With spring in full swing, John Deere highlighted a few important steps contractors should take to be fully prepared for the heavy mowing season.

They are as follows

1. Give machines a once over

From nuts and bolts to belts, contractors need to look over their machine for any loose or worn parts. Tighten nuts and bolts, replace filters and check and replace belts as needed. Look for any missing parts and plugs and replace them.

2. Check tires

Winter weather can affect tire pressure, particularly if machines have been stored for months. Check the tire pressure and examine treads for wear.

3. Fuel up

Add fresh gas to mowers. Fuel stabilizer also should be added to prevent separation that can lead to corrosion. After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for five minutes to let it settle in.

4. Sharpen blades

It is important to check blades for dullness and corrosion prior to starting up the engine. Replace any blades that have logged too many hours. It is important to check blade balance for even cut.

5. Cut height

Check the height-of-cut on all of equipment prior to heading out. This is one of the most important aspects of machine prep.

6. Check your manual

Whether it’s digital or print, make sure to log maintenance schedule and any issues from last season to see what is preventable this year and what can be improve on. Be sure to check any equipment operator manuals to refresh on safety and troubleshooting information.

7. Make a daily checklist

Daily checklists help your service crew and operators complete important tasks. Encourage equipment cleaning, blade checks/sharpening as need and lubricating the pulleys and spindles.