How Often to Service Different Types of Garden Machinery

18 February 2026

Servicing frequency depends on how often you use your equipment and the type of machine.

Lawn Mowers (Petrol & Battery)

Domestic use: Once per year
Heavy or commercial use: Every 6 months

A lawn mower service typically includes blade sharpening, oil changes for petrol models, air filter cleaning or replacement, spark plug checks and a general inspection.

If you mow weekly during spring and summer, an annual service, ideally before the season starts, is recommended.

Ride-On Mowers

Domestic use: Once per year
Large gardens or commercial use: Every 6 months

Ride-on mowers have more moving parts and larger engines, so regular servicing is particularly important. Belt checks, blade condition, battery health and engine servicing should all be inspected annually at minimum.

Chainsaws

Occasional use: Once per year
Frequent use: Every 3 to 6 months

Chainsaws require regular chain sharpening, tension adjustments and lubrication checks. If used heavily, more frequent servicing ensures safe operation and reliable cutting performance.

Hedge Trimmers, Strimmers & Handheld Tools

Light use: Annual service
Frequent use: Every 6 months

These tools often accumulate debris and carbon build-up in petrol models, which can affect performance over time. Battery-powered models require fewer engine-related checks but still benefit from routine inspections and blade maintenance.

Signs Your Garden Machinery Needs Servicing

Even if you are unsure when it was last serviced, your equipment may show warning signs.

Look out for:

• Difficulty starting
• Loss of power or uneven cutting performance
• Excessive vibration
• Unusual noises
• Smoke from petrol engines
• Poor battery performance or reduced runtime

If you notice any of these issues, it is worth arranging a professional inspection before further use.

Can You Service Garden Machinery Yourself?

Basic maintenance can be done at home, such as:

• Cleaning debris after use
• Checking blade sharpness
• Topping up oil for petrol machines
• Charging and storing batteries correctly

However, a full service involves more detailed checks, adjustments and part replacements that are best handled by trained technicians. Professional servicing ensures your machinery remains safe, reliable and compliant with manufacturer guidelines.

If you’re unsure whether your equipment needs more than basic maintenance, a professional inspection can help identify any underlying issues early.

Seasonal Servicing Tips

A simple way to stay on track is to service your machinery:

• Early spring, before heavy use begins
• Late autumn, before winter storage
• After particularly heavy workloads

Proper storage, cleaning and servicing before winter can significantly extend the life of your equipment.

Professional Garden Machinery Servicing

Whether you own a domestic lawn mower or commercial-grade equipment, professional servicing provides peace of mind that everything is running as it should.

Our experienced workshop team services a wide range of garden machinery, from pedestrian and ride-on mowers to handheld tools and chainsaws. If you’re unsure about your servicing schedule, we can offer advice tailored to your equipment and usage. If your equipment hasn’t been checked in over a year, or you’re unsure what it needs, our garden machinery servicing and repairs team can help