Like any equipment you own, the more you know about your lawn mower, the better you’ll be able to get the most out of it.
Got no idea how to start a lawn mower?
It might seem like a simple task to do, but starting a lawn mower depends on the unit you have.
Also, there will be times when you’ll find it challenging to start up, which may be a sign of an underlying issue.
For those who own a push mower, we’ve prepared this guide to help you get started.
Here, you’ll also learn how to troubleshoot lawn mowers—from finding out what’s wrong to fixing the issue.
How To Start a Lawn Mower
Learning how to turn on a lawn mower doesn’t have to be complicated.
However, sometimes, you may miss a step, and the machine may fail to start.
When that happens, here’s what you need to do.
First, you’ll want to check the oil. Just like your vehicle, you’ll want to check to see if it needs to be changed.
If the oil looks fresh and clean, you’re good to go.
If it’s starting to look gunky and has some kind of debris, you’ll want to change it as soon as possible
Next, you’ll want to check if you have enough fuel to run it. Lawnmowers will run on regular gasoline. If it’s empty, fill it up.
On average, a standard lawn mower can take up two gallons of fuel.
Starting a Push Mower
Now, what you’ll want to do is prime the carburetor.
This button will either be green or black and located somewhere in the body of the mower.
Push it a few times to ensure you have an open channel for fuel to travel through.
If there is no prime button present, consult the owner’s manual.
Open the throttle by engaging the lever located either on the engine body or the lawnmower's handle.
Place the lever to a mid to high position. Be sure that you do this; otherwise, the engine will not start.
Pro Tip:
If it’s cold outside, remember to adjust the choke to where it will allow for a rich fuel mix to flow through.
Doing this will allow the engine to stay running while you warm it up. Then, shut off the choke after a few minutes.
Next, pull the starter cord. If your lawnmower has a horizontal lever, grip it against the handle before pulling.
Grip the handle of the starter cord and pull it firmly. You may need to pull this a few more times until it gets started up.
Why Is It So Hard To Start My Lawn Mower?
Aside from learning how to start a lawn mower, you should also have more than a few troubleshooting tips and tricks up your sleeve.
If you are having a hard time starting your lawn mower, it can be one of many issues.
We’ll be taking a look at a few common issues that may occur in the event of your mower failing to start.
After going through this section, hopefully, you’ll know how to troubleshoot lawn mowers.
1. Dirty, Disconnected, or Loose Spark Plug
How do you start a lawn mower that won’t turn on in the first place?
The spark plug plays a role in the ignition sequence of your equipment.
What you’ll want to do is inspect the spark plug closely.
This will include detaching it from the machine itself to look for dirt, damage, corrosion, or any kind of stuck debris.
If the spark plug appears to have a bit of debris, clean it off and reattach it to the lawnmower.
Afterward, try starting the machine.
Replacing the spark plug itself may be an alternative solution, especially if the lawn mower doesn’t start up again.
2. Clogged Air Filter
Another reason why you’re having a hard time starting up your lawn mower is that the air filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.
The air filter is located near the top of the engine and will usually be encased in a shroud made of plastic or metal.
To resolve this issue, remove the shroud and remove the air filter.
Check for dirt and stuck debris, and try to get rid of them as much as you can. See if that solves the problem.
If the machine still fails to start, you may have to consider replacing the air filter altogether.
3. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine
Sometimes, knowing how to turn on a lawn mower is not enough, especially if there are problems with its mechanism.
If the fuel is not reaching the engine, you may not have engaged the prime button a few times as directed.
Try a couple of more touches before restarting it.
Make sure you don’t overdo this, though, as it will flood the engine.
If the mower fails to start still, the fuel filter probably needs to be replaced.
What Is the Easiest Lawn Mower To Start?
There are some lawn mowers out there that are very easy to start.
Some of them are known as self-propelled lawn mowers.
You will find them offered by various brands, such as TroyBilt, Husquvarna, and Snapper.
To make your job easier, you're better off picking out the best easy-start lawn mowers.
How Do I Start My Lawn Mower With a Choke?
One of the best times to start a lawn mower with a choke is when the temperatures are cold outside.
First, make sure the choke is closed. Next, set the throttle control to start or high (if there is one).
After doing that, pull the starter cord once or twice. If the mower fails to start, open the choke halfway and pull the starter again.
Gradually open the choke to ensure the engine stays running. Then, set the throttle control to the desired speed, and you're done.
How Do You Get a Lawn Mower to Start
How do you start a lawn mower? The instructions provided earlier show you how it’s done.
A push mower is one of the more reliable types of lawn mowers on the market, and they can be easier to start than you think.
Before operating your lawn mower for the first time since winter, one thing to remember is to do a complete checkup.
Check everything, from the filters to the spark plug.
You would be crazy not to clean the filters first and check the oil and spark plugs before starting it up.