Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Starting the lawn mower
• Part 2 of 3: Diagnosing problems
• Part 3 of 3: Taking care of your lawn mower
• Tips
• Warnings

Starting a lawn mower can be tricky, especially if you've never done it. While there are some differences between lawn mowers, the same basic technique works for most mowers. With a little practice and commitment, you can start your lawn mower like a pro in no time.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Starting the lawn mower

1. Prepare the mower. Place the mower in an open area with grass. Remove any children's toys or stones.
2. Make sure your lawn mower has gasoline and oil. If your mower has a 4-stroke engine, you can check the oil level by opening the oil reservoir cap or using the measuring stick. If your mower has a 2-stroke engine, you will need to mix the oil in the gasoline. Make sure you are using the correct type of oil for mixing and that you are using the correct proportions for the engine.
3. Check the spark plug. There should be a single spark plug on the back of the engine, with a cable that looks like a thick wire with a rubber cap on it. This is what allows the engine to start, so make sure the wire is properly connected to the spark plug. When properly connected, the assembly looks like a thick rubber hose sitting on a metal protrusion.
   • If the spark plug is not properly tightened, check the owner's manual. You may need to take the lawn mower to a mechanic for repair.
   • Have the spark plug replaced by a technician once a year.
4. Prepare the carb. Locate the prime button, which is usually a red or black flexible button on the lawn mower housing. Press it 3-4 times to pump gasoline into the lines. Don't press too often or you will drown the engine. If you can't find the flexible button, check out the user manual.
   • If your mower does not have a prime button, skip this step. However, check the user manual to be sure.
5. Open the gas valve. This is usually done by a lever on the lawn mower handle or on the motor housing. Move the throttle to a mid to high position. If you skip this step, the engine cannot continue to run once you start it.
   • If the engine is cold, use the choke. The choke helps deliver a richer gasoline-oxygen mixture to the engine. This will keep the engine running until it warms up. Once the mower has been running for a few minutes, you can turn off the choke.
6. Pull the starter rope. If your lawn mower has a horizontal lever near the handle, hold it against the handle. Then grab the handle of the starter rope (on the end of a rope or cord) and pull up quickly and firmly. You may need to do this several times before the engine starts.
   • If it does not start and makes no noise at all, the spark plug may not be connected. Check the spark plug and try again.
   • If it sputters and hears it as if it wants to start (but doesn't), there may not be enough gas in the tank.

Part 2 of 3: Diagnosing problems

1. Check that the starter cord is tight. The starter rope is the rope with a handle that comes out of the lawn mower housing. If the cord is difficult to pull out, the blade may be stuck or blocked by grass. Disconnect the spark plug by gently pulling the head of the rubber cap away from the metal protrusion. Then place the mower on its side and remove the debris from the lawn mower, while being careful of the sharp blades.
   • You MUST disconnect the spark plug before doing this or you risk starting the lawn mower with your hands in it.
   • If the starter cord is still attached after removing the debris, see a mechanic.
2. Examine your lawn mower for smoke. First, turn the lawn mower off and let it cool for an hour. Keep an eye on him to make sure the smoking stops after a few minutes. Keep a fire extinguisher handy for an emergency.
   • If your lawn mower smokes and won't keep running, take it to a mechanic. The mower may need service.
3. Clear the discharge opening. Once the engine has cooled, disconnect the spark plug and wipe any debris from the blades and knockout hole (where the grass clippings come out of the machine). If the lawn mower is still smoking, the air filter may be clogged or the blades may be bent. See a technician to fix these issues.
   • The air filter should be replaced annually to avoid the risk of clogging.
4. Adjust the height of the mower if you lose power while walking. If the mower stops while in use, you may be cutting grass that is too high. If so, increase the cutting height of the lawn mower. See the owner's manual to find out how to do this, as every mower is different.
   • Check the user manual to see if it addresses this issue. Some models have "quirks" that can be easily overcome if you know how to do it.
   • Always be careful when adjusting the height of the lawn mower. Make sure the lawn mower is off and the spark plug is disconnected.

Part 3 of 3: Taking care of your lawn mower

1. Check the engine oil before each use. This step is especially important if your lawn mower has not been used for a long time. On the lawn mower housing, look for the cap with the word oil or an oil can icon on it. Unscrew this cap to check the oil.
   • If your lawn mower does not have a dipstick in the oil cover, look for a minimum amount indicator line in the oil tank. If the oil level is below that line, you need to add oil.
2. Push the dipstick into the oil. There is a dipstick on the cap to help you check the oil. Wipe the dipstick and push it completely back into the tank. Then remove the dipstick and check the oil level on the stick. If it is below the minimum mark, you need to add more engine oil.
   • Check out the owner's manual if you don't know what type of oil your lawn mower needs.
3. Maintain the condition of your lawn mower. Change the oil at the recommended intervals (usually about 25 hours of normal operation is a good guide if you are unsure). Changing the oil yourself can be difficult and dirty. If you have no experience and can afford it, save yourself the trouble and take the mower to a professional technician. The blades must also be sharpened every few months. This process is very dangerous and must be performed by a technician.
   • If you decide to change the oil yourself, remember to dispose of the old oil properly by taking it to a recycling point. Used oil can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment.
   • Never try to work on machines alone. If you get hurt, there is no one around to help you.
4. Fill the fuel tank. This is the most common cause of lawn mower problems. Open the fuel cap and look inside the tank. If you don't see gasoline, top up to the recommended level. There should be markings on the inside to show where that level is. If you don't see a mark, top up until the fuel level is just below the filler neck.
   • Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. If you do, the gasoline can spill out and cause a fire.
   • If you are unsure of what kind of gasoline to use, check the owner's manual.

Tips

• Never store your mower with gasoline in the tank. The gasoline can harden and clog the pipes.
• Do not fill the tank when the lawn mower is in operation. You then waste fuel.
• If you have trouble starting the engine, push the mower away from you while pulling the starter cord. This additional momentum will increase the amount of force applied. Always be careful and aware of your surroundings when applying this technique.
• Always clean the lawn mower when you are done. Grass will cling to it, which can block things when the layer gets thick.
• Never run the lawn mower when checking the oil (unless you would like to buy a new lawn mower).

Warnings

• Never place any part of your body near the lawn mower's blades unless you have disconnected the spark plug.