Keeping a lawn neat and well-manicured takes a bit of effort—and a reliable lawn mower. No matter how large or small your lawn is, there’s a lawn mower designed to cut your grass effortlessly.
What Is a Lawn Mower?
A lawn mower is a machine that evenly cuts grass. Pretty simple. But today’s lawn mowers take that basic cutting action and add features to make mowing faster, more efficient, and more precise. Walk-behind mowers that you push are great for lawns up to a half-acre, such as those at a small office. Larger areas of grass, like those surrounding warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and corporate campuses, are best tackled with riding and zero-turn mowers.
Lawn mowers have a very sharp horizontal blade that spins around incredibly fast, shearing off the tops of grass blades. This horizontal blade is mounted under a metal housing called a deck, which keeps grass, leaves, sticks, and other debris from flying in all directions. An engine is mounted on top of the deck, which rolls around on wheels.
With those basics out of the way, keep reading to see how different types of mowers are used. The bonus tips and tricks at the end can get your mower started, running, and cutting in no time.
Types of Lawn Mowers
Walk-Behind Mowers
With walk-behind lawn mowers, the operator holds a handle and walks behind the mower. Sometimes the operator pushes the mower; on self-propelled lawn mowers, the motor powers wheels that move the mower along. Walk-behind mowers are powered by either gas or a battery and can mow grass and mulch leaves. Many have a side discharge and can have a bag attached to catch clippings. Because they require some physical effort by the user, these are ideal for homes and businesses without a lot of grass.
- Gas-powered mowers run on gasoline and often require pulling a cord to start, though some models have electric push-button starts. They have long runtimes, able to mow an entire lawn without refueling. Most gas-powered mowers have a 21" or 22" cutting area and can cut through thick grass or weeds.
- Due to being all electric, battery-powered lawn mowers are much quieter than gas mowers and have zero emissions. They require less maintenance than gas mowers but also have less cutting power and a slightly smaller 20" or 21" cutting area. The batteries typically last 30 to 45 minutes before they require recharging, so they’re best suited for smaller lawns.
Riding Lawn Mowers
Make quick work of larger grassy areas such as large lawns, athletic fields, or rolling landscapes with a riding lawn mower. Instead of walking behind the mower, the operator sits on top—above the motor and blades. They have much larger cutting areas than walk-behinds, but these machines need much more storage space.
- Riding lawn mowers are a ride-on version of their push-mower cousins. They are a little faster and more powerful, with larger 30" cutting areas, yet are compact enough for relatively easy storage.
- Lawn tractors are larger than riding lawn mowers, with typical cutting areas of 42" to 48". Many are also more versatile because they can take a variety of attachments. However, compared to zero-turn mowers, they have a wider turn radius and move more slowly.
- An individual on a zero-turn mower operates two levers that, if pushed in opposite directions, cause the mower to turn in place. They have the broadest cutting swath of any lawn mower, covering 42" to 60" with one pass. Speed and maneuverability are the hallmarks of these large-lawn mowers.
How to Start a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
1. Move the lawn mower to a flat and open grassy area free of rocks, sticks, toys, and other debris.
2. Check the mower engine's fluid levels. Top off the gas and make sure the oil is at the right level.
- If the mower has a four-stroke engine, check the oil by opening the oil-fill cap or using the dipstick.
- For a two-stroke engine, mix the oil with the gas to reach the proper ratio given in the owner’s manual.
3. Check the spark plug to make sure the black lead to the engine is firmly attached and fitted properly. This is what will get the engine to turn over and the mower to start.
4. With the gas, oil, and spark plug all set, prime the carburetor. Look for either a black or red soft "squishy" button on the engine. Press it three or four times to force gas into the fuel line (if your mower doesn’t have a primer button, skip this step). Don’t over-prime by pushing the button excessively—this will flood the engine. If that happens, wait a while before you try starting the mower again.
5. When starting a cold mower, start by setting the choke to provide a rich air-to-fuel mixture. This keeps the engine running as it warms up.
6. Open the throttle located either on the mower's handle or on the engine and set it in the mid-to-high position for optimum starting.
7. Before pulling the starter cord, if the mower has a horizontal lever parallel with the handle, pull it up against the handle. Then tightly grab the handle of the coiled starter cord atop or alongside the engine and pull upward firmly and quickly. You might have to do this multiple times until the engine starts. Once it does, let it run for a few minutes and then turn off the choke. You're now ready to begin mowing.
8. Troubleshooting: If you have any issues starting the mower, there are a few things you can check to see what's keeping it from turning over. Again, be sure the spark plug is firmly in place. If it isn't, you'll never get the mower started.
- If the starter cord is difficult to pull, the blade may be stuck or jammed with grass.
- Disconnect the spark plug, turn the mower on its side, clear the debris from under the mower, and discharge any struck debris.
- If the mower smokes at start-up, turn it off and let the smoke subside and the engine cool off. Smoking may indicate the air filter may be clogged and needs to be replaced.
How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower
1. Begin by taking a seat behind the wheel. Press the brake lever or clutch on the left side of the mower with your foot, then on the right side of the mower set the parking brake with the lever or knob.
2. Move the mower’s gear shift lever to the "N" or "neutral" position.
3. If you're starting a cold engine, pull out the choke control knob on the left side of the mower, so it's in the fully open position. If the engine isn't cold and you're restarting an already warmed engine, don't use the choke.
4. Place the throttle between the "fast" and "slow" positions. On most mowers, icons of a rabbit and turtle indicate "fast" and "slow."
5. Insert the key into the ignition and turn over the engine, allowing the starter to crank the engine for 15 seconds. If it doesn't turn over, turn the key off and wait 10 seconds. Try again by allowing the starter to crank the engine for 15 seconds and continue the process until the engine starts.
6. Once started, slowly push the choke control knob back in and raise the throttle lever to a faster position. Let the engine to warm up for a few minutes before you begin mowing.
7. As with walk-behind mowers, you may need to check to see if there are certain problems that are preventing your riding mower from starting.
- For instance, engine liquid levels should be maintained, carburetor and filters regularly checked and replaced if necessary, and spark plugs inspected to ensure they're in good working order.
- Additionally, a riding mower has a couple of other elements, such as a bad solenoid or a dying or dead battery, which can also keep the engine from turning over.
Keep Your Lawn Looking Great
A beautiful lawn can be yours with the right mower. A battery-powered mower for a quiet property, a lawn tractor for some office landscaping, or a zero-turn mower for keeping the outfield neatly trimmed—Zoro has the lawn mowers you need to save time and keep any patch of grass looking perfect.
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The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.