Lawn mower/ rotorvator servicing tips???

[Nicos]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips how to do these without having to take them to a 'man who does'!

I'm thinking of trying to save a bit of dosh.

Good youtube or your tips would be much appreciated!

[Aberdeenplotter]

first important point is messing about with what you don't know about can result in causing problems that absolutely require "the man who does" to put right and can cost more than you are hoping to save.
Having said that, simple things like changing spark plugs, air filters and changing oil are well within the capabilities of the average DIYer. Having the correct tools for the job is important. Long reach sockets, torques, circlip pliers etc are commonly needed. As someone who uses machinery for work and frequently have to effect running repairs, I've had to buy these tools but they are not cheap.

[Madasafish]

Buy the handbook for your mower - or find it!
. The Haynes manual http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lawnmower-Ma.../dp/1859603378 is good if you are a first timer.

A place to work on above the ground is great if you have one and your mower is light - I use a Workmate..

My 1973 Hayter Hayterette is still going nicely. Annual oil changes and blade sharpening annually with blades replaced every 4-5 years...Plugs cleaned and gapped annually. Air filter cleaned. Wheel bearings and height change mechanism oiled.

Underneath cleaned.

Rope starter checked - if burred replacement will be need before it breaks.

Copy Briggs and Stratton manuals on line at B&S


RTFM is a great start.

Odd jobs as needed - new carb diaphragm as parts still available (8 years ago..RTFM for setting it up afterwards)

[veggiechicken]

A bit off track, sorry, but I have a new set of Piston Rings for a Suffolk (probably Punch) lawnmower Std 75cc replaces E 3514/15/16. Will post them to anyone who has this lawnmower

[Nicos]

first important point is messing about with what you don't know about can result in causing problems that absolutely require "the man who does" to put right and can cost more than you are hoping to save.

Spot on...I agree with you thoroughly there!

My thoughts were possibly to have them done every other year professionally and during the alternate years do some of the simple essentials ourselves.

In the past we have been very negligent and only had them serviced at the same time as something has gone wrong with them ( yes...I know!)
So- I'm trying to get a bit more organised- but not wasting money having 'stuff' done to them when not necessary .
Are there any lists ( like you get for car services) which need doing at certain intervals?
I appreciate there is no 'mileage' indicator on these pieces of gardening equipment...and amount of use will vary vastly from one household to another.

...but I just thought I'd try and beat the rush to the local professional ( and having to wait 4 weeks) BEFORE we need to cut the grass or rotorvate the soil!

So- any more useful advice/tips please peeps??

[Aberdeenplotter]

It really depends on how much work a machine is being asked to do and the conditions of use. Up here, the ambient temperature is generally quite low except on the odd occasion and it rarely is dry enoughto be really dusty so my machines probably run cooler and in less dusty conditions than yours. I normally have at least two machines on my trailer but usually three as I need to be able to cope with breakdowns. I also use the best machines I can afford, my lawnmowers being John Deere and Sabo, my strimmer, hedgecutter and blower(two stroke machines) are all stihl. Does the quality of machine make a difference. Yes, because they rarely break down. I self service my own machines in the springtime every year because they are in constant use throughout the season. By that I mean at least 5 days a week as opposed to the one day per week or fortnight that domestic machines get.

IMO, a domestic machine being used for a couple of hours every week during the season should not need a full annual service. If it's slow to start, clean or replace the plug and make sure the air filter is kept clean and if it is a 4 stroke machine, a constant check on oil levels is needed. That should suffice.

[Doive]

We were given a non starting mower last year that was on it's way to the scrapyard. An oil change and new spark plug had it firing right. But then the pull cord snapped, so I drilled out the rivets on the pull start and chucked it in the bin. A 27mm impact socket fits perfectly on the top nut, and with a 1/4" drive and the battery drill, it provides an easy start.

I'd recommend giving your mower an annual fluid change and blade sharpen, if you feel confident to do it.