How to Start a Lawn Mower: Step-By-Step Guide

Mowing your lawn regularly will help maintain the beauty of your yard and the health of your grass. Whether you have a new lawnmower or an old one fresh from the garage. It is normal to have trouble starting it up. Lawnmower brands and models differ, but almost all of them share one thing: gas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a lawn mower.

Step #1

Place the lawnmower on a grassy area. Ensure there are no foreign objects under the mower-like rocks, twigs, or children’s toys. If the area is not clear, the mower blades could be damaged.

Step #2

The most obvious step when starting a gas-powered lawn mower is to check if it contains gas. Don’t forget to check the oil. If the lawn mower you own has a 4-stroke engine, check the oil by opening the cap or by using a dipstick. If the lawnmower has a 2-stroke engine, then you’ll need to mix the oil with the gas. Be sure to know what type of oil to mix and the correct ratio amount of for the lawn mower’s engine. Consult the manual that comes with the lawnmower to learn about the oil and fuel recommendations for your specific model.

Step #3

lawn mower

Starting a lawn mower should not be a dreadful task

When you’ve completed the first two steps, the mower is ready to go. Press the primer button three to five times. This will channel gas into the engine. Priming the engine is only needed when it has not been used for a long time. If you’ve used the mower recently, you can skip this step. If you can’t locate the primer button, refer to the user manual.

Step #4

Look at your lawnmower. Notice that there are two handles running horizontally only inches apart from each other. Hold and press these handles together. Keep them together when you pull the starting rope. Pull quickly and with force. You might have to pull several times before the motor comes alive, ready to mow some grass.

If the mower doesn’t start, check the spark plug as it may not be attached. Then, try again. If it sputters but doesn’t start, you may need more gas in the tank.

The steps above will help you start a lawn mower, but if your mower doesn’t start, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • You’ve checked, and the mower has enough gas and oil in its tank. Still, the engine does not start. The mower’s carburetor might be flooded, or its cylinder might be soaked with gas. The smell of unburned gas is a sign that this is the case.  Leave the lawnmower on the ground for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is enough time to let the gas evaporate. Try starting the mower again.
  • If you’ve left your mower in the garage for too long and there was gas left inside, the gas may have gone bad. You won’t be able to start the mower. Siphon out the old gas and replace it with fresh gas.
  • The starter is stuck and it’s hard to pull. The lawnmower blade might be jammed. Disconnect the spark plug.  Then turn the mower on its side. Clear the debris under the mower, and be careful around the blades. If you’ve cleared the debris, and your lawn mower still won’t start, take it to a mechanic.
  • Your lawnmower is smoking. To see what’s wrong, turn off the mower. Let it cool for an hour or so and monitor it to see if the smoking stops. If it won’t stop smoking, the mower may need servicing. Take the mower to your mechanic.

Lawnmowers are essential pieces of equipment to keep your yard looking beautiful. Without them, grass will grow wildly and untamed. Do you need your lawnmower serviced by a quality company that ensures only the best for your machines? Check out Greg’s Small Engine today!