Spring is the busiest time of year for garden machinery repair — and the most important time to get your mower serviced. After sitting idle through winter, your petrol lawnmower needs attention before that first cut of the season.
Here's the exact checklist Paul follows when servicing a mower for spring, based on over 20 years of hands-on experience repairing every major brand.
1. Check the Oil
Old oil is the number one cause of preventable engine damage. Over winter, moisture can contaminate the oil, turning it milky or sludgy. Drain it completely and refill with fresh SAE 30 or 10W-30 engine oil (check your manual for the correct grade).
Paul's tip: "I see more engines damaged by old oil than anything else. It takes five minutes to change and costs a couple of quid. There's no excuse not to do it."
2. Replace or Clean the Air Filter
A clogged air filter starves the engine of air, causing rough running, black smoke, and increased fuel consumption. Paper filters should be replaced annually. Foam filters can be washed in soapy water, dried thoroughly, and lightly oiled.
3. Check the Spark Plug
Remove the spark plug and inspect it. A healthy plug has a light tan or grey electrode. If it's black and sooty, the fuel mix is too rich. If it's white, the engine is running lean. Replace the plug if it's worn, cracked, or heavily fouled — they cost less than £5 and make a noticeable difference.
4. Inspect and Sharpen the Blade
A blunt blade tears grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leaving brown tips and making your lawn more susceptible to disease. Remove the blade and check for: - Nicks and chips (can be ground out if minor) - Cracks (replace immediately — a cracked blade is dangerous) - Balance (an unbalanced blade causes vibration that damages the engine bearings)
Paul's tip: "If you're not comfortable removing and sharpening the blade yourself, bring it to the workshop. I can sharpen and balance it while you wait — most are done same day."
5. Clean the Deck
Flip the mower (disconnect the spark plug first!) and scrape off the compacted grass from underneath the deck. Built-up grass restricts airflow, reduces cutting efficiency, and promotes corrosion.
6. Check the Fuel System
If you left old petrol in the tank over winter, drain it. Stale petrol goes off after about 30 days and can gum up the carburettor. Refill with fresh unleaded. If the mower is hard to start after winter, the carburettor may need cleaning — this is the most common repair Paul sees in March and April.
7. Test the Pull Cord and Safety Features
Give the pull cord a few test pulls. It should retract smoothly with no fraying. Check that the operator presence control (the bar you hold down to keep the engine running) works correctly — this is a critical safety feature.
8. Check the Wheels and Height Adjustment
Make sure all wheels spin freely and the height adjustment moves through its full range. Lubricate any stiff pivot points with a light spray oil.
9. Give It a Test Run
Start the mower and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for: - Unusual rattling (loose blade bolt or damaged flywheel key) - Excessive vibration (unbalanced blade) - Rough idling or surging (carburettor needs adjustment) - Smoke (blue = oil burning, black = rich fuel mix, white = head gasket)
When to Call a Professional
If your mower won't start after fresh fuel and a new spark plug, or if you notice any of the warning signs above, it's time to bring it to a professional. Paul offers same-day turnaround on most spring services from his workshop in Hyde.
Book your spring service: Call 07342 239878 or WhatsApp Paul to arrange drop-off or collection.