• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Exmark's Backyard Life

Living Happens Outdoors

  • Rural Lifestyle
  • Outdoor Living
  • Lawn + Garden
  • Ambassadors
  • Originals
  • Search

Lawn Mower Mistakes to Avoid

July 13, 2016 by Exmark Mowers

Lawn + Garden /
Man using Exmark mower to get a professional look

When you make the investment in a quality mower, regular maintenance and upkeep is a must. Therefore, it is important to avoid situations that can damage your equipment, cause wear and tear, or even increase your chances of an injury. Take better care of your lawn—and your equipment—by staying away from these common lawn mower mistakes.

Buying More/Less Mower Than You Need: If your yard is small or has many obstacles, a larger zero-turn mower might not be the right machine. At the same time, a yard that’s half an acre or more could take you hours to trim with a push mower. Always match the lawn mower you use to your needs. Considerations like the size of your lawn, the grade of any slopes, the type of terrain and obstacles, like trees, will all play a role.

Low Oil Levels: Low oil levels can damage your lawn mower’s engine. To avoid overheating and keep everything lubricated properly, check your mower’s oil level each time you go out.

Low Tire Pressure: If you’re noticing an uneven deck, your problem might be as simple as low tire pressure on one or all of your tires. Low pressure can cause an uneven cut and affect your ability to steer or have proper traction. Always check tires and make sure they’re properly inflated before heading out.

Clogged Decks: The common mower advice to clean out your equipment after every use exists for a reason. Mowers work best and are safest when their blades and undercarriage are clean. After you mow,  remove any dirt, grass, weeds, or other debris with a hose, and be sure to give the equipment plenty of time to dry before you put it away. 

Dull Blades: This is probably the most common lawn  mower mistake. Mower blades aren’t meant to last forever. Over time and with excessive use, they will grow dull and less effective, which can cause tearing of the grass and make the turf more susceptible to disease. If you aren’t equipped to sharpen mower blades yourself, take them to your authorized dealer for sharpening or replacement.

Not Checking for Rocks and Other Debris: Even  small rocks can bend or chip your mower blades. This can knock blades off balance and lead to uneven cutting. It’s also a safety hazard. Hitting a rock while mowing can cause injury to yourself, others, or property. Always check for rocks before mowing, and watch for other debris, like sticks, cans, and toys or hardware left on your lawn.

Ignoring the Air Filter: A clogged air filter will stop your mower cold. Make sure you check the air filter regularly. To avoid clogs, wash the filter after each use and replace it once or twice a year. 

Cutting a Wet Lawn: Clumps caused by wet clippings can clog the machine, and the water-soaked grass might be  slippery. Even if you’re on a tight mowing schedule, it’s safer to wait until conditions improve.

Bad Storage: Don’t leave a mower outside and exposed to the elements. Covered storage is a must when the mower isn’t in use, even if it’s just for a few days at a time; however, you will want to make sure the mower is cooled down before putting it away. Keep your mower in a space where rodents and other pests can’t get into it, especially over the winter.

One last lawn mower mistake to avoid: Skipping maintenance. Keep up with mower maintenance schedules and follow the safety instructions for your mower. Most accidents occur because of shortcuts or a failure to properly secure the equipment before use. It might take a few extra minutes to get everything running in tip-top shape, but the quality of your lawn and your safety will be worth it.

Primary Sidebar

Related Stories

How to Prevent Weeds from Growing this Spring

Read More
Man using Exmark mower to get a professional look

Creating a Mower-Friendly Lawn

Read More

Getting Your Lawn Ready for Winter

Read More

THE LATEST FROM THE YARD

Keep your DIY Resolutions
Rural Lifestyle
5 Tips to Help You Complete Your DIY Projects
Read More
Outdoor Living
How to Build a Grilling Island
Watch Now
Rural Lifestyle
Trapping Tips
Watch Now

Footer

Stay Connected

Keep living your best backyard life all year round. Get alerts on the latest original series updates, along with the inspiration and know-how you need to enjoy backyard life to the fullest!

  • Home
  • Rural Lifestyle
  • Outdoor Living
  • Lawn + Garden
  • Trending
  • Ambassadors
  • Originals
  • The Exmark Story
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2021 EXMARK - Backyard Life

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • DMCA

Trending

Watch <i data-lazy-src=