How to Start a Lawnmower. 15 Things You Should Know

If you are looking forward to doing some extensive yard work, you need a good working lawnmower instead. This means you need to be able to start your lawnmower. Generally speaking, lawnmowers are divided into two major categories, the riding lawnmower, and the push lawnmower. The machines’ basic mechanics are quite similar, but the steps to operate them vary a little.

Although riding lawnmowers are comfortable tools for cutting large patches of grass, they might be comparatively harder to operate. They are an effective mower for more challenging locations, both large and areas that are not leveled

How to Start a Lawnmower:

• Method 1: Traditional/Push Lawnmower
  • Step 1: Prepare to start.
  • Step 2: Make sure the mower has oil and gas.
  • Step 3: Check spark plugs
  • Step 4: Prime the Carburetor
  • Step 5: Open throttle
  • Step 6: Pull the starter cord  
• Method 2: Riding Lawnmower  
  • Step 1: Press the brake.
  • Step 2: Engage parking brake
  • Step 3: Shift gear to neutral
  • Step 4: Pull the throttle in the choke position
  • Step 5: Insert the key into the ignition
  • Step 6: Turn the key to the right.
  • Step 7: Move the throttle in a fast position

In the case of a push lawnmower, the first time can be a little intimidating, especially if you are operating the machine for the first time. With a bit of guidance and practice, operating and starting a lawnmower will become as easy as starting your car.

 It is necessary to understand the machine before you get into the driver’s seat, like driving a car. One must spend a few seconds to do a pre-mow check to make sure everything is functioning correctly. One essential thing to consider is that depending upon the brand under consideration, there might be little differences between the lawnmowers, but overall, their functionality is quite similar. Following are the steps that ought to be followed to start a lawnmower.

Start a traditional/push lawnmower in 6 easy steps.

● Step 1: Prepare to start the lawnmower:

To start, first of all, take the lawnmower in an open grassy region. Make your that the surface is clean from any debris, toys, or rock. It is preferred if it’s a flat surface.

● Step 2: Make sure your mower has oil and gas:

For a 4-stroke engine, with the help of a dipstick, one can estimate the oil. On the other hand, if you have a 2-stroke engine, oil and gas need to be mixed in the correct proportion for the engine’s health and longevity.

● Step 3: Check the spark plug:

In a push lawnmower, the spark plug(s) is located either on the back or side of the motor in the form of a thick lead wire covered with a rubber cap. Make sure that the lead is firmly attached as this gets the lawnmower started.

In case that the spark plug is loose, look up to the user’s guide. Consulting a professional is the recommended step in this regard.

● Step 4: Prime the carburetor:

After you have located the prime button that is usually a red or black button on the mower’s body, push it a couple of times to make gasoline flow into the lines. Make sure that you refer to the guide while operating this button to avoid flooding the engine. For the lawnmower which does not have this button, skip this step.

● Step 5: Open the throttle:

 A throttle is usually a lever that is present on the body of the lawnmower’s engine. It is necessary to put this lever in a mid to high position to keep the engine going. Set the choke if your engine is cold as it helps to warm the engine by keeping it running. 

● Step 6: Pull the starter cord:

In case your lawnmower consists of a horizontal lever around the handle, you must firmly grip the handle while keeping the lever against it. After that, grip the starter’s handle attached at the end of the rope or cord and pull it quickly and firmly. Repeat this step until the motor starts up.

In case the motor doesn’t roar at all, check the spark plugs. At the same time, a sputtering sound is an indication of a lack of fuel in the tank.

Start a riding lawnmower in 8 easy steps.

● Step 1: Sit firmly in the seat:

After you have tuned and troubleshot the lawnmower, it’s time you get ready to start it. It is recommended to sit firmly in the seat while engaging all the safety features as a first step. Various mowers have safety features that cause the engine to shut off as long as parking is engaged or no one is seated in it.

Before starting, make sure you have adjusted the seat to reach the pedals.

● Step 2: Press the break:

The break is a pedal that is located under the left foot of the rider. In some lawnmowers, instead of a pedal, the break is a lever. To engage the brake, you either need to push the pedal or lever down. Make sure that the brake is engaged before starting the machine.

● Step 3: Engage the parking break:

The location of the parking brake varies from model to model in a lawnmower. It is usually in the shape of a knob or a lever that is easily approachable by you. Once you have located the parking brake, slowly release the pedal break while pulling the knob/ lever.

That lawnmower that does not have a knob or a lever, their parking brake can be engaged by pushing the brake pedal.

● Step 4: Shift the gear to neutral:

After engaging the parking brake, the next step is to locate the gear shift lever and neutralize it. Generally, it is located under the seat or near the steering. Shift the lever so that it’s point towards “N” that is meant for neutral.

For the lawnmower that doesn’t have a parking brake, holding down the brake pedal is necessary for the gear shift.  

● Step 5: Pull the throttle in choke position:

Now, locate the throttle, which is generally present next to the seat. The throttles have the signs of rabbits and turtles as a speed identification. The choke can be engaged by moving the throttle lever. Depending upon the type and brand of mower, the lever ought to be positioned between fast and slow settings or via pulling it way past short to the point presented by a circle with a diagonal line passing through it.

● Step 6: Insert the key in the ignition:

After following all the steps mentioned above, it’s time to put the key in the ignition switch, located in the lawnmower’s dashboard, ahead of the rider.

● Step 7: Turn the key to the right:

Now the key is in the ignition. After this, turn it to the right, and the engine will start to roar. One needs to hold the key for 15 seconds or more till the engine ultimately starts.

● Step 8: Move the throttle in a closed position:  

Once the engine has started, go back to the throttle. Release the choke by moving the lever into the fast setting, which is often signaled by a rabbit sign.

Safety Measures And Tips:

• Store inside: Never leave the machine outdoors. Safely store it indoors in a garage so that the device is protected from bad weather conditions.
• Follow the instruction manual: In terms of replacing parts, it is suggested to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and opt for manufacturer-approved details. For that, it’s necessary to remember the model number of your machine before you go out for a purchase.
• Unplug the battery: Disconnect the battery before you disconnect the wires of the spark plug to avoid any hazard. Make sure that you follow the instruction manual once you go for a replacement or tune-up.
• Maintenance: For cleaning and maintenance, opt for a well-ventilated area. Ensure that you have engaged the brake and the surface on which the lawnmower is standing is flat. Turn off the ignition and secure the key before getting into the cleaning or washing.

Final Remarks:

This article equips you with the necessary tools required to start riding and a push lawnmower. The first time while operating the lawnmower might be daunting, but if you have the proper guidance and have performed the prerequisite troubleshooting, starting a lawnmower turns into a somewhat more manageable task.