• STEP1 (Removing the Spark Plug)

The first thing to do is remove the spark plug. Locate the plug, which is found at the front of the machine, on the front of the engine. Remove the HT Cap by firmly pulling it off and then remove the spark plug by by placing the long reach spark plug wrench over the plug and turning it anti-clockwise to loosen it. Be careful to keep this wrench straight, to avoid putting strain on the ceramic insulator, as this is quite fragile.

• STEP 2 (Replacing the Air Filter)

The next step is replacing the air filter. This is commonly located at one side at the front of the engine. Another way to locate is is that its usually at the opposite side to where your exhaust is place. When removing the air filter covering, simply unclip the outer cover. Doing so will reveal the air filter, and to replace just reverse the above, being careful not to allow and dirt into the air intake.

• STEP 3 (Replacing the Blade)

Step 3 is replacing the blade. Doing this your going to have to tip the mower on its side.

Warning: You don’t want to replace the spark plug before this step as if you accidentally turn the crank there is a chance you could start the engine up and have the blade spinning, which is obviously very dangerous. Always keep your spark plug out when dealing with your blade so there’s no chance of this happening.

To remove the blade, make sure you always wear heavy duty gloves, undo the centre bolt by turning it anti-clockwise and safely pull the blade plate off. Once you’ve done this, take your new blade plate and thread the bolt back on, making sure the new blade plate is safely attached.

• STEP 4 (Changing the Oil)

To change your oil, first locate your dipstick which can be on the top, side or back of your lawnmower.

You’ll need a syphoning syringe to suck the oil out. Remove the dipstick, stick the syringe down until it goes no further and simply by pulling it up you’ll be draining the lawnmower of oil.

Once you have removed all of the oil, you’ll have to replace it with new oil. Always make sure the new oil you put in goes up to the correct marker on the dipstick. Once you’ve done that, screw the dipstick back in to place.

• STEP 5 (Replacing the Spark Plug)

Finally, we return to the spark plug. Put your new spark plug in the spark plug hole and begin to tighten it in by hand until you can feel it’s quite tight. The reason for this is to ensure you’re screwing the spark plug in correctly so that it won’t cross thread. Once it’s tight, tighten it with your deep socket and replace the HT cap.

Once you’ve done all of these steps your lawnmower will be ready for the new season.