Did you know that grass mowing's, especially wet clippings that turn into a horrid green soup under the deck of your machine, are corrosive?
Many new lawn mower decks are plastic but those that are made of steel will be very susceptible to corrosion in the form of good old rust.
I realise that if you have shelled out a few hundred for a nice mowing machine, that adding further pressure to your bank balance might cause you undue stress, but if you look buy a pressure washer, and clean your machine off after every use (or at least one every two or three cuts) your garden investment can be extended for years.
When you have finished all of the cutting, let your mower cool right down - spraying cold water on a very hot engine can cause you a massive amount of problems because rapid cooling will also mean rapid contraction of any metal parts.
Cast iron heads can crack instantly so be on the safe side and go for a cup of tea and biscuit and be safe.
On return, turn your mower in its side - making very sure that the petrol cannot leak out and that oil cannot find its way into the air filter. You will have to study the configuration of your machine to determine which is the best way to do this. Older machines are the most difficult.
With a high pressure cleaner, spray all of the underside of the mower deck and into the grass ejection shoot.
Then rest the machine on its wheels and roller and clean off the top (be careful not to shoot water into the air filter.
Regular cleaning will help to keep your mower in good shape.
Canvas collection bags such as those favoured by the Honda range of machines will benefit greatly from a clean up with a pressure washer. Just don't get too close otherwise you may damage the fabric.
Let the machine dry or blow it off using a compressed air gun or a petrol leaf blower before putting it in the shed.
A coating a of a thin oil will help when storing for a long while - especially if you are storing the machine away for the winter.
KÄRCHER K3.99MB+ 1700 Watt Pressure Washer with Dirtblaster Lance and Suction Hose
Comments