Spring Mower Maintenance Tips

3/3/2026

Get Your Mower Ready for the Season

As winter fades in West Michigan, it’s time to make sure your mower is ready for the first cut of the season. Proper spring maintenance improves performance, extends equipment life, and helps prevent costly mid-season breakdowns.

1. Inspect Before You Start

Before turning the key, a quick inspection can prevent expensive repairs later.

Check for rodent damage (wiring, air filter, nesting under shrouds)
Inspect belts for cracks or fraying
Look for fuel leaks or brittle fuel lines
Check tire pressure and condition

2. Change the Engine Oil & Filter

The first dose of spring can be hard on a mower, and even if you replaced the oil before winter, it's still smart to:

Check oil level and color
Change oil if it appears dark or contaminated
Replace the oil filter (if equipped)

Fresh oil protects internal engine components and improves performance during heavy spring use.

3. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Spring grass means dust and debris. A clogged air filter can:

Reduce power
Increase fuel consumption
Cause rough operation

It's encouraged to check beforehand as small critters can wreak a little havoc on air filters.

4. Check the Battery

Cold Michigan winters are tough on batteries. If your mower clicks but won’t crank, the battery may be the issue.

Clean corrosion from terminals
Charge the battery fully
Replace if it struggles to hold a charge

5. Sharpen or Replace Blades

Spring is the perfect time to sharpen or replace mower blades.

Cut cleaner
Reduce wear and tear on spindles
Improve overall lawn appearance

6. Install Fresh Fuel

Old fuel is one of the most common causes of spring starting problems. Fuel breaks down over time and can lead to disruptions if your unit has been sitting all winter.

Drain old fuel if it’s been sitting all winter
Refill with fresh gasoline
Consider using fuel stabilizer to start the season

When to Schedule Professional Service

If you notice:

Hard starting
Uneven cutting
Excessive vibration
Loss of power

It may be time to reach out to a professional.

At Wolf Kubota, our certified technicians can perform full spring mower inspections, blade service, oil changes, and complete tune-ups to keep your equipment running strong all season long.

Don’t Wait Until the Grass Is Knee Deep

Spring service appointments fill quickly. Preparing your mower early ensures you’re ready when the first stretch of warm weather finally hits West Michigan.

If you’d like to schedule service or need parts, contact our team today!