Riding mowers make it significantly easier to mow your lawn, so you may want to purchase one for yourself. However, riding mowers usually need to have a grass catcher attached to them so the clippings don't end up all over your property. If you want to safely attach a grass catcher to your riding mower, you should follow these steps.

Check Its Frame

A grass catcher needs to have a solid frame if you want it to work properly. Make sure you look over the frame so you can ensure it'll stay attached whenever you need to mow the lawn. If the frame isn't in good condition, the entire catcher could fall apart or split open in the middle of your mowing sessions.

Attach It Securely

You need to correctly attach your grass catcher if you want it to work effectively. If it's too loose, then the grass clippings will slip out of the catcher and get all over your lawn. You also don't want it to fall off and potentially get lost while you're mowing, so you need to make sure you properly attach it before you start mowing your lawn.

Follow the Manufacturer's Manual

Each grass catcher will have nuances you should remember as you focus on your grass catcher's positioning and use. This means you should review the manufacturer's manual before you try to attach the grass catcher on your own. This way, you can make sure you attach it correctly when you want to use your grass catcher.

Look for Corrosion

Remember that grass catchers can corrode and get damaged with time. This means you need to check your grass catcher regularly to ensure it doesn't have any serious damages. If you notice any corrosion, you should replace the grass catcher as soon as you can. Otherwise, it could lead to other problems when you mow your lawn.

Also, it could indicate there's a problem with your lawnmower if the mower itself is damaging the grass catcher in any way.

Empty It Regularly

Grass catchers will quickly fill up, especially if you mow a lot or if you have a large lawn. When the grass catcher fills up, you need to empty it out immediately so you can return to your mowing session. On top of this, the grass will start to pour out if you don't empty the grass catcher when it fills up, so keep this in mind.

Grass catchers are excellent additions to riding mowers, but you need to make sure you attach them correctly. If you remember these tips, you'll avoid any problems as you add a grass catcher to your mower. Make sure you apply them so you can safely ride your mower while containing your grass clippings.

Generally speaking, the fall months indicate the end of the mowing season. However, it is important to take proactive steps to ensure that your lawnmower is prepared to spend the winter sitting unused in a garage or shed. Let's take a look at what you should do today to ensure that this important piece of equipment is ready to go in the spring.

Empty the Gas Tank

Any gas that is allowed to sit inside of your lawnmower for more than a few days has the potential to evaporate into a sticky residue. This residue can clog the fuel pump or cause a reduction in fuel efficiency or overall performance. In some cases, a clogged engine will cause the mower to stall or not start at all. If you don't plan on draining the tank, it is a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to minimize the chances that the gas goes bad. 

Put in Fresh Oil

Draining dirty engine oil allows you to remove dirt, metal shavings, and other impurities that don't belong inside of your mower. Furthermore, engine oil can also decay and turn into a sticky mess if it isn't replaced at least once per year. As a general rule, it is better to change the oil when the mower is still warm as it allows more of the liquid to drain from the engine. 

Check the Mower for Damage

At some point before putting your mower into storage, you should check for fluid leaks, a bent cutting blade, or other signs of damage. It is also a good idea to remove excess grass or other debris that has built up in your walking or riding mower during the past several months. If you have a riding mower, be sure to check that the battery is properly connected and in good condition. 

Wipe Down the Lawnmower

The final step in winterizing a lawn mower is to clean it with a soft cloth. This allows you to remove and dirt, pollen, or other debris that might cause it to rust while in storage. It also allows you to get rid of leaves, grass, or other materials that pests or rodents might want to use for food or protection from the cold. 

Maintaining your lawnmower is an effective way to ensure that it lasts for the entirety of its useful life. It may also prevent you from voiding its warranty or providing justification for the manufacturer to reject a claim.