(NAPSA)—Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines—your lawn mower engines, thatis. Getting prepared for the mowing season can help shakeoff the blues and ensure your grass a healthy growing season. By following these recommended maintenance tips—courtesy of the experts at John Deere— your lawn mower will run smoother and safer all season long. A Sharp Cut Starts With A Sharp Blade. Whetheryou go to the pros or do it yourself, your mower blades need to be sharpened and balanced at the beginning of every mowing season. A sharp blade provides an even, consistent cut. A dull blade can shred the grass, creating entrywaysfor disease. But be careful not to sharpen the blade too much—arazor’s edge will cause the metal edge to crack, peel and weaken. A blade should be kept at 1/64 of an inch for strength. After the blade is nice and sharp, make sure it is balanced. An unbalanced blade can cause engine damage. Change The Oil. Just like a car, your mower’s oil needs to be changed regularly to ensure maximum lifespan. The lawn care experts at John Deere recommend changing the oil after every 25 hours of mowing. An easy way to remember is to use the holiday schedule. Change your mower’s oil every Memorial Day, Fourth of A little care and maintenance can help your mower go a long way toward keeping the grass greener on your side of the fence. July and Labor Day. Keep A Stash of Spark Plugs. To make sure your mower starts each and every time you want to mow, the spark plugs need to be cleaned or replaced regularly. It’s a good habit to change spark plugs at the beginning of every mowing season and continue to check them for signs of wear or cracking. Keep a stash on hand too for a quick change. Keep It Clean. A clean mower is a safe mower. Brush grass clippings away from thecooling fans and keep air intake screens clear so air can move through. Also, makesure all safety shields and switches are working properly to protect both you and yourfamily. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.,johndeere.com.
