Simple, routine maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your mower running strong for years on end. And, teaching the younger generation the tools of the trade—and the knowledge associated with it—is equally as important in helping them grow. So, in this Backyard Life video, join rural living expert Daniel Arms as he teaches his son, Houston, several basic lawn mower maintenance tips.
For this video, Arms breaks out a kit he’s purchased for his Exmark mower. But we all need a bit of a tune-up ourselves before getting to work! So, prior to tuning-up his Radius, the two smoke up some mouthwatering Oklahoma breakfast sausage to prep for the job ahead. (For all you breakfast lovers, Daniel’s made sure to include the ingredients and cooking tips in this video, as well.)
Daniel’s Mower Tune-Up Steps
Once breakfast is cooked up (and eaten), Daniel and Houston get to work on showing their Exmark Radius a little love.
- Oil Change: Daniel unscrews the oil reservoir nut and drains the old oil into a catch pan. He then refills it with clean oil (his machine runs 10W-40). It’s a quick (and potentially messy) job, but it makes a big difference in the life of your engine.
- Oil Filter Replacement: Next, Daniel swaps out the oil filter—a key part of ensuring your mower runs smooth. He simply removes the old filter from its housing and replaces it with a new one.
- Air Filter Replacement: Daniel pops open the housing, removes the old inner and outer air filters, and replaces them with fresh ones. Clean airflow helps your mower breathe easier, and keeps it from bogging down when the grass starts to really get thick.
- Fuel Filter Replacement: Daniel loosens the hose clamps, removes the old fuel filter, and installs the new one, making sure it’s facing the right direction (check the arrow on the filter). Then it’s hoses back on, clamps tightened, and he’s back in business.
- Spark Plug Replacement: New plugs can mean easier starts and more consistent performance, especially when your mower’s been sitting through winter. Daniel uses a socket wrench to loosen and remove spark plugs. He then replaces them with new plugs and tightens them back into place. (He recommends replacing your spark plug wires while you’re at it, since worn wires can cause their own slew of headaches)
Simple, Routine Lawn Mower Maintenance
Daniel’s tune-up routine isn’t complicated, and that’s the point. A little routine maintenance now can save you a lot of frustration later. And, by following his tips, you can rest assured it’ll be in top working condition all year-round!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Maintenance
Routine lawn mower maintenance helps:
- Extend engine life
- Improve reliability
- Prevent costly repairs
- Ensure consistent cut quality
- Reduce downtime during peak season
Simple, seasonal tune-ups keep your mower running strong year after year.
Oil should be changed according to the service intervals listed in your operator’s manual. Many operators perform an oil change:
- At the start of each mowing season
- After a set number of engine hours
- If the oil appears dark or contaminated
Fresh oil reduces internal wear and removes debris that can damage engine components.
Air filters prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine. Replacing dirty air filters helps:
- Maintain proper airflow
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Prevent engine bogging
- Protect internal components
If your mower struggles in thick grass, clogged air filters may be part of the problem.
By replacing inexpensive wear components (like filters and plugs) on schedule, you reduce the risk of:
- Engine damage
- Fuel system clogs
- Poor performance
- Costly downtime
A simple, consistent tune-up routine keeps your mower operating at peak performance/
