In a call to both landscape professionals and homeowners alike, Toro is drawing attention to the two biggest threats to the mower’s engine: friction and heat.
Lawn Mower Maintenance Week is March 1-7, 2026. It is an annual reminder to perform the essential tune-ups on your walk or zero-turn mower that help prevent mid-season breakdowns.
“Heat is the silent killer of outdoor power equipment,” says Wes Bollingmo, channel and product support manager at Toro. “Think of your mower like your own body. It needs to breathe to keep moving. Clear airflow keeps it cool, clean surfaces help shed heat and fresh oil reduces internal stress. If any of those are blocked, heat can build up and that’s when failures happen.”
This year, Toro encourages homeowners and landscape professionals to treat Lawn Mower Maintenance Week like an annual physical. The Mower Engine Health Checklist below can serve as an at-home, once-a-year checkup to help prevent overheating and keep mowers running reliably.
- Check Your Vitals: Oil Quality and Level — Fresh, high-quality oil reduces internal friction, and maintaining correct quantities ensures proper lubrication. Oil carries heat away from moving parts to be cooled by the engine case; when levels run low, heat stays trapped around the piston and crankshaft, increasing the risk of failure.
- Breathe In: Replace the Air Filter — A clogged air filter acts like a thermal blanket, trapping heat and causing poor running conditions. Replacing the filter allows the engine to pull in cool air, regulate temperature and maintain efficient combustion.
- Breathe Out: Clear the Mower Deck — Dried grass clippings trapped under the deck disrupt airflow and trap heat. Scraping and washing the deck clean allows better airflow, reducing heat and resulting in a better cut.
- Stress Test: Inspect Blades — Dull or unbalanced blades create excessive vibration, leading to costly component failures and generating unnecessary heat. Sharp, properly balanced blades help the mower run smoothly and efficiently.
- Posture Check: Air Up the Tires — Low tire pressure tilts the mower causing an uneven cut and increased resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Properly inflated tires keep the mower level for a smoother, cooler-running cut.
Whether at home or with the help of your local dealer, performing a routine check-up this Lawn Mower Maintenance Week can reduce breakdowns, extend equipment life and ensure you start the season with confidence.
