This is a tip from James, the repair guy at the local Farmers' Co-op:

Most lawnmowers are replaced not because the engine wears out, but rather because the mower deck rusts beyond repair. This is largely caused by leaving grass on them following cutting. It is not the grass itself as much as it holding moisture against the metal. After each usage, use the hose and spray nozzle to throughly wash off all accumulated grasses from the mower deck. For the push type, lift and hose down the underside as well. Of course, leaving the mower exposed to the weather will accelerate the process even if washed after each use.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), May 03, 2002

Answers

Some other things I was told to do by my repair shop was to run the engine at idle for a couple of minutes AFTER you finish mowing, allowing the engine to cool off. Also don't remove that engine cover; it may be easier to service and make adjustments to your engine with it off, but some of them actually channel air to parts of your engine that need it. Removal actually will hurt the performance. And lastly, be sure to change that oil religiously, lubrication really is needed for those small engines.

-- j.r. guerra in s. tx. (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), May 03, 2002.

Decades ago I was told by a repairman to clean the air filter after each use of the mower. That was with the oil bath and foam filters, not the dry elements that some mowers today use.

When I buy a mower I also buy a couple of spare foam filters at the same time. I then wash all of the elements at once and store the extra, clean ones, in closable plastic bags. This saves from having the cleaning mess each time.

I have also drilled,threaded, and installed zerks on the wheels to allow greasing of them. Grease each time to force out the dirty, gritty, grease.

Also always balance blades when sharpening them. Sure helps to prevent engine wear, seal wear, etc.

-- Notforprint (Not@thekeyboard.com), May 03, 2002.