PreSeason Lawn Mower Tip #1

Spring weather is finally showing up around town.  Everyone has been anxious for warmer weather to arrive, although we are just about at average temperatures for this time of year.  Before you take out your lawn mower for the first cutting, there are several things you should tend to right away.  Some shops, such as ours, offer power equipment repairs and tune ups, which you should have done on a regular basis.  But for you do-it-yourself-ers, these basics tasks should be done before your first mowing.

For this first tip, thoroughly check for any mouse nests that may have been built over the winter.  It may not be obvious, especially on riding mowers.  Take off the engine cover and check for a nest.  This photo was recently taken from a ride-on mower that was recently in our repair shop – just looking at the tractor, it appeared everything was normal, but once the hood was opened and the housing was removed by a simple wing nut, this huge mouse nest was discovered.  If the tractor would have been run with this still in there, serious engine damage would have eventually occurred.