The Definitive Checklist for 100-Hour Mower Service

As a small engine repair pro, you know the drill: your clients rely on their lawn mowers—whether push, zero-turn, or tractor—to keep their yards pristine. A well-maintained mower doesn’t just cut better; it lasts longer and breaks down less.

While the owner’s manual has the basics, we’re going beyond. A 100-hour service is more than an oil change; it’s a deep-dive that prevents costly breakdowns during the peak season.

Here is the definitive, pro-level checklist for your clients or your own shop, designed to keep those engines humming past the 100-hour mark.

2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke: The Simple Truth About Engine Maintenance

For the small engine mechanic, the air is thick with the buzz of two-strokes and the low rumble of four-strokes. They may both be combustion engines, but when it comes to keeping them running, they demand two entirely different approaches—and two different toolboxes.

If you service everything from leaf blowers and chainsaws (often 2-stroke) to lawnmowers and portable generators (often 4-stroke), understanding these maintenance disparities isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial for efficiency, cost management, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s a breakdown of the key maintenance differences between 2-stroke and 4-stroke small engines.

💨 Blue Smoke vs. White Smoke: An Exhaust-Based Diagnostic Guide for Small Engines

When you fire up your lawn mower, snow blower, or trimmer, the exhaust pipe tells a story.¹ While a puff of vapor on a cold morning is normal, persistent, colored smoke is your engine sending a distress signal.

For small engines, the color of the smoke can quickly diagnose a problem, saving you from a costly guessing game. This is your essential guide to decoding what those plumes mean for your 2-stroke and 4-stroke equipment.