A Spartan Mower is designed to deliver toughness, comfort, and a superior cut. But to keep it running like a champ, it needs consistent care. Proper maintenance not only boosts performance during mowing season but also protects your investment when it’s time to store it away for winter.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to keeping your Spartan at its best during the entire year.
In-Season Maintenance: Keeping Performance Sharp
1. Check and Change the Oil
Your mower’s engine oil is its lifeblood. Check oil levels before each and every use, and replace oil and filters according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Dirty or low oil can cause engine wear and reduce performance.
2. Keep Blades Sharp
Dull blades tear grass instead of facilitating a nice, clean cut, which stresses your lawn and strains the mower. Sharpen your blades every 20–25 hours of mowing or sooner if you notice ragged cuts. Always balance blades after sharpening.
3. Clean the Deck After Every Use
Grass buildup under the deck blocks airflow and reduces cutting quality. Use a blower or gently scrape away debris after mowing. A clean deck helps maintain even airflow and prevents rust.
4. Check the Air Filter Regularly
Dust and debris can clog air filters, making your engine work harder. Clean or replace filters every 25 hours of use—or more often if you are mowing in dusty conditions.
5. Inspect Belts and Tires
Worn belts reduce power transfer, while underinflated tires affect cut quality and mower handling. Inspect belts for cracks and check tire pressure before each mow.
Season-End Maintenance: Preparing for Winter Storage
With mowing season winding down, here are some helpful maintenance tips to guide you in properly preparing your mower for the winter season, and to have it ready to go next spring!
1. Clean Thoroughly
Wash the mower top to bottom, removing grass clippings, mud, and debris. Allow it to dry completely before storage to prevent rust and corrosion.
2. Stabilize or Drain Fuel
Fuel left in the tank can go stale and damage the engine. Add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the mower with fuel, or run the engine until the tank is empty.
3. Change Oil and Filters
Perform an oil and filter change before winter. Fresh oil prevents contaminants from sitting in the engine during months of inactivity.
4. Remove and Charge the Battery
Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place if possible. You can leave the battery in the mower if it’s going to be stored in a dry environment. Still - disconnect the battery regardless. Periodically recharge it during the off-season to ensure it’s ready come spring, or leave it connected to a maintenance charger.
5. Protect the Blades
Coat mower blades lightly with oil or a rust-preventive spray to keep them sharp and rust-free during storage.
6. Store in a Dry, Covered Location
If at all possible, keep your Spartan Mower in a shed, garage, or under a heavy-duty cover. Avoid storing directly on soil or grass to prevent moisture damage.
Year-Round Benefits of Routine Care
By investing a little time into regular maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your Spartan Mower, improve cutting performance, and reduce the chance of costly repairs. A mower that’s cared for properly is always ready when you are—whether it’s the first mow of spring or the last cut before winter.
Routine maintenance isn’t just about keeping your mower alive—it’s about making every mow smoother, safer, and more efficient. Take care of your Spartan, and it will deliver peak performance season after season. Note that all of our Spartan Dealers are willing and able to assist you in maintaining your mower, during and after each mowing season. If you would rather leave the work to us, schedule a maintenance appointment today at a Spartan Dealer near you!