Maintenance Tips for the Allett Stirling Mower
Keeping your Allett Stirling in top condition means routine cleaning, blade care, battery care, lubrication and proper storage. Always remove the safety key and battery before cleaning. After every mow (or at least weekly), brush off grass clippings and debris from the deck, blades and rollers- grass can build up around the microswitches if you don't clean your mower regularly. Allett advises wiping down the chassis and reel with a soft brush or cloth. Do not spray the main unit with water; instead remove the reel/cartridge and rinse it separately (using a hose on the reel is fine). Pay special attention to cooling fins and belt areas – clean these with a brush so grass doesn’t pack in. After cleaning, dry everything thoroughly. Finally, spray a light lubricant (Allett recommends WD-40) on the cylinder blades to displace any water and prevent rust.
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Remove debris: Clear grass clippings and dirt from the underside, rollers, and frame with a brush or damp cloth
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Cylinder cleaning: Take out the reel/cartridge; wash or brush off the blades and soil. Apply a light oil (e.g. WD-40) to the reel after cleaning to prevent moisture build-up
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Check screws/cables: Check that all screws, cable clips and guards are tight and undamaged. Remove any debris from around the motor and rollers/ under the covers- debris can build up.
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Check safety features: Ensure the safety key is in place and working. Test that the cylinder lightly touches the bottom blade across its width (it should cut paper cleanly)
Blade Sharpening & Adjustment
Sharp blades give the cleanest cut and save battery life. Perform a paper-cut test: the reel should slice through an 80 g/m² sheet across its width. If the cut is ragged or only partial, adjust the cylinder-to-bedknife gap (the “bottom blade” setting) following Allett’s instructions. For example, Allett notes the reel and bedknife must act like scissors, lightly brushing each other along the full width. If adjusting doesn’t fix it, the blades need sharpening. You can back-lap the reel yourself or better still have an Allett dealer grind the blades professionally- we suggest the latter. Allett recommends sharpening the reel and bottom blade every 2 years (or as required- if you are mowing regularly than you may need to do it more often- having it done every annual service is an idea). Dull blades will produce poor cuts and drain the battery faster. After any sharpening or adjustment, re-test with paper to confirm a clean cut.
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Paper test: Verify the reel cuts cleanly by slicing paper across its width
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Adjust gap: Set the cylinder-to-bottom-blade clearance per the manual (so the blades just kiss each other)
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Sharpen: Backlap or have the blades re-ground if cutting is uneven. Allett advises professional sharpening every 2–3 years
Battery Care and Charging
The Stirling uses a 56 V EGO lithium-ion battery. Always charge the battery fully before first use (there is no memory effect, so you may recharge it anytime). Use only the specified charger indoors. After mowing, check the battery’s LEDs and recharge it promptly. Keep the contacts clean and ensure the battery clicks firmly into its dock. If the mower won’t start or the drive won’t engage, a common cause is the battery not fully inserted – reseat the battery.
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Charging: Charge batteries immediately after use; a fully-charged battery ensures optimal runtime. The Stirling’s 56 V battery may be charged at any time
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Inspection: Periodically check the battery’s condition and connections. Allett warns that extreme temperatures will shorten battery life, so avoid very hot or cold storage
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Storage: For off-season or extended storage, keep the battery in a cool, dry place. Allett specifically says to remove the battery over winter and store it indoors (house temperature is ideal).Do not leave the battery on the charger unattended for months.
Lubrication
Lubricate moving parts after cleaning. Allett’s official advice is to spray the reel/cylinder with WD-40 after washing which helps displace moisture and inhibit rust. You should also oil or grease any roller bearings/ pivot points.
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Cylinder: Spray WD-40 or light oil on the reel/cylinder after cleaning to protect it
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Bearings/pivots: Apply a few drops of light machine oil to wheel and roller bearings, handle pivots and any metal-to-metal contacts
Seasonal Storage (Winter Care)
Before long-term storage, give the Stirling a thorough cleaning and drying. Allett’s winter guide recommends brushing away all mud and grass, paying special attention to under the mower. Once clean, apply WD-40 to the cylinder as rust protection. Store the folded mower in a dry, covered spot – a garage is preferable to a damp shed. Never leave it outside where moisture can cause corrosion. Fold the handlebars to save space, and if you have a cover or tarp, use it. Always remove the battery before winter storage and keep it inside at room temperature
Troubleshooting and Servicing
If problems occur, start with simple checks. A common issue is a blinking light or no motor drive – this usually means the battery isn’t fully engaged or is depleted. Always confirm the battery clicks in solidly and has charge before assuming a mechanical fault. Check your safety key is fully engaged.
Allett strongly recommends an annual service by an authorised dealer. A professional service will tighten belts, adjust cable tensions, lubricate bearings and sharpen the cylinder. Dealers can also inspect the electrical system and replace worn parts. In many cases, a dealer can adjust the reel-to-bed knife gap more precisely than end users. If you spot any belt slippage, torn cables or persistent fault lights, contact your Allett dealer for help.
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Battery faults: If the drive won’t engage, check that the battery clicks fully into place and is charged
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Overload warning: If a “flashing orange” overload light appears, raise the cut height to reduce motor load.
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Annual service: Have the mower serviced yearly. Allett states dealers will check your belts, cables, bearings etc. and ensure your cylinder is nice and sharp
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Manufacturer support: For complex issues or unresolved problems, contact an Allett dealer. Keep your proof of purchase!