There are a number of good reasons for getting your mowing machinery regularly serviced.  The number one reason is so that it will always start, each and every time those chores need to be done.There's nothing worse than spending more time trying to start that piece of machinery than actually using it.

Another good reason which we don't normally consider is air pollution.  Your average mower will pump out as much pollutants during one hour as a car does over 10 hours.  Or think of it as equivalent to standing behind 10 cars breathing fumes, for one hour of mowing.  It sounds shocking doesn't it.  Keep your machinery serviced and tuned for practical, environmental and health reasons.

One question I often get asked about is washing of push type mowers.  If you own an aluminium bodied mower I feel that there is little to be gained by washing after mowing.  For a steel bodied mower there may be some gains in extending it's life expectancy, but only if the mower is allowed to dry fully before being put away.  Even aluminium bodied mowers should be allowed to dry.  I have seen some very rusty, i.e. holed, cutting bars and discs, caused by washing and then putting the mower straight in the shed to dry out over the following week.  Frequent water blasting can be very detrimental, with the water getting into bushes, bearings and carburettors.

While talking about water, check your rider mower battery water level and inspect for any white or green corrosion on the wire terminals.  To remove the corrosion pour boiling water over the terminal.  You'll be surprised how this corrosion can reduce your batteries performance. Once dry apply a liberal coating of grease to the terminals. This will stop any further corrosion.