Lawn mowers are essential gardening tools, widely used for mowing lawns, public green spaces, and large farms. Proper lawn mower operation not only improves efficiency but also extends the lifespan and ensures safety. Below, we'll detail the lawn mower operation steps and common precautions.
1.1 Checking the Lawn Mower's Condition
Before use, first check the mower's battery or fuel tank to ensure sufficient charge or fuel.
Confirm that the mower's blades are securely fastened and the fuel/battery level is sufficient (fuel-powered mowers must use 92# unleaded gasoline; pure-electric mowers must ensure the battery level is at least 80%).
Also, check the mower's blades for sharpness. Dull blades can affect mowing performance and may damage the lawn.
Inspect the wheels and grass collector to ensure there are no foreign objects trapped, that the wheels rotate smoothly, and that the grass collector is clean.
1.2 Adjusting the Height of the Lawn Mower
Lawn mowers typically have multiple height adjustment settings to suit different lawns. Adjust to the appropriate height to avoid cutting too short or too long. Cutting too short may damage the lawn, while cutting too long may result in uneven mowing.
1.3 Wearing Necessary Safety Equipment
When using a lawn mower, it is recommended to wear protective glasses, earmuffs, non-slip shoes, gloves, and tie up long hair to prevent injury from flying debris.
1.4 Environmental Assessment
Clear any hard objects such as rocks and branches from the work area. Operating on slopes should be ≤ 15°.
For electric mowers, check that the power cord is not damaged. For solar-powered mowers, ensure adequate lighting.
2.1 Starting the Mower:
For electric mowers: Confirm the power plug is properly connected and press the start button or pull the start handle.
For gasoline mowers: Check the condition of the accelerator, fuel tank, and spark plugs. Before starting, ensure the throttle is adjusted to the correct position. Pull the starter cord to start the engine. For cold starts, close the choke and slowly open it after a 30-second warm-up.
2.2 Operating the Mower:
Always maintain a firm grip on the control handles to ensure steady movement.
Maintaining a slight tilt in the front of the mower during operation will help the grass quickly enter the cutting area.
When operating on large lawns, it is recommended to alternate between vertical and horizontal strokes to avoid missing areas. For push-type mowers, use a zigzag pattern with an overlap of approximately 10 cm to ensure even mowing.
2.3 Adjusting Speed and Cutting Intensity:
Adjust the speed of the mower appropriately for different types of grass. On taller grass, operate at a low speed to ensure the blades are not obstructed.
When mowing the lawn, avoid cutting too much grass at once. Cutting too high can damage the grass and result in poor mowing results. Mow long grass in stages, removing no more than one-third of the grass at a time.
2.4 Shutdown and Storage:
After each use, always turn off the mower's power or engine. Never touch the blades while the mower is running.
Clean the blades and grass collection box. Ensure the mower is stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture from affecting the electrical circuitry or metal parts.
3.1 Safe Operation:
The mower's blades are very sharp. Avoid placing your hands near the blades during operation.
If there are rocks, branches, or other hard objects in the lawn, be sure to clear them before use to avoid damaging the blades or causing danger.
3.2 Regular Maintenance:
Regularly inspect key components of the mower, such as the brake system, power system, and battery, to maintain stable performance.
Check the blades' sharpness approximately every 10 hours of use. If they become dull, replace or trim them promptly.
3.3 Maintain a Steady Mowing Path:
Do not make sharp turns or sudden stops. Maintaining a steady operating direction helps ensure an even mowing of the lawn.
3.4 Lawn Mowing Frequency:
Mowing the lawn regularly, maintaining an appropriate mowing height each time and avoiding over-mowing. The ideal mowing frequency is typically once a week, especially during peak growing season.
3.5 Weather Conditions:
Avoid using the mower in wet weather, as wet grass can stick to the blades and grass collection box, affecting mowing performance and causing the machine to clog.
3.6 Emergency Procedures
If the blade becomes stuck, immediately turn off the power and use a dedicated weeding hook to clear it. Never use your hands.
In the event of a fuel leak, stay away from sources of fire and wait until the fuel has evaporated before restarting the machine.
3.7 Special Scenarios
After rain, check the ground for slip resistance and avoid turning on slippery slopes.
Before the grass collection box is fully loaded, stop the machine and clean it to prevent the exhaust from becoming clogged.
4.1 Daily Cleaning
Clean the blades of any remaining grass clippings after each use. For fuel-powered engines, drain any remaining fuel from the carburetor.
Lubricate the drive shaft monthly. For electric equipment, check the carbon brushes regularly for wear.
4.2 Long-Term Storage
For fuel-powered engines, add stabilizer and idle for 5 minutes. For battery-powered engines, store at 50% charge.
The blades should be disassembled, coated with anti-rust oil, and stored in a dry environment.
5.1 Difficulty Starting the Mower:
If the mower won't start, first check the battery or fuel level to ensure there's no malfunction or lack of fuel. If the problem persists, check the spark plug or battery connection.
5.2 Uneven Mowing:
Uneven mowing may be caused by dull blades, tilting the mower, or obstructions in the lawn. Check the blades regularly and ensure the mower is used on flat ground.
5.3 Unusual Mower Sounds:
If you hear unusual noises, the blades may be loose or stuck. Check the blades and other components promptly, remove any debris, or have them repaired.
By following the above instructions and precautions for operating a lawn mower, you can effectively improve your mower's efficiency, ensure a neat and beautiful lawn every time, and extend the life of your lawn mower. We hope this article helps you successfully complete your gardening tasks!
If you have any further questions about lawn mowers, or would like a custom lawn mower, please contact us. We offer custom lawn mower services.
