When you’re entrusted with maintaining pristine, well‐manicured turf—be it a sprawling commercial property or a cherished residential lawn—your mower is nothing short of a workhorse. As the season heats up, staying ahead of mower maintenance can mean the difference between a smooth cut and unexpected downtime. At Valley View Agri-Systems in Divernon, IL, we proudly serve as your local Ariens dealer and Gravely mower dealer, offering genuine parts and maintenance supplies to keep your machines in peak condition all season long.
Why Continued Mower Care Matters
- Performance & Efficiency
A clean, well-maintained mower deck cuts more evenly and with less strain on the engine. Grass build-up, debris, and gummed-on sap force the blades to work harder, raising fuel consumption and wear on belts and bearings. - Longevity
Regular clean-up after every use prevents rust, corrosion, and component fatigue. By removing moisture and organic matter quickly, you extend the life of decks, blades, and mounting hardware. - Safety
Accumulated clippings and debris can fling unexpectedly, posing a hazard to bystanders. Clean decks ensure predictable blade action and reduce fire risk in hot, dry conditions.
Cleaning Your Mower After Every Job
No matter the grass conditions, it’s critical to clean off your mower after each cut. Follow these universal steps before tackling the more specific details for dry and wet grass:
- Shut Down & Cool Off
• Turn off the engine, remove the key, and allow the deck to cool.
• Engage the parking brake and, if possible, elevate the cutting deck. - Brush & Scrape
• Use a stiff wire brush or plastic scraper to knock loose dry clippings and dirt from under the deck, around blades, and cooling fins.
• Avoid metal scrapers on painted surfaces—plastic or rubber blades help preserve the finish. - Rinse (When Permitted)
• A gentle spray from a garden hose helps remove residual grass and sap.
• Keep water away from seals, bearings, and the engine air intake to prevent moisture intrusion. - Inspect & Lubricate
• Check for loose bolts, worn belts, or damaged blades.
• Apply grease to fittings and pivot points as specified in your operator’s manual. - Blade Care
• Sharpen blades if you notice nicks or uneven cuts (typically every 20–25 hours of use).
• Replace blades when they become too worn or unbalanced.
Extra Steps for Mowing Dry Grass
Dry grass cuts cleanly and doesn’t stick as readily, but it still leaves behind fine dust and pollen:
- Air Cleaning: Use compressed air to blow out dust from engine fins, air filter housing, and around the spindle assemblies.
- Filter Check: Dry, dusty conditions clog air filters quickly. Inspect, clean, or replace the filter element every 10 hours of operation.
- Rust Prevention: After rinsing, wipe metal surfaces thoroughly with a light-residue lubricant or corrosion inhibitor to guard against oxidation.
Tackling Wet Grass Cleanup
Sometimes you have no choice but to mow in damp conditions—early mornings, sudden spring showers, or high-humidity days. Wet clippings and mud can cling tenaciously:
- Immediate Scraping
• As soon as you finish, brush away heavy deposits while still soft. Dried mud is far harder to remove. - Soak & Rinse
• Let the deck sit with a soapy water solution for a few minutes (dish soap works well) to loosen stubborn debris.
• Rinse thoroughly, directing spray from back to front to flush away water and grass, keeping moisture away from engine components. - Sanitize Blades
• Wet grass can harbor fungal spores. Wipe blades with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), then rinse and dry immediately to kill molds and mildew. - Thorough Dry-Off
• After rinsing, park the mower in the sun or a well-ventilated area.
• Perform a final wipe with absorbent cloths to remove all surface moisture.
Why Choose Valley View Agri-Systems?
As your trusted Ariens dealer and Gravely mower dealer, Valley View Agri-Systems in Divernon, IL carries a full lineup of OEM mower parts—belts, blades, filters, lubricants, and more—ensuring you get the precise components your commercial lawn mower needs. Our experts can advise on best practices for maintenance products, from corrosion inhibitors to specialty cleaning agents designed for agricultural and turf-care equipment.
Whether you’re running a fleet of zero-turn mowers, stand-ons, or walk-behind units, scheduling a regular service with our factory-trained technicians will keep your machines cutting cool and clean—day after day, season after season.
Ready to Gear Up for Peak Performance?
Don’t let hidden debris or neglected maintenance slow you down. Get in touch to stock up on genuine Ariens and Gravely parts, accessories, and maintenance supplies. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you keep your commercial lawn mower—and your business— running smoothly all season long!