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I learned just last week that I have the unique privilege of touring John Deere‘s Horicon Works facility just outside of Milwaukee, WI.  (Another place I have never been.)  In April, I’ll be joining a select group of bloggers, a few already friends.

And, well, with the first day of Spring upon us today (yes – Today), the folks @ John Deere offered these tips to help get us primed for the mowing season ahead.

Once you have your mower humming, read our article 5 Common Lawn Mowing Mistakes so you are sure to get it right. Enjoy!

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5 Ways to get your Mower up and Running for Spring Lawn Care

As the days get warmer and longer, lawn care is quickly again becoming part of the weekly routine. To ensure you’re spending more time enjoying your weekend, make sure you’re taking good care of your equipment.

John Deere X310

Here are a few tips for mower maintenance to keep it running at optimum performance levels:

* Give it a Once Over

Tighten all nuts and bolts, and check belts, filters, safety shields and guards. Replace any damaged or missing parts, including spark plugs. Check tire tread and pressure. Make sure your mower is ready to hit the ground running without the fear of breakdowns.

* Stay Sharp – Ensure Mower Blade is  Sharp

To get a precision cut every time you mow and save on fuel costs, be sure the mower blade doesn’t go dull. You can use more fuel with a dull blade, so either sharpen up or have a spare blade on hand. For those who prefer to let their mowers hibernate for the winter months, it’s extra important to check for dullness and corrosion before starting up the engine for the first time in the spring.

* Hit the Deck – Clean the Deck of you Mower

Clipping and debris buildup under the deck can cut airflow and reduce effectiveness. A dirty deck can also cause rust and corrosion during winter storage, so be sure to check for buildup before running the mower for the first time this year. To clean, turn the mower on its side and wash the undercarriage with a hose.

* Fuel Fix – Add a Fuel Stabilizer

Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent separation that can lead to corrosion. After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for five minutes. Most riding lawn mowers, like the John Deere X310 (pictured), also have a fuel tank gauge visible from the operator’s seat, so it’s easy and convenient to check the fuel level.

* Keep it Safe

It might not be the most interesting book on the shelf, but the operator’s manual is essential to understanding the specific safety features on your equipment and doubles as a good troubleshooting guide.

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Need a hand with mower maintenance? See John Deere’s Mower Maintenance options and support resources, there. For more tips from Deere on keeping your machine tip top, here. John Deere’s Shop on Amazon is a great place to locate and purchase complete Equipment Kits for repair on specific mowers.

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For more info on cultivating and maintaining a beautiful lawn, stay right here and check out Building Moxie‘s category, Lawn. Another nice overview on Lawn Mower Maintenance, here’s an article from Today’s Homeowner. Cheers. ~jb