Quick Tips Before Starting Your Lawn Mower This Spring

Springtime is here and it's time to get mowing! Before you even start the lawn mower there are a few things that need to be done, and we are here to walk you through those steps. Follow along for tips on how to get your lawn mower started, how to keep it running, and how to keep yourself safe.

Safety

Engine Brake

One of the most important safety features is your engine brake. The start of the season is the perfect time to test it and make sure it’s working as it should. To test it, you’ll need to start your engine by giving the starter rope a pull and looking to see if your engine turns (it shouldn’t). Next, grab your bail lever and then try again. Your engine should now roll over, indicating the engine brake is working as it should. Once you’ve confirmed that your engine brake is working, you can move on to the next step.

Deflectors

Another big safety item to check on your lawnmower is the deflectors. Deflectors keep the grass clippings and foreign objects from flying back at you. Check and make sure that the springs are holding them tight in place and that the skirt is still intact and in good condition. If it appears worn or is missing, it will need to be replaced. In our example in the video, we have a mulching mower, which has a rear discharge and a side discharge. For this type of model, make sure that it is pointed in the right direction, tightly in place, and there is nothing blocking it.

Maintenance

The next important step is maintenance. So much about your maintenance in the springtime depends on what you do with your lawn mower in the fall. Things to ask yourself are, did you change your oil? Did you clean your deck? Did you change your spark plug? If not, we’ll take you through some of these parts and how to check them.

Engine Oil

The most important component of your engine is your engine oil. Start by checking the oil level and color. If it's dark or showing milky white, you need to change it. It's your option as to whether you want to go with basic SAE oil or if you want to go with synthetic.

Spark Plug

Next, you’ll want to look at the spark plug. The one part that will routinely cause starting issues, sputtering, or poor operation, is the spark plug. So, it's worthwhile to change your spark plug every year. While spark plugs may all look the same, it’s critically important that you have the right spark plug for your model. Always check the manufacturer's specifications as to which spark plug is for your mower, and when looking for a replacement, be sure to use your correct model number.

Air Filter

A dirty air filter will reduce the performance of your engine greatly. Be sure to check the condition of the air filter and change it if it appears worn or damaged. Typically, most machines will require you to remove the cover for the filter. Pull off your old air filter, install the new one, and reinstall the cover.

Inspections

Mower Deck & Blade

The next step is inspecting the mower deck. To inspect it, you will need to tip your mower up. Always have the carburetor and air filter side straight up so the gas doesn't run into it. Next, check and make sure your deck is nice and clean and isn’t showing any signs of damage. If you have a self-propelled model, this is an ideal time to look at the belt that drives it and make sure it's in good condition. If it's not, you will need to replace it. When inspecting the blade, look for nicks or bends, and if it is bent, replace it. If it just has nicks and needs to be sharpened, be sure to get it sharpened. Remove it, sharpen it, check to make sure it's balanced, and you'll be good to go.

Wheels

This is also a great opportunity to check the wheels to make sure they're turning freely. If there is too much play, you'll want to replace them, or at least put a little bit of grease on the axles so that they turn smoothly.

Battery Operated Mowers

For our last tip, if you happen to have one of the newer style battery mowers, you're going to want to make sure your batteries are fully charged, and the charger is functioning as it should.

Your lawn mower is ready for action, happy mowing! Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more tips, tricks, and repairs for around the home.