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How to Get Your Mower Ready for Spring

Essential Spring Maintenance Tips for Zero-Turn, Walk-Behind, and Commercial Mowers

As spring approaches, it’s time to prepare your mower for another busy cutting season. Whether you run a Bobcat zero-turn, an Exmark commercial mower, or a walk-behind, proper pre-season maintenance ensures your machine starts easily, cuts cleanly, and operates efficiently all year long.

Use this step-by-step spring maintenance checklist to keep your mower in peak condition and avoid downtime once mowing season begins.

Step-by-Step Mower Maintenance Checklist

1. Perform a Visual Inspection

Start with a thorough walk-around inspection before the first startup by checking these areas:

• Tires: Look for cracks, flat spots, or uneven wear. Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

• Mower Deck: Ensure it’s level, clean, and free from caked-on grass or dirt buildup that can cause uneven cutting.

Expert Tip:

A clean, balanced deck helps maintain even blade height and reduces strain on belts and spindles.

2. Complete an Engine Tune-Up

Keep your mower’s engine running strong with these essential tasks:

• Spark Plugs & Battery: Replace spark plugs and inspect or replace the battery if it wasn’t serviced over winter.

• Oil & Filters: Change the engine oil and replace both the air filter and oil filter.

• Lubrication: Grease all moving parts, including wheel bearings and pivot points.

• Belts: Inspect for cracks, fraying, or glazing and replace if wo

Why It Matters:

A clean air filter and fresh oil improve performance and fuel efficiency, reducing the risk of engine wear.

3. Refresh the Fuel System

Avoid sputtering and hard starts by servicing the fuel system with the following steps:

• Use Fresh Gasoline: Drain old fuel and refill with fresh, ethanol-free gasoline if possible.

• Fuel Filter: Replace the filter to ensure clean fuel flow.

Expert Tip:

Add a fuel stabilizer if you don’t mow frequently to prevent fuel oxidation and carburetor issues.

4. Sharpen or Replace Mower Blades

Sharp blades are essential for a clean, healthy cut:

• Sharpen or Replace: Dull, chipped, or bent blades should be sharpened or swapped out.

• Balance the Blades: An unbalanced blade can cause vibration, uneven cuts, and spindle damage.

Why It Matters: 

A sharp, balanced blade cuts grass cleanly rather than tearing it, promoting faster healing and a greener lawn.

5. Clean the Mower Thoroughly

A clean mower performs better and lasts longer, so make sure to:

• Remove built-up grass, dirt, and debris from the deck, engine, and undercarriage.

• Check inside engine bays or storage areas for rodent or bird nests.

• Wash and dry the exterior to prevent rust.

Expert Tip: 

Avoid spraying high-pressure water directly at bearings or electrical components. Use low pressure or compressed air instead.

6. Final Safety and Function Checks

Before your first mow of the season, be sure to:

• Tighten all bolts, nuts, and fasteners.

• Test-run the mower: check throttle response, PTO engagement, deck lift, and blade operation.

• Verify all safety switches and interlocks function properly.

Why It Matters:

A short pre-season test run prevents costly mid-season repairs and ensures operator safety.

Need Help Getting Your Mower Ready?

At Rexco Equipment, our service team provides professional mower maintenance for Bobcat, Exmark, and other leading brands. Whether you need a tune-up, blade sharpening, or replacement parts, we’ll get your mower ready for peak season performance. If you have questions, [Contact Us for Expert Advice].

Schedule your pre-season check-up with Rexco today by [Submitting a Service Request] and keep your mower running strong all year long.