Lawnmower care shopping list, any suggestions?

IronSquirrel

So at work we've just got the lawnmower back from its servicing. It really shouldn't have had to go in so soon, so I'm anxious not to have it happen again.

We've the following:

Enough of the right engine oil to last years
A wide Scraping tool
sponges galore, a bucket and car shampoo


anyone recommend me anything else?
I'm certainly going to get some lubricating oil, since the owner of the lawn mower believes WD40 to be the work of satan and he's bigger than me.

Pete.8

Spark plug
Air filter (but the old one can be cleaned several times before it needs to be replaced)

Woodgreen

Which fuel are you using?
I've been advised to use only E5 petrol in my machines, not E10.

Emptyheadtime

I just serviced mine, oil, spark plug and air filter along with a new diaphragm in the carburettor. I cleaned the underside and repainted it with hammerite to stop the rust. I was going to sharpen/replace the blade but couldn't get the sod to move. Runs well now.

ColinA

If the deck is made of steel it needs to be cleaned regularly to stop corrosion as to fuel check the owners handbook as to which grade to use, also petrol machines need yearly servicing if used on a weekly basis, at the end of the season a thorough  cleaning helps keep in good condition

MrMow

clean on a regular basis, just use a hose do not use a pressure washer as this will blast dirt into bearings and seals.

After cleaning allow the mower to dry before storing away.

KT53

I had a Flymo, wheeled petrol mower which was probably only serviced about 3 times in the 15 or so years I had it.  It performed perfectly well without regular servicing. It was the height adjusting mechanism which eventually failed completely.  When I finally replaced it I had a Mountfield with Briggs and Stratton engine which never ran properly despite being serviced and I gave up on it after about 3 years.  The Honda I have currently runs beautifully if serviced annually but will rarely run smoothly for 2 seasons without being serviced.

MrMow

My ladies brother (74) has a Mountfield and struggles with starting it, once it runs its fine but starting it wheres him out going to take some spanners and tools next time we visit.

Some dealers call them Briggs and scrap them, Mind you I have had big issues before with Honda engines, it's a bit of a lottery sometimes, sometimes you get a great engine other times you don't and that includes all engine makes.

As with all mowers keep them clean and tidy grease where you need to change the oil and keep the blades sharp.

Allotment Boy

My Hayter, has a Briggs engine,  I have only had it  professionally serviced about every 5 years, ie. 4 times in 20 years. I  keep it clean and  have changed the oil myself a couple of times. I do use  "fuel saver" additives to stabilize the petrol as I only use one can a year. It starts first or second pull.