At Smith Power Equipment, we understand the conditions lawn care equipment faces across South Africa. From dry and dusty Highveld winters to coastal humidity and year-round mowing in warmer regions, proper maintenance can make a significant difference to the performance and lifespan of your equipment.
Whether you use a traditional petrol mower, a battery-powered machine or premium lawn care equipment, a little preparation before winter can save considerable frustration later.
If your mower is already giving you trouble, these are some of the first areas worth checking:
Possible cause: Old fuel or spark plug issue
What to check: Replace old fuel and inspect the spark plug.
Possible cause: Dull blade or grass buildup
What to check: Sharpen or replace the blade and clean the deck.
Possible cause: Oil or air-flow issue
What to check: Check the oil level and air filter.
Possible cause: Damaged blade or loose components
What to check: Stop using the mower and inspect it before continuing.
One of the most common problems with petrol-powered lawn mowers is an engine that refuses to start after standing for an extended period.
Fuel condition, the spark plug, air filter and general engine maintenance should be among the first things you inspect.
What to check:
Drain old petrol where appropriate and replace it with fresh fuel.
Inspect the spark plug for wear, fouling or carbon buildup.
Make sure the air filter is clean.
On electric-start machines, check that the starter battery remains adequately charged.
If the mower has been standing throughout winter and still refuses to start after basic checks, it may be time for professional servicing.
If the grass looks torn, uneven or brown at the tips shortly after mowing, your mower blade may no longer be cutting cleanly.
This is particularly noticeable on fast-growing South African lawn varieties such as Kikuyu, where a sharp blade helps produce a cleaner finish.
Before inspecting a petrol mower blade, make sure the machine is switched off and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Battery-powered equipment should also be made safe according to the manufacturer's recommendations before maintenance begins.
Check for:
Blunt or damaged blades
Grass buildup underneath the cutting deck
Incorrect cutting height
Loose or damaged cutting components
Maintaining the blade and deck regularly can improve both the appearance of your lawn and the efficiency of the mower.
South African conditions can be particularly dusty, especially during the dry winter months in inland regions.
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict air flow to a petrol engine, affecting performance and potentially causing the mower to run roughly or lose power under load.
Inspect the air filter regularly and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
If the problem continues after basic maintenance, have the machine inspected rather than repeatedly running an engine that is performing poorly.
Smoke from a mower does not always mean the engine has suffered a serious failure, but it should still be investigated.
White or bluish smoke may occur if oil has entered areas where it should not be, sometimes after the mower has been tilted incorrectly.
Dark or black smoke can indicate an overly rich fuel mixture or restricted air flow.
Check the oil level and air filter first. If the smoking continues, stop using the mower and have it inspected by a technician.
Good preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your mower and make the first mow of spring considerably easier.
If you use a petrol mower, do not ignore fuel simply because the machine will not be used for several weeks or months.
Follow the mower manufacturer's recommendations for long-term storage. Depending on the machine, this may involve draining the fuel system or using an appropriate fuel stabiliser.
Grass clippings, soil and moisture can collect underneath the mower deck.
Before storage, remove accumulated grass and debris. Keeping the underside of the mower clean helps reduce the risk of corrosion and ensures the cutting system is ready when mowing resumes.
This is particularly important after mowing damp or thick grass.
For petrol-powered machines, winter is a good opportunity to check whether the engine oil is due for replacement.
Always use the correct oil specification and follow the service intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
Battery care is increasingly important as more South African homeowners move towards cordless lawn care equipment.
Brands such as EGO Power have helped make battery-powered lawn and garden equipment a practical alternative to traditional petrol machines.
For battery-powered equipment:
Follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations.
Keep batteries in an appropriate dry storage area.
Avoid exposing batteries to excessive heat, moisture or unsuitable storage conditions.
Check the recommended charge level before storing a battery for an extended period.
The same principle applies to starter batteries used on certain petrol-powered equipment.
Before storage, inspect cables, wheels, adjustment mechanisms and other moving parts.
Where recommended by the manufacturer, apply suitable lubrication to pivot points and moving components. This can help prevent parts from becoming stiff or difficult to operate after months of limited use.
The type of mower you own will determine where most of your maintenance attention should go.
A petrol lawn mower generally requires more attention to components such as fuel, oil, spark plugs, filters and engine servicing.
A battery-powered mower eliminates many of those petrol-engine maintenance requirements, but owners still need to look after the cutting system, deck, wheels and battery correctly.
The important point is that neither type of mower should simply be forgotten in the garage during winter.
Following the maintenance guidance provided for your specific machine remains the safest approach.
Quality lawn equipment is an investment, and proper servicing helps protect that investment.
Toro equipment is used across a wide range of turf and lawn care applications, while battery-powered brands such as EGO Power offer an alternative for homeowners looking for cordless garden equipment.
Regardless of which machine you use, regular blade maintenance, cleaning, correct storage and servicing can all contribute to more consistent performance.
Using the correct replacement parts and following manufacturer service recommendations is equally important.
Basic cleaning and routine maintenance can often be handled at home, but some problems should be left to a qualified technician.
These can include:
Severe vibration after striking an object: This could indicate blade, spindle or crankshaft damage.
Electrical or battery system faults: Modern cordless equipment can contain sophisticated electrical systems that require proper diagnostic equipment.
Persistent engine knocking or mechanical noise: Continued operation could cause further damage.
Repeated starting or running problems: If basic maintenance does not resolve the issue, professional diagnosis may save time and prevent unnecessary component replacement.
If you are unsure about a fault, it is generally better to have the equipment inspected before continuing to use it.
Whether your current mower needs attention or you are considering upgrading your lawn care equipment, taking care of your machinery throughout the year can help you get better performance from it for longer.
Good mower maintenance is not only about avoiding repairs. It helps ensure your equipment is ready when your lawn starts growing vigorously again.
Smith Power Equipment supports South African customers with lawn and turf equipment, parts and technical expertise, including recognised brands such as Toro and EGO Power. You can explore our range and speak to an authorised dealer about the options available for different riders and applications.
