The first time you fire up your brand new lawnmower is an exciting moment. It’s a symbol of spring, freshly cut grass, and the promise of a well-maintained lawn. But before you can enjoy those benefits, you need to know how to properly start your new mower. This process might seem daunting at first, but with the right steps, it’s surprisingly straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your new lawnmower running smoothly, covering everything from pre-start checks to troubleshooting common issues.
A Quick Overview
Starting a new lawnmower involves a few simple steps:
- Prepare the mower: This includes assembling any loose parts, adding fuel, and checking the oil level.
- Prime the engine: This step varies depending on the type of engine, but essentially involves introducing fuel to the carburetor.
- Start the engine: Pull the starter cord or press the ignition button, depending on your mower.
- Adjust the throttle and engage the blades: Once the engine is running, adjust the throttle to the desired speed and engage the blades to begin mowing.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these steps.
Preparing Your New Lawn Mower
Before you even think about starting your mower, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here’s a checklist to ensure everything is ready:
1. Unboxing and Assembly
- Remove packaging: Carefully remove all packaging materials, including any protective coverings or tape.
- Assemble loose parts: Many new mowers come with parts that need to be assembled, such as the handle, wheels, and blades. Refer to the instruction manual for specific assembly instructions.
- Inspect for damage: Once assembled, thoroughly inspect your mower for any damage or missing parts.
2. Fueling Your Mower
- Select the right fuel: Most gas-powered lawnmowers run on a mixture of gasoline and oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct fuel-to-oil ratio.
- Avoid using old gas: Old gasoline can gum up the engine. Use fresh gas whenever possible.
- Fill the fuel tank: Slowly pour the fuel mixture into the tank, being careful not to spill.
- Wipe up any spills: Immediately clean up any spilled fuel with a cloth or paper towel. Fuel is highly flammable, so handle it with care.
3. Checking the Oil Level
- Locate the dipstick: Your lawnmower will have a dipstick, usually located on the side of the engine.
- Remove and clean the dipstick: Wipe the dipstick clean with a cloth.
- Check the oil level: Insert the dipstick fully into the oil fill hole and remove it. The oil level should be between the “Full” and “Low” marks on the dipstick.
- Add oil if necessary: If the oil level is low, add the correct type and amount of oil. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations.
Priming Your Lawn Mower
After preparing your mower, it’s time to prime the engine. This step ensures the carburetor receives enough fuel to start.
1. Understanding Priming Systems
- Manual priming bulbs: Some mowers have a priming bulb or pump on the side of the carburetor. Press the bulb several times to fill the carburetor with fuel.
- Automatic priming systems: Newer mowers may have automatic priming systems, meaning you don’t need to prime the engine manually.
2. Priming with a Manual Bulb
- Locate the priming bulb: Find the priming bulb, usually located near the carburetor.
- Press the bulb several times: Push the bulb repeatedly until it feels firm. This indicates the carburetor is full of fuel.
- Avoid over-priming: Do not continuously press the bulb as this can flood the engine.
3. Checking for an Automatic Priming System
- Read the manual: Refer to your lawnmower’s instruction manual to check if it has an automatic priming system.
- No manual priming required: If it has an automatic system, you won’t need to manually prime the engine.
Starting Your New Lawn Mower
With the engine primed and ready, it’s time to fire it up.
1. Pulling the Starter Cord
- Locate the starter cord: Find the starter cord, typically located on the side of the engine.
- Hold the mower firmly: Grip the handle and hold the mower securely on flat ground.
- Pull the cord slowly: Pull the cord out slowly until you feel resistance.
- Pull the cord quickly and firmly: Pull the cord quickly and with a strong motion until the engine starts.
- Avoid pulling the cord all the way out: Pulling the cord out completely can damage the recoil mechanism.
2. Using an Electric Starter Button
- Locate the starter button: Find the starter button, usually on the handle or side of the mower.
- Press and hold the button: Hold the button down until the engine starts.
- Release the button: Once the engine starts, release the button.
3. Dealing with Starting Difficulties
- Ensure the fuel shutoff valve is open: Check the fuel shutoff valve, located near the fuel tank, to make sure it is in the open position.
- Check the spark plug: If the engine doesn’t start, check the spark plug to make sure it’s connected and in good condition.
- Check the air filter: A clogged air filter can prevent the engine from starting.
Operating Your Lawn Mower
Once the engine is running, it’s time to adjust the throttle and engage the blades.
1. Setting the Throttle
- Locate the throttle lever: Find the throttle lever, usually on the handle near the blade control lever.
- Adjust the throttle to the desired speed: Move the throttle lever to the desired position, which controls the engine speed and cutting speed.
- Start at a low speed: Start with a low throttle setting and gradually increase it as needed.
2. Engaging the Blades
- Locate the blade control lever: Find the blade control lever, usually on the handle or near the throttle.
- Engage the blades: Move the blade control lever to the “on” position, which will engage the blades and begin cutting the grass.
- Disengage the blades before stopping the engine: Always disengage the blades before stopping the engine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite following the correct steps, you may encounter some problems starting your new lawnmower. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
1. Engine Won’t Start
- Check the fuel: Make sure the fuel tank is full and the fuel shutoff valve is open.
- Check the spark plug: Ensure the spark plug is connected and in good condition.
- Check the air filter: Replace a dirty or clogged air filter.
2. Engine Starts But Immediately Dies
- Check for flooding: If you over-primed the engine, it may be flooded. Let the engine sit for a few minutes to allow the excess fuel to evaporate.
- Check the fuel line: Ensure the fuel line is not kinked or blocked.
3. Engine Runs Rough or Smokes
- Check the fuel-to-oil ratio: Ensure you’re using the correct fuel-to-oil ratio.
- Check the air filter: Replace a dirty or clogged air filter.
- Check the spark plug: Replace a worn-out spark plug.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new lawnmower is a simple process that only requires a few straightforward steps. By following the instructions in this guide and paying attention to the important details, you can confidently get your new mower running smoothly and enjoy a well-maintained lawn. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips for your particular model. Happy mowing!
FAQ
Q1: What kind of gas should I use for my new lawn mower?
A: You should always use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a high octane rating for your lawn mower. Avoid using old gas, as it can degrade over time and lead to engine problems. It’s also crucial to add a fuel stabilizer to your gas to prevent gum and varnish build-up in the carburetor, especially if you’re storing your mower for an extended period.
Q2: How do I check the oil level in my new lawn mower?
A: To check the oil level, first, ensure your mower is sitting on a level surface. Then, locate the dipstick, usually marked with an oil can symbol, and pull it out. Wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it completely, and pull it out again. The oil level should be at the “full” mark on the dipstick. If it’s low, add the recommended type of oil for your mower, but be careful not to overfill.
Q3: How do I properly start my new lawn mower?
A: First, ensure the choke is in the “on” position and the ignition switch is turned to “on”. Next, prime the carburetor by pressing the primer bulb a few times until you see fuel in the clear tube. Then, pull the starter cord slowly until you feel resistance, and then pull it quickly and firmly. Repeat this process until the engine starts and runs smoothly.
Q4: How often should I change the oil in my new lawn mower?
A: The frequency of oil changes depends on your mower’s usage. However, a general guideline is to change the oil every 25 hours of operation or at least once a season. If you use your mower frequently, you may need to change the oil more often. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q5: How do I know when it’s time to sharpen the blades on my new lawn mower?
A: A dull blade will tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, resulting in an uneven lawn and potentially damaging your grass. You’ll know it’s time to sharpen your blades when they appear dull or chipped, or when you notice ragged edges on the grass. If you can’t tell, run your finger along the edge of the blade. A sharp blade will have a smooth, even edge, while a dull blade will have nicks and bumps.
Q6: How do I properly clean my new lawn mower?
A: After each use, clean your mower to remove any grass clippings or debris. Use a brush or shop vac to remove loose debris from the cutting deck and engine. Then, wipe down the exterior of the mower with a damp cloth to remove any oil, grease, or dirt. Never use a pressure washer, as it can damage the engine or other components.
Q7: How do I properly store my new lawn mower?
A: When you’re not using your mower, store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you’re storing it for an extended period, drain the gas tank and run the engine until it stops to clear the carburetor. This will prevent the fuel from degrading and causing problems when you start the mower again. Also, change the oil before storage, as old oil can thicken and damage the engine.