replacing the air filter – The air filter can become clogged with grass and other debris that gets sucked into it. This will cause the air/fuel ratio to the engine to become very rich. The engine is simply not getting enough air to run properly and therefore struggles under load, uses more fuel and creates a carbon build up in the engine and spark plug. Often the air filter can be cleaned by removing it and blowing compressed air from behind, this should dislodge any debris caught in there. However, if the air filter looks too dirty, it should be replaced to ensure the engine receives adequate air in-take

• Sharpening / changing the blade – Another essential aspect is inspecting and sharpening the blades. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it, and so the blade should be sharpened annually or for every 50 hours of use. To do this the lawnmower should be tipped on its side with the air filter facing upwards, and then the two blade bolts should be removed with an appropriate socket or torque wrench. Sharpen the blade evenly with a bench grinder ensuring that one side is flat and the other is angled, then re-attached the blade with the correct torque setting. If the blade has become too worn, it should be replaced, as sharpening it will still render it ineffective. The worn blade will cause the cut grass to fall to the ground instead of being lifted into the bag. This leads to unsatisfactory grass collection, leaving unsightly clumps and debris on the lawn. Furthermore, a worn blade exerts more force to cut the grass, putting additional strain on the mower’s engine and components.

•Adjusting operating cables – The lawnmower may have several cables for engine operation, drive control and throttle control. Overtime these cables can become stretched causing them to operate ineffectively. You will notice this because the engine may struggle to start/stop, drives slow or operates with reduced engine speed. These must be carefully examined and adjusted or replaced accordingly, taking into account the overall wear on the engine and lawnmower gearbox

• Check height adjuster are working properly – The height adjuster on your lawnmower is a crucial component, enabling you to maintain the perfect cutting height for your lawn. However, like any mechanical part exposed to the elements, it can succumb to wear and tear. Over time, corrosion can build up, making the adjuster stiff and difficult to move. In some cases, the adjuster may even pop out of its location holes, rendering it useless. To prevent these issues and ensure smooth operation, it’s essential to regularly inspect and lubricate the height adjuster. By carefully checking for any signs of corrosion or damage, and applying a suitable lubricant to the moving parts, you can maintain the functionality and longevity of your lawnmower’s height adjuster.

• Cleaning under the deck – Furthermore, cleaning the undercarriage is vital. Grass clippings and mud accumulate underneath the mower, potentially obstructing its function. The retained moisture also expedites corrosion, significantly reducing the lifespan of the lawnmower. Regularly clean it with a stiff brush and hose it down to remove debris. 

Overall Inspection – Lastly, check over your machine for signs of visible wear and corrosion.

It is important to consider that following the correct maintenance procedures will increase the life of your lawnmower but they cannot ensure it lasts indefinitely. Eventually, you will have wear to the engine, deck, grass bag, gearbox etc. If you’re facing escalating repair costs or noticing significant wear and tear, it might be time to consider a replacement. Honda offers exceptional warranties of up to 7 years, making their range a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and long-lasting lawnmower. Investing in a new machine with a comprehensive warranty can offer peace of mind and a hassle-free experience, ensuring years of efficient and trouble-free lawn care. Therefore, before committing to repairs, it’s wise to weigh the costs and benefits, considering the age of your current machine and the potential advantages of a new one, especially when a brand like Honda offers exceptional warranties and durable products.

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