Spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and soon, the grass will begin its rapid ascent. While you might be ready for warmer weather, the real question is: is your lawn mower ready for spring?

If your lawn mower has been sitting in the shed or garage for the last few months, you can’t simply expect peak performance. Winter dormancy can be tough on small engines. Stale fuel, thickened oil, and rusted decks are common issues that greet homeowners and professionals when they start their first cut of the season.

Whether you own a Husqvarna, eXmark, Walker, Honda, Altoz or Wright mower, these machines require care to maintain their efficiency and longevity. To help you determine if you are prepared for the growing season, take this quick “self-assessment” quiz. It covers the essential maintenance points every person needs to address before the grass gets too tall.

Question 1: Have you inspected the condition of your blades?

The condition of your mower blades is arguably the single most important factor in the quality of your cut. Over a season of use, blades become dull, nicked, and damaged from hitting rocks, branches, or hidden debris.

Why it matters:
A dull blade doesn’t slice the grass; it shreds it. This tearing action leaves the tips of the grass blades jagged and brown, which can make your entire lawn look dull and unhealthy. A clean cut promotes healthy growth and a lush, green appearance.

The Fix:
Inspect your blades carefully. If they are slightly dull, they can be sharpened. However, if you see deep chips, cracks, or if the blade is bent, it needs to be replaced immediately. Using an unbalanced blade can cause severe vibration that damages the engine bearings over time.

Question 2: Is the undercarriage clean or caked with debris?

It is easy to focus on the top of the mower, but the business end of the machine is underneath the deck. When you parked your mower, did you scrape out the deck, or did you leave a layer of grass clippings stuck to the metal?

Why it matters:
Grass clippings contain moisture and are acidic. If left caked on the undercarriage for months, they can cause the metal to rust and corrode. Furthermore, a buildup of dried grass disturbs the aerodynamics of the deck. Mowers are designed to create airflow that lifts the grass for an even cut and discharges clippings efficiently. A clogged deck ruins this airflow, leading to clumping, uneven cutting, and poor bagging performance.

The Fix:
Tilt your mower (always with the spark plug disconnected and the carburetor facing up to prevent oil leaks) and inspect the deck. Use a putty knife or a wire brush to scrape away any dried debris. If you have a wash-out port, use it after every mow this season to prevent future buildup.

Question 3: How does your oil look?

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, lubricating moving parts and helping to disperse heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with combustion byproducts, dirt, and moisture.

Why it matters:
Running your Husqvarna or Walker mower with old, dirty oil is a recipe for premature engine wear. Sludge can form, blocking oil passages and preventing proper lubrication. This leads to increased friction, overheating, and eventually, engine failure.

The Fix:
Check the dipstick. Clean oil should be amber or golden in color. If it is black, thick, or smells like gasoline, it needs to be changed. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil at the start of every season or after every 50 hours of use. Don’t forget to replace the oil filter if your model is equipped with one.

Question 4: Can your engine breathe?

Your lawn mower operates in a dusty, dirty environment. The air filter is the only barrier preventing dirt, pollen, and grass clippings from being sucked into the engine cylinder.

Why it matters:
A clogged air filter acts like a gag on your engine. It restricts airflow, which disrupts the fuel-to-air ratio required for combustion. This results in a loss of power, increased fuel consumption, and difficult starting. In severe cases, a compromised filter can allow grit to enter the engine, scoring the cylinder walls and causing permanent damage.

The Fix:
Locate the air filter housing and remove the filter. If it is a paper filter and it looks grey or dirty, replace it. Foam pre-filters can often be washed with soap and water, dried, and re-oiled, but paper elements are generally single-use. Replacing an air filter is one of the cheapest and easiest maintenance tasks you can perform.

Question 5: Is there fuel in the tank from last year?

This is the most common reason mowers won’t start in the spring. If you left standard pump gasoline in the tank over the winter without a stabilizer, you likely have an issue.

Why it matters:
Modern gasoline contains ethanol, which attracts moisture from the air. Over time, this mixture separates and degrades. It can leave a gummy varnish inside the carburetor, clogging the tiny jets and needles. If your mower sputters, surges, or won’t start at all, stale fuel is the likely culprit.

The Fix:
If the tank has old fuel, drain it and dispose of it properly. Fill the tank with fresh, high-octane fuel.

The Verdict: Pass or Fail?

If you answered “No” or “I don’t know” to any of the questions above, your mower isn’t ready for spring yet.

Regular maintenance is not just about making sure the machine starts; it is about protecting your investment. High-quality machines like Walker, Husqvarna, eXmark, Wright, Honda, and Altoz mowers are built to last for years, but only if they are maintained properly.

Boiling Springs Small Engine understand that going through this checklist takes time, tools, and a bit of mechanical know-how. Dealing with used oil, sharpening blades, and cleaning carburetors isn’t how everyone wants to spend their Saturday afternoon.

Let Us Handle the Dirty Work

If you want the peace of mind that comes with a perfectly tuned machine, but want to avoid the hassle of doing it yourself, we are here to help.

Now is the perfect time to get your lawn mower ready for spring. Schedule your lawn mower maintenance. By booking early, you beat the rush and ensure your lawn mower is ready for spring the moment the grass turns green.