Upcoming summer weather gives you the opportunity to complete post-winter yard work. Keeping outdoor spaces beautiful and tidy increases allows you to enjoy spending time outside. Lawn mowers prevent overgrown yards that look unsightly and create habitats for pests like ticks and rodents. Review these common questions about mowers to help you maintain lush, healthy grass. 

A Guide to Lawn Mowers

What does scalping mean?  

Scalping a lawn refers to cutting the grass so short that it damages the crowns that store nutrients and promote healthy growth. This increases the yard's vulnerability to diseases and pests. It also promotes weed-seed germination since sunlight can hit sparse or bare soil. Trim no more than one-third of the height off blades to eliminate these issues. 

Why is my mower smoking?

If smoke emanating from a lawn mower is white or blue, there’s likely an oil leak due to the appliance tilting excessively or a too-full tank; the plumes should stop once the oil burns up. Check the dipstick when adding new fluid to avoid overflow issues. Persistent smoking indicated a bigger problem that needs professional attention—such as a faulty head gasket or crankshaft vent.

Black smoke points to insufficient carburetor air that requires a filter adjustment or cleaning. Schedule repair services if the appliance keeps smoking since this signals mechanical failure.

How do I sharpen mower blades?

Dull mower blades create uneven lawns that look frayed or torn instead of cut. You’ll also notice dents or nicks in the parts if they need replacing. 

Wear thick gloves and protective eyewear to sharpen these parts with a bench grinder, blade sharpener, or angle grinder. Do not use a manual metal file since it increases injury risks. Before removing the blades, empty the gas tank and remove the sparks plugs to prevent leaks and combustion risks. Turn the mower carefully on its side, and locate the nut holding the component in place; use a socket wrench or ratchet to loosen it and detach the blades. 

How do you clean a mower?

Clean the mower’s metal deck at least twice a season to prevent grass blade accumulations that interfere with efficient cutting. Lay the mower on its side, and turn the garden hose to the highest setting to blast debris away from the underside. Use a brush and hot, soapy water to clean caked-on dirt before rinsing and drying the deck. Ensure it is fully dry to avoid rust—especially if you don’t need to mow for a week or two.

Schedule lawn mower repairs with Lawn Care Equipment Company - Webster Groves. This outdoor power equipment center has been serving the Greater St. Louis, MO, area since 1958. Their technicians have a combined 102 years of service. The company also rents and sells a variety of parts from top brands, including Mahindra®, STIHL®, and Gravely®. Call (314) 961-5700 to speak with a friendly team member at the Webster location, or dial (636) 337-0000 to reach the De Soto store. Review their products online.