Have you ever felt frustrated when your lawn mower refuses to start or slows down halfway through the job? You’re not alone. As we rely on lawn mowers to keep our gardens neat and green, it’s essential to understand how to use and maintain them correctly.
In this guide, we’re walking through the most practical and down-to-earth tips to help us extend the life of our lawn mowers and get the most out of every mow. Let’s dive in together!
Types of Lawn Mowers: Which One Do We Need?
Lawn mowers come in various types based on different features. By power source, we can choose from gasoline-powered, electric, or manual silent models. Based on movement, they’re either self-propelled, push-type, or ride-on. Grass collection varies between bag-type and side discharge.
As for blades, there are single, double, and combo-blade options, while the cutting method includes reel and rotary. For daily garden use, gasoline-powered, self-propelled, bagged collection, single-blade, and rotary mowers are the most commonly used models.
How Do We Use Lawn Mowers Safely and Properly?
Before starting, let’s clean up the area—remove any stones, sticks, or toys that may get caught. Next, we must check the engine oil level, fuel amount, air filter, fastener security, and blade condition. These simple steps prevent problems before they begin.
Pre-Mowing Prep: A Must-Do
It’s important to wear non-slip shoes and check the tool’s overall condition. Never skip this step, as it helps prevent accidents and ensures smoother operation. Safety first!
Key Safety Tips While Mowing
When pulling the starter rope, do it gently—don’t yank or let it snap back. While mowing, always keep an eye on the 3 to 4 feet (about 0.9–1.2 meters) ahead. If anything feels off, stop immediately and inspect. If the issue seems complex, it’s better to get professional help. Also, avoid running the mower for more than 4 hours straight to keep the engine in good shape.
Post-Use Cleaning and Inspection
After we finish mowing, it’s time to clean every corner of the machine. Carefully check if all bolts and fasteners are still tight. Loose parts can cause breakdowns or even accidents, so this step really matters.
Engine Oil: A Small Thing That Makes a Big Difference
Before use, check that the oil level is between the two marks on the dipstick. For new machines, change the oil after 5 and 10 hours of use. After that, follow the instruction manual for scheduled oil changes. Clean oil means a smooth engine.
Common Issues and How We Can Fix Them
Let’s be honest—things go wrong. But we don’t need to panic. First, observe how the machine is behaving. If grass isn’t being discharged properly, it could be due to blockage or wet grass. We can fix this by clearing built-up grass and mowing when it’s dry.
Troubleshooting: Discharge Problems
If the mower isn’t discharging well, it might be due to low engine speed, blockage, damp grass, or even dull blades. We can solve this by removing the clogs, waiting for the grass to dry, and sharpening the blades.
Engine Running Rough? Let’s Smooth It Out
An unsteady engine could be due to throttle issues, dirty air filters, spark plug trouble, or fuel contamination. These can often be fixed by cleaning and making minor adjustments. It’s not hard, and we’ll get better with practice.
When the Engine Won’t Start
Check the air filter, fuel level, and spark plug. These three are often the culprits. Once we’ve checked and adjusted them, the mower usually starts right up again.
Low Speed? Here’s What to Do
Low speed may result from grass stuck at the rear or around the blade. Removing the debris and making some tweaks should restore full power.
Hard to Turn Off the Engine?
If our mower won’t shut off easily, the throttle cable may need some adjustment or lubrication. A few small changes can fix the issue fast.
Starter Rope Too Tight?
If the rope feels stuck or hard to pull, internal mechanical issues might be the cause. We may need to clean, adjust, or replace a part—but no worries, it’s manageable once we pinpoint the problem.
Let’s Take Good Care of Our Tools
With proper use and regular maintenance, our lawn mowers will serve us well for many years. They’re not just machines—they’re partners in keeping our gardens clean and inviting. By following the tips in this guide, we can prevent most common problems and keep our mowing routine stress-free and smooth.
Let’s continue learning and growing together, Lykkers! Have you run into any quirky lawn mower issues? Share with us—we’re all ears and always ready to help!
How to do Maintenance on Lawn Mowers
Video by HouseSmartsTV
