Tools and Materials
Tools
- Combination Wrenches
- Ratchet & Socket Set
- Spark Plug Socket
- Torque Wrench
- Plastic Putty Knife
- Cleaning Brush
- Gas Can
- Spark Plug Gap Tool or Feeler Gauge
- Blade Removal Tool
- Used-Oil Container
- Oil Can
- Blade Sharpening & Balancing Kit (Optional)
- Work Gloves
- Nitrile Gloves
- Respirator
- Hearing Protection
- Eye Protection
- Vise (Optional)
- Siphon Pump (Optional)
- Grinder (Optional)
- File (Optional)
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Push Mower Maintenance Tips
Push mower maintenance steps differ depending on your mower model. There are steps below on how to maintain and how to tune up a push mower, but read your mower documentation before beginning work and follow the instructions for use, maintenance, troubleshooting and safety. Keep in mind:
- If you need to replace parts, use manufacturer-approved replacements. Note your mower make and model number and have this information with you when shopping for replacement parts.
- Perform the maintenance in a well-ventilated area and on a hard, flat surface.
- Spread a drop cloth over the work area.
- For some maintenance steps, you need to tilt the mower on its side. If you have a gasoline-powered mower, first take steps to prevent fuel spills. Different manufacturers have different methods for preventing spills, such as running the mower until the tank is dry or placing a piece of heavy plastic under the fuel cap to cover the fuel inlet, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your mower.
- When tilting a gas mower onto its side, make sure the dipstick is facing down and the air filter is facing up to avoid getting oil in the upper part of the engine.
Prevent Accidental Startups
Before performing any maintenance, troubleshooting, cleaning or inspections on your mower, make sure it’s turned off and all moving parts are stopped. Allow the mower to cool. On a gasoline-powered mower, unplug the spark plug wire. Disconnect an electric mower from its power supply and remove the safety key (if equipped). Follow any pre-maintenance procedures the manufacturer specifies.
Don't run a gasoline-powered mower in a garage or any area that doesn't have proper ventilation.
Push Mower Maintenance Each Time You Mow
Step 1: Get the Mower Ready
Make sure your mower is ready to mow. Check for loose fasteners. Make sure the wheels turn freely and are secure and undamaged. Clean dirt away from the dipstick and check the oil level. Add oil if necessary.
Step 2: Clean the Mower
Once you’re finished cutting, brush clippings off the deck and engine to help prevent rust. Remove and empty the grass catcher. Unplug the spark plug wire, pull it aside and tilt the mower over with the air filter facing up. Use a plastic putty knife to remove grass and debris from the underside.
If you have a self-propelled mower, clean the drive section several times during the season.
Winterizing a Push Mower
Once the season is over, prep your mower for long-term storage over the winter. The steps below show you to winterize a mower to ensure you have it tuned up for spring. With any type of mower, you need to take care of the blade and lubricate moving parts. Other steps depend on whether you have a gas or battery-powered mower:
- To winterize a gas mower, you need to know how to check the air filter, how to drain oil from a push mower, how to prepare the fuel system for storage and how to lubricate the engine.
- To winterize a battery-powered mower, you need to know how to care for the battery.
Step 1: Check the Blade
If the blade is damaged or bent, replace it. If it’s dull, you can replace it or sharpen it, if possible. A dull blade leaves ragged edges on the grass, making your lawn more vulnerable to disease. Installing a new, sharp blade is a quick way to ensure a clean cut. Sharpening works for some blades, but your mower manufacturer may not recommend it. Check your manual.
Disconnect the spark plug and turn the mower on its side with the air filter facing upward. Protect your hands with heavy work gloves and check the blade. If it's damaged or dull, you'll need to remove it to sharpen or replace it.
Immobilize the mower blade with a blade removal tool. This tool secures to the mower deck and keeps the blade in place so you can remove the blade hardware. Loosen and then remove the bolt, washer and blade. Some mowers have multiple bolts, a blade adapter or additional hardware you need to remove.
If you're sharpening the blade, mark the grass-facing side so you can reinstall it properly. Some blades are already marked to indicate the side that should face the grass.
Step 2: Sharpen the Mower Blade (Optional)
If the blade is undamaged and you choose to sharpen it, you can use a file, an angle grinder or a bench grinder. You can also use a sharpener/balancer kit with a sharpener attachment for a drill, just make sure it works for your blade. If you're sharpening a mower blade with a handheld tool, first secure the blade in a vise. Be sure to:
- Follow the original angle of the cutting edge and remove material equally from both ends of the blade.
- Sharpen only the 3- to 4-inch cutting edges. Don't file or grind the entire blade.
- Don't sharpen too much. A razor-sharp edge dulls quickly and doesn’t cut well.
Check the blade balance with a balancer or by inserting a round screwdriver shaft through the blade mounting hole. If the blade isn't balanced, remove material from the heavy edge and check the balance again. Repeat until the blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade can damage the mower and cause injury.
Wear eye protection when sharpening a lawn mower blade. If you're using a power tool, add hearing protection and a respirator and wear long sleeves. Don't use a grinder where sparks could ignite flammable dust, gases or liquids.
Step 3: Replace the Mower Blade
You’re now ready to install a new mower blade or reinstall the sharpened blade. Make sure the blade is oriented correctly. Place it on the shaft and immobilize it. Replace the bolt and washers and any other hardware. Secure and tighten the blade according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the blade immobilizer tool.
Step 4: Drain and Replace the Oil (Gas Mower)
Here’s how to drain oil from a push lawn mower before adding new oil. Run the mower outside for a minute or two to warm the oil and make it drain easily. Then turn the mower off and move back to the tarp. Clean debris from around the oil cap. Disconnect the spark plug and remove the oil cap. Be careful, the engine surfaces will be hot. Tip the mower with the air filter up and drain the oil into a used-oil container. Once you’ve emptied the oil, set the mower down and wipe up any spills.
Slowly pour fresh oil into the fill spout, checking the level frequently with the dipstick. When full, let the oil settle for a few minutes and check again. Replace and tighten the oil cap and reconnect the spark plug. Clean up any spills and dispose of the used oil properly. Your area likely has a designated disposal site for engine oil.
Don’t overfill. Too much oil can damage the engine. Check your manual for the correct type of engine oil for your mower.
Step 5: Check the Air Filter (Gas Mower)
Remove the air filter cover and note the orientation of the filter. Remove the filter. Depending on its condition, you might be able to clean it with a soft bristle brush. If the filter is particularly dirty, clogged or saturated with gasoline, replace it with a new filter. Install the filter and replace the cover.
Step 6: Get the Fuel System Ready for Storage (Gas Mower)
Leaving pump gasoline in a mower can cause corrosion, so make sure the fuel system is ready for storage at the end of the season. Follow the instructions for your mower and engine. Each manufacturer’s instructions may be different, but there are a two common options:
- Run the fuel system dry.
- Store the mower with a full tank of gasoline mixed with a fuel stabilizer.
The maintenance instructions specify which is best for your mower. See our guide to fueling small engines to learn about gasoline, fuel additives and ethanol-free power equipment fuel.
If you store the mower with fuel in the tank, don't store it where fumes can reach an open flame or a spark.
Step 7: Get the Battery Ready for Storage (Cordless Mower)
Battery care lets you get the most life from a mower battery. Care steps vary by manufacturer, so check your manual. In general, charge the mower battery after the final use. Once it’s charged, unplug the charger and remove the battery. Store the battery in a dry location at room temperature.
Step 8: Lubricate the Engine Cylinder (Gas Mower)
Remove the spark plug and squirt an ounce of engine oil into the spark plug hole to lubricate the engine cylinder. Before reinstalling the plug, pull the starter cord a couple of times to distribute the oil. This is also a good time to install a new spark plug.
Step 9: Lubricate the Moving Parts and Inspect the Mower
Use spray lubricant on the moving parts like the handle mounting pins. Check your manual for information on other lubrication points. As you work, give the mower one final inspection to make sure all the parts are in good shape. Ensure the wheels turn freely and aren’t loose, make sure no parts are badly rusted or loose, etc.
Step 10: Store the Mower
Make sure the mower is clean, cool and dry before putting it away. Pay special attention to the underside of the mower deck to make sure it's free of moisture. Store the mower in a dry, clean place, away from children and pets and away from any sparks or sources of ignition.
How to Repair a Push Mower
Many mower repairs beyond standard maintenance require authorized service personnel, but you might be able to handle some minor fixes and troubleshooting. We’ve got general information on how to service a push mower to address common problems, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Disconnect the spark plug or power supply before working on a mower.
The Mower Engine Doesn't Start (Gas Mower)
Check the spark plug to see if it's fouled with fuel. If so, allow it to dry and reinstall. Check the spark plug gap and check the plug for damage. Adjust the gap or replace the plug as needed.
The Mower Engine Skips or Idles Roughly (Gas Mower)
Make sure you have fresh fuel. Check the air filter to see if it’s clogged or damaged. Clean or replace the filter as necessary. Check the spark plug for the correct gap and for damage. Adjust or replace as necessary.
Mower Engine Power Is Low or Irregular (Gas Mower)
Check the air filter for debris and clean or replace it as necessary. Check the underside of the mower deck for an excessive buildup of grass clippings and clean them away with a plastic putty knife if necessary.
The Mower Engine Overheats (Gas Mower)
Check the oil level and add fresh oil as needed. Clean clippings and dirt from the engine. Pay particular attention to the cooling fins on the engine — the raised surfaces surrounding the spark plug socket. Also check the fins on the pull-start flywheel. Remove the engine cover and clean the debris shield and flywheel fins as necessary.
The Mower Vibrates Excessively
Clear out any blockages from the underside of the mower deck. Make sure the blade is tight, and balanced. Tighten the blade if necessary. If the blade is bent or damaged, replace it with a new blade.
The Self-Propel Drive on the Mower Doesn’t Work
Check the drive belts for proper installation, damage and wear. Adjust or have the belts replaced at an authorized service facility as needed. Check the drive system for debris or blockages and clean as necessary.
The Mower Leaves a Ragged Cut or Mulches Poorly
Check the blade. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new blade. If the blade is in good shape but dull, replace or sharpen it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Mower Cuts Unevenly
Make sure you have all of the wheels set to the same height. Check the underside of the mower deck for a buildup of clippings. Use a plastic putty knife to remove buildup, if necessary.
Find What You Need for Push Mower Maintenance at Lowe’s
Shop Lowes.com for the tools and supplies you need to keep your push mower running smoothly and cutting cleanly. And when it’s time to get your mower ready for winter, find the spark plug, air filter and fuel stabilizer you need to ensure its ready to work next spring. Or stop by your local Lowe’s where a Red Vest associate can help you find everything you need to keep your mower in top shape.