Starting a lawn mower might seem like a complex task, especially if you've never done it before. While there may be differences by model, there is a basic technique that is suitable for most machines. With a little practice and "elbow grease" you will be able to start the mower like a pro in no time!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Starting a Lawn Mower
Step 1. Prepare to turn on the machine
Take it outside to a grassy area, away from children's toys or stones.
Step 2. Check that the tank has fuel and that there is oil in the engine
If your model is equipped with a four-stroke engine, you can check the oil by opening the cap or pulling out the stick probe. If you have a two-stroke engine instead, you will need to mix the oil into the gasoline. Make sure you are using the right oil and making the mixture in the correct proportions.
Step 3. Check the spark plug
There should only be one sticking out of the rear or side of the engine and it has a connector that looks like a rubber plug. This is the element that allows the engine to start, so check that it is well connected to the spark plug itself. When in the correct position, the connector resembles a thick rubber tube threaded over a metal protrusion.
- If the spark plug is not well connected, check the instructions in the user manual. In some cases it is necessary to take the mower to a mechanic for repairs.
- Have the spark plug replaced by a mechanic once a year.
Step 4. Prepare the carburetor
Find the load button, which is typically a black or red soft button, applied to one spot on the main body of the mower. Press it three or four times to pump gasoline into the fuel system. Don't overdo it though, or you'll flood the carburetor. If you cannot locate this key, consult the instruction manual.
If your model doesn't have a load button, skip this step. However, check the instructions carefully to be sure
Step 5. Open the throttle
This is usually a lever mounted on the handle of the machine or on the motor body. Bring the throttle to mid-high position. If you skip this step, the engine will not continue running once started.
If the mower is cold, set the choke (commonly called the choke button). This element allows the fuel that reaches the engine to be enriched with air, so that it continues to turn while it warms up. After a few minutes, you can turn off the choke
Step 6. Pull the ignition cord
If your model has a horizontal lever near the grip, keep it snug against the grip. Grab the handle of the ignition cord (located on its end), pull it quickly and firmly upwards. You will have to make several attempts before the engine starts.
- If it won't start or make any noise, there may be a connection problem with the spark plug. Please check this item and try again.
- If it pops and makes sounds as if trying to start but without success, the mower may be running low on fuel.
Part 2 of 3: Diagnosing the Problems
Step 1. Check that the ignition is not stuck
It is a rope with a handle that protrudes from the body of the machine. If it puts up too much tensile strength, the blade may be stuck or caked with grass. Disconnect the spark plug by gently pulling the head of the rubber tube to detach it from the metal underneath. Turn the machine over on its side and remove any debris that is blocking the movement of the blades. Be careful because the blades are sharp.
- You have to disconnect the spark plug before proceeding with this operation. Otherwise, you risk that the mower suddenly starts with your hands between the blades.
- If the ignition cable gets stuck despite cleaning, take the car to a mechanic.
Step 2. Observe if the mower is emitting smoke
First turn off the engine and wait for it to cool for about an hour. Monitor it to make sure it stops emitting smoke after a few minutes. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.
If the car smokes and won't stay on, take the small engine to a repair shop as it needs maintenance
Step 3. Clean the drain
When the engine is cold, disconnect the spark plug and clear debris from the blades and exhaust (the opening from which the bits of plant matter are expelled). If the mower continues to smoke, the culprit could be a clogged air filter or bent blades. To fix these problems, you need to go to a mechanic.
The air filter should be replaced once a year to minimize the risk of clogging
Step 4. Change the height of the blades if the engine loses power when you move the mower
If the machine shuts down while you are using it, you may be cutting too tall grass. In this case, lift the chassis; for this operation consult the user manual, since each model has different procedures.
- Check the instruction manual to make sure it anticipates this issue. Some models have "unique features" that can be easily fixed, if you know what to do.
- Always be very careful when changing the cutting height of the tool. Check that it is off and that the spark plug is disconnected.
Part 3 of 3: Maintaining the Mower
Step 1. Check the engine oil before each use.
This step is essential if the mower has not been used for a long time. Look for the oil cap located on the main body of the machine that says "oil" or a drawing of a can of oil. Unscrew it to check the liquid level.
If your model does not have a probe attached to the cap, look for a reference notch on the wall of the oil tank. If the fluid level is below this mark, top up
Step 2. Insert the stick probe into the oil
It should be attached to the cap to allow you to check the liquid level. Clean the probe with a cloth and put it back by closing the cap completely. Pull the probe out again and observe it to check the fluid level. If it is below the idle mark, add more oil to the engine.
Refer to the instruction manual if you are unsure which type of engine oil to use
Step 3. Keep the machine in top condition
Change the oil as often as recommended in the instructions (if in doubt, respect the general rule of changing every 25 hours of ordinary use). Changing the oil is complex and creates a lot of mess. If you are inexperienced and can afford it, save yourself the trouble and take the machine to a specialized technician. For the same reason, blades need to be sharpened every few months. This process is very dangerous and should be left to a professional.
- If you decide to change the oil yourself, remember that you must dispose of the used oil by taking it to an authorized facility or the waste collection center in your municipality. Used oil can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment.
- Never attempt to service the mower yourself. If you were to get hurt, there would be no one ready to help you.
Step 4. Fill the fuel tank
This is the main cause of mower "malfunctions". Open the fuel cap and look inside. If there is no liquid, add gasoline up to the recommended level. There should be a reference notch on the inside wall that lets you know how much fuel is present. If there is no sign, fill the tank until the level is just below the fill tube.
- Avoid adding too much gasoline. If it overflows it could start a fire.
- If you are unsure which fuel to use, consult the instruction manual.
Advice
- At the end of the season, never store the mower with petrol in the tank, it could become thick and clog the fuel system.
- Do not fill the fuel tank with the car running, as this will waste some of the gasoline.
- If you are having difficulty starting the engine, push the unit away from you while pulling the ignition lever backwards. This increased momentum allows you to apply more force. When attempting this technique, always be aware of your surroundings and think about your safety.
- Do not start the engine without checking the oil first, unless you want to buy a new lawn mower.
- At the end of each use, clean the machine, otherwise the grass encrustations could become too thick and block the mechanisms.
