You already know that your lawn mower fleet is the backbone of your landscaping business. Regular commercial lawn mower maintenance is the best way to keep that backbone standing strong.
Your mowers need to stay in service to meet your customers’ demands and stay on schedule despite constant use. Your team needs to be well-trained in regular upkeep and troubleshooting to keep these machines running efficiently.
Training your employees in commercial lawn mower maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns. It’s about maximizing the life of your outdoor power equipment and the profitability of your business. Routine checks, oil changes, and understanding the machine’s quirks can make all the difference in maintaining performance and saving on repair costs.
Training your team on essential upkeep practices, daily checklists, and troubleshooting tips will help you get more from your commercial lawn mowers. Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to create a schedule that keeps your equipment in top shape and how to handle any mower issues that arise.
Commercial Lawn Mower Maintenance: Why Train Your Employees?
Training your employees doesn’t end with learning to run the equipment. Giving them pointers to spot issues with their equipment before these small issues cause big breakdowns will help keep your team mowing and your customers happy. Training your team on regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and efficiency of your outdoor power equipment.
First, well-maintained equipment minimizes costly repairs. When employees know how to check and replace spark plugs, oil filters, and air filters, they can prevent small engine issues. Employees trained in spotting signs of wear—like worn mower blades or low tire pressure—help keep equipment functioning in top condition.
Secondly, trained staff can identify and solve problems promptly. They’ll know how to adjust the belt tension or fix issues with the ignition key or fuel lines. This reduces downtime during busy mowing seasons, keeping your operations running smoothly.
Moreover, regular maintenance ensures safety. Checking the oil, fluid, and battery levels will reduce the risk of accidents.
Training your employees on proper maintenance saves time and money while improving performance and safety.
Commercial Lawn Mower Maintenance: How to Prevent Breakdowns
Regular maintenance of commercial lawn mowers will prevent breakdowns and missed appointments. It keeps your landscaping equipment in top shape and reduces the risk of costly repairs and downtime.
A well-maintained mower delivers reliable performance all mowing season long, ensuring steady income for your business. By training your staff in the following simple maintenance tasks, you protect your investment, keep your customers happy, and keep your team working.
Your Team’s Daily Maintenance Checklist
Daily maintenance is the backbone of a successful lawn care operation. Checking mowers before and after use ensures everything is in working order. Train your employees to perform these 5 simple checks at the start and end of each day:
- Check the oil and fluid levels. This step prevents engine damage caused by low fluids.
- Check that the fuel lines and the oil filter are clean.
- Look for loose bolts or parts. Tighten them to prevent more significant issues.
- Clear the mower deck after each use to stop grass buildup. Clean equipment stays efficient and lasts longer.
- A quick tire pressure check can prevent slowdowns out in the field.
Managing these small tasks daily means fewer interruptions later!
Your Company’s Scheduled Maintenance
Beyond daily checks, your lawn mowers need scheduled maintenance. This includes tasks like replacing spark plugs and checking belt tension. These tasks are crucial to avoid major breakdowns. Regularly inspecting mower blades for excessive wear helps maintain cutting efficiency. Scheduled tasks also extend the mower’s lifecycle. Seasonal checks, like preparing for winter storage, protect your equipment further. Create a regular maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment that includes:
- Check and change spark plugs
- Check and change belts
- Blade sharpening or replacement
- Oil & oil filter changes
- Clean or replace the air filter
- Check and clean the carburetor
- Check and clean the battery terminals
Skipping these regular maintenance tasks will likely lead to complications. Consistent upkeep ensures your outdoor power equipment stays in prime condition, keeping your business running smoothly and customers happy.
Here’s how to plan your maintenance around key milestones in your equipment’s life:
First 8 Hours
After your commercial lawn mower’s first eight hours of operation, it’s time for its initial check-up. After the first 8 hours of operation on a commercial mower, you may need to perform an initial oil change unless your dealer has already done this for you.
This initial oil change helps remove any metal particles that may have broken free during the break-in period and ensures the engine is receiving proper lubrication.
Check the belt tension to ensure it’s tight and functioning correctly. Examine the machine for loose nuts, screws, bolts, or other parts.
Every 50 Hours
Every 50 hours of use, your commercial lawn mower needs some deeper attention.
Replace the fuel filter to avoid debris that may clog the engine. Check the oil level. If it looks dirty, it’s time for a change. Inspect and clean the air filter to keep debris out of the engine. Make sure the spark plug is working well. Faulty plugs can make starting a challenge!
Routine 50-hour maintenance keeps the mower running efficiently.
Every 100 Hours
After every 100 hours of use, run through your 50-hour checklist again, and take a few more steps:
Check the mower deck and make sure the belt tension is tight.
Look at the tire pressure. Proper pressure keeps the lawn mower balanced and prevents excessive tire wear. Check your owner’s manual for the correct pressure for your machine.
Examine the blades for any nicks or dullness. Sharpen blades or replace them as needed.
These simple tasks keep your lawn mower fleet at peak performance.
Don’t Skip Winterization
Winterizing your commercial lawn mower is a vital step before storing it at the end of the summer. This process ensures the machine is ready to run when the new mowing season comes.
Start by cleaning all parts, focusing on the mower blades and deck. Drain fuel to prevent any buildup in the fuel lines. Remove or disconnect the battery for the winter. Lubricate any moving parts to avoid rust.
Proper winterization prevents damage during cold months, so your equipment remains in top shape, ready for another year of service.
Troubleshooting Your Outdoor Power Equipment
No matter how diligent you are with preventative maintenance, things happen. Training your team to troubleshoot common issues with your commercial mowers can help you save time and money in diagnostics!
With a few simple checks, you can identify problems faster and keep your lawn mowers running smoothly throughout the mowing season.
Lawn Mower Engine Starting Problems
Engine starting problems can be frustrating. Several issues can cause your commercial lawn mower to start roughly or not at all.
- Fuel Issues: Check if the fuel tank is empty or if old fuel remains. Fresh, clean fuel is essential. Replace any old fuel and ensure the tank is full before starting.
- Dirty Air Filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow. Remove and clean or replace the air filter if necessary. It’s a simple fix that can make your mower run better.
- Spark Plug Problems: Dirty or worn spark plugs won’t fire correctly. Inspect them for signs of wear or dirt, and replace if needed. Make this a regular part of your maintenance routine.
- Battery Issues: Check if the lawn mower battery is charged. A dead battery can prevent starting. Charge or replace the battery to resolve this.
- Ignition Key Faults: Ensure the ignition key is working properly. A faulty key could mean electrical problems. Testing or replacing the key can often solve this issue.
Lawn Cut Quality Problems
Uneven or poor-quality lawn cuts can make your customers’ lawns look unsightly. There are a few common causes that you can easily address.
- Dull Mower Blades: Dull blades tear the grass rather than cutting it. Sharpen or replace the mower blades regularly to ensure clean cuts.
- Improper Mower Deck Height: The deck should be leveled properly. Adjust the deck to the correct height for an even lawn cut.
- Clogged Mower Deck: Grass clippings can build up. Clean the deck regularly to prevent clogging, which affects cutting quality.
- Belt Tension Issues: Loose or worn belts can cause uneven cutting. Check the belt tension and replace it if needed.
- Tire Pressure: Unequal tire pressure can lead to uneven cuts. Check and adjust tire pressure regularly for optimal performance.
Lawn Mower Tire and Traction Issues
Tire and traction issues can make it hard to maneuver your lawn mower, affecting efficiency and cut quality. Here’s what to look for.
- Low Tire Pressure: Low pressure can reduce traction. Regularly check and inflate tires to the recommended levels for optimal grip.
- Worn Treads: Tires with worn treads can slip easily. Inspect tire tread for excessive wear and replace tires if needed.
- Improper Weight Distribution: Uneven weight can affect traction. Ensure that any added weights or attachments are balanced and evenly distributed.
- Fluid Level in Hydraulic Systems: Low fluid levels can hinder traction in hydraulic systems. Check and refill all fluids per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Loose or Damaged Wheels: Wheels should be secured tightly. Inspect and tighten wheel bolts and repair any damaged wheels for safety and performance.
By addressing these issues, you can keep your commercial lawn mowers in top condition, ensuring efficient operation throughout the landscaping season. Regular maintenance and immediate attention to problems can help avoid downtime and costly repairs.
Commercial Lawn Mower Maintenance: Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping a commercial lawn mower in top shape ensures reliability and efficiency. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and extends the machine’s life. It also helps avoid costly repairs. Importantly, consistent care can enhance performance during peak mowing season.
Here are a few essential tips on maintaining your commercial lawn mower. From routine maintenance tasks to understanding when professional service is necessary, these insights will ensure you maximize your equipment’s lifespan and operational efficiency.
What regular maintenance does a commercial lawn mower need?
Regular maintenance on a commercial lawn mower keeps it running smoothly. Start by checking the oil and changing it as needed. Inspect the fuel filter and replace it if it’s clogged. Don’t forget the spark plugs; clean or replace them regularly to ensure reliable ignition. Check tire pressure to promote even mowing and prevent wear on the mower blades. Make sure the air filter is clean so that the engine gets enough air. Also, inspect the mower deck for debris, and keep it clean to maintain performance. Lubricate moving parts to avoid friction and wear. Regular checks and maintenance keep the lawn mower efficient.
How often should you change the oil in a commercial lawn mower?
Changing the oil in a commercial lawn mower is crucial for its longevity and performance. For most mowers, oil should be replaced after every 50-100 hours of use. However, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model. Fresh oil protects the engine from excessive wear and heat. Make it a habit to check the oil level before each use. Ensuring the oil filter is clean will also enhance engine efficiency. Routine oil changes are simple yet effective tasks that can save you from expensive repairs. Regular care of the oil system ensures the optimum functioning of your mower.
How many hours does a commercial lawn mower last?
The lifespan of a commercial lawn mower varies with use and maintenance. On average, these mowers last between 1,500 to 2,000 service hours. Frequent use and rough terrain can affect this lifespan.
Regular maintenance can extend the mower’s life, maximizing your return on investment. Attention to small engine repair needs, such as replacing worn-out parts like belts or blades, is vital. Routine upkeep reduces excessive wear and prevents breakdowns. Proper care means a longer-lasting machine and delayed replacements. By keeping your mower in top condition, you enhance its lifespan and performance.
When should I take my commercial outdoor power equipment in for professional service?
Knowing when you need professional service for your commercial lawn mower is half the battle.
While regular maintenance can be done in-house, certain issues need expert attention. If the mower has persistent starting problems despite ignition key checks, consult a professional. Fluid level issues that lead to overheating also need expert intervention.
Professionals can spot and fix complex mechanical or electrical problems you might miss. Regular professional check-ups help catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.
Time is also a factor. If your team is more productive and profitable performing landscaping and mowing services, rotating your machines through a small engine repair shop like Ty’s Outdoor Power can ensure you keep your team working on the things that earn you the most revenue without creating excessive machine downtime.
Trust the Team at Ty’s
Regular maintenance is one of those must-haves for any commercial lawn care company. Unfortunately, sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day!
Trust the team at Ty’s Outdoor Power to handle service and repair for all your commercial lawn mowers. Our service team will repair or replace all the standard maintenance items, from fuel filters and spark plugs to air filters and oil filters.
Ty’s technicians inspect the whole machine, from mower decks to tire pressure. We’ll prioritize your team’s safety by assessing belt tension, mower blades, and lawn mower batteries for signs of wear before they become dangerous hazards.
Regular service and maintenance can help prolong the life of your equipment and prevent costly repairs down the line.Call the Team at Ty’s Outdoor Power for broken equipment service or regular maintenance on your commercial outdoor power equipment. Our expert technicians are here to help you keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Schedule your service online, any time!
