Spring Checklist for Your Lawn Mower
- Inspect the Mower Blades. For starters, tip your mower on its side to inspect the mower blades. ...
- Fill Your Fuel Tank. Next, fill your fuel tank and make sure that the fuel you use is less than 30 days old. ...
- Fresh Engine Oil & Air Filter. Start off the season with fresh oil and air filters for each of your mowers. ...
- Spring Cleaning. Give your mower a good spring cleaning. Pay special attention to the grass clippings, dirt and debris that can get stuck under the mower deck and other ...
- Check the Spark Plugs. Next, make sure the spark plug lead-in connector is clean, in good condition and attached securely to the top of the plug in a vertical ...
- Test the Recoil System. Check to see that the recoil rope is in good shape and retracting properly. If the rope looks frayed, have your Toro dealer replace it.
- Tune It Up. For safety reasons, the first step in doing any work on your mower is to remove the spark plug. ...
- Change the Oil. ...
- Sharpen the Blade. ...
- Clean It Top and Bottom. ...
- Lubricate the Moving Parts. ...
- A Good Investment.
How to start a lawn mower?
First, pick a suitable location to start your mower. You don’t want tall grass catching the blade as your try to pull start the mower. If you have a throttle lever-type system go ahead and move the lever to full choke. If you have the primer bulb type, press three times. 1 Check Oil – Best to check the oil before starting the engine.
When should I start mowing my lawn in spring?
The best way to tell when to start mowing your lawn in spring is to watch it grow. Not constantly, though—that would be terribly boring. Just keep an eye on the growth of your grass over time. Estimate how tall it’s getting and watch the weather; before you initially pull out that mower make sure your lawn meets these 3 conditions:
How do I prepare my lawn for fall mowing?
Preparing your lawn for greatness comes down to these basic steps: tune up your mower, mow your blades high, and eliminate intrusive weeds To keep your lawn in tip top shape, ensure that your mower is up to the task. Begin with a tune up, replacing the spark plug and the filter as necessary.
How do you fix a lawn mower that wont start?
Fill the tank with fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of the gas and prevent future buildup. A clogged fuel filter is another possible reason for a lawn mower not to start. When the filter is clogged, the engine can’t access the gas that makes the system go.
How do I start my lawnmower after winter?
Put Your Battery on Charge. The very first to do is put your battery on charge. ... Fresh Gas. The second thing to do is make sure your lawn mower has fresh gas. ... Drain the Carburettor. This step is highly advised, but optional. ... Wait or Wash. Don't try and start your lawn mower straight away. ... Check the Oil.
Why won't my lawnmower start in the spring?
Your Mower Won't Start: If you have last season's gas in your mower, drain your fuel tank and fill with fresh gas. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace.
What do I do with my lawnmower in the spring?
Spring Mower MaintenanceReplace the Blade and Belt. Install the new or sharpened blade if you didn't do that in the fall. ... Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire. ... Fill the Tank With Fuel. ... Oil the Axles and Controls. ... Roll the Mower Outside and Fire It Up. ... Consider Engine Fogging. ... Run the Mower Dry. ... Clean or Replace the Air Filter.More items...•
How do I get my lawn mower ready for the season?
11 Tips to Get Your Lawn Mower Spring-Ready and Keep It Running All SeasonPractice Spark Plug Safety. As with any power tool, safety comes first. ... Drain Last Year's Fuel. ... Clean Your Mower From Top to Bottom. ... Sharpen the Blades. ... Assess the Drive Belt. ... Clean or Replace Your Air Filter. ... Change the Oil. ... Replace the Fuel Filter.More items...•
How do you start a lawnmower that has been sitting?
To get the mower started, you may have to change the gas and clean or change the plug.Check the oil before you start a four-cycle mower that has been sitting for a long time. ... Prime the engine by pushing the priming bulb three times. ... Give the spark plug wire a little tug to see if it's loose.More items...
Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start?
Dirty Air Filter An air filter that's not letting enough air into the motor can inhibit combustion. Locate the air filter on your mower and remove the plastic cover. If the filter is covered in dirt, grass, or some other contaminant, this may be the reason for your lawn mower turning over but not starting.
How do you start a lawnmower?
Stand behind the lawn mower. Use one hand to hold the engine stop lever in the operating position. Use the other hand to hold the recoil starter handle. Slowly pull the recoil starter handle until resistance is felt, then pull quickly to start the push mower engine.
How do you clean a lawn mower spring?
Clean It Top and Bottom Use a strong spray of water and, if necessary, a putty knife to remove any grass caked on the underside of the mower deck. Clean the top of the mower as well, using a rag or brush to get grass clippings, leaves, and other debris off the deck and out of crevices around the engine and wheels.
Where is the spark plug on a lawn mower?
Spark plugs are typically located on the back or side of a lawn mower engine. Look for a short wire that's about 1/4-in. -thick leading to the top of a short, cylindrical protrusion from the engine.
How do you prepare a John Deere lawn mower for spring?
7 Maintenance Tips to Get Your Mower Ready for SpringCheck the Oil. Your lawn mower's oil is one of the most critical engine maintenance checks. ... Check the Oil Filter. Another key check is the oil filter. ... Check the Fuel Filter. ... Check the Air Filter. ... How is the Spark Plug? ... Clean Under the Mower Deck. ... Inspect Your Mower Blades.
Do you oil lawn mower blades?
By putting a fine coat of cooking oil on your mower's blades, you will reduce the chances that grass will stick there, in turn reducing the accumulation. Turn the mower off and turn it over carefully.
How do you clean a lawn mower engine?
With your equipment in a well-ventilated area and the engine off, spray a degreasing agent, such as Briggs & Stratton Heavy-Duty Degreaser, liberally on greasy and dirt-encrusted surfaces. Wait 15 minutes to allow grease and dirt to break down. Wipe away the residue with a clean cloth.
How do you tip a push mower?
0:253:31Proper Way To Tip A Lawnmower Over! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can also prop the handle. Under something heavier or you can have somebody stand on theMoreAnd you can also prop the handle. Under something heavier or you can have somebody stand on the handle. So in either case the mower will be tipped up like this.
How do you fix a pull cord spring on a lawn mower?
0:096:40How to fix a pull starter recoil spring and replace a stuck or limp pull cordYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust kind of have to work it with your pair of pliers the most important thing is. This is whereMoreJust kind of have to work it with your pair of pliers the most important thing is. This is where it's gonna go once it's in there it's gonna go like this.
How do you sharpen lawn mower blades?
2:255:04How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm just gonna go along the back. And take off any burrs. And that's pretty good now if you have aMoreI'm just gonna go along the back. And take off any burrs. And that's pretty good now if you have a cordless drill. You can get an attachment to put in it to sharpen your lawn mower blades.
How do you replace the recoil spring on a Briggs and Stratton engine?
1:543:54Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower Spring & Pulley Replacement #498144YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the screwdriver to secure the pulley as you insert the starter rope tie a knot to secure theMoreUse the screwdriver to secure the pulley as you insert the starter rope tie a knot to secure the rope remove the screwdriver but hold the pulley securely.
How to start a pull start mower if I'm not strong enough?
How can I start my pull-start lawnmower if I’m not strong enough to use the starter cord? You can tune up your engine and adjust the valve lash, this will reduce the amount of strength needed to turn over and start the mower. In addition, have a starter motor and battery fitted.
What to do if your mower won't start?
Gas that’s been in the mower since last year is probably bad. So if your mower is hard to start or won’t start – try draining the gas tank and filling with fresh gas. If the problem persists then a carburetor clean will fix the gremlins. This easy to follow guide will walk you through the whole process – “Carburetor cleaning”.
How to start a mower with a choke?
If you have a throttle lever type system go ahead and move the lever to full choke. If you have the primer bulb type, press three times.
Why does my lawn mower not start?
Fuel Stabilizer – Last season’s gas is the number one reason for lawnmower no starts. We all do it – put the mower away, not knowing for sure if that was the last cut.
How many pulls does a lawn mower need?
Try Again – Most mowers don’t run with the first pull so don’t be disappointed. It may take two or three pulls. If it takes more than three pulls you may flood the engine with too much fuel. If this happens, just leave it to sit for thirty minutes and try again, but this time don’t apply the choke.
How often should I service my lawn mower?
Why not go ahead and give your mower a tune-up, a lawnmower should be serviced at least once a year. The beginning of the new season is the best time to tune up your mower. This guide will help you service your mower in under an hour – “Lawn mower tune-up”.
How to Get Your Mower in Shape
When your grass starts its spring growth surge, it will soon need mowing. Having your mower ready to go will help you stay ahead of the growth and keep your lawn looking neat. Here is a checklist of basic annual maintenance for power mowers. Any of these tasks that weren't done in the fall should be performed in the spring.
Tune It Up
For safety reasons, the first step in doing any work on your mower is to remove the spark plug. Install a new one when you're done with the other maintenance. Clean the air filter if your mower has the foam type, or replace the filter if it's a paper one.
Change the Oil
Remove the oil drain plug at the bottom of the engine and let the dirty oil run out into a container. When it's completely drained, replace the plug and refill the crankcase with the type and quantity of oil recommended in your owner's manual.
Sharpen the Blade
A dull mower blade can shred the tips of your grass, causing your lawn to turn brown, so sharpen the blade at least once a year. Always remove it from the mower for sharpening. If the blade has large nicks in the cutting edge from hitting rocks or other debris, you should replace it.
Clean It Top and Bottom
Use a strong spray of water and, if necessary, a putty knife to remove any grass caked on the underside of the mower deck. Clean the top of the mower as well, using a rag or brush to get grass clippings, leaves, and other debris off the deck and out of crevices around the engine and wheels.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
Your mower will work better and last longer if you keep it lubricated. Oil the wheel bearings and other moving parts, following the instructions in your owner's manual. Be sure to wipe off any runs of excess oil.
A Good Investment
With proper maintenance, your lawnmower can last for many years. Regular mower maintenance will also give you a better-looking lawn and assure that the machine is ready for duty when you need it. If you don't want to do the work yourself, mower repair shops as well as many garden centers and hardware stores offer these annual maintenance services.
How to start a mower when it is not starting?
If you're having trouble starting the engine, push the mower away from you as you pull the starting lever back. This additional momentum will increase the amount of force applied. Always be safe and aware of your surroundings when performing this technique.
How to start a push mower?
Before you start a push lawn mower, locate the prime button, which is usually a red or black button with a rubber cap located somewhere on the body of the mower. Push this button 3-4 times to force gasoline into the lines.
What to do if spark plug isn't firmly attached?
If the spark plug isn’t firmly attached, refer to your user manual. You may need to take the lawnmower to a mechanic to have it fixed.
What to do if your lawnmower is smoking?
If your lawnmower is smoking and won’t stay on, take it to a small engine a mechanic. Your mower may need servicing.
How to keep a lawn mower from running cold?
If you skip this step, the engine won’t be able to keep going once you’ve started it. If the mower is cold, set the choke. The choke helps provide a richer fuel-air mixture to the engine, which helps it stay running until it warms up. Once the mower has been running for a few minutes turn off the choke .
How to check oil level on a motor?
Insert the dipstick into the oil. There will be a dipstick attached to the lid to help you measure the oil. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert the dipstick completely. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level on the stick. If it’s below the “fill” line, add more motor oil.
Where should the spark plug end be on a motor?
There should be a single spark plug end sticking out on the back or side of the motor, with a lead that looks a thick wire with a rubber cap attached to it. This is what gets that motor running so make sure that the lead is firmly attached to the spark plug.
Why won't my lawn mower start?
An obvious—and often overlooked—reason your mower may not be starting is if the gas tank is empty, or contains gas that is either old or contaminated with excess moisture and dirt. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank.
Where is the spark plug on a lawn mower?
Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower. If it is connected, remove the plug wire beneath the plug cap and unscrew the plug with a socket wrench to reveal the electrode and insulator.
Why is my lawn mower starting stuck?
If the starter rope seems stuck or is difficult to pull, then it’s probably due to a clogged deck. With the mower safely turned off, tip it over onto its side and examine the underbelly. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free. When the deck is clean again, set the mower back on its feet and start her up.
Why is my lawn mower stubborn?
Is your lawn mower still being stubborn? The culprit may be the spark plug, which, as the name indicates, is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If it’s loosened, disconnected, or coated in water or carbon residue, the spark plug may be the cause of your machine’s malfunction.
Why do I need a deck on my lawn mower?
The mower’s deck prevents grass clippings from showering into the air like confetti, but it also creates a place for them to collect. Grass clippings can clog the mower deck, especially while mowing a wet lawn, preventing the blade from turning.
How to fix a spark plug that is not tight?
If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. Reinstall the spark plug, first by hand, and then with a socket wrench for a final tightening. If the problem persists, consider replacing the spark plug.
Can a broken lawn mower be used to mow?
Assuming that one of these five fixes helped your mower run, a broken lawn mower is no longer an excuse to not mow. Go back out there and get your grass in shape for summer!
What to do with lawn mower blades in spring?
Here are some pre-mowing spring lawn care ideas: Sharpen your lawnmower blades. Dull blades can cause tearing on your grass instead of cutting it cleanly, and those tears will leave your grass vulnerable to disease. In fact, while you’re at it, give your whole mower a good once-over.
How to tell when to start mowing?
The best way to tell when to start mowing your lawn in spring is to watch it grow. Not constantly, though—that would be terribly boring. Just keep an eye on the growth of your grass over time.
How to set the height of a lawn mower?
Here’s a tip for setting your lawnmower height: Set the height of your blade and leave it there. Mark the wheel of your lawnmower with a line for your minimum pre-cutting. Then draw an arrow to it so you can tell which way is “up” when the wheels rotate.
When is the best time to landscape a lawn?
Consider trimming trees and hedges, and contemplate whether a new firepit or paver patio would be a good choice for you. Early spring is the ideal time to request a quote on landscaping services for the season.
What to do when grass isn't thawed?
Trying to cut grass that hasn’t fully thawed from its winter nap can damage the tender blades. 2. Make sure your grass is dry. At least that’s the conventional wisdom. Sometimes, though, the spring rains just won’t let up. Here’s what to do when the weather won’t cooperate with your mowing schedule. Click to enlarge.
Initial Preparation: March & April
Preparing your lawn for greatness comes down to these basic steps: tune up your mower, mow your blades high, and eliminate intrusive weeds
Behind Every Great Lawn Is a Great Lawn Mower
To keep your lawn in tip top shape, ensure that your mower is up to the task. Begin with a tune up, replacing the spark plug and the filter as necessary. Next, change the oil and sharpen the blade -- we recommend doing this at least once a year.
Pick up Sticks and Mow High
Storms during the winter season likely deposited a smattering of fallen leaves, branches, and twigs on your lawn. Once you've picked up this debris and disposed of it properly, you're ready to mow. The best-kept secret to lush, thick lawns? Mow high.
Stamp Out Pesky Weeds at the Source
No matter where you hail from, invasive weeds are a fact of life. For lawns in the North, tamp down on crabgrass early with a pre-emergent weed killer like Scotts® Turf Builder® Halts® Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food.
Sow Your Seeds
A high-quality grass seed with a germination rate of 85% or higher can give your lawn the extra boost it needs to grow, literally, to its fullest potential.
Fend off Invaders
Dandelions might seem like a harmless addition to your backyard flora and fauna, but this innocent looking flower is actually a weed. Left to its own devices, it will multiply and take over your precious lawn.
Put the Final Touches on Your Herbaceous Masterpiece
Use a shovel to cut a clean edge between landscape beds and your lawn, then layer the beds with two to three inches of mulch for a polished look that also stops weed seeds by blocking their access to sunlight. Once the hard work's done, kick back and relish in your pristine backyard oasis — your neighbors will surely be green with envy.
