Maintaining a lush, beautifully manicured lawn is a source of pride for homeowners and gardening enthusiasts alike. A key tool in achieving this is the lawn mower, a device that, while seemingly straightforward, requires proper handling to ensure both efficiency and safety. Using a lawn mower correctly is essential for the vitality of your grass, ensuring it's cut and not torn, and promoting healthier growth. This guide will navigate you through the entire process of using a lawn mower, from preparation and operation to maintenance. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 05-02-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}1. Selecting the Right Lawn Mower The first step is choosing a lawn mower that suits your lawn's size and your personal preferences. Here are the main types:Push Mowers: Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. They require physical effort to move across the lawn. (Click Here for Products)Self-Propelled Mowers: Best for medium to large lawns. These mowers propel themselves forward, requiring less physical effort. (Click Here for Products)Riding Mowers: Perfect for very large lawns. The operator sits on the mower and drives it, reducing manual labor significantly. (Click Here for Products)Electric Mowers: Available in both corded and battery-operated models, they are quieter and more environmentally friendly than gas-powered alternatives. (Click Here for Products)Gas-Powered Mowers: Offer powerful performance and mobility without the limitation of a power cord, suitable for all lawn sizes. (Click Here for Products) 2. Safety Gear Before starting, ensure you are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes:Closed-toe shoes to protect your feet.Long pants to shield your legs from flying debris.Eye protection to prevent injury from airborne particles.Ear protection if using a gas-powered model, as they can be quite loud. 3. Inspect the Lawn & Check the Mower Before you start mowing it is important to walk through your lawn and remove any stones, sticks, toys, or debris to prevent injuries or damage to the mower or yourself. This step is crucial for safety and the longevity of your mower.Before starting your mower it is important to check the following:Oil and Fuel: For gas-powered mowers, check the oil level and refuel if necessary. Use the specific type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer as using the wrong type of fuel can damage or destroy your mower.Blades: Inspect the blades for sharpness. Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to a rough cut and an unhealthy lawn.General Condition: Ensure the mower is clean and free of significant debris that might have been left from the last use. Step 4: Operation /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 05-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-content{width:100%}@media (min-width:768px){.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-left .elementor-image-box-wrapper,.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-right .elementor-image-box-wrapper{display:flex}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-right .elementor-image-box-wrapper{text-align:right;flex-direction:row-reverse}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-left .elementor-image-box-wrapper{text-align:left;flex-direction:row}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-top .elementor-image-box-img{margin:auto}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-vertical-align-top .elementor-image-box-wrapper{align-items:flex-start}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-vertical-align-middle .elementor-image-box-wrapper{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-vertical-align-bottom .elementor-image-box-wrapper{align-items:flex-end}}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-img{margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-bottom:15px}}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-img{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-title a{color:inherit}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-wrapper{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-description{margin:0}1. Starting the Mower: • Electric Mowers: Plug in or ensure the battery is fully charged, then press the start button. • Gas-Powered Mowers: Check the choke position (if applicable), prime the fuel system by pressing the primer bulb a few times (if your model has one), and pull the starter cord firmly. 2. Adjusting the Cutting Height: Before you start to mow your grass it is important to adjust the mower's cutting height according to the season and grass type. A general rule is to cut only the top ⅓ of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too short can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to diseases, weed invasion and even destruction. 3. Mowing Patterns: Mow in straight lines, starting from the outer edges and working your way in. Alternate your mowing pattern each time you mow to prevent grass blades from leaning in one direction. This technique also promotes even wear on the mower's wheels and blades. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 05-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} 4. Mowing Slopes Safely When mowing slopes, push mowers should be used across the slope to prevent tipping over. With riding mowers, mow up and down to maintain stability. Always take your time and use caution on slopes. 5. Maintenance: 1. Cleaning the Mower:It is important to clean the mower after each use. This includes removing grass clippings, dirt and any debris. To do this you can clean it with a brush or use a blower.2. Blade Sharpening:Sharpen the blades regularly to ensure a clean cut. This can usually be done once a season or more frequently if you notice the grass blades are frayed after mowing.3. Winter Storage:For gas mowers, drain the fuel or run the mower until it's out of gas. Clean the mower thoroughly, removing any grass and debris. Store the mower in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and damage. Interested in Mowing Products? Husqvarna Ts354Xd Riding Lawn Mower Heavy duty garden tractor with unbeaten capabilities in its class. Versatile ClearCut cutting deck and powerful, reliable engine mean fast mowing anytime, anywhere – with a perfect result every time. Commercial grade ground-engaging transmission with dash operated differential lock works with large, wide rear tires to enable tough usage without overheating, plus great traction and less damage to the lawn. Improved quality, comfort and ergonomics for an optimal driving and ownership experience. Find it on Amazon Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action1 provides three benefits in one bag. This 3-in-1 formula kills and prevents weeds, all while feeding and strengthening your lawn. It kills listed broadleaf weeds, including dandelions and clover. Prevents crabgrass for up to 4 months and barnyardgrass, fall panicum, foxtail, and annual bluegrass. Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action1 can be applied to Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass. Find it on Amazon Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower Greenworks, one-battery fits all Pro 80V system includes over 20+ tools to choose from. Any tool, any time, Greenworks has you covered. Our commercial grade pro 80V system is perfect for the professional & those yd warriors wanting more power. Great for yd up to 1 acre with a battery run-time of up to 60 mins. The Greenworks 80V 21" Cordless Lawn Mower features a durable steel deck, large 10" Rear wheels, & smart cut load sensing technology. Light weight & easy to use & features an all-wheel single lever height adjustment. Designed for durability & heavy-duty jobs, our brushless motor delivers the power & performance of a 160cc gas engine. Find it on Amazon Summary Properly using and maintaining your lawn mower is key to achieving and sustaining a beautiful lawn. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your grass is healthy, your mower lasts longer, and your lawn looks its best. Regular maintenance and careful operation are the cornerstones of effective lawn care, leading to a lush, inviting outdoor space. * Disclaimer. The content on this website may include affiliate links, promo codes, and other forms of promotional material. These links, codes or sign up services, help support LearnHow and our efforts in bringing you the best possible information.