Cleaning the mower deck after mowing
Grass stuck under the mower ferments, rusts the metal and prevents the blade from turning. A simple gesture after each mowing to keep it for 10 years.
Recommended Materials
- Spatula or wooden/plastic scraper
- Water jet
- Protective gloves
- Penetrating oil
Steps to follow
Step 1
Safety first: always disconnect the spark plug wire (gas mower) or remove the battery/unplug the plug (electric mower) to avoid accidental starting of the blade while your hands are underneath.
Step 2
Tilt the mower. WARNING: for a gas mower, always tilt the carburetor UP (check the manual, often it is by lifting the front wheels or tilting backwards, never on the air filter side otherwise oil floods the engine and filter).
Step 3
Scrape the grass accumulated under the deck with a wooden or plastic spatula. Do not let the grass dry, it ferments, becomes acidic and attacks the metal, in addition to hardening like concrete.
Step 4
Spray with water if necessary to finish cleaning (without wetting the engine or electrical parts).
Step 5
Check the condition of the blade: it must not be bent or too blunt. A damaged blade creates vibrations that are bad for the engine.
Step 6
Once the deck is dry, spray a little penetrating oil (WD-40) or vegetable oil under the deck. This creates a greasy film that prevents grass from sticking next time and protects the metal from rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the blade be sharpened ?
Yes, at least once a year (at the start of the season). A blade that cuts poorly chops the grass instead of slicing it cleanly, which causes the tips of the blades to yellow and makes the lawn more susceptible to disease.
My mower smokes white when starting, is it serious ?
If you tilted it the wrong way, oil has passed into the cylinder or exhaust. Let it rest, check the oil level, and restart. It will smoke enormously for 5 to 10 min while burning the oil, then stop.
Precautions
- Never put your hands near the blade without disconnecting the spark plug.
- Wear thick gloves (the blade cuts).
