ArcaMax

From early spring to late fall a lawn mower is the workhorse of yard chores, so it makes sense to keep it working at peak performance all season. It’s a machine, like your car, that needs regular maintenance, so it operates when needed. This routine care is a job even a first-time do-it-yourselfer can tackle, and the skill is one that will pay off for years to come.

The alternative is to take the mower to a mower service every spring for a tune up, where the charge is $95 to tune up a typical four-cycle power mower. That includes the labor and material. You can do the tune up for $30, the cost of an air filter, a spark plug and engine oil, and pocket a 68% saving. You need a pair of workhorses to raise the mower off the ground and the mower’s owner’s manual. If you don’t have one, go to the manufacturer’s website, where you’re likely to find a downloadable version.

The easiest way to work on a mower is to set it on a pair of workhorses, so you can access all of its parts and undercarriage. The tune-up involves checking and replacing the spark plug and filters, and sharpening the cutting blade. You need a socket or spark plug wrench, a file to sharpen the blade, and a drip pan to catch the old gas and oil you remove. To give your mower premium service, check the tires to ensure proper inflation. Then tighten all nuts, bolts, chain drives and belts, and lubricate moving parts or exposed metal to prevent rust. Check the manual to find out what type of lubricant to use.

Pro Cost: $95 — DIY Cost: $30 — Pro time: 2.0
DIY Time: 3.5 — DIY Savings: $65 — Percent Saved: 68%

========

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.