How to Start Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Self-propelled lawn mowers can have more than one way to start. However, some might not be recommended, rather than just being remedial. These machines are a necessity for every homeowner. They help maintain our lawns clean, uniform, and presentable.
There are several types of these machines, and starting them can also be different. In this document, we shall learn how to ignite a self-propelled lawn mower, operate it, and maintain it. The chapter will present various issues necessary for using such kinds of machines. It also includes the dos and don’ts, maintenance of the mower, and usage mechanism. Go through the document for more information.
How to start self propelled lawn mower
Check the gas level
Locate the gas reservoir, and check the level and quality of fuel inside. If it is more than two months old, replace it. However, if it is still fresh and below the half-tank mark, top it up. Add gas only when necessary. Do not overfill the tank.
Check the oil level
Use a dipstick or a glass window for this task. The oil should not be too old because it might damage the engine. Replace the oil once every season. That is the case when you put your mower to heavy usage.
Where necessary, top up the oil to recommended levels.
Push the primer bulb
Find the primer bulb in your mower and push it five times to prime your engine. The gasoline will spray into the induction system of a piston engine to start it. It is necessary because when the mower is inactive, it drains gasoline to lower parts. The effect is that the engine remains dry and needs priming before starting.
Adjust the speed lever
Not all models have one, but if yours has, slide it to the highest speed at the start.
Depress the dead-man lever
The mower will not start without depressing the dead-man lever. To do this, grasp the handle first to keep the machine steady.
Pull the Cord
Locate the cord’s handle and pull it firmly. Keep the dead-man lever depressed and pull the start cord back with a rapid movement.
Rewind the cord
Let the cord rewind automatically while applying slight backward resistance. Do not release the cord rapidly, but gently guide it back into the rewind position. The complete release can harm the mower because it will return haphazardly.
Repeat the process
Sometimes, the mower might fail to start even after following all the above procedures. When this happens, pull the starter cord once again. Sometimes the mower undergoes extreme cold. You might have to repeat the process three, four, or more times. Cold weather can make most of the mower’s components inactive. It will require some little heat before igniting.
Read more: Best Self Propelled Lawn Mower With Electric Start
How to operate a self-propelled lawn mower
Once it starts, the next step is mowing the grass. Pull the handle to start moving forward. There is no difference between the drive system of the mower and that of the car. Engage the lever, and the drive system will take on the wheels. As a direct effect, the mower will self-propel itself forward. These features are more common in battery-powered models. However, there is a lot of similarity with the gas-powered ones.
Maintenance of a self-propelled lawn mowers
Although they are reliable, durable, and rugged, they still need routine maintenance. Such services help the mower to function optimally. Things to do are:
Regular cleaning. Observe safety first. Mowers have sharp, moveable blades. Ensure that they have stopped before you start the cleanliness. Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire and ground it against the engine. It can cause an unexpected start if not disengaged.
Regular repairs and maintenance. Like all other machines, mowers face dynamic stress on their structure. It always leads to damage and wears. Early interventions will help stop more problems from occurring. Carry out planned inspections every time you use your mower.
Check the blades. It is the most critical part of the machine. Tighten the engine and blade bolts as frequently as you can. They tend to get loose when the mower performs a lot of tasks.
Replace worn-out blades. Sometimes, it could hit a hard surface like a rock or a tree stump. These elements can either make it break or go blunt. Sometimes it can also crack or bend. Replacing such components is inevitable, except when you can sharpen them. Ensure that you only replace genuine blades from the manufacturer. Substandard ones can make your self-propelled lawn mower underperform and compromise its safety.
Service of the blades. They are most prone to damage, and they require regular attention. In extreme conditions, replacement is inevitable. However, if they are within acceptable levels, servicing them is enough. Be careful when handling blades, as they can cut.
Things to avoid when starting a self-propelled lawn mower
The mower can be dangerous if mishandled. Any person intending to start it should be free of alcohol influence. That is because it can impair the judgment of the operator hence harming themselves in the process.
Do not start the mower if you are not sure what to do. Always consult an experienced person before starting and even engaging the ride system of the machine.
Do not start it if the fuel and oil levels are low. Remember to change them if they are old or even overuse. They can damage the engine and other delicate parts of the system.
Do not start the mower if you do not intend to use it, except when testing the system or repairing the damage.
Can you push a self-propelled lawn mower?
Yes, it is possible to push, and it cannot damage the propulsion system or the transmission. However, it would be a huge task to undertake. It is heavier than push mowers.
Conclusion
Lawn mowers are easy to ignite and use. However, sometimes there are challenges to this problem. The article has looked at all the aspects of how to start a self-propelled lawn mower. Get yourself a copy and go through for detailed information on the same.
