1. Read the Instruction Manual

No universal lawn mower guide exists to inform you of how to maintain your particular lawnmower. You should read and make sure that you understand your lawnmower's instruction manual. The instruction manual will provide you with all the information you need to perform proper maintenance on your lawn mower. 

2. Drain Gasoline From Your Lawnmower

If you leave gasoline inside your lawnmower for a significant period of time, the gas may become gel-like. This gel can cause your lawn mower problems by clogging up both its carburetors and its fuel line. Old gas is more likely to gel up over winter. You should drain the gasoline from your lawnmower at the end of every single mowing season. 

One way that you can siphon the gas from your lawnmower's tank and inside a separate container is to use a turkey baster. You should begin each spring mowing season with your lawnmower having a fresh tank that is full of brand-new gas.

3. Replace the Spark Plugs

Thankfully, a new spark plug only costs a few dollars. To replace your lawnmower's spark plugs, you just have to loosen the spark plug wire, use a wrench to take out the old plug, then put the new spark plug in your lawnmower. If you are unsure what kind of spark plug you require, check the instruction manual.

4. Clean up Your Lawnmower's Undercarriage

If you do not clean the undercarriage of your lawnmower, grass may block the discharge shoot in it. You can clean out your lawnmower's undercarriage by using a wire brush to get rid of most of the grass. After this, use a hosepipe in order to wash the leftover grass and everything else off the lawnmower. You should confirm that you have disconnected the spark plug from the lawnmower before you get started on cleaning your lawnmower's undercarriage.

5. Change Out Your Lawnmower's Air Filter

Another tip is to replace the air filter in your lawnmower when necessary. Your lawnmower's air filter will naturally clog up over time. You should either replace the air filter or clean it when it becomes clogged. 

6. Inspect Your Lawnmower's Tires

If you own a riding lawnmower, you should check to make sure that its wheels are properly inflated. You can find the necessary PSI at some spot on the tires, so check the PSI and inflate the tires when necessary. You will have to swap out your lawnmower's tires if they get torn or extremely worn. 

7. Examine Your Lawnmower's Wheels and Belts

With a self-propelled lawn mower, you have to examine the belt for wear and tear. If the belt is damaged, you need to replace it. You should inspect your self-propelled lawnmower's gears and swap out any gears that are not working properly.

8. Sharpen Your Lawn Mower's Blade

Get your lawnmower's blade replaced or sharpened if you notice that it's not cutting as well as it once did. You should have us sharpen the blade at least annually. You can sharpen your lawn mower's blade yourself, but you might prefer to leave it to professionals.

9. Swap Out Your Lawn Mower's Oil

You should replace the oil in your lawnmower roughly every three months. Find the drain plug to get started. If your lawnmower does not have a drain plug, carefully tip the oil out of the lawnmower's fill hole. You can feel free to start adding fresh oil after you have drained out the old oil.

10. Contact the Pros If Necessary

If you are finding it difficult to perform some kind of lawn mower maintenance, contact the professionals. You will probably pay about $50-75 to get professional lawn mower maintenance.

A grass catcher, also known as a bagger, is used to collect grass clippings. This is so they can be disposed of instead of letting them lay on the lawn. It is a part of a collection system and is usually attached to the back of a lawnmower. There are different kinds of lawnmowers such as ride-on mowers, walk-behind mowers, commercial mowers, and zero-radius turn mowers. 

Different lawn mowers require different kinds of grass catchers. For instance, there are aluminum grass catchers, which are light in weight and offer resistance to rust. There are also steel grass catchers, which offer durability. 

Grass catchers come in handy as they help relieve you from the extra work of having to rake your lawn. They also keep your grass looking tidy and lessen thatch build-up. Some mowers will indicate when the bagger is full so you can empty it.

Selecting a Good Grass Catcher

Some of the factors to consider when selecting a grass catcher are the disposal method, the grass collection system, and how blockages occur. 

Disposal Method

There are two kinds of grass disposal methods: manual and automatic. Based on your preference and budget, you will pick the one that best suits you. With a manual one, it means that the lawn has to be mowed frequently. When it is not mowed frequently, this means more work on your part as you have to keep emptying the bagger when it fills up. This is not an easy task and will prove to be time consuming and exhausting. 

Automatic grass disposal, on the other hand, is a bit pricey but convenient as it offers grass disposal from the seat. This means you will not have to keep getting off to empty the bin whenever it fills up. This makes mowing less tiring. 

Grass Collection System

There are two types of grass collection systems: side collection and rear collection. Side collection drives the grass up a side chute into the grass catcher. Rear collection, on the other hand, drives the grass directly from the deck’s rear, straight through the machine and into the grass catcher. 

How Blockages Occur

Blockages occur for various reasons. Ask your dealer about the common blocking area of the machine. Wet grass is one of the factors that cause blockages in mowers—especially in ride-on mowers. Ask your dealer where the machine you are purchasing commonly blocks since this will help you know how to manage blockages.

Assembling, Installing, and Testing

Ensure you follow the safety instructions in the manual provided. First, ensure that the bag is right side out. The black plastic side should be at the bottom. Then, place the bag over the frame. 

Next, pull the plastic channel on top of the hooks on the frame. Raise the rear discharge door and slide the bagger into the handle brackets. Let go of the discharge door so it sits on the bagger, holding it as you do so. 

To test it, mow your lawn. The clippings will be collected in the grass catcher. Once the bag is full, kill the engine and ensure the mower and blades are no longer moving. Raise the discharge door, pull the bagger up from the mower, empty the bag of the grass clippings, and then reinstall it.