Regular mower maintenance is one of the keys to a lush lawn. To get the best possible results, make sure your mower deck is clean. A mower can mulch, bag and side-discharge with better efficiency and precision with a clean deck. What's the best way to keep your mower sparkling? Don't procrastinate. Clean your mower deck immediately after each mowing. Clippings and debris are much easier to clean off when they're not dried on.

Remember: always use caution when conducting any type of mower maintenance.

Walk Behind Mowers
With the engine running, place the mower on a flat, paved surface such as a concrete or blacktop driveway. Do not clean the deck on a gravel or dirt surface. Spray a stream of water in front of the right rear wheel. The blade must be turning at the same time for this process to work. The water will splash into the path of the blade, cleaning out the clippings. When the water runs clear and clippings are no longer coming out, stop the water and put the mower in a dry area. Run the engine for a few minutes to dry the housing and prevent rust.

If large chunks of grass need to be dislodged, use a wooden stick or dowel to scrape them off the mower deck. Beware of blade contact while scraping the deck. Metal-on-metal contact could damage the deck or the blade. Remember that if you tip the mower while cleaning, gas can leak out of the tank. Be sure to drain the gas and oil and unplug the spark plug any time you need to tilt a mower. Always tip your mower with the air filter side up.

Riding Mowers
Before you buy a riding mower, check to see if it features an easy-to-clean deck. Toro riding products feature washout ports that make cleaning the deck as simple as hooking up a hose.

If your riding mower does not have washout ports, consult your operator manual to find the best way to keep your mower deck clean. You can also contact your local outdoor power equipment dealer for maintenance service.

Follow-up steps
Keeping a smooth, clean deck surface is the best way to keep the mower in top cutting shape. At the end of the mowing season thoroughly clean the deck and, if necessary, apply a coat of paint to the underside of the deck.

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