Category Archives: Lawn Mowers

Gear Up for Spring: A Step-by-Step Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist

As spring is just around the corner, it’s time to gear up for a lush, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood. One crucial aspect of lawn care that often gets overlooked is proper maintenance of your trusty lawn mower. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step lawn mower maintenance checklist to ensure your equipment is in top shape for the upcoming season.

Step 1: Pre-Season Inspection

Before you even think about firing up your lawn mower, conduct a thorough pre-season inspection. Check for any visible damage, loose bolts, or worn-out parts. Inspect the spark plug, air filter, and oil level, making note of any issues that need addressing. This initial examination sets the foundation for a trouble-free mowing season.

Step 2: Spark Plug and Air Filter Replacement

A fresh start begins with a new spark plug and a clean air filter. Replace the spark plug to ensure efficient combustion, and clean or replace the air filter to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine. This simple step significantly improves engine performance and longevity.

Step 3: Oil Change

Just like any other engine, your lawn mower requires clean and properly leveled oil for optimal functioning. Drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill with the recommended oil type. Regular oil changes keep the engine running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Step 4: Blade Inspection and Sharpening

A sharp blade is essential for a clean and healthy lawn cut. Inspect the mower blades for any signs of damage or dullness. If needed, sharpen the blades or replace them to ensure a precise cut, promoting overall lawn health.

Step 5: Check Belts and Cables

Examine the belts and cables for wear and tear. Replace any damaged or frayed belts, and ensure that cables are properly adjusted. Well-maintained belts and cables contribute to smooth operation and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Step 6: Clean Undercarriage and Deck

Over time, grass clippings, debris, and moisture can accumulate under the mower deck, leading to rust and corrosion. Clean the undercarriage thoroughly, removing any residue that may impede performance. A clean deck ensures proper grass discharge and prevents clogs.

Step 7: Lubrication

Keep your mower running smoothly by lubricating moving parts such as wheel axles, bearings, and linkages. Apply the recommended lubricant to prevent friction and enhance the overall performance of your lawn mower.

Conclusion

Your lawn mower is a critical tool that helps keep your lawn looking its best. By following this step-by-step maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your mower is ready for the spring season. Regular maintenance not only enhances your mower’s performance but also extends its lifespan, saving you time and money in the long run. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, it’s time to gear up for spring and get your lawn mower in tip-top shape.

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Is it Time to Ditch Your Gas Lawn Mower for an Electric One?

Maintaining a well-polished lawn is an important aspect of owning a home. Mowing the lawn may not be everyone’s favorite chore, but it is necessary for keeping the grass healthy and promoting a neat and organized appearance. When it comes to lawn mowers, there are two main types: gas mowers and electric mowers. Throughout this blog, we will go through the differences between gas mowers and electric mowers to help you determine which is the best choice for your lawn care needs.

Gas Lawn Mowers

Gas mowers are powered by a gasoline engine and are the most common type of lawn mower on the market. They are typically more powerful than electric mowers and are capable of handling larger lawns or more rugged terrain. Gas mowers also tend to have a longer lifespan than electric mowers, and they can be more durable.

One of the advantages of gas mowers is that they do not require a power source, allowing them to be used in remote areas or in locations where there is no access to an electrical outlet. However, this also means that they are not environmentally friendly and produce more emissions than electric mowers. Additionally, gas mowers require more maintenance than electric mowers, including regular oil changes and spark plug replacements.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric mowers are powered by electricity and are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly nature. They are typically less powerful than gas mowers, but they are still capable of handling most residential lawns. Electric mowers are also quieter than gas mowers, making them a good option for neighborhoods with noise restrictions.

One of the main advantages of electric mowers is their ease of use. They do not require fuel, oil changes, or spark plug replacements, and they are much lighter and easier to maneuver than gas mowers. Electric mowers are also more affordable than gas mowers and have a lower operating cost. They can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet, making them a convenient option for homeowners who do not have a lot of storage space.

However, electric mowers do have some disadvantages. They are not as powerful as gas mowers and may struggle with tall or thick grass. They also require a power source, which can limit their use in remote areas or large properties where an extension cord may not be long enough. Additionally, the battery life of cordless electric mowers may not be sufficient to complete larger lawns without needing to be recharged.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between a gas mower and an electric mower comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your lawn. Gas mowers are more powerful and durable, but they require more maintenance and are not environmentally friendly. Electric mowers are quieter, more affordable, and easier to use, but they may not be powerful enough for larger or more rugged lawns.

Consider the size and terrain of your lawn, your budget, and your environmental concerns when deciding between a gas mower and an electric mower. Regardless of which type of mower you choose, maintaining a well-manicured lawn is an essential part of homeownership that can increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a welcoming outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy.

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

5 Lawn Mowing Myths Debunked

As the weather gets warmer and the grass starts to grow, it’s time to start thinking about lawn maintenance. One of the most important tools in lawn care is your lawn mower, but with so many myths floating around about how to properly use it, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Throughout this blog, we will debunk 5 of the most common lawn mower myths you might have heard.

Myth #1: You Should Mow Your Lawn as Short as Possible

Many people believe that mowing your lawn as short as possible is the best way to keep it looking neat and tidy. However, cutting your grass too short can actually be harmful to your lawn. When grass is cut too short, it doesn’t have enough leaf area to produce energy through photosynthesis. This can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to disease, weeds, and pests. To avoid this issue, aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade length each time you mow.

Myth #2: You Should Mow Your Lawn in the Same Direction Every Time

Another common myth is that you should always mow your lawn in the same direction. The theory behind this is that it will help prevent ruts and grooves from forming in the grass. However, mowing in the same direction every time can actually cause the grass blades to lean in one direction. To keep your lawn looking its best, try changing the direction you mow each time you cut the grass. Alternating the pattern allows the blades to return to a more upright position.

Myth #3: You Should Sharpen Your Mower Blades Every Year

While it’s true that sharp mower blades are important for a clean cut, you don’t necessarily need to sharpen them every year. Instead, it’s better to sharpen your mower blades when they start to dull. Some signs that your mower blades need sharpening could include ragged, torn grass blades and a choppy, uneven cut. If you’re not comfortable sharpening your mower blades yourself, bring them into Suburban Lawn Equipment to take care of that for you. 

Myth #4: You Should Bag Your Grass Clippings

Many people believe that they should always bag  grass clippings and remove them from the lawn. However, grass clippings can actually be beneficial for your lawn. As the clippings break down, they release nutrients back into the soil that can help fertilize your lawn. In addition, leaving the clippings on the lawn can help reduce water evaporation and soil erosion.

Myth #5: You Should Only Mow When Your Grass is Dry

The last myth is that many people believe you should only mow your lawn when the grass is dry. While it’s true that wet grass can be more difficult to mow, it’s not always needed to wait for dry conditions. As long as your mower blades are sharp, mowing wet grass shouldn’t cause any harm to your lawn. Just be sure to take extra care when maneuvering your mower on wet grass to avoid slipping or damaging the grass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many myths surrounding lawn mower usage during the spring season. By understanding the facts behind these myths, you can ensure that you’re using your mower properly and keeping your lawn looking healthy and vibrant. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully maintained lawn this spring!

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Start the Season Right: How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Spring

As the weather warms up and the grass starts to grow, it’s important to prepare your lawn mower for the spring season. Proper maintenance can help your lawn mower run smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that your lawn looks its best. Here is a checklist of steps you can take to prepare your lawn mower for spring:

1. Change the Oil

Before you start using your lawn mower, check the oil level and condition. If the oil is dirty or low, replace it with a high-quality oil that is recommended for your lawn mower. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

2. Change the Spark Plug

A worn or dirty spark plug can make it difficult to start your lawn mower or cause it to run poorly. Replace the spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season to ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly.

3. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause it to run poorly. Clean or replace the air filter at the beginning of each mowing season to ensure that your lawn mower is running efficiently.

4. Sharpen the Blades

Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. Sharpen the blades before the start of the mowing season to ensure that your lawn mower cuts the grass cleanly and efficiently.

5. Check the Fuel

If you left fuel in your lawn mower over the winter, it may have gone bad. Drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh fuel that is recommended for your lawn mower. Make sure to use the correct fuel-to-oil ratio, and never use old or stale fuel.

6. Inspect the Belts and Cables

Check the belts and cables on your lawn mower for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure that your lawn mower is running safely and efficiently.

7. Check the Wheels

Check the wheels on your lawn mower to ensure that they are properly inflated and free from damage. Properly inflated wheels will ensure that your lawn mower is running smoothly and making even cuts.

By following these steps to prepare your lawn mower for spring, you can ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently. A well-maintained lawn mower will not only help you achieve a beautiful lawn, but it will also last longer and require fewer repairs over time. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, bring your mower to Suburban Lawn Equipment for a service.

Visit Suburban Lawn Equipment YouTube for more lawn mower tips and how-to videos to help you get the most out of your mowing season.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

3 Helpful Steps to Winterize Your Commercial Lawn Mower

Here are 3 simple steps you can take to store your lawn mower before winter arrives. Taking these steps will ensure that you can get your mower up and running without issue next lawn mowing season, along with getting more time out of your equipment.

Step 1: Prepare Your Battery For Storage

By disconnecting the battery on your mower, you can ensure that its charge and the battery itself will last longer. When a battery is connected to the mower, it will slowly drain over time. While an unplugged battery will also drain over time, it will do so much slower. To help prevent this from happening  you can start your mower once a month and let it run for about 10-15 minutes to keep the battery charged when it’s not being used.

Step 2: Clean Your Equipment

If you are looking for your equipment to last for years to come, the last thing you want to do is leave grass on it, especially on your mower’s deck. Make sure to give your commercial equipment a final bath before storing it away for the winter! Leaving caked on grass on your mower will retain moisture, and corrode your lawn mowers deck, and other parts prematurely. 

Step 3: Service Your Mower

If you are looking to go above and beyond, you should definitely plan on getting a complete service on your lawn mower before it goes into hibernation during the winter season. This will leave you better prepared for the next mowing season. 

You will want to take the time to change your oil, replace your fuel filter, sharpen your blades, level your deck, and grease all your lawnmower’s joints. Taking the time to handle these service points now, will allow you to hit the ground running next mowing season. 

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Father Mows Best picture of girl and her dad with lawnmower

Want to win a Grand Prize worth $250? Check out an Opportunity to Win Today!

Nominate your Dad for “Father Mows Best” and Submit your Photo to Win the Grand Prize!

Father Mows Best Contest

Do you have “rad dad” that loves their lawn? Nominate them for the “Father Mows Best” contest with WJBR and submit their picture today! Whichever photo gets the most votes wins a $250 Grand Prize!

This Father’s Day, dad should have the day off!  But, if he still feels the need to be Master of his lawn, you can help him do it in style in our Father’s Mows Best Photo Contest.

Submit a picture of dad and his lawn below or on the JBR Mobile App for a chance to win dad a Stihl Blower and a $50 Gift Card to Suburban Lawn.

While you may notice he spends a lot of time on the lawn, staring at the lawn and really admiring his lawn, remember that voting starts right away.  The contest runs from June 7-20 and listeners can vote every hour. The winner will be announced June 21st at 8a.m.

The sooner you submit a picture, the better your chances are to win!Father Mows Best picture of girl and her dad with lawnmower

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Customer Appreciation Days at Suburban Lawn Equipment

Our Annual Commercial Open House starts Wednesday, March 9th!


March 9th – 11th, 2022 – Wednesday through Friday

We hope to see you then!


Select Dealers Each Day:

Wednesday March 9th ~ SCAG
Thursday March 10th ~ EXMARK & ECHO
Friday March 11th ~ HUSTLER & STIHL

What you can expect at our Customer Appreciation Event:

  • 15% off parts
  • 0% Financing up to 48 months
  • Refreshments
  • Grand Prize Giveaway!

Make sure to FOLLOW US on Facebook!

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SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

Easy Ways to Market Your Landscaping Business

8 Easy Ways to Market Your Landscaping Business

If you are serious about your landscaping business and want to get more customers this upcoming growing season, now is the time to strategize and lock in new clients. Focus on ways to market your landscaping business  before the big rush gets here.

Get Started on Marketing Your Landscape Business Early

Once the grass starts to green and the weather warms up, you will be too busy to focus in on your marketing strategy. At Suburban, we believe that growing a lawn care business is a lot like growing a garden. You need to nurture it, 

Do you wish to market your landscaping business in order to get it the next level?

Consider these marketing tips that will connect you with more customers and bring you more sales!

8 Easy Ways to Market Your Landscaping Business

1) Brand Recognition – Get ahead of the pack by creating an attractive name and logo for your landscaping business. Professional logos transfer well to all sorts of advertising mediums, such as trucks, flyers, stationary, website and apparel.

The more you circulate yourself across a variety of platforms, the greater your name and brand recognition will become.

2) Website – Many landscapers discount the importance of having a user-friendly up-to-date website. This is a mistake. Expectations are a lot higher than they were even 5 years ago. Many of your clientele will prefer to contact you in their free time after business hours. A website contact form presents them with an opportunity to contact you during off hours.

3) Directory Listings – Much as we would like to think the landscaping business is word-of-mouth (and it is), if you want to branch out then correctly listing your business in directories such as Google, Bing, Yelp is a good start.

4) Yard Signs – Professional-looking lawn signs are a great way of showing y our business side, especially when your former clients agree to display them in their own yards. Also, potential new clients will know right away what your business is all about – they can see results right in front of them!

5) Magnetic Signs   Simply put your logo and contact information on the truck (as a bumper sticker) or on a side of the vehicle for free advertising!

6) Direct mailing – Believe it or not, another successful way to reach more potential customers is through direct mail postcards targeting your geographic market. Check out some of these  landscaping postcard samples to get ideas.

7) Fliers and Door Hangers – Believe it or not, some people still prefer to receive a paper copy of whatever you’re trying to sell! Get fliers and door hangers and pass them out in your neighborhood. Even better if you offer an incentive like a special discount for first time customers. Don’t forget to include a detachable business card for future reference.

8) Get Social – Sharing your before and after pictures on social media channels is an invaluable marketing tool. Engage your customers and they will cheer you on. Don’t be afraid to share, post, tweet, and simply have fun with it!

So, there you have it. 8 simple ways to market your landscaping business at a very affordable price. Of course, getting involved within the community that your business services will create good will and increase your brand’s impression.

Suburban Lawn is Here for Your Landscaping Business

Those of us at Suburban Lawn Equipment like to think of ourselves as partners enablers for the success of landscaping businesses in our area. We strive to provide quality equipment, service and maintenance to commercial and residential customers in northern Delaware and the Tristate area.

If you need help getting the right equipment or maybe just a little friendly advice on how to best market your landscaping business, get in touch:

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

More importantly, we never sell anything in a box. Your unit is set up and inspected by factory authorized technicians; plus we top it off with oil or gas at pickup. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your residential or commercial lawn mowers have been put together by professionals.

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Suburban Lawn Equipment team

Suburban is Thankful for All Our Great Customer Reviews

We Appreciate Your Business! Read some of the nice things our customers said about us this year. It is always nice to get positive feedback. We truly appreciate your patronage and try to do our best to give you the best service and value on your outdoor power equipment. Thank you for your loyalty.

From all of us at Suburban Lawn Equipment, Thank you for a truly spectacular year. Best wishes to you & yours for a magical holiday season. See you in the new year!

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

Related Articles:

How To Choose the Perfect Leaf Blower

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

What to Know Before Buying Leaf Blowers

Best Practices for Maintaining Outdoor Power Equipment

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Winterizing Your Commercial Lawn Mower

How to Winterize & Store Commercial Lawn Mowers

WINTERIZING YOUR COMMERCIAL LAWN MOWER

Commercial Lawn Mowers take a beating and keep showing up to work day after day, give them the TLC they deserve to be ready to get back to work come spring. Check out these steps to make sure your mower gets properly stored for the winter months ahead.

CLEAN THE MOWER TOP & BOTTOM

Clean underside removing all debris; use a stick or brush, NOT hands, when cleaning blades.

Clean the mower, thoroughly brush off leaves, grass and other debris. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe it down. Remove spark plug prior to ANY maintenance.

REMOVE & STORE BATTERY SAFELY

Remove the Battery: wipe battery and clean terminal with metal brush or terminal cleaner. Store it in a cool and dry location away from furnace, water heater or gas cans.

ADD FUEL STABILIZER TO THE GAS TANK

Add a fuel stabilizer eliminating need to drain fuel. Storing mower with a full tank stops moisture from condensing and forming rust that could clog the carburetor.

STORE MOWER IN PROTECTED SPACE FOR WINTER MONTHS

Store the mower in a protected dry space such as a garage or shed away from water heater, furnace or any gas appliances.

Your lawn mower has served you faithfully all season, give it proper rest for the winter months ahead to ensure a happy reunion once things start greening up in spring.

Contact Suburban Lawn Equipment for all your outdoor power equipment needs.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700


Related Articles:

How To Choose the Perfect Leaf Blower

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

What to Know Before Buying Leaf Blowers

Best Practices for Maintaining Outdoor Power Equipment


Your One Stop Shop for All Your Outdoor Power Equipment Needs!

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

More importantly, we never sell anything in a box. Your unit is set up and inspected by factory authorized technicians; plus we top it off with oil or gas at pickup. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your residential or commercial lawn mowers have been put together by professionals.

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.


Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

Suburban Lawn Equipment
302-998-7700