My trusty lawn mower (the petrol one) I noticed started having a few small rust spots, on the top of the deck and underneath.
Now, I could have quite easily thrown it away and bought myself a fresh new mower. However, Horticulture is about sustainability and is it not very sustainable throwing away. Perfectly good engine, for the sake of a little bit rust.
Therefore, over the weekend I decided it was time to give it a revamp!
You can see here, that the mower has a Briggs and Stratton 300 E Series engine. I do keep on top of the maintenance and it regularly has fresh oil, fresh petrol and a clean air filter.
For a pull start lawn mower, it starts first time with very little effort. It never cuts out, and takes half an acre lawn in its stride.
The deck has been bashed about and has also had its fair amount hard labour.
First thing, I did was completely strip all moving parts – the handle, wheels and height adjustments. This was quite a straight forward process and it was a case of remembering if it came off first, then on reassembly it goes on last.
With it stripped, I took the time to wire wool all surface dirt off it, and any peeling paint. I then gave it a good sand down with initially 80 grit before going up to 180 grit. This took out all the surface scratches and surface rust.
A light wash down with white spirit and it gave me a clear and uncontaminated surface to apply the paint.
I chose black as the new colour. Mainly as I already had the paint and therefore using what I had. The first coat went on well!
After around 4 coats, to give a lot of protection, the reassembly began! The most fiddly part was putting back together the adjustment frame. At times, I needed an extra hand. I was grateful for my small hands as it made it a lot easier getting into tight spots, for example behind the wheels when tightening the nuts.
Once I got it all back together, I was slightly worried that it may not start. Although no fluids leaked, it did occur to me that dirt could have moved around it.
I need not have worried as it started first time.
All in all, this project lasted most of the weekend. I didn’t rush and was set back by the rain in between paint coats. Also, cost wise, was £0.00. I already had the paint and no special tools were needed. I got by with a socket set, adjustable spanner and hex keys.
I will be using it this week and pleased that I have kept my carbon footprint down with a few hours worth of work.
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kirsty
that’s amazing to refurb and rebuild your mower over a weekend!! What a clever girl! Must have given you great satisfaction
well done very impressive