5 Steps to Get Your Lawn Mower Ready Now for Spring
Published January 16, 2026
Every year in Berkshire County, we see the same thing happen. The first warm weekend hits, the grass in Lanesborough and Dalton starts shooting up, and suddenly every homeowner realizes their mower won't start. The result? A service backlog that can stretch for weeks.
At H.D. Reynolds, we want to see you out mowing your lawn, not waiting in a service queue. Taking just a quick half-hour in the garage during the late winter thaw can make all the difference. You’ll be glad you did when the Cheshire mud finally dries and your Ariens or Scag fires up on the very first pull while the rest of the neighborhood is stuck waiting on parts.
Your Pre-Season Maintenance Checklist
1. Wake Up the Battery
Cold New England winters are brutal on lead-acid batteries. If you didn't keep yours on a tender, it might need a slow charge. If it's over four years old, bring it into our shop on Route 8 for a free load test—it is much easier to replace it now than on a May Saturday morning.
2. Inspect Those Blades
Dull blades don't cut grass; they tear it. This leaves your lawn with ragged, brownish tips that are unsightly and susceptible to disease. Check for nicks from last year's hidden rocks. We offer professional blade sharpening services right here in Cheshire to give you that clean, golf-course finish.
3. Fresh Fuel is Non-Negotiable
Modern ethanol blended gas starts to degrade in about 30 days. If you didn't drain your tank in the fall, that old fuel could be "varnishing" your carburetor right now. Drain any old gas and refill with fresh, high-octane fuel and a stabilizer like STIHL MotoMix for the best results.
4. Check the "Lungs" and "Heart"
Pull your air filter. If it's caked with dust from last autumn's leaves, your engine is choking. A fresh air filter and a new spark plug are inexpensive ways to ensure your mower starts on the first pull and runs efficiently all season.
5. Level the Deck with Tire Pressure
Did you know that uneven tire pressure is the leading cause of an uneven cut? Tires naturally lose pressure in the cold. Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications so your zero-turn mower tracks straight and cuts level.
The H.D. Reynolds "Customer for Life" Advantage
Remember, if you purchased your equipment from us, you aren't just a customer—you're a partner. We offer discounted labor rates for our tractor customers. It is our way of saying thank you for choosing us for your ag needs.
Don't Wait for the Grass to Grow!
Our parts department is fully stocked with OEM belts, blades, and filters for all major brands. Whether you need a DIY kit or want our pro technicians to handle the tune-up for you, now is the time to act.
Book Your Spring Tune-Up Today