Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to dig your tools out of hibernation and get them back in fighting shape. Whether it’s your mower, trimmer, blower, or chainsaw, nothing ruins a weekend faster than unsuccessfully trying to fire up a tool that hasn’t been touched since fall. That’s why a little spring lawn equipment maintenance goes a long way. With just a bit of time, you can get your gear running smoother, cutting cleaner, and lasting all season. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what to service, sharpen, and replace so your lawn equipment is ready to go when you are. I understand that the world is changing from gas to battery, but we still need to maintain our OPE tools, plus there are still people who have gas.
What to Service
When it comes to service, the one great thing about a battery mower is you really don’t have to do anything for the service side except, charge your battery. So this area really pertains to gas mowers, blowers, and other small engine products.
Change the Oil – If you didn’t do it in the fall before storage.
If your equipment has a gas engine – like a lawn mower, pressure washer, or tiller, changing the oil should be at the top of your to-do list. Dirty oil can wear down internal parts fast, especially after sitting idle all winter.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
A clogged or dirty air filter chokes your engine and reduces performance. Most are easy to pop out and clean with compressed air, or you can replace them for just a few bucks.
Inspect Spark Plugs
If your tool’s not starting like it should, a fouled spark plug might be the culprit. Pull it, check for gunk or carbon buildup, and swap it out if it’s past its prime. It’s cheap insurance.
Drain Old Fuel / Add Stabilizer
Probably the number one reason these tools don’t start, bad gas. Gas doesn’t last as long as it used to. Gas can go bad in as little as three months. Sure, it will work in a car because it runs hot, but not in these small engines.
Old fuel is one of the top causes of spring startup issues. Drain last year’s leftovers and refill with fresh gas. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your tools tend to sit unused for long stretches.
What to Sharpen
This section is geared towards gas and battery powered equipment. Even though battery-powered is simpler, you still have to sharpen certain items as they wear down after use.
Lawn Mower Blades
If your mower blade is dull, you’ll notice the grass looking ragged after you cut. A quick sharpening helps ensure a clean, even trim. Remove the blade (disconnect the spark plug first if it’s battery, make sure you take the battery out), give it a few clean passes with a file or grinder, and balance it before reinstalling. If it’s nicked or worn down? Time to replace.
Chainsaw Chains
Chainsaw not slicing like it used to? A dull chain makes the saw work harder, burns more fuel or batteries, and puts more wear on the motor. Use a round file or chainsaw sharpener to bring it back to life, or swap the chain if it’s past the point of saving.
Hedge Trimmers & Shears
Manual or powered, hedge trimmers need a sharp edge to slice cleanly through branches and stems. Lubricate the blades after sharpening to keep them running smoothly and prevent rust.
String Trimmers
While string trimmers don’t get “sharpened” per se, make sure the line is fresh. Old line becomes brittle and snaps more easily. Replace it with new, quality line and check that your spool is feeding correctly. Line isn’t that expensive but there is nothing more frustrating than when the line keeps snapping or breaking.
What to Replace
Some parts just wear out. It’s the nature of working outdoors. Spring is the best time to take inventory and replace anything that’s cracked, stretched, brittle, or just plain worn down. Replacing these now can save you from a breakdown halfway through a mow or a mid-season trip to the repair shop.
Belts & Cables
On riding mowers, tillers, and even snow blowers that didn’t get cleaned before storage, belts can dry out, crack, or loosen. Cables (especially throttle or drive cables) can fray or seize. If it feels sticky or inconsistent, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Fuel Filters & Fuel Lines
Rubber fuel lines and in-line filters can harden, crack, or clog over time, especially if fuel was left sitting in the tank over the winter. Check for any leaks, brittleness, or discoloration and replace if needed.
Spark Arrestors & Mufflers
If you’ve noticed poor performance or louder-than-usual noise, your spark arrestor screen might be clogged, or your muffler may have rusted. These are often overlooked, but they’re easy to swap out and it can make a big difference.
String Trimmer Spools & Edger Blades
If you’re using a string trimmer, make sure your spool is full and feeding properly. For edgers, check your blade, it wears down faster than most people think. Swapping it out makes edging cleaner and easier.
Wheels & Handles
Loose or cracked mower wheels and worn-out handles or grips are easy to ignore—but they affect maneuverability and comfort. Spring’s a good time to tighten, replace, or upgrade them while everything’s already out.
Other Items to Consider
Now that you’ve checked off the essentials, here are a few extra tools and add-ons that can make your spring lawn equipment maintenance faster, easier, and even more effective.
Fuel Stabilizer
Adding a stabilizer to fresh gas can extend its life and protect your engine, especially useful if you have equipment that doesn’t get used regularly. It’s cheap insurance against gummed-up carburetors.
Lubricants & Grease
WD-40 is great for freeing things up, but also stock up on proper grease or dry lube for things like wheel axles, trimmer heads, and cable housings.
Owner’s Manuals
Don’t toss them, use them. They’ll tell you the right parts, service intervals, and even torque specs. If you’ve lost yours, most can be found online with a quick search. I can’t tell you how many I have tossed out thinking I won’t need them and then it bites me in the butt. Yes, you can go online and find them, but it’s not always easy.
Wrap Up
Doing a little spring lawn equipment maintenance now means you’ll spend less time yanking on cords, unclogging filters, or replacing broken parts when the grass is knee-high. It’s one of those “pay now or pay later” situations—and trust me, it’s a lot nicer to deal with this stuff before everything grows wild.
But if all this sounds like a lot of work, here’s a pro tip: you can skip most of it by investing in some good battery-powered outdoor tools. No oil changes, no gas cans, no spark plugs, no drama. Just grab a battery, push a button, and go. You’ll save time, your back, and about 12 curse words per project. Just sayin’.
