A ride-on mower is a serious piece of kit — and it needs proper servicing to stay reliable. But what does a service actually include? Paul explains what he checks and replaces on every ride-on that comes through the workshop.
Engine Service
The engine is the heart of any ride-on, and it gets a thorough going-over:
- Oil and filter change — fresh engine oil and a new oil filter. Ride-on engines hold significantly more oil than push mowers and work harder, so clean oil is critical
- Air filter replacement — ride-ons pull in a lot of dust and debris. A clean air filter is essential for proper combustion and engine longevity
- Spark plug replacement — new plugs ensure reliable starting and efficient combustion. Twin-cylinder engines get both plugs replaced
- Fuel filter check — inspected and replaced if restricted
Paul's tip: "Ride-on mowers run for longer stretches and work harder than push mowers. They need servicing at least annually, or every 50 hours of use — whichever comes first. Skip a service and you'll pay for it later."



