It’s the start of the spring season and you’re probably looking forward to using your electric lawn mower regularly. Have you cared for it well over the fall and winter months? A well-maintained electric lawn mower will last longer and be far more efficient.
An electric lawn mower needs regular basic maintenance to keep cutting the grass. Sharpen or replace damaged blades. Keep the battery charged and in good shape and keep the undercarriage clean. This is the start of what can be done to keep an electric lawn mower going.
Caring for your electric lawn mower is important because it helps maintain its quality and performance. You need to know these steps to keep your lawn mower working through this summer and for many more to come.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Electric Lawn Mower Basic Maintenance
It’s simple to maintain your electric lawn mower, and it doesn’t take too much time. Electric mowers are far simpler than their gas counterparts. Still, they require some basic maintenance.
At the start of the season and during heavy-use months, you should inspect, clean, and maintain the following parts of your electric mower:
- Blades
- Battery
- Cables
- Springs
- Bolts and screws
- Cord
We’ll get into more detail about what to look for and what to do. Refer to your owner’s manual for more in-depth care techniques for your specific model. If you can’t locate your owner’s manual, you can always look on the manufacturer’s website to find your specific model number.
Checking the Electric Lawn Mower Blades
You’ll want to check the blades on your electric lawn mower often. They’re responsible for cutting the grass, so if they get dull or damaged in any way, your lawn mower will be ineffective at its job. Look for the following:
- Dirt or debris – if you see anything accumulated on the blade surface, brush it off with a dry cloth.
- Rust – If rust is starting to form on any of the blade surfaces, replace the blades.
- Cracks – if you see chips or cracks on the blade surface, you will probably need to replace the blade.
If you feel that your blades are abnormally dull, or they’re making an unusual noise when cutting grass, then stop using them immediately- it’s important to take care of these issues right away so as not to cause more damage.
In general, it is a good idea to replace your blades every six months or so even if they appear to be in good condition.
Of course, if your blades are dull, you can sharpen them yourself. Most electric lawn mowers still allow you to sharpen your blades.
Sharpening Electric Lawn Mower Blades
Be sure that your lawn mower blades are sharp before every use. If you find that they are dull, take the following steps to sharpen the blades. If you are unsure about your ability to sharpen the blades, take the mower to a technician or just replace them.
If you are sharpening them yourself, make sure to take the proper protective measures. Wear gloves and other protective gear to avoid cutting yourself.
You can use a stone, sandpaper, or a file to keep the edges of the blade sharp.
- If you use a stone, grind away at spots and nicks. Sharpen the edge of the blade carefully.
- If you use sandpaper, you can carefully grind down each side of the blades until there are no flaws on the surface. Don’t grind away too much of the blade. Sandpaper is effective at removing rust and other surface build-ups. You can use an electric grinder as well but use it carefully.
- A file can be used to smooth the blade and clean up the edges if needed. You should use a file after taking the other steps, to help keep your blades looking perfect.
Wipe down the blades after sharpening to remove any metal filings.
How Often to Sharpen Electric Lawn Mower Blades
The blades should be sharpened every season or so and replaced when they get too dull. You can keep them fresh with a new coat of oil before you store them for winter, as well.
Cleaning the Underside of your Electric Lawn Mower
It’s important to keep the underside of your electric lawn mower clean and lubricated to ensure it functions properly.
Here’s what you need for this job:
- A can of compressed air,
- Some light machine oil spray or another penetrant such as WD-40™️.
- Rags and sponges. A brush might come in handy, too.
- Gloves – Always protect your hands before touching your lawn mower’s blades!
First, for safety’s sake, you need to remove the power source before starting. Take out the battery or unplug the cord before you mess with the blades.
Next, brush off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on top of the mower deck with a stiff-bristle brush. Go over any areas that might have accumulated grass clippings with a rag or sponge.
Now, spray the underside of your electric lawn mower with compressed air, making sure to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated there from mowing grass. Spray an all-purpose cleaner on areas where it may be necessary.
Finally, make sure to wipe down the underside of your electric lawn mower with a damp cloth.
It’s important to keep this area clean to prevent rust and increase performance. make sure to clean your electric lawn mower after every use. Grass clippings and dirt can easily get caked onto the blade, making your mower ineffective.
Power System Maintenance
There are two different power systems that your electric lawn mower might use. Whether your lawn mower uses a battery or a cord, it’s important to maintain them each season. Here’s how you can take care of your electric lawn mower’s power system.
Electric Lawn Mower Battery Maintenance
The most important part of your electric lawn mower is the battery. Each season, the battery should be cleaned and inspected to ensure that it is in good shape.
- Make sure your battery is charged and holds a charge well.
- Clean off any dirt from the terminals on both sides of the cord to ensure good contact with the lawn mower battery posts.
- Check for corrosion on your battery’s surface and contacts.
- Buy a new charger if you need one, especially if it has been damaged by water.
- Replace batteries if necessary.
You should keep your lawn mower battery charged to at least 20% at all times.
This is true during the winter as well, when you aren’t using your mower. Lithium-ion batteries especially require frequent charging to avoid degradation.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Lawn Mower Battery?
If your battery is showing the following signs, it should be replaced.
- If the battery has become swollen.
- If you notice a leak from the battery.
- If it won’t charge, even with a new charger.
- If it was drained to zero and doesn’t seem to recharge at all.
Electric Lawn Mower Cord Maintenance
The cord for your electric lawn mower is a vital part of the machine. There are two basic types: extension cords and power cables.
As with any cord, you should inspect it for damage before each use to avoid injury or fire hazards. Regularly check your electric lawn mower’s cord for wear and tear by looking out for cracks in insulation or bare wires that could lead to electric shocks and even start fires.
If you notice any damage to your power cord, make sure to replace it. Power cords are fairly inexpensive, and can usually be found in home improvement stores, on the manufacturer’s website, or online.
Caring for your cord each season will help ensure your cord lasts as long as possible.
If you use an extension cord, make sure to keep the electric lawn mower in a dry location when not in use during rainy seasons because wet cords have been known to cause fires.
Cords and power cables are relatively inexpensive, so it’s worth investing a little money in cords each season to help ensure they last as long as possible.
Conclusion
Keeping your electric lawn mower in tip-top shape is vital to making your lawnmowing experience as smooth as possible. Check the blades for wear, make sure the battery is charged and not corroded, and replace power cords as needed.
Always make sure to keep the undercarriage clean. These are just a few maintenance tips that will keep your mower in good working order from season to season.