Preparing Your John Deere Mower for a Lush Spring Lawn in the D.C. Area

Your mower might have gotten a break during the brutal D.C. winter, but now that the snow is cleared and the Sun is out, it’s time to get your mower back in action. Before you and your mower get to work, it’s important to prepare your machine for the full season ahead by giving it the proper maintenance. In this guide, we’ll go over essential steps for preparing your John Deere lawn equipment to Spring into high performance.

Clean Your Lawn Mower

After collecting dust and grime from the year before, your mower needs a good cleaning before it’s ready to hit the green. Thoroughly cleaning your mower with a hose or pressure washer can knock off dirt and debris so you can service your equipment properly. Make sure to give extra attention to the underside of the mower deck, using a rag or brush to clear grass clippings and leaves. Clean airways and components enable your mower to perform at its highest ability and helps you avoid costly complications that can harm your equipment.

Sharpen Blades

The quality of your cut is heavily dependent on the quality of your blades. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, leading to uneven, brown grass tips. To keep your lawn lush and green, your blades should be sharpened at least once a year, and pre-season maintenance is a great time to get it done. Remove the blades from your mower before sharpening for your safety. Take time to inspect the blades for any nicks or dents, as these are indicators that it might be time for a replacement.

Change Oil and Replace Filters

Now that you've taken care of your deck, it’s time to get under the hood. Check the status of your oil to see if it’s at the recommended levels and whether it needs replacing. If the oil is dirty, you’ll need to drain it completely and replace it with new, fresh oil. Also, inspect your oil and air filters to see if they need to be replaced. Dirty and clogged filters cause reduced performance and can put your equipment at risk. Replace both filters for optimal efficiency.

Check Tire Pressure

Before you get to the green, you’ll want to ensure your tire pressure is at optimal levels so your mower can do its best work. Uneven tire pressure can result in uneven cuts, and properly inflated tires can help them last longer and avoid accidents during operation. When inflating your tires, also be on the lookout for any holes, cracks, or flats. If you come across any serious wear and tear, you might need to replace them.

Replace Spark Plugs

Your spark plugs may be tiny components, but they play a big role in engine combustion and clean starts. Dirty or faulty spark plugs can cause misfiring or difficult starts. The start of spring is a good time to replace spark plugs if they’re dirty or corroded so you can experience smooth operation during the peak season.

Make it Easy with a Home Maintenance Kit

Taking care of pre-season maintenance doesn’t have to be a huge task. You can make mower prep simple this spring with a John Deere Home Maintenance Kit. The Home Maintenance Kit includes new oil and air filters, engine oil, spark plugs, and everything else you need for routine maintenance. Each kit is designed specifically for your John Deere mower to take the stress out of finding the right parts for your equipment. Visit our parts department or shop online now to get your kit today.

If you have any questions about best practices for servicing your mower and unlocking the full potential of your D.C. property this spring, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help.