Quick Tips from The Grass Mechanic

Practical advice to help you get the most from your lawn and garden equipment — straight from our workshop in Norwich.

Lawn grass close up - The Grass Mechanic Norwich

🔧 When to Sharpen Your Mower Blades

Blunt blades tear grass rather than cut it cleanly, leaving your lawn looking ragged and more vulnerable to disease. As a rule of thumb, sharpen your blades at least once per season or more often if you mow frequently or have a large lawn. A quick way to check: if your grass tips look torn or brown after mowing, or if your mower is leaving stray grass behind

⛽ Fuel Tips for Petrol Engines

Always use fresh petrol — fuel degrades quickly, and stale fuel is one of the most common causes of starting problems. Use the correct fuel mix for two-stroke engines, and avoid leaving fuel sitting in the tank over winter. If storing your equipment, either run the tank dry or add a fuel stabiliser to prevent gumming in the carburettor. For two-stroke engines, adding an oil heavy fuel mix can help keep parts clean and lubricated over the winter months.

🔩 How to Tell If Your Carburettor Needs Cleaning

A dirty carburettor is another leading cause of engine trouble. Watch out for these warning signs:

  • Engine won't start or is hard to start
  • Engine starts but cuts out shortly after
  • Loss of power under load
  • Black smoke from the exhaust
  • Throttle response feels sluggish or hangs at full throttle

If you notice any of these, a carburettor clean is often all that's needed. Bring it into The Grass Mechanic, and we'll have it sorted quickly.

❄️ How to Store Equipment Over Winter

Proper winter storage can add years to the life of your garden machinery. Before putting equipment away for the season:

  • Drain or stabilise the fuel
  • Clean grass and debris from the deck and blades
  • Check and top up the engine oil
  • Remove and store the battery indoors if applicable
  • Store in a dry, frost-free location

A quick pre-season service in spring will ensure everything starts first time when you need it most.

🌿 General Tips for a Great Looking Lawn

Keeping your lawn in great shape doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some simple habits that make a big difference:

  • Mow little and often — never remove more than a third of the grass blade in a single cut
  • Vary your mowing direction — this prevents compaction and encourages upright growth
  • Leave clippings occasionally — they return nutrients to the soil and act as a natural fertiliser
  • Water deeply but infrequently — this encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant
  • Aerate in autumn — spiking the lawn improves drainage and reduces compaction
  • Feed in spring and autumn — use a seasonal lawn fertiliser appropriate to the time of year

Need a Hand?

If your equipment isn't performing as it should, don't struggle on. Bring it into The Grass Mechanic in Norwich and we'll diagnose the problem and get it sorted — usually within a few days. Get in touch here.