The warm weather has arrived, and your lawn is calling. But before you can tackle those weeds and get your yard looking pristine, you need to make sure your trusty Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is ready to go. This article will guide you through the steps of starting your mower, covering everything from pre-start checks to troubleshooting common problems. Whether you’re a seasoned mower veteran or a first-time lawn care enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is a relatively straightforward process. It typically involves a few basic steps: preparing the mower, ensuring it has fuel, checking the oil level, and priming the engine. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can start the mower using the pull cord or electric starter (depending on your model).
Pre-Start Checklist: Getting Ready to Mow
Before you crank the engine, it’s important to perform a quick pre-start inspection. This will ensure your mower is in optimal condition and reduce the risk of any unforeseen issues.
1. Fuel Up:
- Check the fuel level: Make sure your mower has enough fuel. Most Briggs & Stratton mowers use regular unleaded gasoline.
- Use fresh fuel: Old fuel can gum up the engine and make starting difficult. Aim to use fuel that’s less than 30 days old.
- Avoid spilling fuel: Fuel spills can be dangerous and harmful to the environment.
2. Check the Oil:
- Locate the dipstick: The oil dipstick is typically located on the side of the engine.
- Check the oil level: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and re-insert it all the way. Then, pull it out again and check the oil level. It should be within the “Full” mark.
- Add oil if needed: If the oil level is low, add the appropriate type of oil. Briggs & Stratton recommends using SAE 30 oil.
3. Inspect the Blade:
- Sharpness: A dull blade will tear the grass, leaving it looking uneven and unhealthy.
- Secureness: Ensure the blade is securely fastened to the crankshaft.
- Clearance: Make sure there’s sufficient clearance between the blade and the mower deck.
4. Clear the Mower Deck:
- Remove debris: Any grass, leaves, or other debris can hinder the mower’s operation.
- Clean the air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, making it harder to start.
Starting Your Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower: Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve completed the pre-start checklist, it’s time to fire up your mower!
1. Prime the Engine:
- Locate the primer bulb: The primer bulb is typically located near the carburetor.
- Press the primer bulb: This injects a small amount of fuel into the carburetor, helping to make starting easier, especially after a long period of inactivity.
2. Engage the Choke (If Applicable):
- Locate the choke lever: The choke lever is usually located near the handle bars.
- Engage the choke: This restricts air flow to the engine, helping to create a richer fuel mixture that’s easier to ignite.
- Note: Some newer Briggs & Stratton mowers have automatic choke systems, so you may not need to engage a lever manually.
3. Start the Engine:
- Pull the starter cord: If your mower has a recoil start, firmly pull the cord until you feel resistance, then pull it quickly and forcefully.
- Use the electric starter: If your mower has an electric starter, simply turn the key to the “Start” position.
4. Disengage the Choke:
- Once the engine is running: Gradually disengage the choke lever to allow the engine to draw in more air.
5. Let the Engine Warm Up:
- Run for a few minutes: Allow the engine to warm up before engaging the blades.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
While starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is generally straightforward, you might encounter some occasional challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
1. The Mower Won’t Start:
- Check the fuel: Ensure you have fresh fuel in the tank.
- Prime the engine: If you’ve not used the mower recently, make sure you prime the engine before trying to start it.
- Check the spark plug: A fouled spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Remove the spark plug, clean it with a wire brush, and reinstall it.
- Verify the air filter: Make sure the air filter is clean and not clogged.
- Check the battery: If your mower has an electric starter, ensure the battery is charged.
2. The Mower Starts But Dies:
- Check the fuel: A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the engine.
- Verify the carburetor: A dirty carburetor can prevent the engine from running smoothly.
- Inspect the air filter: Make sure the air filter is clean and not restricting airflow.
3. The Mower Runs Rough:
- Check the fuel: Old fuel can cause the engine to run roughly.
- Inspect the air filter: A dirty air filter can impact the engine’s performance.
- Verify the carburetor: A dirty or malfunctioning carburetor can lead to rough running.
Maintenance Tips for Your Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower running smoothly and for extending its lifespan. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
1. Change the Oil Regularly:
- Frequency: Change the oil every 25 hours of use or at the start of each mowing season.
- Type: Use SAE 30 oil.
2. Clean the Air Filter:
- Frequency: Clean the air filter every 25 hours of use or before each mowing season.
- Procedure: Remove the air filter and gently tap it to remove any loose debris. If it’s heavily soiled, wash it with soap and water, then allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it.
3. Sharpen the Blade:
- Frequency: Sharpen the blade every 10-15 hours of use or before each mowing season.
- Method: Use a file or a blade sharpener designed for lawn mower blades.
4. Inspect and Clean the Mower Deck:
- Frequency: After each mowing session.
- Procedure: Remove any accumulated grass clippings or debris. Check for any damage or wear.
Conclusion:
Starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is a relatively simple process that can be mastered with a little bit of knowledge and practice. By following these steps and implementing regular maintenance practices, you’ll ensure your mower is ready to tackle any mowing task and help keep your lawn looking its best.
FAQ
1. What type of Briggs & Stratton lawn mower do I have?
The first step is to identify the type of Briggs & Stratton lawn mower you have. There are two main types: push mowers and riding mowers. Push mowers are manually propelled, while riding mowers are powered by an engine and have a seat for the operator. Knowing the type of mower you have will help you understand the starting process.
For example, push mowers generally have a recoil start system, while riding mowers may have an electric start or a key ignition. Identifying the type of your mower will help you understand the correct starting procedure.
2. What are the basic steps to starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
The basic steps to starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower are:
- Prepare the mower: Make sure the mower is on a level surface and the fuel tank is full.
- Check the oil level: Ensure the oil level is adequate.
- Engage the choke: This will help the engine start in cold conditions.
- Pull the starter cord: For push mowers, pull the starter cord firmly until the engine starts.
- Disengage the choke: Once the engine is running, disengage the choke.
These are the general steps for starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower. However, specific details may vary depending on the model and type of mower you own.
3. How do I start a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower with a recoil start?
Starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower with a recoil start involves a few simple steps.
- Prime the carburetor: If the mower hasn’t been used in a while, prime the carburetor by pressing the primer bulb a few times.
- Engage the choke: This will help the engine start in cold conditions.
- Pull the starter cord: Pull the starter cord firmly and consistently until the engine starts.
- Disengage the choke: Once the engine is running smoothly, disengage the choke.
By following these steps, you can easily start your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower with a recoil start.
4. How do I start a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower with an electric start?
Starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower with an electric start is quite simple.
- Turn the key to the “ON” position: This will engage the electrical system.
- Press the start button: This will send power to the starter motor, which will crank the engine.
- Release the start button: Once the engine starts, release the start button.
If the engine doesn’t start, make sure the battery is charged and the electrical connections are secure.
5. What should I do if my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower won’t start?
If your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower won’t start, there are a few things you can check:
- Ensure there is fuel in the tank: A lack of fuel is a common reason for a mower not starting.
- Check the spark plug: A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing.
- Check the air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and prevent the engine from starting.
- Inspect the fuel lines: Make sure the fuel lines are not clogged or damaged.
If you’ve checked all of these things and the mower still won’t start, it may be time to consult a professional.
6. What are some common Briggs & Stratton lawn mower starting problems?
Some common Briggs & Stratton lawn mower starting problems include:
- The engine won’t turn over: This could be due to a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, or a problem with the ignition system.
- The engine turns over but won’t start: This could be due to a lack of fuel, a clogged air filter, a faulty spark plug, or a problem with the carburetor.
- The engine starts but dies quickly: This could be due to a lack of fuel, a faulty carburetor, or a problem with the ignition system.
Identifying the specific issue will help you troubleshoot the problem and get your mower running again.
7. How do I maintain my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
Maintaining your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower will help to ensure that it starts and runs properly for years to come.
- Change the oil regularly: This will lubricate the engine and prevent wear and tear.
- Clean or replace the air filter: This will help to ensure that the engine receives enough air.
- Check the spark plug: Replace the spark plug if it is worn or damaged.
- Keep the blades sharp: This will help to ensure that the mower cuts evenly and efficiently.
- Store the mower properly: This will help to protect the mower from the elements and prolong its lifespan.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower in top condition.