Lawn mower care will make both your lawn and you greener

Lubricant Spray May is a great month for the home gardener. Soil to be tilled, seeds to be planted and green is seen throughout our landscape. New growth seems nearly everywhere ?trees look so fresh, many shrubs show new growth and in our vegetable gardens, onions and peas have sprouts encouraged by the warm spring sun.It is also a time long awaited, as our lawns begin to form that green arpet?around our homes. Many may grumble about mowing or trimming the grass but few can deny the lawn beautiful contribution to our homes and landscapes, making it all seem worthwhile.Before the awn-mowing season?shifts into igh gear?there are pointers in lawn mower maintenance. By following a few simple steps you will have a greener lawn AND you may be reener?yourself as you contribute less pollution to the atmosphere.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 54 million Americans mow their lawns each weekend. They will fuel these lawn mowers with about 800 million gallons of gasoline per year and produce tons of air pollutants. Garden equipment engines, which have not had emissions regulated until recently, are producing up to 5 percent of the nation air pollution (higher in metropolitan areas).This may be hard to understand so EPA gives a comparison. A traditional gas powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars each being driven 12,000 miles. Still another comparison is that one hour of mowing is equivalent of driving a car 350 miles in terms of emissions. That is nearly the same as driving from Buffalo to Cleveland AND BACK! Speaking of gasoline, the EPA states that about 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled as we refuel lawn equipment. This contributes to groundwater contamination and air pollution as vapors enter the atmosphere. We can all do more to reduce or eliminate gasoline spillage when refilling our equipment gas tank.We can also do better in reducing pollutants given off by our lawn equipment by performing simple maintenance tasks.If youe of the opinion that your mower condition is ust fine?with no annual maintenance, your mower is a part of the two-thirds ower population?that receives no annual tune-up to run in tip-top shape. I will add to that esearch?that you will also be part of the two-thirds that will find that you have a gas guzzling, high polluting, sputtering engine, with uneven cutting and wheel squeaking as the mowing season continues. Better to address these maintenance points NOW!Before we actually look at the mower itself, what will you use to FUEL your machine? It is best to drain all remaining fuel at the end of the mowing season. This is sometimes a little awkward and as an alternative to the end-of-the-season fuel drain, you may wish to use a fuel additive when youe through blowing and chopping the last of the fall leaves with your mower. Fuel, like milk, has a shelf life, so be sure to add only fresh gasoline to your mower for the upcoming season.Before you begin your pre-season examination of your power mower (or any power lawn or garden equipment) be sure to DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG WIRE. This simple procedure may prevent a severe injury to a hand or finger(s) as you work with the mower blade.EXAMINE THE MOWER扴 BLADE. It is highly recommended that the blade be sharpened at least once a year. A dull blade makes the machine work harder, actually harms the grass blades, and makes the grass plants more susceptible to diseases. If you have sharpening equipment, replace the blunt leading edge of the blade with one that is sharp. Lawn equipment businesses also sharpen blades. If the blade is badly nicked, or even bent, it is best to replace the old with a new blade.CHANGE YOUR MOWER ENGINE OIL. The motor oil is the ife blood?of your engine. It ensures that your critical engine parts are lubed and friction is reduced. If youe not sure how to drain the old oil, check in your owner manual. Catch the old oil as it drains, place it in a sealable container and take it to an automobile service center or auto parts store. Remember that it is not a good practice and ILLEGAL to dump used oil on the ground or down a storm sewer. Replace the engine oil with the oil weight specified by your mower manufacturer. As new oil is added, be sure to check the dipstick for the proper amount. DO NOT OVERFILL. Note: When I change my mower oil, I first make sure that there enough old oil in the engine to operate safely. I then run the mower a couple of minutes to let the engine arm up?and suspend the debris in the old oil. After I stop the engine and it is still warm, I then drain the old oil with the suspended buildup. I then add the new oil.REPLACE YOUR SPARKPLUG. An annual replacement of the engine sparkplug will make starting easier and improve fuel economy. Be sure to replace the spark plug with one that is specified in your owner manual and been properly gapped. This small investment is well worth it.REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER. Can you imagine your engine gasping for air to avoid dying? Yet that exactly what happens if your air filter is clogged with dust, weed seeds, and dead insects. This clogging changes the air/fuel ratio so that there will be higher fuel consumption and a rough running engine. Check your owner manual for the type of air filter replacement ?usually made of a paper material or foam, or both. Depending on weather and mowing conditions, you should periodically check your air filter throughout the mowing season. Filters are generally very inexpensive and your ayback period?is very fast with today gasoline prices!CHECK FOR TUCK ON?DEBRIS. If you were really rushed at the end of the last mowing season, and stored your mower with caked on grass, leaves, and dirt, begin this season with a clean mower. For hardened deposits, take a putty knife and/or wire brush to remove. Your mower recycling or cutting feature depends on an unobstructed under deck. For minor deposits, a strong jet of water from the garden hose usually completes the job.INSPECT YOUR MOWER EXTERIOR MOVING PARTS. Often, we take these moving parts for granted, until there is a squeak, or difficult movement, of a part. I have a can of a lightweight spray lubricant (e.g., WD-40) handy and spray linkages, control cables, and wheels. A quick spray will keep parts moving effortlessly not only for this season but mowing seasons to come. If your mower uses belts and/or chains, inspect for wear. Replace cracked belts and be sure chains are lubed. Tighten any bolts that may appear loose.