Landscape Supplies | 4 Tips to Prolong the Shelf Life of Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawn mowers can make the whole process of lawn mowing quicker and more effortless, but they also require smart maintenance to ensure they last their full life expectancy and more. Before undertaking any maintenance procedure, you must ensure that the lawn mower is disengaged from any electrical system for enhanced safety. Be sure to inspect thoroughly by following these tips to extend the life of your electric lawn mower.

Check Blades for Dullness

During the mowing process it's easy for lawn mower blades to get dull and damaged over time. You will need to sharpen the blade before using it on your lawn. Sharp blades give your grass a clean cut for better grass recovery and reduce your mowing time considerably, because you don't have to go over the same area another time. To sharpen the blade, you will need to detach it from the lawn mower by loosening the securing nut. You can sharpen the blade edges with the help of a motorised grinder, sharpening stone or file, which you can find at a landscape supplies store. If the blades are badly damaged, you may need to get them sharpened by the professionals.  

Inspect the Venting System and Mower Deck

You'll need to routinely inspect the vents of your lawn mower because these areas are susceptible to clogging. You can use a powerful hairdryer to blast out grass residue after each use. Similarly, you must check the bottom of your mower for any grass build-up. With a sharp gardening tool, you should scrape off the grass from the lawn mower. If you don't want the grass to stick to your mower deck, you can spray the bottom with cooking oil — the oil slickness prevents grass from latching onto lawn mowers.

Examine Fasteners and Wheels

Before undertaking the process of lawn mowing, make sure that all the nuts and bolts are tightened. This ensures that all the parts are properly secured. You will also need to make sure that the lawn mower's wheels are well lubricated with spray lubricant so that they run smoothly over your lawn during the mowing process.

Check the Power System

You'll also need to ensure the power system of your lawn mower is functioning properly. The method of inspection will depend on whether your lawn mower is cordless of corded. For battery-operated cordless lawn mowers, you don't want to discharge the battery fully, as this decreases its storage capacity drastically. While you want to keep your battery charged, you must remove the charger once the battery is fully charged to prevent any damage. For corded lawn mowers, be sure to check that the power cord casing is properly insulated and free from damage. Open power cord casings could cause potential fire hazards.

If you have specific questions about maintaining lawn mowers or you've decided it's time to replace your lawn mower, talk with a professional from a local lawn products and supply company.