Everyone want to have a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood…We turned to the experts at Toro for some lawn mowers & lawn care tips.
1. Lawn mower maintenance tips:
- Read your Owner’s Manual.
- Make sure you have fresh gas. Do not use fuel blends containing more than 10% ethanol by volume and consider using gasoline that contains no ethanol.
- Make sure the air filter is clear of debris and that the spark plug is clean.
- Check the underside of mower—tipping it so the air filter is up—to make sure the blade is sharp and everything is secure. Blades should be sharpened at least once a year, and as needed throughout the season.
- For these and other maintenance tips, visit Toro’s website for a series of ‘how-to’ videos.
2. General Safety Tips for lawn mowers:
- Read the Operator’s Manual before you start the engine.
- Do not put hands or feet near moving components of the machine.
- Do not operate the machine without all guards and other safety devices in place.
- Keep clear of any discharge opening.
- Keep children and others out of the operating area. Never allow children to operate the machine.
- Shut off the engine before servicing, fueling, or unclogging the machine.
3. Tips for operating riding mowers on slopes:
- Mow across hills and slopes, not up and down.
- Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
- Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
- Allow plenty of safe clearance from retaining walls, water or other drop-offs with riding mowers. Use a walk mower for trim work.
4. Follow these general tips to get a lush lawn:
- Maintain sharp blades on the lawn mower to keep from tearing the grass. Mower blades should be scissor sharp, not razor sharp.
- Change directions when mowing to prevent rutting, and recycle your grass clippings back into the turf.
Fertilize your lawn. - Aerate the lawn in the spring and fall.
- Water the grass deep and infrequently.
Lawn-Boy is one of several brands under The Toro Company, based in Bloomington, MN. The Lawn-Boy brand has a long-standing tradition of making it easy for homeowners to care for their yards. The Toro Company is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions.
Toro website: www.toro.com