Introduction

October in Tauranga means one thing for your lawn: explosive growth. As the soil warms up and the spring rain continues, your grass goes into overdrive. Ideally, you want to be mowing weekly to keep it healthy and lush.

But is your mower ready for the workout? Pulling it out of the shed after a quiet winter often reveals a few issues. A mower that struggles to start or cuts poorly can turn a 20-minute job into a frustrating afternoon.

Here is your essential checklist to get your machine ready for the spring boom.

Check Your Blades

A dull blade doesn't cut grass; it tears it. This leaves ragged tips that turn brown and invite disease, making your lawn look dull even right after mowing.

Tip your mower back (carburetor side up) and inspect the cutting edge. If it's nicked or rounded, it needs sharpening or replacing. Sharp blades reduce engine strain and fuel consumption.

Fresh Fuel is Crucial

If you left fuel in your mower over winter, it might be stale. Modern petrol degrades in as little as 30 days, absorbing moisture and gumming up the carburetor.

  • Drain old fuel or top up with fresh, high-octane petrol.
  • Use a stabilizer if you don't mow often.
  • STIHL Moto4Plus is an excellent ethanol-free fuel that stays fresh for years.

Oil and Air Filter

Just like your car, your mower needs clean oil and air to run efficiently.

  • Check the oil level: Top it up if low. If the oil looks black and gritty, it’s time for a change.
  • Inspect the air filter: A clogged filter chokes the engine, causing it to lose power in thick grass. Tap it against a wall to remove dust or replace it if it's soaked in oil or dirt.

Resist the urge to scalp your lawn. Cutting too low stresses the grass and encourages weeds. For the first few cuts of October, set your mower height simpler higher. The "one-third rule" is golden: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single pass.

A well-maintained mower makes lawn care a pleasure rather than a chore. If your machine is hard to start or sounding rough, bring it into STIHL SHOP Tauranga. Our workshop team can perform a full service to ensure you finish the season as strong as you started.

Pro Tip: Don't wait until the grass is knee-high! Start your mowing schedule early to stay on top of the spring surge.

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