Lawn Mower question
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
Never changed the oil or spark plug in mine since I bought it new in '96 (24" MTD). Starts on the first pull and mows like a champ. Never sharpened the blade either.
I did the same thing with the one before it. It lasted 7 years before the wheels fell off.
I did the same thing with the one before it. It lasted 7 years before the wheels fell off.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
Hmm, I just experienced that. My dad broke our 7 year old mower, by a wheel falling off. It was a shame as the engine was great, but the body had some rust on it. He never cares for things the way he should.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
I change my oil at the end of the season prior to storage. The theory is that the acids that have developed in the oil won't have the entire off season to work on the internal components.
99% of my customers get their oil changed at the beginning of the season, but only because they wait until they see the need to mow before calling me to come get their machine and service it.
99% of my customers get their oil changed at the beginning of the season, but only because they wait until they see the need to mow before calling me to come get their machine and service it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
Originally Posted by ranger rules
Hmm, I just experienced that. My dad broke our 7 year old mower, by a wheel falling off. It was a shame as the engine was great, but the body had some rust on it. He never cares for things the way he should.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I change mine as close to every 25 hours as possible...but I put about 80-85 hours on it each year. I change the oil filter every other change. I change the air filter when it's dirty...I change the blades when they don't cut well anymore (half a year, usually chipped from roots more than worn)...How many hours do you guys accumulate in a year that only change it once a season?
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
Ha, remember my posts about a reel mower last year? Well, although we have a small enough yard to cut with a reel mower, it (the grass) was just too tall for my wife to use it. Put it in Craigslist and got $100 for it. Was offered a free electric mower a few times, but I hate those things. I bought my first gas lawnmower last year. An end of season blowout at Walmart, got it for $100. 4.5 hp Tecumseh on a 21" MTD. Didn't winterise it, haven't changed the oil or air filter yet. But I do plan on it come October.
I guess I should probably do something about my mom's mower though, hasn't had an oil change in 20 years, my dad bought it new. That one's a 21" Noma with a 2 hp B&S. Or maybe I'll leave it, as she uses a reel mower anyway. If my brother gets his butt in gear and buys a house, he'll probably inherit the 20 year old mower, and I'll fix er up for him then.
I guess I should probably do something about my mom's mower though, hasn't had an oil change in 20 years, my dad bought it new. That one's a 21" Noma with a 2 hp B&S. Or maybe I'll leave it, as she uses a reel mower anyway. If my brother gets his butt in gear and buys a house, he'll probably inherit the 20 year old mower, and I'll fix er up for him then.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Stabil in fuel all the time
Oil change about every 4 to 5 years
My mower is 10 years old, still runs good, put a new plug in this year
Oil change about every 4 to 5 years
My mower is 10 years old, still runs good, put a new plug in this year
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
ckal704 has it right, change it in the fall before you put it away.
That goes for any engine that is going to sit, and as mentioned use Stabil
before storing. I use Stabil in every small engine I own, it sure cured a lot of carburator problems.
That goes for any engine that is going to sit, and as mentioned use Stabil
before storing. I use Stabil in every small engine I own, it sure cured a lot of carburator problems.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by ckal704
I change my oil at the end of the season prior to storage. The theory is that the acids that have developed in the oil won't have the entire off season to work on the internal components.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1
Change the oil once a year. I used to use Stabil, but now I run the mower until it is out of gas, then store it in the garage for the winter. In the Spring I change the oil, put in a new plug, fill it with new gas, and it starts right off!
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