Molly Ayala
Electric lawn mowers require regular maintenance to ensure they are working effectively and safely. Most maintenance tasks are easy to perform yourself, but if you are busy or unsure, you can always seek a professional tune-up from a lawn mower repair service. Basic maintenance tasks include sharpening and balancing blades, lubricating parts, cleaning the mower, and checking the battery, spark plug, oil level, air filter, and power cable. Regular maintenance will not only improve the performance of your lawnmower but also increase its lifespan and prevent accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment.
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What You'll Learn
Blade sharpening and replacement
Inspection and Removal:
- Before beginning any work, disconnect the power source from your electric mower.
- Put on work gloves and protective eyewear for safety.
- Inspect the blades, blade bolts, and cutter assembly for any wear or damage.
- If the blades are severely bent, have large missing pieces, or cracks, they should be replaced instead of sharpened.
- Mark the bottom of the blade with a marker, grease pencil, or spray paint to ensure correct installation later.
- Locate and loosen the nut holding the mower blade to the drive shaft with a ratchet and socket or a wrench.
- Remove the blade from the mower.
Sharpening or Replacement:
- If the blade is just nicked, chipped, or dull, you can sharpen it.
- Clamp the blade into a vise or onto a worktable with the cutting edge facing up.
- Sharpen the blade by hand using metal files, abrasives, or a sharpener attached to a drill. Alternatively, use a machine such as a bench grinder or angle grinder.
- Only sharpen the blade to the sharpness of a butter knife.
- After sharpening, apply a thin coat of lubricant, such as WD-40, to prevent rust formation.
Reinstallation:
- Reattach the sharpened or replaced blade to the shaft and screw on the nut or bolt securely.
- Set the mower upright and replace the spark plug and spark plug wire.
- Test the mower to ensure it is functioning correctly.
It is recommended to sharpen the blades twice per season or after every 25 hours of use. Additionally, always inspect the blades after hitting rocks or other hard objects.
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Spark plug maintenance
Spark plugs are critical components of the combustion process in your lawn mower's engine. A maintenance routine that includes servicing the spark plugs helps keep your lawn mower running smoothly and at peak performance.
Keep it clean
Regularly clean the region around the spark plug to prevent debris and dirt from entering the engine. A clean environment promotes good ignition and combustion.
Use high-quality fuel and engine oil
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for high-quality fuel and engine oil. Poor gasoline or oil quality can cause deposits on the spark plug, limiting its efficiency.
Inspect regularly
During regular lawn mower maintenance, monitor your spark plugs. Check for signs of wear, deposits, or damage.
Replace when necessary
If your spark plug doesn't pass the above tests, you'll need to replace it. This is one of the easiest steps in lawn mower maintenance. Disconnect the plug lead and remove the old spark plug using a spark plug socket. Clean light deposits from the plug with a wire brush and spray-on plug cleaner. If there is a lot of carbon buildup, soak the plug in a cleaning solution or gasoline for a few minutes. Before reinstalling, make sure the plug is thoroughly dry. You can also use compressed air to clear away any remaining debris. Check the spark plug gap and adjust as necessary. If the spark plug is damaged or has heavy carbon buildup, replace it with a new one, taking care not to over-tighten it.
Store appropriately
Store your lawn mower and its batteries in a dry location, especially if you live in a cold climate. Water can damage the motor and electrical connections, and cold temperatures can ruin your battery quickly.
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Battery care
Battery maintenance is a crucial part of keeping your electric lawn mower in good condition. Here are some detailed tips for caring for your mower's battery:
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Before storing your mower for an extended period, always inspect the battery for any signs of damage. Check the battery housing for any cracks or other issues. Use a blower or air compressor to blow out dust and debris from the battery compartments, vents, and motors. Grass clippings can find their way into tight spaces, so it's important to blast them out.
Charging and Storage
Store your batteries in a fully charged state. Lithium-Ion batteries are designed to be charged and discharged to a certain level to protect their functionality. When storing your battery for the off-season, check the charge every six weeks and recharge if necessary. Store the battery away from direct sunlight and in a warm, dry location. If you live in a cold climate, do not store the battery outdoors or in a freezing location, as this will damage it.
Safety and Repairs
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery charging and cycling. If your battery is damaged, only a qualified technician or the manufacturer should carry out repairs. Use identical replacement parts listed in the owner's manual for optimal safety.
Power Source
Before performing any maintenance on your electric lawn mower, always disconnect the power source. Remove the battery or unplug the mower to avoid accidental starts.
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Cleaning and lubrication
Firstly, remove any built-up grass, leaves, and debris from the motor cover and the underside of the mower. Do not use a hose or pressure washer to clean your mower, as water can damage the motor and electrical connections. Instead, use a blower or an air compressor to blow out any dust or debris from the battery compartments, vents, and motors. You can also use a dry brush to clean the mower.
Next, inspect the blades, blade bolts, and cutter assembly. Replace any worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to maintain the balance of the tool. If the blades are dull, you can sharpen them using a bench grinder, file, or angle grinder. Only sharpen the 3-4 inch cutting edges, and do not over-sharpen, as this will dull quickly and won't cut well. Once the blades are sharpened, apply a thin coat of lubricant, such as WD-40, to prevent rust from forming.
Additionally, check the wheels for any grass or debris buildup and lubricate them with a gentle squirt of WD-40 or a similar product. Check all bolts and fasteners, as the mower's vibrations can cause them to loosen over time.
Finally, if your mower has a battery, inspect it before storing. Check the housing for any cracks or problems, and ensure it is stored away from sunlight at half-charge or slightly less. Keep the batteries warm and do not store them outdoors if your climate drops below freezing, as this will ruin the battery.
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Oil checks and changes
Firstly, allow your mower to cool down before beginning maintenance to avoid burns and allow for an accurate inspection of all its parts. Disconnect the power source to avoid accidental starts while you work. For electric mowers, this means unplugging the mower or removing the battery. Put on safety glasses and gloves, and ensure you are working in a well-ventilated place to avoid breathing in fumes.
To check the oil level, find and remove the oil cap. Many models will have a dipstick built in. Check the oil level against the manufacturer's guidelines and top up if necessary. If the oil is black or discoloured, it is ready for changing. When choosing lawn mower oil, use a high-quality detergent oil classified as "For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ" or higher. Do not use special additives. Synthetic oils are an acceptable oil at all temperatures.
It is also important to maintain the batteries of your electric lawn mower. Before storing for the off-season, fully charge the batteries and check them every six weeks. Keep them in a warm place and avoid storing them outdoors or in a garage if you live in a climate that consistently drops below freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Servicing an electric lawn mower involves a few simple steps. First, you should always consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions specific to your model. Next, disconnect the power source to avoid accidental starts. Then, inspect the blades, blade bolts, and cutter assembly, replacing or sharpening worn or damaged blades. Other important components to check include the spark plug, oil level, air filter, and battery. Be sure to store the battery in a warm, dry location, and keep it charged if you plan to store the mower for an extended period.
To sharpen the blades on your electric lawn mower, first, make sure the mower is disconnected from its power source and all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Then, remove the blade and secure it in a vise. Use a file, angle grinder, or bench grinder to sharpen the blade, following the original angle of the cutting edge. Only sharpen the 3-4 inch cutting edges, and be sure to coat the blade with a lubricant like WD-40 to prevent rust. Finally, reinstall the blade, ensuring it is properly aligned.
It is recommended to service your electric lawn mower at the end of the grass-cutting season to prepare it for long-term storage. This will typically involve cleaning the mower, inspecting and/or sharpening the blades, and changing the oil. It is also important to perform regular maintenance throughout the year, such as checking the battery, spark plug, and air filter, to ensure your mower remains in good working condition.
