Simple Lawnmower Maintenance

Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the spring? Before deciding to take your lawnmower in for repair, try these few simple suggestions. After completing them most of the time your lawnmower will fire up and run like a champ.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Pull and clean the Spark Plug

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Most of the time simply cleaning the spark plug will solve your lawnmower woes. To do this, disconnect the wire attached to the end of the spark plug. Then using a wrench or a Ratchet/Socket, remove the spark plug. If the spark plug is black or wet looking, you have probably found your problem on why the lawnmower is not starting.

Using fine grit sandpaper, sand the top of the spark plug down to bare metal. Make sure you sand all around the edges of the piece of metal (tab) that sits just above the electrode. Make sure that there is a gap between the metal tab and the electrode. If you still have the lawnmower manual and a feeler gauge you can adjust the gap to the specifications. However, if there is a small gap it is probably sufficient for the spark plug to operate correctly.

Make sure the spark plug is free of dust and dry. Then screw it back into the cylinder and connect back the wire to the end of the spark plug. Then try starting the lawn mower.

Check for Oil

Make sure there is oil in the lawnmower and that it is at the proper level.

Check for Fuel

Make sure there is gas in the lawn mower. If you have old gas in the lawnmower and did not put in a fuel stabilizer at the end of the season, replace the gas. If you had drained the gas tank at the end of the previous season, then fill the tank at least half full with new gas.

Check the Fuel Line

Like many of us, at the end of the previous lawn mowing season we turn off the fuel line switch. Make sure it is in the on position. If you have done all of the above and the engine will not fire, then check to see if the fuel is getting to the carburetor. Temporarily disconnect the fuel hose from the carburetor and see if gas pours out. If so reconnect the hose. If not, then check the fuel line. It may be gummed up or the fuel filter is clogged.

Check the Air Filter

Make sure the Air Filter is clean. If it is dirty and oily then replace it. If it just dirty shake it and knock out some of the dust. This may solve your problem; however I would still recommend replacing it.

Clean the Carburetor

First turn off the fuel line. Disassembling and cleaning the carburetor is not as bad as you may think. Usually there is a nut on the underside of the carburetor. Remove this and pull the bottom portion of the carburetor off. Clean the inside of this lower portion of the carburetor and then make sure the float valve moves up and down freely. The float valve is a plastic object about 1.5" in diameter that hangs down when you remove the lower portion of the carburetor.

Reconnect the lower portion of the carburetor and turn on the fuel line again.

Try restarting the lawnmower. If it still does not work after performing all of these procedures, then take it to a repair shop. However, from personal experience these procedures usually solve the problem.

Sharpen the Blade

Finally, make sure you sharpen the blade. This will ensure you minimize the torque on the engine while cutting the grass. Not to mention, your lawn will get a more even cut.

Simple Lawnmower Maintenance

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Under Cabinet Microwave 1Tb External Usb Hdtv 120Hz

Finding John Deere Lawn Mower Parts

I am the proud owner of a John Deere LT155 riding lawn mower. Rarely do I have any troubles with it, but occasionally I have to replace some parts. Even the highest quality machines, like the John Deere, will need work done on them at some point - even if it's just routine maintenance.
I've found that my John Deere is easy to work on, and the manual provides great direction on how to repair it. Because John Deere is such a popular brand, finding parts is not hard at all...but finding affordable John Deere parts can be a bit more difficult. The dealers will have all John Deere parts you'll ever need and can easily order it for you if they don't currently have it in stock. They may even carry some used parts that will work great for whatever your repair. When I need a part for my John Deere garden tractor, I usually start by calling the dealer first to ask if they have any used parts. If not, I then ask how much it would cost for the new replacement part and jot the amount down. By doing this, I also get the exact name of the part I need and write this down as well.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

After this, I get online and try to find the part cheaper elsewhere. Often, I can get a cheaper used or new part online and have it shipped to my house. Of course you have to factor in the shipping costs when looking for parts this way, but a lot of the suppliers have already taken this into account and have priced their parts accordingly.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

By doing this method of research, you can save yourself some money but still get what you need for your John Deere equipment. There are a wealth of John Deere parts suppliers on the web and, with a little time, you should be able to find what your looking for at a reasonable price. If you do happen to run stuck, the dealer will always have what you need. John Deere dealers can also provide some great support on how to install the item if you need help. Since I'm not a mechanic by trade, I can use a little help occasionally. I have a few great John Deere dealers in my area and check in with them for the more difficult repairs I encounter with my John Deere mower.

Once you've located the part, you have to install it. Unless you're a really skilled mechanic with John Deere mowers, this usually requires a good manual. I rely on mine for anything outside of the regular maintenance ie. servicing it, airing up tires etc. If you don't have a manual for your John Deere, you can also purchase these from the dealer or try to find a new or used one online. There are many sources for used manuals available online. If you type the name/model of your John Deere into your favorite search engine, you should easily find what you're looking for.

Finding John Deere Lawn Mower Parts

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Christmas Sales Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers 201

Dec 21, 2011 15:47:11

Click for larger image and other views

>> Click here to update Christmas prices for Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers <<

Christmas Sales Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers Feature

Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Christmas Sales Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers Overview

POULAN PRO TRACTOR MULCHKIT * 42" *For use with Poulan Pro and Husqvarna branded tractorswith 42" decks * Includes mulch plug and mulching blades * Fits Ace nos. 7187271, 7206592 and 7206758

SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!

Available In Stock.

This Christmas Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers is cheap and shipping as well.

Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please.

Limited Offer Today!! Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers Christmas and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

Nutrition And Supplements

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Problem 1: Engine Will Not Crank

Sometimes the simplest solution may fix this riding lawn mower problem. Confirm that all the safety features of the riding lawn mower are functioning correctly. Make sure the mowing deck is not engaged, the parking brake is on and the operator is seated on the riding lawn mower. If one of the safety switches has not been properly activated the riding lawn mower will not start.

The next potential issue to check is the riding lawn mower's battery. In rare cases, the battery cable leads can work loose from the battery terminals. The black negative battery cable must be attached securely to the negative battery terminal. The negative terminal will be marked with a "NEG", "N", or "-" notation. The red positive battery cable should be connected securely to the positive battery terminal and will be marked with a "POS", "P", or "+" notation.

IMPORTANT WARNING: electrolyte is diluted sulfuric acid. Use extreme care to avoid spilling. It can destroy clothing and burn your skin. Test the battery to determine its condition. This can be accomplished by checking the specific gravity of each cell with a hydrometer. A fully charged cell will measure 1.250 specific gravity. Verify that the fluid level in the battery is adequate. If the fluid level is low, fill with distilled water so that it rests just below the split rings; then charge the battery at 5 amps maximum charge for 30 minutes until all cells measure 1.250 specific gravity. If all cells are unable to reach 1.250 specific gravity, replace the battery.

If the battery is in working order, locate the fuse holder(s) and inspect to see if a fuse is blown. Refer to the operator's manual to find the fuse holder(s) location. Check for loose, bare, or pinched wires and replace any blown fuse with the proper amperage automotive fuse. Finally, ensure the engine ground wire is in fact grounded. There should be a black ground wire running from the engine to a non-painted metal surface on the frame or a mounting bolt.

NOTE: Not all riding lawn mowers are equipped with an engine ground wire to frame.

Problem 2: Engine Cranks, But Does Not Start

If the riding lawn mower will not start, check the fuel level. The engine will not fire if there is not enough fuel in the carburetor. It is also possible the fuel line is clogged or blocked. Clean the line and replace the fuel filter to solve this problem.

Make sure the throttle and/or choke is in the proper position. This position can vary from model to model of riding lawn mower. Consult the operator's manual for the proper positioning of the choke and throttle for the riding lawn mower in question.

Faulty spark plugs or disconnected wires can also cause the engine to crank but not start. Run a diagnosis on the spark plug wire connection by using a spark plug tester to see if any plugs are faulty. Clean the gap, making sure it is set properly or replace any faulty spark plugs.

Problem 3: Engine Is Smoking

The most common cause of an engine smoking is having too much oil. Examine the oil level and remove any excess oil if overfilled. The problem should go away once the excess oil burns off. If the smoking persists, it could be possible the engine is losing its crankcase vacuum. Loss of crankcase vacuum can be caused by a broken or improperly seated dipstick, dipstick tube, or valve cover as well as a defective engine breather assembly or other internal engine damage. Replace any defective parts to restore crankcase vacuum pressure.

Problem 4: Unusual and Excessive Vibration

Blades, pulleys and spindles should not be bent or damaged. Mowing over a large object such as rocks, roots, sewer lids etc. can cause damage to the parts. Any damaged parts should be replaced.

A twisted or damaged belt may also be the culprit. All belts should be in good shape and properly routed. Replace the belt if it's torn or shows signs of wear.

Vibrations can also be caused by loose or missing mounting bolts, running the engine at a low RPM, or an improperly adjusted cutting deck.

Problem 5: Bagging, Discharging, or Mulching Poorly

There are a few actions that can be taken to minimize problems with the bagging, discharging and mulching. First, check the engine speed. The engine must be operating at full throttle for the bagging, discharging or mulching functions to work properly. Proper set-up of the deck is critical to the quality of cut. The deck should be level side to side and always lower in the front than the back by 3/8 of an inch. If that does not solve the problem, sharpen or replace the mower blades.

NOTE: Make sure the proper blade is being used for the correct application.

Operating conditions such as wet or exceptionally tall grass can cause poor functionality. To remedy these situations, always allow the lawn to dry prior to cutting, and if the grass is too tall, mow with the deck at a higher setting before mowing at the normal level. Try mowing at a slower rate to get a better and cleaner cut. Lastly, clean out any dirt and debris that has built up on the underside of the deck.

Problem 6: Mower Will Not Cut In Reverse

This is not a problem at all -- it is a safety feature. The cutting deck must be disengaged before the tractor can be shifted into reverse. However if the riding lawn mower was produced in 2005 or later it may be equipped with reverse mowing technology. This allows the operator to mow in reverse. Refer to the operator's manual for instructions.

Problem 7: Tractor Will Not Move Freely In Neutral

Check the operating manual to ensure the transmission relief valve is in the proper position. If it does not move in neutral, make sure the brake is fully releasing.

Top Seven Common Riding Lawn Mower Problems and Solutions

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Drill Kit 32 1080P 120Hz Lcd Hdtv

Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997

Christmas Sales Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997 201

Dec 18, 2011 05:06:07

Click for larger image and other views

>> Click here to update Christmas prices for Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997 <<

Christmas Sales Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997 Feature

Weather Protected fabric resists mildew and won't shrink or stretch
Elastic shock cord in bottom hem for a quick and custom-like fit
Protects your tractor against sun damage, rain, dust, birds and tree sap
Reinforced air vent lets air circulate and helps prevent ballooning in winds
Handy storage bag included

Christmas Sales Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997 Overview

Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover ... protects expensive mowers for all seasons! Here's a way to mow down damage to your mower! You managed to convince your spouse that a riding mower was an abolute necessity. Now protect it from the elements with this well-made cover. Available at an affordable Guide price now! All the goodies: Weather Protected fabric resists mildew and won't shrink or stretch; Elastic shock cord in bottom hem for a quick and custom-like fit; Protects your tractor mower against sun damage, rain, dust, birds and tree sap; Reinforced air vent lets air circulate and helps prevent ballooning in winds; Handy storage bag included; Fits all Zero Turn Mowers with a Deck up to 50"; Black color; 1-yr. limited warranty. All-season protection at a reasonable price ... order your Mower Cover today! Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover

SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!

Available In Stock.

This Christmas Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997 ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please.

Limited Offer Today!! Classic Accessories Zero Turn Mower Cover 73997 Christmas and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

Protein Weight

The DIY Way To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

Is your lawn mower tearing of the lawn grass blades instead of cutting it? Does your lawn look like it has been eaten by a goat, in spite of being cut by the lawn mower? Wait; do not pull your hair by the root. Help is at hand. We will teach you how to sharpen the lawn mower blades at minimum price and effort.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Your Manual Lawn Mower - The Faithful Walk Behinds

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Tools: The tools that your will require for doing this job are

You and your time of about 2 hours or less

A bastard file of about 12" long

A small crow bar to prevent movement of rotor of lawn mower.

A worktable will be useful for dong the job comfortably.

Procedure: You can use the following procedure as a general guide and make changes to it to suit you. Remember the procedure is not sacrosanct. The results are important, not the procedure.

If possible, remove the handle of lawn mower and place lawn mower on the table.

Secure it if possible in the clamps. If you do not have clamps, do not bother, secure it against any block, so that the movement away from you is restricted.

Fix the crowbar in the blades so that it will not rotate

With the help of the bastard file, file the edges of blades so that they look sharp. Work at an angle of 45 degrees

When one blade is sharpened, remove the crowbar and turn the rotor to work on another blade. Repeat the procedure until all blades are sharpened.

If you have a flexible shaft grinder in your DIY workshop, you will be able to complete the work within 5 to 10 minutes per blade. Make a template of blade profile before you start your work and compare frequently. This is necessary to ensure that you do not over cut at a place.

Safety Tip For You

While sharpening the blades ensure that the stroke is not too long otherwise, you may injure yourself.

Sharpening Blades Of Power Mower

Depending upon the lawn mower the procedure may vary. We have included general statements in this procedure; you would have to change the procedure slightly. Keep the maintenance manual of lawn mower handy if you have one.

Tools required.

Siphon hose and clean container

Heavy work gloves and goggles

Double-cut (medium-rough) flat file

Lumber scrap

Socket wrench set

Rubber mallet*

Bench vise or C clamps

Rotary blade sharpener accessory

Electric drill*

Screwdriver, or 1/4-in. rod or bolt*

Blade balancer

Replacement blade*

* Only if required

The list may look formidable, but tools are generally available with every DIY enthusiast.

Procedure:

The procedure is given for the simple single blade lawn mower, but the same will apply to all types of blades, whether single or double

Wear hand gloves and clean the engine and the gasoline tank from outside

Remove spark plug from the engine

Remove all the fuel from the tank of the gasoline engine. Use the siphon hose so you do not spill gasoline on floor.

Completely empty out the oil from gearbox if you have one

Invert the engine and have access to the blade.

Clamp the engine so it does not move and clean the blade area thoroughly

With help of a box spanner, remove the nut holding the blade. Usually the nut will be unlocked in the reverse to direction of rotation of engine. You may engage the screwdriver in the cooling fan of engine to stop rotation of engine.

If you find that you are using too much force to unlock the nut, put one or two drops of rust removing chemical, and try after 30 minutes

After you remove the blade, clamp it in the bench vise and sharpen it with a file or a grinder. Sharpen only the outer 2 to 3 inches. The area to be sharpened will be known if you see the blade.

Sharpen only to the required extent. Too much sharpening is not necessary. This is not the knife. It works at the speed of the engine

After sharpening, check with your thumb. Be careful not to cut thumb. If you have done sharpening before, or seen some one doing it, you will know what we mean by this.

Balance the blade with help of a small balancing tool on VEE blocks, or even on two foot rulers placed side by side

Refit the blades, refill engine oil and gasoline and test the sharpness of blades on uncut portion of your lawn

Safety tips:

Always use safety goggles and hand gloves when working with power tools.

Be sure to remove the spark plug before starting. Serious accidents can happen if you do not do this.

The DIY Way To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Christmas Sales Lawn Mower / Tractor Cover - Taupe 201

Dec 17, 2011 03:58:42

Click for larger image and other views

>> Click here to update Christmas prices for Lawn Mower / Tractor Cover - Taupe <<

Christmas Sales Lawn Mower / Tractor Cover - Taupe Feature

Fits Lawn & Garden tractor with deck up to 54"
bottom: 74" L x Width 44" seat, 42" front, Height 38" seat, 30" front, Top 66"Lx24"Width
Great protection against sun, rain, dust, birds and tree sap.
Dual vents and help to prevent ballooning in winds.
Coated weather protected fabric for maximum water resistance and water repellency.

Christmas Sales Lawn Mower / Tractor Cover - Taupe Overview

Size: Bottom 74" L x Width 44" seat, 42" front, top 66"L x 24"WHeight 38" seat, 30" front300 D polyester with water repellent treatment.Dual air vents!

SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!

Available In Stock.

This Christmas Lawn Mower / Tractor Cover - Taupe ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please.

Limited Offer Today!! Lawn Mower / Tractor Cover - Taupe Christmas and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

Now Vitamin

John Deere Snow Blowers

Removal of snow becomes a constant job when it is snowing. Easy removal of snow is possible with the help of snow throwers and snow blowers. John Deere is one such company which manufactures equipment for removing snow. Customers can choose from a number of snow blowers from this giant company which also manufacturers tractors and mowers. With the availability of snow removal machines, clearing off snow has become a very easy job. Many machines are being sold all over, by the company which has a number of dealer stores all over the world. The company's brand name is just enough, for buyers to buy its products. Some may find the cost of John Deere machines very high as compared to other machines, but this of course due to it very high quality that the machines are more expensive than the others.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Invest in a good quality snow blower:

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

It is better to invest in a snow blower which will last you for years together. Clearing your driveway of snow becomes a tedious job especially if you have to do it often. All you need to have a good machine which will help you do a quicker job. Many of the other machines may have dubitable warranty and will not last for a longer time. Instead of wasting your money as well as time over such machines the John Deere snow blow is always a better choice to consider. Any of the John Deere store will be able to provide you with the type of John Deere snow blower you need. The staff at the stores is well informed about these machines and will even provide you the right one which suits your needs.

Convenience and functionality:

This widely known company provides machines which are convenient to handle. To have better control while driving the machine, the controls are mounted on the snow blower's deck which makes operating an easy task. In comparison cheaper machines have the control system at the knee level which makes using the controls very difficult while driving.

John Deere is the leading manufacturer of tractors, mowers and most essentially blowers of the best rated quality. This company has understood how to make the best quality machines that perform their best. If at all you need to buy a machine, better try to find out about John Deere snow blowers first, as this could be the only machine you would consider buying.

John Deere Snow Blowers

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Christmas Sales Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers 201

Dec 16, 2011 04:00:57

Click for larger image and other views

>> Click here to update Christmas prices for Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers <<

Christmas Sales Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers Feature

Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Christmas Sales Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers Overview

POULAN PRO TRACTOR MULCHKIT * 42" *For use with Poulan Pro and Husqvarna branded tractorswith 42" decks * Includes mulch plug and mulching blades * Fits Ace nos. 7187271, 7206592 and 7206758

SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!

Available In Stock.

This Christmas Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please.

Limited Offer Today!! Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades, Fits All Poulan Pro 42-inch Riding Lawn Mowers Christmas and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

Protein And Creatine Yogi Bear Dvd Release Date

How to Maintain Your Ride on Lawn Mower

A ride on lawn mower is expensive, and you have to treat it well if you want it to be alive for a long time. There are some simple things you can do to make sure your mower will keep going for a long time. Each ride on mower model is different, but all of them need the following basic maintenance jobs done once in a while.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Check the oil - Make sure that you check the engine oil regularly. It is good to make a habit of checking it before you start to mow your lawn each time. Few things will ruin an engine quicker than it running out of oil. Change the oil - You should change the oil in your lawn mower every fifty hours or so. Many people do it before they start mowing for the first time in the spring. Spark plugs - Inspect the spark plugs every year at least, especially if your ride on mower is sounding differently. If it is badly worn, you can replace it easily and cheaply. Air filter - The air filter should be changed on your ride on lawn mower tractor once a year, or even sooner if it gets lots of wear and tear. Air filters can easily get clogged with dust and debris, so cleaning or changing them frequently is a must. Lawn mower blades - A great trick to keep your lawn mower going strong is to take the blades off and have them sharpened. You can sharpen them yourself easily with a grinder, but if you don't have one you can take them off and bring them to a lawn mower repair shop. Keeping your blades sharp means the engine does not have to work as hard to cut the grass. Clean the cutting deck - Clean the bottom deck of the lawn mower (when it is turned off, of course!) and remove any grass clippings that are stuck to the sides or wrapped around the blade. Sometimes grass gets stuck on the blade rotors, and this increases the strain on the engine. Belts - Inspect the belts every once in a while. There are belts that turn the mowing blades, and sometimes these get worn and snap. Make sure they are snug and in good shape.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your ride on lawn mower going strong for years. Take a look at the owner's manual that came with the machine for other maintenance suggestions.

How to Maintain Your Ride on Lawn Mower

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers

Decker Tools Telephoto Zoom Lens