Spring has sprung, the grass is growing, and you’re itching to get your lawn looking its best. But before you can start mowing, you need to make sure your push lawn mower is properly adjusted. One crucial aspect of this is getting the cutting height right. If your mower is too high, your lawn will look shaggy. If it’s too low, you risk scalping the grass and damaging your lawn. So, how do you lower a push lawn mower?
This article will walk you through the process of adjusting your lawn mower’s cutting height, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for achieving the perfect cut. We’ll cover everything from identifying the adjustment mechanism to troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to tackle any lawn mowing challenge and achieve a beautifully manicured lawn.
Understanding Your Lawn Mower’s Cutting Height Adjustment
Most push lawn mowers have a simple mechanism for adjusting the cutting height. This is usually done by adjusting the height of the wheels or the mower deck itself.
- Wheel Adjustment: This is the most common type of adjustment. The wheels have a series of notches or holes that allow you to raise or lower the mower deck by changing the wheel height.
- Deck Adjustment: Some mowers have a lever or crank that allows you to raise or lower the entire mower deck.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lowering Your Push Lawn Mower
Step 1: Locate the Cutting Height Adjustment Mechanism
The first step is to find the mechanism that adjusts the cutting height.
- Wheel Adjustment: Look at the wheels of your mower. You should see a series of notches or holes along the side of the wheel housing. These notches or holes indicate different cutting heights.
- Deck Adjustment: If your mower has a deck adjustment mechanism, you will likely find a lever or crank located near the front or back of the mower deck.
Step 2: Determine the Desired Cutting Height
The recommended cutting height for your lawn depends on the type of grass and your personal preference.
- For most lawns, a cutting height of 2 to 3 inches is ideal. This allows the grass to thrive and prevents scalping.
- For cool-season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass, you can cut slightly lower, around 1.5 to 2 inches.
- For warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine, a cutting height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches is recommended.
Step 3: Adjust the Cutting Height
For Wheel Adjustment:
- Lift the mower: To access the adjustment notches, you’ll need to lift the mower slightly. You can use a jack or a sturdy piece of wood to prop it up.
- Locate the pin: Each wheel has a pin that secures the wheel at a specific height. This pin will need to be moved to adjust the height.
- Move the pin: Use a wrench or pliers to remove the pin from the current notch and insert it into the desired notch.
- Repeat for all wheels: Make sure all the wheels are adjusted to the same height.
For Deck Adjustment:
- Locate the lever or crank: Identify the lever or crank that controls the deck height.
- Adjust the lever or crank: Use the lever or crank to raise or lower the deck to the desired height.
- Check the height: Once you’ve adjusted the deck, make sure it’s level by checking the distance from the ground to the bottom of the mower deck in multiple areas.
Step 4: Test and Adjust
After adjusting the cutting height, it’s important to test it out.
- Start the mower: Start the mower and make a few passes on your lawn.
- Check the cut: Observe the height of the grass being cut.
- Adjust further if needed: If the cut is too high or too low, adjust the cutting height again and repeat the test.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Mower blades are dull: If your mower blades are dull, they may not be cutting the grass evenly, even if the cutting height is set correctly. Dull blades can also scalp the grass. Sharpen or replace your blades as needed.
- Wheels are uneven: If the wheels are not all at the same height, your mower will be cutting unevenly. Ensure all wheels are adjusted to the same height.
- Mower deck is not level: If the mower deck is not level, the cutting height will vary across the deck. Ensure the deck is level by using a level to check its alignment.
Tips for Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
- Regularly clean your mower: After each use, clean the underside of the mower deck and the blades to remove any debris or grass clippings. This will help prevent rust and maintain the mower’s performance.
- Sharpen the blades: Sharpen your mower blades at least once per season.
- Check the oil levels: Regularly check the oil levels in your mower and add oil as needed.
- Store your mower properly: At the end of the mowing season, store your mower in a dry place to protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
Learning how to lower your push lawn mower is a simple yet essential skill for any homeowner. By following these steps and troubleshooting any potential issues, you can achieve a beautifully manicured lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Remember to adjust the cutting height based on your lawn’s needs and personal preferences, and to maintain your mower regularly for optimal performance. With a bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly cut lawn all season long.
FAQ
Q1. Why would I need to lower my push lawn mower?
Lowering the cutting height of your push lawn mower is essential for achieving a neatly trimmed lawn. A lower cut helps to maintain a consistent look, making your lawn appear more manicured and polished. Additionally, lowering the cut height can help to control weeds as it encourages the grass to grow more densely, making it harder for weeds to take root.
Q2. How do I know what height to set my lawn mower?
The ideal cutting height for your lawn depends on the type of grass you have, your personal preference, and the time of year. Generally, a higher cut height is better for warm-season grasses, while cool-season grasses can handle a lower cut. During the summer months, you may want to raise the cutting height to help your lawn stay healthy, while you can lower it in the spring and fall for a more manicured appearance.
Q3. What tools do I need to adjust the cutting height?
The tools needed to adjust the cutting height on a push lawn mower vary depending on the model. However, most mowers have a lever or knob that controls the height. You may need a wrench or screwdriver to tighten or loosen the adjustment mechanism.
Q4. How do I adjust the cutting height on my mower?
Locate the cutting height adjustment lever or knob on your mower. Most mowers have a series of pre-set height settings indicated by numbers or markings on the lever. Turn the lever or knob to the desired height setting, then check the blade height using a ruler or measuring tape to ensure it is accurate.
Q5. Is it better to raise or lower the cutting height gradually?
It’s generally recommended to make gradual changes to the cutting height, rather than lowering it drastically all at once. This helps to prevent stressing your lawn and encourages healthy growth. If you need to lower the height significantly, do it over several mowings, lowering the height by a small amount each time.
Q6. What happens if I cut the grass too short?
Cutting your grass too short can be detrimental to its health. It can weaken the grass, make it more susceptible to pests and diseases, and even lead to brown patches. A low cut also exposes the soil to more sunlight, which can contribute to weed growth.
Q7. Can I lower the cutting height on all types of lawn mowers?
Not all lawn mowers have adjustable cutting heights. Some models, particularly older or cheaper models, may have a fixed height. If you want to adjust the cutting height, make sure your mower has this feature.