How To Maintain A Lawn Mower ► Easy Tune Up!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

What’s your guys routine maintenance schedule? Blades daily, oil monthly, air filters and battery per year?

[@dfields3742]

I cut nowhere near the grass you got or some other guys cut so I just tend to keep an eye on how many hours of runtime I have. Then I just do my maintenance accordingly. With that being said I have switched over to AGM batteries in everything I own. I also tend to run maintenance Chargers on all of my smaller batteries like that that I'm not using at least once a week. I also tend to use Wix brand filters. They're highly underrated. Either that or Purolator. I ran Fram and Mobil 1 filters for years until I saw what little there was inside of them. Check out a guy on KZbin that has a channel called project farm. He does side-by-side comparisons with everything and the guy is very thorough and very good. You would never expect some of the results he gets.

[@conorsmith5471]

Blades get sharpened daily along with grease, deck scraping and cleaning of air filter, especially during peak growing season. Oil is changed every 40 hours max. If it is dirty or dark i change earlier. I put batteries on tenders for winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Did a seeding job and picked up a new Smith today!

[@robertkiell]

just got mt new mower... toro z153 600 hrs on it with bagger... mine is engine oil and fuel filter 1 in a month, tranny oil 3 times a year blades... 1 every month due to i mow on hill sides belts... replace when break battery 1 in 4 years

[@DonaldAJr]

The battery that came with my zero turn and lasted me 7 to 10 years was a GE power battery, Gp-2929-01 .... 12 volt 12ah/20HR. I took pictures of it when O'REILLY didn't have a similar battery. Like I said my message under your video, It's half the size of the one you were showing and the one I bought 2 months ago from O'Reilly. I never once put it a trickle charger and if this one doesn't last me multiple years I will wait until a similar battery to my old one comes in the mail. Fool me once.

[@joj7545]

How often do you change your fuel filter and spark plugs? Only reason I ask is because the maintenance kit I buy here locally for my mowers comes with spark plugs and fuel filter as well.

[@therobable1]

My blades are sharpened daily, oil and filter every 100hrs or twice a season, batteries two years and air filters twice a year. Good video Brian!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I dig the schedule! 🤘

[@calebmorice5242]

U only put 200 hours on a season?

[@therobable1]

@@calebmorice5242 just about 250. I have two 61s and a 36 for each trailer.

[@calebmorice5242]

@@therobable1 damn. We run 72” only. 3 per trailer usually and put about 450-600 hours a year on them

[@therobable1]

@@calebmorice5242 sweet! How big are your properties? Normally we are small residential with a few 4 acre properties and some commercial.

[@dfields3742]

Hey Brian.. first thing, I love your channel and you have been a great source of information as well as inspiration. I try to pre-fill my oil filter about halfway just to soak the filter medium. Especially if it's a top down like you have. If it goes straight up I will tend to fill it as much as I can. Also, you were using the pliers backwards, they would work better if you use the longer side that has two teeth as the following arm. Pliers and crescent wrenches are designed to work a certain way and most people don't realize that. They always work in grip better and will give you more torque if you run them in the right direction. Just a little tip from a friend who has been working on cars and mechanical things for almost 50 years. One thing I am also curious about is why you prefer high lift blades over mulching blades? I have both Copperhead mulching and Oregon mulching blades on my Toro TimeCutter 5500. I have a 50in deck and it is very difficult for me to run tip-to-tip on my mow strips because of the tire placement. Is it really that bad to just run back over the same tire track on the return strip? I wish i lived closer and could pick your brain over a cup of coffee.. Big Thanks once again for what you do.. you seem to be a really decent dude that has a heart for EVERYONE going thru the struggle. I became a welder 20 years ago but my body is failing now, I cut grass for many years as a kid until I took full-time jobs working for other people. I cut grass for a few of my neighbors in my trailer park but I'm finding it very difficult to expand. I have tried going to residential neighborhoods and businesses trying to get more business but have not had very much luck. Please feel free to look me up on Facebook LOL you can't miss me. I'm in Smithfield Virginia, I call my business total lawn care and my hook is all your lawn needs is TLC. God bless you and thank you again, keep up the great work!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thanks for the tips!

[@RJ-lk5pj]

That jack and how it’s incorporated to the mover frame is a great idea. Great video.

[@nerdlabstudios7023]

I Never saw how to do this before, starting a lawn care business this was the most satisfying thing I have ever seen lol thank you dude!

[@campoffthemap8307]

Good video for guys new to this. Also highly recommended the impact. Use to do the whole double ratchet thing until it nearly killed me when one slipped. 21 stitches and just missed the main artery in the wrist. Ordered the Milwaukee high torque impact on the way home from the emergency room. Be safe out there

[@johnpevy4632]

Hey Brian iv been a mechanic for 10 years and moved into the lawn and landscape business recently and you do not have to pre fill your filters as long as you put fresh oil on the ring you good to go the pump will fill it up within a few seconds and since you use synthetic oil the motor will not get dry thats the reason they use to do it back in the day because we didn’t have synthetic oil like today

[@rbryanrace]

I love Batteries plus... they always do a banger job on my phone batteries and key fobs. Thanks, Brian for bringing amazing content!

[@Fencearmor]

Maintenance is always important! Great reminder and great video.

[@jasonmcdaniel7534]

Brian....Ive learned alot from u.....and thanks for ur Teachings

[@izzyr22]

Great tips and techniques for draining the oil out!

[@scottdavis9318]

Thanks for the maintenance tips Brian I really appreciate them. I'm starting out in lawn care and find your channel helpful. I would like to get a zero turn jack do you have any advice on those?

[@Julian-do7bv]

I love my kobalt impact ive had it about 6yrs I think use it literally all the time for everything

[@proamericanlawncare6403]

I just replaced my blades and cleaned underneath the deck. MAN does that alone make a difference.

[@ME-lq7mf]

Thanks for sharing these tips. Have a good day Brian

[@jansondeaver9076]

We presser wash our decks instead of scraping them. Saves so much time!

[@Lincoln-levi]

Same here! Much easier and effective to power wash. I guess it depends on the effort to get the deck off.

[@the_atomic_punk487]

Take them off and flip them over I assume?

[@Famousbird54]

I have a battery tester I use for car batteries and such and I just test my mower battery every month to make sure it's cycling correctly and that it's still putting out what it's rated at. If I start to see a dip in performance I know the battery is reaching it's end life and I get a new one asap.

[@kurtsimmons1587]

Brian when you have a filter that goes on the way yours goes on you can’t fill it. It would run out when you flip it over. When you are taking off the filter make sure the big end of your pliers are going the way you are turning for leverage and it keeps you from slipping off!

[@RJLgardens]

Only consider prefilling an oil filter when its mounted facing the ground not top mounted like yours is. 👍

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Oh yeah duh lol

[@TheHobbyShop1]

Agreed.

[@javonparker9712]

There really no need to prefilled an oil filter as it connects straight to the oil pump itself and when you start it it will fill itself

[@javonparker9712]

One thing to note though is just make sure you subtract the how much you put in the filter from the capacity of the motor for obvious reasons

[@BettaLandscaping]

I’d say the biggest thing is just make sure you oil that ring before you throw it on there

[@Dale.Nienow]

Great video Brian, I have the same impact as you! I change my battery every 4 years. I write down the hours and I have an spread sheet that I have the hours and date just in case if it rubs off!

[@Homerowner-d5c]

What type of lift are you using to raise the mower? Make, model purchased frometc. Any help appreciated. Thanks

[@PurpleCollarLife]

excellent video! Love that jack.

[@Cincy1]

I would probably chock those back tires in case the Jack slips or accidentally bumped into. Safety reasons.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

The mower isn't going anywhere with the parking break on, but if that helps you to feel more safe, I say go for it.

[@Happy_Harry]

Chock.....not chalk

[@the_atomic_punk487]

Jack is actually attached to mower

[@alegnakatim5596]

Thanks! I’m new to all this. Your videos are great 👍🏻

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

This ones for you!

[@grasshopperlawncareservice3269]

It's nice to write the date on the oil filter also. Nice job!

[@Alex.AL_26]

having in imact wrench definitely makes it easier, I know it would not be practical for you now but once you can do service in your poll barn I highly recommend getting a good compressor and an air imact wrench as they are much stronger than the battery ones.

[@rafaelvarela4843]

Great video Brian, very helpful

[@vaughnwesterby5162]

I always like to write the date on the oil filter also. 🇺🇸

[@lagisgreat8119]

I like to go by hours but good idea also 👍🇺🇸

[@samh3029]

20w50 seems thick. My Kaw FX691V uses 10w30, maybe 10w40. Oh well, you’re the pro and it’s your equipment. Always dig your videos!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

It’s a big block EFI, definitely the 20w50 per manufacturer specs!

[@josephwells2617]

Hi Brian I worked at Don's small engine repair in Plymouth Michigan and I never pre filled oil filters because when the engine starts the oil pump will pump the oil to the filter very quickly. And if you prefilled the oil filters on some mowers it can be quite a mess

[@schofieldlawncare]

We do oil every 50-100 hours, blades either every day or every other, same with scraping the decks. Batteries every year usually and same with air filters.

[@LeviLoden23]

What Jack do you use?

[@slipperyblueclay2521]

Best points were how often you change your blades. Homeowners neglect that! And I didn't know Batteries Plus dealt in lawn-garden batteries!

[@jasonsease8801]

I like the Fonzie thumbs at the end there. Haha thanks for the tips.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hahaha

[@EricsDirtyDiesel614]

Just serviced my turf tiger yesterday as well hey have you thought about doing a video on x blade setup from Ballard. I ordered my set up from him and used your promo as always. I just haven’t had time to do the install yet on my v ride2

[@lagisgreat8119]

Nice video Brian! I noticed your arm rests are crooked. You might be able to fix them if you lift them up and look for black plastic pieces on the bottom that have numbers. Make sure they match. Unless you prefer them that way.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Ok good looking out! I didn’t notice that.

[@jonnybravo9003]

Hey Brian! I saw on your mower that the anti-scalp wheel of the left side of the deck was real loose. Just wanted to let you know, I’ve had they loose and tear up the lawn. Have a great weekend!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeah we just got those replaced!!

[@jonnybravo9003]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance good deal!!

[@reubenscott6253]

Thanks for the tip about the oil filter

[@ModdingBrosV1]

Hey Brian does your mower have a fuel filter? I didn't notice you change that

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yep, we let our dealer do our overhaul once every year or two and they can tackle that and the plugs.

[@Superabundant888]

Do you change out the smaller air filter too?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yup!

[@robertkiell]

brian.. what is your best tip to clean the mower?? includes bottom of the deck

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Ballard scraper and a power washer if you can get under there

[@topnotchrocker2618]

Hi Brian, great video; where can I get my hands on a jack? I have an old-school Exmark, 2002, to be exact?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Bulldog Jack from Weingartz, that’s where I got mine 👊

[@ranbrown15]

Howdy sir! Do you have a video on just the Bulldog jack? Love to see it if so. Ty!

[@thomasmeng6851]

HI Brian, you could clean the underneath deck by pressure washer, it will be perfect with turbo nozzle.

[@bhinsch25]

What is your schedule for the hydro fluids?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

250 hours and then every 500 after that typically.

[@mattd8411]

Awesome video man thanks just bought a lazer z x today. Have you ever tried losing the blades from top ? Heard it was easier ill give it a try also how do you check the hydro oil in these ? Also man found a weedeater you need try shindaiwa 262 man its awesome I love it and my echos.

[@jimbrodeur8711]

I do my fuel filter and air filter every spring. Oil every hundred hours. Plugs every other spring on the EFI equipment. Hydros every 500. I'm just curious why you're running the Kawi oil and not the Kohler? Also, I'm a big fan of the Interstate batteries. I only run those in all of my equip and they've all been great. I keep them all on tenders in an above freezing place for the winter and get several years out of each.

[@Scythe_Voltage]

Just a question: Have u been paying for a storage unit this whole time, I recently built a 24ft by 32ft barn/garage and my friends pay me to store engines or tool boxes and I still have plenty of room for my own stuff, idk your situation but a big garage/barn is very helpful

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yep, we'll be building one soon enough.

[@shaunotoole561]

Yes we pre oil the oil filter and ring. Good equipment maintenance video

[@lucasdurham6830]

Spindle greasing on scags is super important, I learned that the hard way 😂

[@trippster33011]

What kind of jack is that? looked pretty cool!

[@romanmcdonald]

Wondering the same!

[@lonniehargrove1524]

Hi Brian I'm Lonnie in North East Texas. Thank you for all the info you share. My question is, with all this rain we have had how can you mow without tearing up either equipment or the customers yard? I see these company's out there not only mowing in the rain but after it's been raining for a couple of weeks straight. Please help my ignorance. Thank you in advance.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeah that’s a tough one buddy! We did a few videos on rain on our channel, start there. Honest answer is give it a few hours to dry up, or at least an extra day, and then it’s long days to catch up. No other way around it. Part of the biz!

[@lonniehargrove1524]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance Thank you for the heads up on vids. I will look them up.

[@johnslawnseasttn4489]

Tire pressure daily, blades sharpen every 10 replaced every time one gets trashy ( I have three of the same size scags) as well as grease. Oil every 40 or weekly witch ever comes first. Air filters get checked and cleaned every week replaced yearly. As far as batteries I do t replace them till they don't work. It's easy and cheap enough to pick one up about anywhere so I guess out of sight out of mind. My guys are good on my equipment and it makes like much easier bc of that. And one more thing. On all my two strokes they get plugs and filters months and I always always carry spares

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Nice!

[@RTDSER]

In cases where the oil filter mounts up into the engine prefilling it about halfway is a good idea in every other mounting style you will spillover. In my experience with riders, zero turns, and tractors all you need to do is top off the oil after running the engine for about 5-10 minutes and you will not encounter any problems.

[@RTDSER]

A word of caution, with Lead-acid batteries tipping them on their side, may cause the cells to flood and ruin your battery it is not as much of an issue as it was, but it is a good practice to keep batteries upright all the time.

[@crodriguez8228]

Lawn mower lift from Harbor Freight is a great investment!

[@kodykenny8025]

Hi Brian. Was wondering how many hours running your mower do you change your blades out for sharp ones? Thank you

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We said it inside the video! 🙏👊 every 8 hours of mow time seem to work for us

[@treyvonlanwservice6860]

Great video bro 👍

[@russellcornelius5128]

Old carpet knife work great for cleaning decks they are curved great on the spindles comes to a point good for corners and tight areas anybody ever told you you look like Kyle Busch yeah put the 18 on your equipment

[@brandonstehle6557]

Hey Brian. Been watching for a while. No idea why I wasn't subscribed sooner. Enjoy watching the videos and all your tips. Currently a police officer but maybe looking for a change. I own a few commercial pieces of equipment but for home use. How do you like the kohler engines?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

They're ok. They had a rough run for a few years but their quality is coming back. I run all EFI on our equipment these days.

[@riggins511990]

What jack is that? Just a standard trailer jack?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Bull Dog Jack for the Z yessir

[@i2hot2play]

What kind of Jack is it? the one lift up.the lawn mower.

[@tylersmith1194]

What about changing the Hydro fluid?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

First at 250 hours, and every 500 after that! We’re due at 750!

[@tylersmith1194]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance will you make a video on that?

[@stevenherring2447]

Try out the oregon Gen 5 high lift gator blades. I was amazed even with side discharge. I got 3 blades for my mower on ebay for $60. and change. (Gen 5 blades only)

[@griffenkinsey1007]

Brian, what’s your opinion on using OEM maintenance parts such as spark plugs and air filters? Do you suggest always using the engine’s OEM parts or using an Amazon counterpart with good reviews?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I just use OEM stuff for the most part, besides blades.

[@lordrichard8184]

That’s a simple life hack but a great idea for the socket set. I wish I had thought to do that instead of just gambling every time and hoping I don’t dump them everywhere

[@MattN03]

Brian, what jack are you using? Great video as always!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That is the Bulldog Jack for Toro/Exmark mowers that have that little receiver for their mowers. Otherwise we use the Ballard Super Jack for the standers and even sometimes the Z if it’s out and about.

[@estebandavilajr7632]

By the way, what kind of jack are you using to lift up that mower? You never mentioned it as part of your maintenance tools.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Bulldog Jack!

[@estebandavilajr7632]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance is that Jack specifically made for that mower or will it work with other brands of mower? If it does work with other mowers And if it does work with other brands could you please let us know how you set it up

[@kingofmphs]

Can’t you give Keith Kalfas a few bucks to clean the deck??? 😂

[@terrylear5991]

Brian How do you like them Exmark’s? How are they holding up? I love my TORO’s but seen a good deal on a Exmark.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I mean I’ve ran them for 15 years, no issues.

[@ikemattern9440]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance, you really need to do something with your anti-scalp wheels! They look like they have seen better days!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We replaced them since this video lol, good catch!

[@blertonjaha9060]

hey im struggling to pick btw badboy maverick 60 or mzt61 both kawaski engines? any suggestions?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I haven’t run those so I’m not sure, maybe someone else can weigh in!

[@michaelbaumgardner9493]

Good morning. A 13 drawer roller. Every drawer. Luckily it didn't fall off the forklift, it's the small victories, lol.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Lol

[@colton5729]

What kind of mower jack is that?

[@RandallSimmonds]

Hey can you share the link for for that lawn mower crank jack. Thanks!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s just a Bulldog Jack, it works on Exmarks or mowers with a 2” round receiver

[@RandallSimmonds]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance thanks I'll take a look!

[@mathos6296]

Hey Brian, do you Grease your front spindle?

[@mathos6296]

Also do you hit the idlers with grease?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

There aren’t any grease fittings on the Exmark anymore. Maybe one or two but I don’t think so on the new Z’s

[@mathos6296]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance I got my Lazer z s last year it has two belt idler spots (one under engine one by deck) and spindles they have a screw and want a person to take the screw out and put a cert in grease it; but most don’t I guess

[@MrAirtaz]

Bought my ZT new in 2014, same battery today using no trickle in the Midwest winter. This video shows how extremely over-priced that deck scraper is compared to just a putty knife. My Dewalt impact seems to have a hell of allot more torque than what you are using, and for a third of the price. Was your battery that low? I watch most of your videos. I'm noticing a trend of you supporting channel sponsors more than what's the better real life options.

[@ethanwilliams1825]

I pre fill all my oil filters unless they are mounted upside down. When you pre fill it allows the engine to build oil pressure faster.

[@oldbloke100]

If you prefill the filter, you have to fill it on the dirty side, if you just pour it in the big hole, you are putting unfiltered oil straight into the bearings. Thats why CAT, CUMMINS and all engine manufactures recommend NOT to prefill oil filters.

[@017garage9]

Top drawer full of sockets I change them twice a season battery every three years or 1 blade change

[@gardeningismypassion8262]

What kind of mower jack are you using

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Bulldog Jack for the Z

[@logansimpson305]

Great video

[@freddieskelton752]

So I have a Ferris stand behind...I run a small business and one of my guys messed with my traction/handle responsiveness, and throttle. It use to be an extremely strong and fast running mower but now its pulling to the right and seems slow. When I asked what happened he said he messed with the linkage rods from the handles down to the tires. So I'm curious if anyone could show me a video or tell me how to get this back to it's factory settings. The linkage rods was so far adjust it actually came out of the bottle when it connects to the tire. Any advice would be great

[@mmcstooesandbittabergs]

Please please please STOP saying You're guyz', you guys. You have so much to teach us and we appreciate it so why not take a tip from us.

[@geraldtreptow2590]

You put oil in the filter so the motor does not run dry/unlubed. In your case with filter upside down. I would put some oil in. If you fill it you would have a mess.

[@rolandmarch7717]

What kind of a jack is that and where do I get one?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Bulldog Jack

[@Letsgeauxpro]

Where can I find that jack

[@grantruhl4529]

You do not need to pre fill a new filter. You can just put close to the right amount of oil in and start it up for about 5 seconds. This pumps oil threw the filter.

[@CallTyroneok]

how do you know when it's time to change blades or sharpen them

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Once they're dull, or the grass starts "tearing" versus being "cut". For us that is about every 8 hours of mow time.

[@JACK-ez5me]

Could you do a video on changing the drive belt?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I honestly don’t have access to any belt drive mowers I’m sorry

[@Alex.AL_26]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance The lazer z hydros are driven off of a belt

[@kcsowers-thetoes8643]

Where did you get the scraper?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

www.Ballard-Inc.com. Brians10 saves 10% brother.

[@kcsowers-thetoes8643]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance Thanks brother

[@dandennis8465]

I prefill depending on how the filter is positioned

[@landonbarrier8494]

hey brian so i’m still in school i run a smaller business that has about 15 yards at the moment and i don’t really know how often i need to change my blades can you help me out with that

[@tannersteinborn7487]

Id recommend doing it every other week

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Every 8-10 hours of mow time!

[@mikejoyce7157]

6:58 You are using the wrench backward. I love mine.

[@jimmyknowles436]

I was scrolling through to see if anyone else saw that they only require little squeeze when held correct .

[@roadrunnermccoyxxxx5927]

229pc set.. the day I got it… I did it twice

[@smallengines1018]

Nice one Brian

[@Dinovece1]

Can you do a video for belt drive mowers?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I honestly don’t have access to a belt drive unit anymore. Sorry!

[@Dinovece1]

Worth a shot, I need to adjust my tracking

[@danielcolfer4671]

What was the name of the mower jack?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

This one is the Bulldog for Exmark and maybe Toro mowers. They have to have the coupler on the nose or the frame to use it.

[@fknbossfabworx1067]

PRO TIP* on the oil filter if you loosen it and break the seal it releases the anti-drain back valve. so, if you break that seal and immediately spin it back down it will actually drain back into the engine making no mess at all

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Great tip!

[@jacksonduvall1021]

stihl and scarf is the best in my opinion

[@cameronwilliams6611]

Awesome

[@chuyroman2046]

Why not use your super jack from Ballard to jack up the mower? Less tedious no?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Dunno I never think about it for the Z, it’s just what I’ve used for years

[@chuyroman2046]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance i feel ya..I’ve been using a regular car jack..gets the job done lol. Contemplating getting the super jack 2 though.

[@Diabetik143]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance Do you by chance have part number for the jack mount? I cant find one for my 2011 Lazer Z. Thx