Title: 
Mower Maintenance for a Perfect Lawn

Word Count:
543

Summary:
Taking care of your lawn does not have to be that hard with the right lawn mower.  Be sure to consider your landscape when purchasing your first lawn mower.


Keywords:
lawn mower, lawn care, mowers


Article Body:
Growing and maintaining a lush green lawn takes care and the right equipment.  The right lawn mover for your landscape and proper maintenance of your equipment will ensure a nice even lawn.  A good lawn mower should cut the grass and not tear or rip it out.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a lawn mover is your landscape.  Is your lawn on a slope or flat ground?  What type of mower can get the job done with the least amount of effort?  Another factor is how easy the mower is to maintain for peak performance.

If you have to cut grass on a slope, the best type of lawn mower is one with high wheels.  This will make it easier to push up a hill, or to move back down the hill with.  The second type of lawn mower is a cordless or electric mulching lawn mower.  The mulching mower is less messy and mulches your lawn.  The third type of lawn mower is a reel lawn mower.  Reel lawnmowers are environmental friendly, not contributing to pollution and are easy to use.

After deciding on the type of lawn mower to purchase, review the maintenance schedule.  A good maintenance program will allow your mower to last for years to come and give your grass a better cut.  Every spring, the different parts of the lawnmower should be cleaned or repaired.  Spark plugs should be cleaned or replaced for good firing and nuts and bolts should be checked and tightened where necessary.  

The underside decking should be cleaned throughout the season to remove build up of grass and dirt.  Cleaning the grass and dirt will also help in preventing the spread of diseases in grass.  In order to clean the deck of the lawnmower, you should first empty the gas tank and make sure that the spark plug is not connected.  You can then stand the mower up on its side and spray the mower with water.  You can then scrub off the rest of the dirt and grass that is stuck on the mower.  Make sure to dry the mower after you have finished rinsing it off, to make sure that none of the parts rust.  

Your maintenance should also include checking the oil and air filters.  The air filters should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.  Before removing the filter to replace, make sure that you know whether it is paper or foam.  The oil in your lawn mower lubricates the engine.  Be sure you read the operating instructions on the type and amount of oil your mower uses.

Another important part of maintenance is sharpening the blades every one or two months, depending on use.  Sharp blades ensure a clean cut rather than ripping out the grass.  This can be easily done by removing the blade from the mower and sharpening it with a file.  

When mowing season is over, there are certain steps to properly store your lawn mower for the winter.  It is advisable to remove the oil and gas, and clean the exterior.

With consistent and proper care of your lawnmower, you will be able to keep your lawn looking great through the seasons and years, and your mower will last for years too.