Can I Clean A Lawn Mower Air Filter? If So, How?

Instead of spending hours searching for your lawnmower's exact model so that you can clean its air filter, find out some universal methods that will save you a whole bunch of time and money.

Yes, you can clean your mower's air filter and should regularly as to keep your lawnmower running healthily.

An air filter plays an important part in your lawnmower's day to day running. As such, it is vital to know exactly how to properly clean the air filter as to not damage it in the process.

The purpose of a lawnmower's air filter

Lawnmowers air filters are built to keep dirt and grass clippings from clogging up the engine and shortening your mower's life span.

Therefore, if you feel that your lawnmower is not working correctly or is failing to cut grass like it usually does, then you may find that a clogged air filter is the cause of the problem.

The longer you go without unclogging it and cleaning the filter, the worst your lawnmower's performance will get.

Not only that but if you insist on still using your mower with a dirty air filter then you will damage the filter and have to replace it.

What are the 3 types of air filter's used in mowers?

There are three types of air filters that a manufacturer may use in their mower, but the cleaning process for them are not that different.

The types of air filters that your mower may have are:

• Disposable foam air filter
• Reusable air filter
• Dual air filter

As is clear from the name, you will not need to clean the disposable foam air filter. You will need to replace it with an entirely new filter instead.

Make sure you have some spare disposable air filters to hand so that you can replace the filter whenever you may need to.

If you do attempt to clean a disposable filter, not only are you wasting your time but you may damage your mower as the filter will no longer work.

What you will need to clean an air filter

It is best to get everything you need to clean the filter together before you get to work. That way you can get the task done quicker.

You will need:

• Liquid soap - dishwashing soap will do here, you don't need a specialized soap for this
• Warm water - it is better to have warm or hot water to really clean out your air filter but cold water would do the job too
• Paper towels - to be able to properly reach every nook and cranny of your air filter without damaging it, make sure to use paper towels. They will also help absorb any water stuck in the filter which is vital
• Motor oil - oil is a key to keeping the air filter running smoothly and should be reapplied once you have washed the filter
• Old toothbrush - to clean less fragile parts of the filter, an old toothbrush can be used. If you have a cleaning brush, you can use that instead
• Screwdriver - many models use some type of screws to keep the air filter in place so make sure you have the right tool to hand in order to be able to remove the filter

How to clean a reusable remove air filter for your lawnmower

Turn off your mower!!

Before you start the cleaning process, you must make sure to correctly remove the air filter to avoid any damage to yourself or the equipment.

First, make sure that your mower is disconnected from its power source. Sigh as you might at the obviousness of this step, it is commonly missed.

It may be that you need to change your air filter halfway through your grass cutting session and so you forget to disconnect the power which is a bad step to miss.

You may also find that while the mower itself is off, all of the internal parts are still moving. This is because you need to give your mower time to properly power down and stop moving after it is turned fully off.

So, don't try and rush ahead as soon as you suspect that your air filter may need cleaning.

Give your mower time to shut down and stop moving so that you don't lose a finger in the process.

If you are still unsure whether or not your mower has stopped moving, try disconnecting the spark plug wire.

In fact, we recommend that you do this regardless for extra safety.

Locate your air filter

Air filters are not that hard to find inside your lawnmower. They are quite large and round, usually covered by a top cover to keep the filter from falling out during your mowing.

There may also be one or two screws in place to hold the filter still. Keep these nuts and screws somewhere safe so that you can put your filter back correctly once clean.

Once you have removed the cover and unscrewed what you need to, all that you should have to do is lift the filter out and you can begin the cleaning process.

Time to wash the filter

Don't just go ahead and dunk the filter into a tub full of water. This will not correctly clean the filter and could damage it.

Instead, put the filter in an empty tub and rinse with warm water and soap.

While you do want to avoid overdoing it with the water, you do need to make sure that the filter has been thoroughly covered in soap and then entirely rinsed with water to really cut through the grease.

Thoroughly dry

This is a key step in the cleaning process as having too much water left in your air filter could damage it and your mower.

Use the paper towels to squeeze out all of the water trapped in the air filter.

You may go through a fair few paper towels during this step, but it will be worth it to not have to replace your entire filter.

If you find that you are still removing soap from the filter even after you have rinsed it, then simply rinse with more water are start re-drying it again.

As long as you don't drown the filter then you will avoid damaging it.

Time to oil up

Just like with the water, too much motor oil will ruin your mower but too little can stop your filter from working properly.

To get just the right amount of oil on your filter, take a paper towel and tab some motor oil onto it. Then rub the towel all over the filter so that it is covered entirely on both sides.

Note that your air filter should not be dripping oil. If you do find this is the case then use a clean paper towel to dab off the excess oil.

Replace the filter

Before you put the filter back into place, you may want to clear any excess debris from the top cover or from around where the filer will be.

This way you are ensuring that it will not get clogged up again straight away.

Once you are satisfied, slip the air filter back into place and secure the screws once more.

Make sure to make them tight enough that they will not become loose while the mower's engine is running.

And there you have it - the easiest way to clean a reusable, foam air filter for your lawnmower.

But, as noted earlier, this is not the only type of filter manufacturers use in their mowers.

How to clean a dual air filter for your lawnmower

All of the safety steps and identifying your air filter's location are exactly the same for a dual air filter as a reusable one. However, removing the dual filter is different.

Not only will you spot the air filter but you will also see that a cartridge is attached to it. Is it this cartridge that you need to clean, not the filter itself.

Doing so will damage the air filter and you will have to replace it entierly.

As for the cleaning process, all you need to do is follow the steps described above for cleaning a standard air filter.

Just make sure to be extra gentle and not overdo it with the water.

If you do use too much water or even too much oil, then take some time to properly dry the cartridge before replacing it.

Of course, there will come a time when your air filter is too worn down to simply clean and will need replacing.

But until that point, be sure to keep your current filter unclogged and clean to keep your lawnmower running as smooth as possible.

Are Lawn Mower Engines 4 Cycle? Find Out Here!

We understand that most people are not professionals when it comes to engine types. If you are unsure what a 4 cycle engine lawnmower is, look no further.

While not all lawnmowers are powered by a 4 cycle engine, they are typically the better type of mowers to buy.

But why are 4 cycle engines so common in lawnmowers and why are top mower brands keen to use these types of engines? Let us explain.

How does a 4 cycle engine work?

As can be guessed from the name alone, a 4 cycle engine completes 4 cycles but of what exactly?

Almost always, these types of engines are internal combustion engine meaning that instead of the petrol being burnt elsewhere in the lawnmower, it is burnt within the engine.

This burning of the fuel creates hot air which pushes on a piston which then turns the crankshaft.

Everytime that the piston completes a 4 step stroke, one cycle is complete.

These steps are:

• Intake - the air produced by the fuel moved into the combustion chamber
• Compression - once in the chamber, the air becomes compressed. This is a key step in accessing more energy stored in the fuel's air
• Ignition - the now compressed air is combusted by rapidly mixing oxygen with the air, resulting in the release of energy in the form of hot air
• Exhaust - now that the energy is released, it is moved from the combustion chamber into the air

Once all of these steps have been complete then 1 cycle has finished.

However, just 1 cycle on its own does not produce the level of power expected from a top of the range lawnmower. Nor enough power to cleanly cut through grass.

That is why engines with more than 1 cycle engines are used.

What is the difference between a 4 cycle engine and a 2 cycle engine?

Unlike a 4 cycle engine, a 2 cycle engine does not require as many strokes of the piston to work. But that is not the only difference.

Different types of cycle engines require different types of fuel or power sources to operate and produce the most energy they can.

A 2 cycle engine needs to have a mix of fuel and oil so that the engine parts can be well oiled continuously during combustion.

One the other hand, a 4 cycle engine does not need its oil and fuel mixed.

It is this key difference that makes it easier for you to identify if you have a 2 cycle or a 4 cycle lawnmower.

Simply find where you fill-up the fuel on your mower and look for the little sign that will indicate what type of engine it uses.

Why do lawnmowers use 4 cycle engines?

The biggest attraction to a 4-stroke engine system is the environmentally friendly design.

When comparing 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines, a 2 cycle engine produces just as much power as a 4 cycle and is lighter.

This is why a 2 cycle engine is most often used for self propelled lawn mowers.

However, manufacturers are trying to move away from 2 cycle engines due to the oil and fuel mix that they require.

Every time combustion happens, a little bit of oil is burnt at the same time, releasing extra pollution into the atmosphere.

4 cycle engines keep their oil and fuel separate. Therefore, no oil is being burnt while the engine is completing its cycles.

That is why you will find top lawnmower brands like Bosch using a 4 cycle engine, as they are committed to reducing air pollution.

There is also the fact that a 2 cycle engine has to work twice as hard as a 4 cycle engine to produce the same amount of power meaning that it will have to be replaced more regularly.

Therefore, not only do 4 cycle engines burn less oil but they are also saving you money in the long run as they will not wear out as fast.

What Can I Do With A Lawn Mower Engine? Anything Useful?!

Do you want to know how to make the most out of your old lawnmower engine? We have thought of a few ways you can recycle your old engine that beats throwing it away.

There are plenty of ways to repurpose your lawnmower engine - both as a new engine and as a key component in new projects.

Lawnmowers are often such a pricey investment that when it comes time to replace them, many people are reluctant to just thrown their old mowers away. But now you don't have to!

Use your lawnmower engine to power your transport!

There are several methods of transportation whoes engine could easily be replaced with a powerful lawnmower engine.

If you have ever wanted to own a small boat to enjoy fishing ot riding along the river in the middle of a hot day then this may be your chance to live out that dream.

A small, simple boat could easily be powered using a petrol-powered lawnmower engine as they are built to be able to run for a long time.

As long as you have a spare tub of fuel with you then you could enjoy your own boat for hours on end.

Of course, the main issue here is coming up with a way to prevent the engine itself from getting wet as, unlike traditional boat engines, lawn mower engines are not waterproof.

However, once you have figured out that small detail, then reworking the engine to fit a small boat could be well worth the effort.

If sailing is not your preferred choice of transport or you want a project to complete with your kid, do not worry. Lawnmower engines can be powerful enough to work for a go-cart.

The whole trick to building a go-cart is to keep it as lightweight as possible to increase the speed. A lawnmower's engine is often designed to be lightweight to make it easier to control the lawnmower.

Not only that but the power of a 4 cycle engine, the type of engine many fuel powered lawnmowers use, is more than enough to propel a one person go-cart forward at a speed just as impressive as a typical go-cart engine.

Make your own lawnmower

You may find that in your hunt for a new lawnmower that no other model can be compared to the engine used in your old mower. So why not make your own?

It may seem a little silly to suggest but really it is the idea that makes the most sense.

You could even find a way to lower the amount of pollution produced by the engine by changing how much the engine relies on fuel or a fuel and oil mix.

If your old engine is a 2 cycle engine then you could try and convert it into a 4 cycle engine. Not only would this be better for the environment but you may also get a little bit more power out of the engine.

Either way, you could build the lawnmower of your dream and be saving money that would otherwise be spent on a newer but worse mower.

Make yourself a new coffee table.

This may be the option more tailored towards those who enjoy crafting or artistic projects, but that does not mean that you can not give it a go.

If you have no other practical use for your old engine then why not make it a statement piece either for you or to sell to someone else?

It will take a little bit of elbow grease to properly clear up all of the grease and dirt from the engine itself.

But once cleaned up, you have yourself a brand new coffee table foundation.

All you have to do then is pull out your measuring tape, figure out what material you want to use as the surface and get to work.

Build yourself a lawnmower powered generator

If you are one of those who likes to be prepared for the inevitable apocalypse, then the chances are that you already have a functioning generator all ready to go.

However, it doesnt hurt to be extra prepared. So, why not use your extra time to build another generator out of your old lawnmower engine?

This would be especially useful if you have an electric lawnmower engine as they could easily be powerful enough to power lamps or low consumption tools.

The small, compact design of lawnmower engines means that, unlike other generators, this one will not take up too much room.

Meaning you have a purposeful power source with room to spare.

How To Service A Ride On Mower! Find Out Here!

We have compiled a list of the 3 most important service tasks you must do to keep your ride on mower running smoothly.

You are able to complete 3 key servicing tasks for your ride on mower by yourself, but if left poorly maintained then you will have to pay for a professional service.

To save yourself money both immediately and in the long run, here are a few things you can do to prevent having to pay out for a whole new lawnmower every season.

Changing your lawnmower's oil

Regularly changing your lawnmower's oil is a crucial part of mower maintenance, but especially so if you have not used your mower for an extended amount of time.

You may find that if you try to start up your mower after a long winter without changing the oil then it might not start up at all.

Likewise, if you are using your lawnmower every other day or so then you will need to change your oil more regularly. (Manufactures recommend every 50 hours or use or so).

Remember, simply topping up your oil is not the same as changing it.

A lawnmower's oil plays an essential part in keeping your mower moving and from overheating.

As such, the oil starts to collect dirt and worn out motor parts after a lot of use and will become useless if left unchanged for so long.

When you go to drain the oil, keep a pan under where the oil will come out to catch it when it comes out.

Turn your lawnmower on to get the oil moving about and then turn off the engine, leaving the mower to cool down for a few minutes. This way, if any oil splashed onto you, you will not get burnt.

Ensure that your mower is completely off and then remove the cap.

Once all of the oil has been drained, you can start to refill your mower. Just make sure you have replaced the oil cap so that your new oil does not spill out straight away.

To refill your mower with fresh oil, simply pour the correct type of oil into the right compartment.

You will want to check how much oil your mower is supposed to take as too little could cause it to overheat but too much could ruin the spark plug.

Once done, turn the engine on for a few minutes to allow the oil to properly spread throughout the engine and then you are good to get back to cutting the grass once more.

All of the old oil you have drained should not just be dumped in a drain and never on the ground.

Special oil recycling plants are available to take your old oil and properly dispose of it. Likewise, a quick search could direct you to some other companies that are willing to take your old lawnmower oil.

How to replace your lawnmower's filters

You should change your lawnmower's oil filter at the same time you change the oil just to ensure that it is kept on top of.

The oil filter's job is to make sure the oil does not become contaminated with large pieces of dirt or any grass cuttings.

Replacing the filter is simple. Locate where the filter is and twist it either with your hands or with a wrench if needed until you can remove it.

It is best at this stage to clean the rubber in and around where the oil filter fits to reduce the amount of dirt the filter has to repel once the new one is installed.

You can simply use your lawnmower's oil and an old rag to wipe the rubber clean.

Now take your new oil filter and fit it securely with your hand or a wrench to ensure that the filter can do its job properly.

Do not forget to repeat these step with the fuel filter as its job is just as important as the oil filters.

You will also need to either clean or replace your ride-on mower's air filter regularly to ensure that it can run at top capacity.

Keeping your lawnmower's blade sharp

Arguably the most important part of any lawnmower is its blade. A dull blade will result in a terrible grass cutting performance.

As such, it is vital to sharpen your ride on mower's blade during its service.

Ensure that the spark plug is unplugged before you carry on with this process otherwise there could be terrible consequences.

Remove the blade by flipping your mower onto its side and marking the side of the blade facing the ground. This way when you go to re-attach the blade, you will know which way it goes.

Loosen the bolt with a wrench and carefully remove the blade. While it may not be sharp enough to cut grass properly it will still be sharp enough to do harm if not carefully handled.

Securely clamp your blade in a wise and use a file to sharpen the blade until it is as sharp as a butter knife.

You do not need to use a whole mechanical grinder to sharpen the blade. Most manufacturers use soft steel that can easily be re-sharpened using a hand file.

Make sure that you are filing so that the sharp edge is on the same side and going in the same direction it was before otherwise, you will have to replace the blade completely.

Before you re-attach the blade, making sure that it is evenly balanced by placing it on a hanging nail. If one side starts to fall then you know your blade is unbalanced.

If this is the case then you will need to carry on sharpening and filing until it is balanced. Otherwise, it will cause unnecessary vibrations that could destroy the bearings which are harder to replace.

When you go to reinstall the blade, ensure that you have tightened the screw enough so that the blade will not come loose during use.

In some cases, you may not need to entirely remove your lawnmower's blades in order to sharpen them. Read more about how to do that here.

Tips to help maintain your ride on lawnmower

While the tips above are key important when servicing your ride-on lawnmower, there are some steps to follow to ensure that your mower is properly maintained.

One mistake that many people make is forgetting that their mower is not waterproof and neither is its engine.

Unlike cars that are able to be kept outside regardless of the weather, lawnmowers do not mix well with rain.

Therefore, no matter how long between use, keep your ride on lawnmower stored way somewhere watertight and safe to avoid having to have a professional come out and repair a water clogged engine.

Likewise, if your ride on mower operates using a grass collector, then make sure to empty it regularly during use to prevent any unnecessarily clogging.

Also, ensure that you replace the grass collector securely to avoid damaging yourself or the mower.

How Should You Clean Under Your Lawn Mower? Find Out Here!

We have figured out the best method to keep your lawnmower as clean as possible without much effort on your part.

All you need is a firm wire brush and a garden hose. Then scrub at the deck of the lawnmower until all the built-up grass has been washed off.

Keeping your lawnmower clean is an important part of keeping your garden looking the best it can. So how exactly do you do that?

Why should you keep the under of your lawnmower clean?

It is the underside of your mower where all of the important parts of your mower are kept.

Therefore, if it is not kept clean, then the parts can not function properly.

If your mower's deck (the underside of the mower) is full of dried grass or bits of dirt then your blade will not be able to propel properly.

Furthermore, the dried grass could damage your blade's spinning mechanism if it has been left to build up long enough.

This could mean that not only do you have to replace the blade but also the whole rotation system.

You may find that lawn diseases are spreading across your lawn no matter how much you spend on treatment for the diseases.

This could possibly be due to leftover grass clippings getting stuck in the deck of your lawnmower that you have failed to clean out between uses, allowing the diseases to spread further.

When is the best time to clean under your mower?

It is recommended that you at least clear out the bulk of any grass clippings build-up at the end of every use. However, this is not always realistic for most people.

As long as you are able to give the deck a full clean at the at least twice during each mowing season then you should not run into any major problems with your lawnmower.

That being said, if your grass tends to grow especially thick or long during the winter months then when it does come to cutting time, you may need to clean the deck more often.

Of course, if you are using your lawn mower after a disease outbreak amongst your grass, then you will want to thoroughly clean as much of your mower as possible.

This way you are ensuring that you are doing everything possible to prevent the return of the lawn diseases.

The best way to keep on top of your lawnmower cleaning is to do a service check at the beginning of the mowing season and keep performing maintenance checks at the end of every other use or so.

If you do this then not only are you dealing with any issues your lawnmower may have at the very beginning of the season but you are preventing any build-up that may occur during use.

At the end of the mowing season, perform another service check and thoroughly clean under the deck of the mower.

By doing so, you are saving yourself one extra job at the beginning of the new mowing season by clearing out all of the dry grass clippings.

Keeping under the mower clean will also allow you to properly store your mower without letting any damp or insects find their way into the lawnmower itself.

How to thoroughly clean under your lawn mower

Before anything, make sure that you have disconnected the spark plug to stop any accidents from happening.

I also like to disconnect any other power source if applicable just to be sure.

The first step is to remove the blade so that you can have full access to the underside of your lawnmower.

To do this, use the appropriate wrench to unscrew any nuts and bolts keeping the blade in place.

Make sure that you are not touching any sharp areas of the blade as you gently lift the blade off of the mower and rest it on a table or surface where it can be stored safely.

While the blade is off, you might want to use this as an opportunity to sharpen it.

Lay your mower on its side and make sure that it will not be moved around too much as you clean it.

Now, for the actual cleaning part of the process, use a wire brush or wooden brush to scrub the deck and remove any built-up grass that would stop the blade from doing its job.

Do not worry about being too rough here, the worst the can happen is you leave a few scratched on the deck itself which was bound to happen sooner or later.

Take your garden hose or a tub of water and rinse off any grass that refuses to come off with the brush.

The important step to remember to do here is to let the mower dry off. If you do not then you may damage the blade's rotation mechanism.

And that's it! Simply replace your blade, reconnect your power source/spark plug and you have successfully cleaned under your lawnmower.

Does A Riding Lawn Mower Charge Its Own Battery? Find Out Here!

What Charges A Battery On A Lawnmower?

Lawnmowers, big or small, I’ve maintained a lot of them over the years, including those with problematic battery’s - but how exactly do they recharge the battery?

A ride-on lawnmower charges its own battery and this is done - usually -  through an alternator. The battery will start up the engine and once it’s started, the alternator will drive the engine. Any excess power is pushed back to the battery so it’s able to recharge. 

There’s a bit more to it than that and as with all things with mechanical parts, things can go wrong. Luckily, I have a few answers! 

Why A Ride-on Lawnmower Needs A Battery

Ride-on lawnmowers come with a battery and this powers the electrical system. You also get an oil reservoir to store the lubrication so the engine can run smoothly and a gas tank - these are things you don’t often get with a push lawnmower.

To keep this battery charged and working, a lawnmower needs to have a charging system. If you think of an alternator in a car, then you’re on the right track and should be able to relate!

Push lawnmowers don’t require a battery to operate, however, ride-on mowers do. Why is that?

So as we now know, ride-on lawnmowers have more components than that are found on push mowers. These components need a battery to run.

Things such as headlights, ignitions, starters, and clutches are some of what is on a ride-on mower that requires a battery.

If there wasn’t a charging system present then you’d soon find yourself without power to these components and ultimately a dead lawnmower, in need of being jump-started or plugged in to charge the battery. 

I think we can agree that that isn’t an ideal situation when you just want to get on and get the job done!

Charging Systems On Lawnmowers

There are two likely types of charging systems on ride-on mowers and these help to keep the battery-powered. 

So what are they?

Well, one system is a belt-driven alternator. You will often found that this is mounted onto the engine. 

The belt will turn the alternator, as the alternator is turning it will slowly generate power. This power recharges the battery.

The other type of charging system has a stator. This is a round, metal body and has a central hole that is surrounded by prongs that are wrapped in coil wires. All of this sits underneath the flywheel.

[How long should a battery last? Find out here!]

Common Problems With The Charging System Of A Lawnmower

Problems do develop with a charging system, this can be caused by different things. 

The alternator failing or stator is something you do see. As is wiring that has seen better days, that could mean it’s frayed, damaged, or become loose. 

The belt on the alternator can break too - but that’s fixable too. 

One thing to do before assuming that there is a problem with the system itself is to test the battery.

If your battery loses charge quickly then that’s a good sign that your battery needs to be replaced. 

Test the voltage output of the battery using a multimeter. It’s worth checking what the output level should be but anything under 11.5v or less would indicate the need for a new battery. 

How To Test The Charging System On A Lawnmower

If your battery is in good order then you should test your charging system. Make sure your battery is fully charged for this!

If you don’t already have one, I’d recommend that you pick up a multimeter, they’re great to have around and particularly useful in this instance. They are pretty tiny and you are able to hook them up to things to test the voltage, electric current, and resistance. For what we’re about to do, they’re ideal! 

Connect the multimeter up and see what the output is, from this you will be able to work out whether or not it’s charging the battery. 

If you don’t have a multimeter, that’s no worries either - you can just work on a different elimination method!

If you’re finding that your battery isn’t holding the charge then hook it up to the charger. 

Leave it for around 8 hours and it should be fully charged. If not, it’s probably you’re battery. 

How does a Briggs and Stratton charge the battery?

With a Briggs and Stratton engine, the battery will supply the starter motor to get things started. 

When the engine is up and running, the alternator will start to provide the electrical delivery. Any surplus current will go back into the battery and this is what recharges it. 

Reasons Why Your Lawnmower Battery Will Not Charge

An issue with the battery is a common reason why the battery itself won’t hold a charge but there can be other reasons.

Engine

One of the first reasons could be that the engine’s RPM isn’t sufficient. The battery is reliant on getting enough power from the engine to be able to recharge so if the RPM isn’t there, it’s not going to get recharged. 

If you suspect that your engine’s RPM is a problem then you can adjust the speed by adjusting the governor or throttle cable.

I’d suggest starting with the throttle cable and tightening it, this will allow the engine to get more air when it’s idling. 

Should that not have the desired result, then you can adjust the governor, this will enable the engine to achieve a greater RPM speed. 

Fuse

Another cause of your battery not charging could be that the fuse in the charging system has blown. 

Where your fuse is located will depend on the model of your lawnmower so it’s best to check out the owner’s manual for this. 

Fuses do wear out and from time to time and need changing.

Battery Ground Or Charge Lead

Check the connections to the battery. Current should be able to pass through them.

When you’re looking if you notice that there’s some corrosion then disconnect the wires and give the connections a clean. 

I tend to use a wire brush for this and they scrub up well!

However, if the battery is suffering badly from corrosion then baking soda might be more appropriate. As with any good cleaning solution, leave it to sit for a while and give it a wipe afterward. 

Word of caution, don’t let water or soda get into the battery cells, and be sure that the connections at thoroughly rinsed before you reconnect the wires. 

In some cases, it may actually be easier to replace the battery but that’s entirely up to you!

Wire Outputs

Any wiring that is shorted, grounded, or exposed is going to need to be repaired. 

Wires need to be insulated properly in order to stop moisture and debris from getting in. Anything getting into the wiring can interrupt and interfere with the current. 

Diode

Think of a diode as a sort of gatekeeper. It keeps electricity following one way only. 

Diodes can lose connection and this can impact your battery’s ability to charge. The quickest way to test this is using a multimeter. 

Another thing that can happen is that a diode might not be installed correctly as it can be easy to install one backward. Much like a battery, it won’t correctly. So if you have replaced or removed your diode recently, it’s worth going back over your steps to make sure it’s in the correct way.

Final Thoughts

Ride-on lawnmowers, as you’d expect are more complicated than push mowers but hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how the battery and the system around it operates.

A ride-on lawnmower has many more components than your standard lawnmower and these all need power. Thanks to an alternator, this power comes back round to the battery so it’s able to be recharged.

Pretty neat, huh? 

How Many AMPs Does A Lawn Mower Use? Find Out Here!

How Many Amps Does My Lawnmower Need?

I’ve replaced a lot of lawnmower batteries in my times and I’ll be honest, I’ve got it wrong a few times! Though that was a while ago and I’ve learnt the error of my ways.

Every lawnmower will vary and it’s important to know how many amps your lawnmower needs. An electric cordless mower usually needs 12 amps but these amps are different to those in a gas-powered mower. 

Not making much sense?

The key thing to do when changing a battery of a lawnmower is to make sure it’s compatible with your engine and for this, we need to know how many amps are in your lawnmower’s battery.

There isn’t one answer that fits all for this and it’s worth understanding the subject a little more too. Are you up for it?

Let’s go!

What Does Amps Mean When Looking At A Lawnmower?

When you’re looking at lawnmower batteries you will see that they are either rated by amps or volts - more often than not, both.

Whilst we use amps and volts to measure electricity, they aren’t the same so it’s worth finding out the difference.

Basically, amps are used to measure the electrical current. Volts measure voltage. 

Clear as mud?

I’ll try and give you an analogy to work with.

Think about water moving through a pipe. You would measure the speed it moves as if it were the electrical current so this would be measured in amps.

The water running through the pipes at a greater speed would be the same as having more current.

Now the pressure that forces the water to go through the pipe is like the electrical voltage and you’d measure this in volts. 

If the water was being pushed through at greater force, this would be the same as having a higher voltage.

Any clearer?

I think that’s enough science for now. We don’t need to know much more. The key thing to getting a new battery for your lawnmower is making sure that the current and voltage match up and are compatible.

How To Choose A Battery For Your Lawnmower

The majority of ride-on mower batteries are now rated at 12 volts. This makes things much easier! However, I’d always advocate double-checking this is the case with yours! 

[How long should a battery last? Find out here!]

Whilst voltage is simplified you do have other things to think about, the two main things are the terminal position and Cold Cranking Amps - sometimes shortened to CCA.

Terminal Position

When we talk about the terminal position, we are referring to the physical configuration of the battery. 

Lawnmower batteries usually come as either U1L or U1R. 

The sharp-eyed amongst you will have guessed that L stands for Left and R stands for Right. 

In practice, this means that a U1L battery has a positive terminal in the left corner and a U1R is in the right corner. 

Quite simple when you break it down, right?

This is something you need to keep in mind when shopping for a battery to ensure that it fits inside of your mower.

Cold Cranking Amps

Focusing our attention on amps, you need to look at Cold Cranking Amps.

Lawnmower batteries do not provide a constant current. They are there to issue the initial burst of power to get the engine going and this is something you need to factor in. 

A larger lawnmower engine is going to require more current to get started so you need to ensure you don’t buy a battery that doesn’t have enough power.

Why?

If the battery can’t produce enough current, it will have to work harder to get your engine started (that’s assuming it’s capable of doing so!). Whilst some people may say the important thing is that it started the engine, what you have to factor in, is the fact that the life of the battery will be greatly shortened due to it being overworked.

How Do You Choose The Right Lawnmower Battery?

Now you know that batteries come with different ratings so when you’re replacing your old one, you need to make sure all of these ratings match not just amps.

Yes, amps are one factor but you also need to ask about voltage, CCA, and terminal position to successfully find a battery that will be ideal for your lawnmower.

One way that works well is to simply refer to the user manual, this will provide guidance on what type of battery you will need. 

Of course, user manuals have a habit of disappearing so if this is the first time you’re changing the battery, you can just look at the battery you’re replacing. It will have the CCA and voltage displayed on it.

Hopefully, you now have the needed information so you know what specification you need your new battery to be. 

If you’re still having difficulty confirming the right battery specification then you can contact the manufacturer who should be able to advise.

Do you remember earlier I said that you will want to ensure that the battery has a CCA rating that is high enough or it will struggle to get your engine going? 

Well, I should also mention that you need to make sure you don’t go for one that is too powerful.

Whilst choosing a higher rated battery than what is recommended won’t cause damage to your engine, it won’t give you any benefit. 

Not to mention, they are usually more expensive so essentially you’re paying for something that you aren’t seeing any benefit on. 

[Cant decide between electric or gas-powered? Let me help you!]

How Many Amps In A Battery Powered Lawnmower?

If you’ve seen electric cordless lawnmowers, you may have noticed that they display the number of amps - this is different.

Cordless lawn mowers aren’t powered by gas engines so it isn’t referring to cold-cranking amps. Amps on these types of mowers are referring to the amount of current the battery will deliver in order to power the engine. 

The majority of battery-powered lawnmowers have a 12 amp engine. This means that the current that is constantly delivered to the engine is 12 amps.

Most people who use this type of lawnmower at home will find this to be more than sufficient. 

It’s good to know how amps differ from volts and watts - it’s important too! Most of the time we don’t give much thought to it, why should we?

However, when it comes to replacing something like a battery for your lawnmower, it becomes relevant. It how you end up buying the correct battery! 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to replacing your lawnmower battery, you need to ensure you get one that is compatible. 

Too little power? Your battery is going to wear out quickly due to it working too hard. 

Too much power? You’ve just spent more money than you needed to, for little benefit and frankly, that’s just silly.

Spending a bit of time, understanding what your lawnmower needs could potentially save you a lot of hassle (and money!) in the future.

Can You Run A Lawn Mower Without An Air Filter? Should You?

Do I Need An Air Filter For My Lawnmower?

I like tinkering with things, it’s a man thing I think (Gents, back me up on this one). This has led me to strip down many lawnmowers over the years so I happen to know a thing or two about how they work. 

Lawnmowers should not be used without air filters. Mowing the lawn causes dirt, grass, and debris to go in all sorts of places and one place you don’t want it to go is the engine of your lawnmower. This is why an air filter is important. 

Without it, you run the risk of damaging your mower. 

I’m sure you may have heard about someone using their lawnmower without an air filter and it didn’t do any harm but below I’ll explain what damage it could do to your engine and what’s actually happening when you’re not using an air filter...it’s pretty interesting! 

Is The Air Filter Important On A Lawnmower?

Yes!

Air that goes into lawnmowers is cleaned by the air filters. Much in the same way they ensure, it’s clean air that goes into your car or your vacuum.

An air filter is designed to prevent any dirt, grass, or unwanted particles from getting into the engine, which could ultimately damage the engine. 

As part of any lawnmower, the cooling system needs clean air to function properly. 

If you have a petrol-driven lawnmower, then an air filter is arguably more important. It will help to combust fuel and power the engine. 

If a filter isn’t present, this can lead to a damaged engine due to debris getting into it. However, it also means that the ratio of air to fuel is all wrong with a petrol engine. 

These issue will affect how the lawnmower functions and not for the best! 

[Is your lawnmower overheating? Read this.]

Why Do Some People Use A Lawnmower With An Air Filter?

Sometimes people will use a lawnmower without a filter - rightly or wrongly! So let’s look at situations when that might happen. 

1. The Air Filter Is Missing - Alright, so, some people will lose the air filters, and rather than replacing them, they will use their mowers without one for months and report no or little damage. 

I am not recommending this in the slightest as at any point you could find something enter your engine and damage it beyond repair. 

It wouldn’t take a lot, let’s say even a tiny stone to enter the engine and destroy an essential part such as the carburetor. 

Yes, it could be repairable but quite often it isn’t and for the cost of an air filter, you could save yourself a lot of money down the line and hassle! 

[Have you got white smoke coming from your lawnmower? Take a look at this]

2. Lawnmower Isn’t Starting With The Air Filter In Place - This is more likely to be the case with petrol lawnmowers. You may find that when you remove the air filter, the mower will start but it won’t start when it’s in place.

Why is that?

Honestly, it’s just down to the fact that the air filter is most likely going to be clogged - time to clean it!

If your air filter is dirty, the air is not going to be able to make its way to the engine. Meaning that no combustion will happen and so the engine won’t start.

The engine not starting could also be a sign that there is damage to the air filter or not installed correctly (or the gasket could be faulty).

Whilst removing the air filter will resolve the issue, it’s not something to see as a permanent solution. 

Cleaning, replacing, or repairing the filter so that your lawnmower can operate exactly how it’s intended is the right answer! It’s the only answer frankly.

3. When You Need To Diagnose The Faults On A Lawnmower - If you feel like your lawnmower isn’t running as it should, removing the air filter is often a good way to run a diagnostic test on it.

Again, this is only a very short-term thing to assess what the fault is. If your lawnmower is still not performing as it should, then it’s likely that the fault is somewhere else in the machine. 

At this point, you should replace the air filter and continue finding out the issue. 

The Importance Of Air Filter MaintenanceTo Your Lawnmower (And You!)

If your air filter is damaged or dirty, then it’s almost as bad as not using one. 

Your engine will not be able to breathe as it should as the air circulation won’t be operating correctly. 

Using a dirty or worn-out air filter can actually result in dangerous debris getting into the engine. 

There are several things you need to do to maintain your lawnmower and cleaning your air filter (and occasionally replacing it) is one of those things.

Using the right type of filter is important too - there are different types - three of them to be exact!

You can get foam air filters. In order to trap particles, these filters need oil. 

Then you have paper filters and dual filters. These both have paper and foam components. 

Depending on which type of air filter you have, will determine how you should care for it. My advice is to read the owner’s manual as this will give you tailored advice.

If you continue to use your lawnmower with a dirty air filter, it won’t run efficiently and you’re going to get poor performance, essentially meaning that you’re going to be working harder to get the right type of cut you want.

[What lawnmower will give you the best cut? Find out here!]

It will also mean that your lawnmower will be more difficult to start and won’t have the power you’re used to. This is down to the fact that the engine won’t have access to the required airflow and combustion will be less. 

In order to compensate for this lack in performance, the mower will use more fuel so it’s going to cost you more in running costs too. 

A lawnmower without an air filter will also run in a similar way, have trouble starting, and lack power. 

Combustion won’t be able to occur efficiently because there will be more air than fuel in the engine.

Is It Expensive To Run Your Lawnmower Without An Air Filter?

As we’ve discussed, lawnmowers can run without an air filter but that doesn’t mean they should. It’s likely to cause damage. 

When you’re trying to diagnose a fault with a lawnmower, it should be fine to run the mower without a filter for a short while and that’s all it needs to be. 

For all other times, you really should be using an air filter!

If you lose or damage your filter, replace it. If it’s dirty, clean it (or treat yourself to a new one).

The good news is that air filters aren’t an expensive part of the mower and they’re easy to look after too! 

Using an air filter means that you could be potentially saving yourself from the greater expense of replacing your engine or lawnmower - now that makes sense, doesn’t it?

[How often should you service your lawnmower?]

Final Thoughts

So yes, lawnmowers can function without an air filter but they are not designed to and shouldn’t unless for very specific reasons. 

When was the last time you looked at your filter?

How Often Should You Change Lawn Mower Oil? Find Out Here!

Ultimate Guide To Changing Your Lawn Mower Oil!

After many years of mowing lawns, I have come to learn the importance of changing your oil and also the best time to do so. 

Lawnmower oil should be changed at least once a year. Some people change it after fifty hours of use and that’s a good benchmark too. Whatever you settle on be sure to change your lawnmower oil!

Changing the oil in your mower is one way to ensure your lawnmower is being maintained well, there are other simple steps you can take that should extend the life of your mower. Want to know more?...keep reading! 

Steps To Keep A Lawn Mower Running

Lawnmowers can be expensive so ideally, you want yours to work for a long time, right? Thought so!

In order to get the best out of your mower then it’s going to require a spot of maintenance every now and again.

This is a great opportunity to spot potential issues before they become real issues and cost you a lot of money. 

Leaving issues also opens you up for the possibility that whatever is wrong could be fatal to the mower and you need a new one altogether so don’t be that person! 

Here are a few steps you can take that ought to mean your lawnmower will be usable for many years to come.

1. Consult the manufacturer’s manual - There are always good tips to be found in the user manual - I promise! You can usually find some good troubleshooting tips too. Remember, the manual is made specifically for the model of lawn mower you have so it’s not general advice - it’s tailored.
2. Empty the tank at the end of the mowing season - Using old fuel is a big reason for lawn mowers not starting up after a break. Save your future self some hassle and drain any excess fuel before you pack your mower away for the winter. It should be nice and easy to get things running again when spring arrives!
3. Monitor the oil level - Just like you do with a car, you need to check the level of oil in your lawnmower. Also, check for any general debris within the oil as this can happen over time. Heads up - dark black oil suggests that it’s quite old and may need replacing. Time to treat your lawnmower with some new oil!
4. Keep the undercarriage clean - From time to time, you will need to unclog the undercarriage of your lawnmower. It’s inevitable that grass clippings and general debris will get stuck there so a good clear out will keep things fresh and working well. 
5. Inspect the air filters - There’s no getting away from it, air filters are important. They keep your lawnmower running efficiently. A dirty air filter will prevent your fuel from being burnt efficiently so essentially costing you more money. I’d recommend changing your air filter on an annual basis. They don’t cost a lot as they are basically paper or foam. 
6. Replace the spark plug - Another inexpensive but important part of your lawnmower. Again, I’d recommend changing it once a year to keep it functioning well. A spark plug produces the spark to get your engine started so it really is crucial! 
7. Keep the blades sharp - May seem like an obvious one but dull blades won’t cut your grass with much precision. A dull blade tends to rip and tear at the grass - it’s not a good look! Sharpening your lawnmower blades isn’t a job I’d recommend you take on yourself. Take it to a shop and let a professional look at it. 
8. Take your mower for a service - As with a car or a bike, getting your lawnmower serviced every year can be a good thing to do. A service will give your mower a general tune-up and check out any issues before they start becoming problematic. A service isn’t usually too pricey and knowing a professional tuned-up your mower can bring you that peace of mind.

How Often Should I Change My Lawnmower Oil?

So as you now know, checking your oil should be done often. Check the oil levels when the engine is cold, otherwise, the reading may not be very accurate. 

At the point in which the oil is below the minimum level, it’s time to change it. 

I’d always be looking at changing the oil at least once a year anyway. Before spring is a great time to do it. Get your lawnmower working brilliantly before the season starts.

Some people recommend changing your oil after every 50 hours of use. That’s possibly not a bad principle to adhere to either so whichever you find works best for you.

If you’ve just picked up a brand new lawnmower then firstly, nice, enjoy! Secondly, it’s best to check the oil level after you’ve been using the mower for around 5 hours as it may need a top-up. 

With a new lawnmower, I’d check the oil level more frequently. It gives you a chance to understand how much oil the mower is getting through.

If you find yourself cutting grass in wet conditions or challenging conditions then check your oil more frequently. 

Anything that is challenging can result in the need to change your oil more frequently. The lawnmower is working harder so it makes sense that it burns through more oil.

How To Change Oil In A Lawnmower

The majority of people will choose to change the oil themselves and in all honesty, it’s not too difficult once you understand the method. 

The time needed to complete the job is about 5 minutes so it’s not a time-consuming task! 

Step One - Preparation 

You will need to remove the old oil from your lawnmower, this can be done by:

• Warming up the engine - Fire up the engine as this gets the oil flowing. It will actually speed up the process of changing the oil too! 
• Clean the oil fill area - I use a clean towel for this but you can also use a special air compressor if you’re feeling fancy 😉
• Get a container to catch the oil - The old oil in your lawnmower will be running out so you’ll need something to catch it. An old container or pan works well for this! 

Step Two - Drain The Mower Oil

Some lawnmowers come with a dedicated drain plug, if yours does...you’re in for an easy job! All that you have to do is remove the plug and watch the oil drain away.

However, if yours doesn’t, that pop your lawnmower on one side and drain the oil this way. 

You will need to remove the pol fill cap to this. When you’re tilting your mower, you should do this slowly. You don’t want the risk of oil going everywhere...just in the container will do nicely!

Step Three - Change The Oil Filter

Your lawnmower may not have an oil filter so this step doesn’t apply. However, if yours does then I would always recommend changing the filter when you’re changing the oil. 

An oil filter is an inexpensive part of your mower, that can be changed easily but it does play an important part in keeping your mower running smoothly.

Step Four - Refilling The Oil

Now it’s time to put the new stuff in! 

One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to overfill or underfill your mower with oil so it’s important to get the correct quantity of oil.

[If you do overfill your lawnmower, here’s how to fix it!]

Before pouring the oil, I’d recommend checking how much oil your lawnmower will take. From experience, it’s usually around 0.6/0.7 of a litre.

Then all that’s left to do is put it back together and get mowing!

Final Words

Changing the oil in your lawnmower is a quick job and a fairly simple one. It doesn’t need to be done often, most likely once a year.

Failing to change your oil can impact the life of your lawnmower and cost you more in the long run so it’s also a good skill to have up your sleeve.

When did you last change your lawnmower oil?

How Do You Fix A Flooded Petrol Lawn Mower? Find Out Here!

Everything You Need To About Unflooding Your Lawn Mower!

If you can smell fuel coming from your lawn mower and it won’t start, it can be quite worrying. Have I written off my mower?

The good news is, it’s unlikely!

If you flood your lawn mower, there are a few things you can do to fix it. The first step is to drain the excess fuel from your mower. The cause of flooding can be a few things - it’s good to know what these are!

I won’t be the first to flood a lawn mower, I certainly won’t be the last! I found it quite scary the first time it happened. However, I now know how to fix the issue - I also know to stop it from happening!

I’m going to share that knowledge with you below! 

Switch The Choke Off

When a lawn mower engine is flooded, the number one cause is overuse of the choke so this is where I’d recommend you start!

For absolute dedicated instructions on your lawn mower model, you will want to consult your manual on the process of starting your lawn mower.

However, the general process is to engage the choke, you will only want to do this for a maximum of five pulls.

After five pulls, you should set the choke to “Half” or “Off” before continue to pull. 

Why?

If you don’t switch the choke to either position and keep pulling then the carburetor and ignition chamber will become flooded with fuel. Now, this is actually something you can smell easily and if you do, you should stop what you’re doing!

It’s important to note, that you can get the engine running, even with the choke off.

Reasons Why A Lawn Mower May Flood

That isn’t the only reason why a lawn mower floods, it could also be down to the carburetor being overprimed before pulling the starting cord - this is more relevant to push lawn mowers and not something you need to worry about with a ride-on lawn mower.

I will say that amount of times you need to push the priming bulb will depend on the model of lawn mower. In my experience, you’ll be looking at around 3 to 5 times after the bulb is filled with fuel.

As you have probably realised, if you don’t start your lawn mower properly, you can cause it to flood. However, even if you start your lawn mower properly, you could still cause it to flood if the fuel you’re using is old. 

The reason being is that old fuel can collect moisture and prevent it from igniting. Rather than it igniting, more fuel will be pumped into the carburetor as you pump. As this happens, the smell will become noticeable. 

So if you’re just breaking out your lawn mower after a winter off, you may want to think about draining the fuel and putting in some fresh.

[Looking for winter storage tips? Look here]

You will also get the same result if the spark plug in the lawn mower is old. A corroded or old spark plug won’t be able to produce the necessary spark needed to ignite the engine and as you continue to try, the engine becomes flooded.

What To Do When The Lawn Mower Engine Floods

The first thing to note is that once the engine is flooded, your mower won’t be starting until the fuel has drained - and you should try!

Again, different manufacturers will recommend different times but the average seems to be around 15 minutes to let the mower sit. 

A key thing to remember is that you need to keep the mower on level ground while leaving it to drain. 

If you want to speed the process up, you can remove the air filter. What this will do is increase the rate of evaporation by providing a more direct air passage to the carburetor. 

Another thing worth doing is to remove the spark plug. This will provide ventilation to the combustion chamber. 

Only do this for about 5 minutes and then pop the spark plug back in. 

Keep the air filter off and try to start the lawn mower - do this with the choke off. 

Should your lawn mower start, you should stop it and pop the air filter back on.

This is all relevant to those who have a push lawn mower. If you have a ride-on mower, you’re just going to have to let it sit for 15 minutes. 

Tips For A Flooded Lawn Mower Engine

Before starting your lawn mower after a while in storage, change the fuel. 

If your lawn mower is a push mower then this can be done as you’re giving your carburetor and combustion chamber time to clear. 

I’d always advise removing your spark plug to inspect it. This gives you the chance to inspect it and if you need to change it, you are at least finding out before you flood the engine!

If you do flood your engine with fuel then it could be worth using starter fluid. As you can probably guess from the name, this helps to start an engine.

You should spray this into the air intake port - you will need to remove the air filter to do this. 

When it comes to starting your lawn mower, keep the choke off. If at this point, your lawn mower switches on, it’s going to burn the excess fuel. 

If it’s burning excess fuel, don’t be surprised to see white smoke coming off it - that’s normal! It shouldn’t go on for too long. 

[Other reasons why you lawn mower might be giving off white smoke]

Final thoughts

There we have it! No more flooding your lawn mower, right?! 🙂

Flooding your lawn mower happens. The best thing you can do is not to panic and follow the steps above.

Preventive is better than cure (or at least that’s what they say anyway!), so try to follow some of the tips above to prevent any flooding.

Happy mowing! 

How To Drain Excess Oil From A Lawn Mower? Find Out Here!

Removing Extra Oil From Your Lawn Mower

We’ve tried various methods to remove extra oil from a lawnmower and we believe we’ve come up with the ultimate method! 

Excess oil in a lawn mower can be removed by, cleaning the top of the crankcase, draining the excess oil, and then replacing the oil filter.

As with other machines, a lawn mower does require maintenance and some of that involves lubrication. When you get the level of oil required wrong and you put in too much, it can be difficult to know what to do.

You’re in luck! I’ll take you through the steps and give you a few tips on how to prevent this in the future.

What Happens When You Put Too Much Oil In A Lawn Mower?

One potential issue going to be that the oil may come into contact with parts of the lawn mower it shouldn’t. Whilst a bit of contact here and there isn’t bad - I don’t have the steadiest of hands and will spill so occasionally, who doesn’t?!

It’s when there is so much oil that it starts to damage other parts. 

The excess lubricant could end up in the crankcase, this is quite commonplace for it to end up when you overfill. What happens is the will cause leakage and oil splatter.

There is also the risk that the oil will end up in the exhaust muffler. The downside to this?

The engine will end up producing white smoke. So if you’re lawn mower is producing white smoke, it’s usually a sign you’re burning oil.

Bonus fact: If you don’t put enough oil in, your lawn mower engine will begin to overheat. Oil is a lubricant and without it, the parts a subject to high friction as they move against each other. As you can tell - it’s a fine balance!

How To Drain Excess Oil From A Lawn Mower

As I said in the introduction, you’ll want to take it in three steps;

• Clean the crankcase. I use a piece of cloth for this.
• Remove and drain any unwanted oil. You can drain the excess oil from the oil tube. I’d recommend having the mower on an angle while you’re doing this so as not to get oil further into the machine!
• Change the oil filter. This is a good habit to get into as it helps to extend the life of your mower. 

Let’s look at each step in a little more detail!

The crankcase will need a clean, this is to prevent any dirt or unwanted substances from getting in. 

Dirt in a crankcase is bad news. It can actually clog up the carburetor, meaning that eventually, your lawn mower starts and then simply stall. 

So yeah, always clean the crankcase! 

Now it’s time to start the draining process. You need to unscrew the oil tube to do this. 

The best method I’ve found is to have the mower on the side with the carburetor facing upward. This keeps the oil from running into the carburetor or anywhere else! 

When you’re happy that you’ve got any excess oil out, you can replace the oil tube.

To be honest, I always try to replace the oil filter too. When there’s been too much oil in a lawn mower, you’ve asked a lot of the filter so change it - it’ll help your machines in the long run.

[Don’t forget about your air filter!]

If it isn’t obvious that you overfilled your lawn mower with oil, there can be a few telltale signs.

• Leaking oil
• Motor starting more slowly
• White smoke coming from the mower

Should your mower display any of these signs, it’s best to stop immediately and investigate. Stopping straight away will help to prevent any damage and allow you to fix the issue.

If you are uncertain about doing any of this, I’d recommend calling a professional. Certainly, the first time and they will be able to walk you through the steps and what to do.

However, a professional is also able to spot things you may not. Things such as any damage running your lawn mower with too much oil in as resulted in. 

If your lawn mower has flooded - we can help!

How Not To Overfill My Lawn Mower With Oil - Preventive Steps

I probably don’t need to tell you that excess oil can lead to a damaged lawn mower. However, you need to know how much oil to put in to give the engine the right amount of lubrication and how not to put more oil in than needed.

Alright, so there isn’t a one size fits all answer for this!

The amount of oil you need will depend on the brand of lawn mower you have and the model. The best place to find out your answer is going to be the manufacturer’s guide or website. It should clearly lay out how much oil (and the type) you need.

Don’t just wait until your lawn mower starts kicking out white smoke! 

One way to ensure you have the correct amount of oil in is to use the dipstick. With the dipstick, you are able to check the level of oil that is in the mower, just like you would when you’re checking the oil level in a car. 

It’s a great way to monitor the oil level on an ongoing basis so the level never gets too lower either! 

On the majority of lawn mowers, you will find the dipstick on the cap so you can find it easily when you unscrew the lid. 

Again, just like I would when I’m checking my car oil, I use a cloth to get a clean stick and dip it in. 

On the dipstick, you should see a maximum and minimum level. Ideally, you want it between those two markers. I always aim to have it closer to the maximum than the minimum. 

When it comes to topping the engine up with oil, I have found that cold oil going into a cold engine is more likely to lead to an overfill. 

Why?

Cold oil moves slowly so it’s easy to keep pouring without realising how much has gone into the tank. One way to avoid this is to top it little and often. Add a bit of oil. Walk away. Add a bit more until you’re happy with the level. 

Final thoughts

There we have it! Hopefully, you’ll be feeling more confident about how to deal with an overfill lawn mower but also how you can prevent it?

A few steps will resolve any excess oil issue - which should be done straight away to prevent damage to your mower.

Remember, there are telltale signs that there’s too much oil in the system - be sure to look out for those! 

And finally, prevention is better than cure, so where possible take the steps to prevent an overfill from happening. 

Do Landlords Need To Provide Lawn Mowers? Should They!?

Will a Landlord Provide a Lawnmower For The Tenant?

It can be frustrating as a tenant or as a landlord to keep up with garden maintenance, and for people who are short term renting, they may not want to invest in a mower, so the question is, should a landlord have to provide one?

Well, after doing our best research, there is no clear answer to whether a landlord should or should not provide a lawnmower due to liability issues if the equipment will get broken. However, some landlords may give a lawnmower for long term rentals who agree to upkeep the garden. 

So we can understand both sides of the matter, we have put together a short informative guide below that will explain why landlords should or should not provide a lawnmower, garden maintenance tips and other solutions for landlords if they want to keep their garden maintained.

Why It's Important To Keep Your Rentals Garden Nice

Lawncare is very important for any house, especially if yours is a rental. Providing a lawnmower could potentially encourage your tenants to care for the garden, but you should understand you would have to buy the lawnmower and replace it if it gets broken.

We have listed out some reasons you need to ensure garden maintenance is happening on a property below.

• Your property has a higher chance of being rented - Properties with nice gardens will always have a higher chance of being rented than places without a garden.
• Appeals to families - A rental with a well-maintained garden will be better for families as the kids can be outside.
• Makes the house more attractive.
• People will pay extra for the house - Houses with nice gardens can have the price raised and people will be willing to pay for this addition.
• Avoids future work - Keep your rental garden maintained allows you to avoid trying to maintain a jungle a couple of years down the line!

Tenants & Landlords Garden Responsibilities

It can be hard to figure out who has which responsibilities for maintaining a rentals garden, surely it should be the landlord as it is his property? Or surely it should be the tenant as they are renting?

We have listed out some basic responsibilities that the tenant and landlord should share below for upkeeping a properties garden.

Tenant

• To mow the lawn.
• Get rid of weeds.
• Cut hedges and prune bushes.

Landlord

• Trim and maintain very tall hedges.
• Prune trees.
• Repair any walls or patio decking.

Should a Landlord Give Me a Lawnmower?

From a tenants point of view, you may argue that if the landlord wants you to upkeep the garden, they should provide you with a mower, and while this point can be understood, it is hard for landlords to do this as there is a liability that the equipment can be broken or not used properly.

Most of the time, a landlord who will provide a lawnmower for you to maintain the garden will have some kind of tenancy agreement which will state you have to upkeep the garden, thus providing you with the tools.

Generally, however, the tenant should have a lawnmower to upkeep the grass, especially if they are a long term rental.

Pros & Cons Of Providing a Lawnmower To Your Tenant

If you are considering leaving a lawnmower to your tenant, then you need to consider all the pros and cons of doing so, also never expect your tenant to upkeep the garden unless you state so in your tenancy agreement.

We have listed out the advantages disadvantages below to leaving a lawnmower for the tenant.

Advantages

• Saves the tenant money.
• Encourages them to maintain the lawn.
• No excuses for not cutting the grass.
• Keeps the property looking good.

Disadvantages

• They can break the machine.
• The tenant may argue the mower is not good enough.
• You will still have to state it as a requirement in the agreement.
• Costs the landlord.

Alternative Solutions To Keep a Well-Maintained Garden

Luckily, there are many other ways as a landlord that you can try and keep your garden maintained if you don't want to risk providing a mower.

We have listed out some of the ways to protect your garden on your property below.

Put It In The Tenancy Agreement

To avoid all disputes about the garden on your property, you should make it clear in the agreement what you do and what you don't want the tenant to do, for example, digging up the garden to install a deck might not be what you want someone to do.

However, if you want to grass to be cut and weeds to be picked, make sure to specify this to avoid any disagreements.

Offer a Rent Discount

If your tenants are willing to do all the gardening on the property then offering a rent discount is often appreciated as this benefits both the tenant and the landlord in the long run. This will also encourage the tenant to keep up with the gardening if they know that it's beneficial for them.

Make Your Garden Low Maintenance

Sometimes, stripping your properties garden back to basics is the best way to keep it in good condition. Try adding weed control or using fake turf instead of grass, low-growing plants and hedges are also great additions for a low-maintenance garden.

Help With Short Term Rentals

Short-term rentals will be much less likely to do garden maintenance, so in this case, it will likely be up to the landlord to maintain the garden for the short rental period.

Provide a Gardener

One way to take the hassle off the tenants and keep the landlord happy is by getting a gardener for the house, this can prove cost-effective if you are a landlord that has multiple properties and you can also keep your property looking how it should be.

Reach An Agreement

Maybe your tenants will be willing to do some garden tasks but not others or they might only want to perform garden maintenance if they are provided equipment. At the end of the day, in this case, it is best to be clear in a contract about what everyone's wants to avoid disputes about the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About If a Landlord Should Provide a Lawnmower

If something breaks on the lawnmower provided by the landlord, should the tenant pay? 

No, the tenant should only pay if it is their fault that the lawnmower has broken, for example, if they used it incorrectly or they were not performing the required maintenance.

Who should pay for a gardener, the landlord or the tenant?

If it is agreed that a gardener should be used to maintain the property it is up to the landlord to pay for this.

Is the landlord allowed to inspect the garden?

Yes, the landlord can perform inspections on the garden to see if the tenant is taking care of it.

Last Words

Overall, the landlord is not obliged to give the tenant a lawnmower to take care of the property but may do if they wish.

The tenant should always care for the garden by doing low-maintenance tasks such as cutting the lawn or weeding, however, it is up to the landlord whether they will give tools or hire a gardener to perform these tasks so as it's achieved how they want.

How Much Fuel Does A Lawn Mower Use Per Hour? Find Out Here!

What Is The Fuel Consumption Of a Lawnmower?

When investing in a lawnmower, many of us forget about how much fuel our lawnmower will use, which will contribute to the running costs of our petrol mower.

The fuel consumption of the average petrol mower could be anything from 1 litre an hour to 1 gallon an hour, these figures can vary massively according to your mowers engine size, the ground you are mowing and how you use your mower, so fuel calculations should be made based on your mower rather than an average.

To understand more about the fuel that your mower uses and its overall consumption, we have put together a short article below that will tell you more about petrol mowers and how they run.

Variables Affecting Fuel Consumption In a Lawnmowers

As we mentioned above, fuel consumption will vary according to different mowers and their engine size, for example, a 173cc engine on a mower will require more fuel to run than a 110cc engine.

You will also have to consider other factors such as the speed of your cutting, distance travelled and if your garden has obstacles such as inclines which can place a greater load on the mower.

We have listed out a few variables below to consider when calculating how much fuel your lawnmower would use per hour.

• Engine size - The bigger the engine then the more fuel you are going to eat through, so consider only buying a mower with an engine that is suitable for your sized garden.
• Distance - Every time you are mowing your lawn the distance can vary, causing a higher fuel consumption.
• Terrain - A terrain with lots of hills could potentially burn up to 40% more fuel than if you were mowing a flat terrain, this is because of its higher load on the mower, causing it to use more fuel to climb inclines.
• Condition of the mower - Mowers that have engine issues can use excess fuel to keep them going, especially if you've left something like the choke open on a manual one and forgotten.
• Revolutions of the blade - The higher the speed of your mowers blades then faster it will cut, using more fuel.
• Type of mower - A riding mower requires a huge engine, so will burn off a lot of fuel, we have an average estimate that a riding mower will typically use around one gallon an hour if it's being used on a terrain with lots of hills and variable inclines.

Overall, to calculate your lawnmowers individual fuel consumption you can use an online calculator, or simply mow your garden and see. Some mowers boast a higher efficiency than others, and the more modern push mowers don't use a lot of fuel meaning they have cheaper running costs than the old school petrol models, so consider switching if the consumption of your mower is higher than it should be.

What Type Of Fuel Should You Use In a Mower

Believe it or not, you can't just use any type of fuel in your mower, doing so could potentially void the warranty of your mower and seriously damage it if you use the wrong one.

For four-stroke engines on mowers, do not mix your fuel with any oil, it is recommended to use a fuel that has no more than 10% ethanol and a minimum of 87 octanes, never use a fuel that has a higher level of ethanol for a small mower's engine.

In terms of a two-stroke engine on your mower, you will need to mix this fuel with some oil, the ratio of fuel to oil will most likely vary according to your mower.

If you are not sure about what type of fuel you should be using in your mower you should check the manual of your mower to see the recommended type, also never store your fuel in your mower for more than 30 days, otherwise, you could risk it going bad.

To prevent your mower's fuel from going bad drain it before storing or add a stabiliser to make it last long till you next use your mower.

How Can I Reduce The Fuel Consumption Of My Mower?

There are a couple of tricks and hacks you can be doing when using your mower to help it consume less fuel, we have listed out our best tips below.

• Do a high altitude adjustment - If your lawnmower will be running at a high altitude then you will need to make the right adjustments to your engine according to your mower's manual, failure to do so will make your mowers work much harder and use more fuel!
• Clean the mower - Cleaning under the mower can help stop any friction created and make your mower work more smoothly, thus using less fuel.
• Keep it lubricated - Lubricating the parts of your mower regularly will also help the movement of your mower stay smooth.
• Change the oil/air filters - As part of maintaining your mower, you need to be cleaning or changing the air filters to keep the engine running efficiently.
• Replace the spark plugs - Having well maintained and new spark plugs will help ignite the engine quicker and save some fuel.
• Consider updating - Older models will use more fuel than newer models, so if your lawnmower is using too much fuel, consider updating.

Running Costs Of Petrol Mowers VS Electric Mowers

Even though we can't tell you the exact amount of fuel your petrol mower will use per hour, we can tell you that electric mowers are cheaper to run than petrol ones.

For example, it is estimated that a petrol mower will cost around £22 to run annually while a battery mower would only cost around £4 to run a year, however, this varies according to lots of factors.

We have compared both petrol and electric mowers below so as you can see how they would benefit you if you are undecided about which mower type is right for you.

Petrol Lawnmowers

Petrol mowers may cost a little more to run than electric ones but make up for it in terms of power. For example, petrol mowers will perform much better on a garden with difficult terrain and inclines than an electric.

They also have more variety on the market and tend to have more professional features such as rollers and larger cutting blades.

The obvious downfalls of petrol mowers are their running costs and the fact they are very polluting to the environment, they also tend to weigh quite a bit and are very noisy.

Pros

• Professional.
• Powerful.
• Gets the job done!

Cons

• High running costs.
• Polluting.
• Noisy.

Electric Lawnmowers

Electric lawnmowers on the other hand (in this case we are talking about the battery), are cheaper to run than petrol models and have no effects on the environment pollution wise. These models are great for people with smaller gardens and are very quiet to use too.

The drawbacks of electric mowers are that they are not as powerful as petrol mowers, hence why riding mowers are petrol ran and professionals still opt for petrol power.

Pros

• Easy to use.
• Cheaper to run.
• Better for the environment.

Cons

• Not as powerful as petrol.

Conclusion

Overall, if you aim to save money from the running costs of your lawnmower then you should go for an electric model, however, if you have a larger garden to tackle with lots of variable terrains and want a more professional finish to your lawn, you might consider spending more on a petrol mower.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Fuel Consumption Of a Lawnmower

What would happen if I put too much gas in my petrol lawnmower?

If you put too much fuel in your lawnmower then you will likely have some running problems with the mower, this can be easily remedied however by just draining the mower.

Are two-stroke or four-stroke engines better? 

Both engines have their pros and cons, for example, a two-stroke engine tends to be cheaper and lighter than a four-stroke engine but is also less durable and not as good for the environment.

Do petrol mowers have a higher running cost than electric ones? 

Yes, petrol mowers do cost more to run than electric mowers as they need fuel for power and a lot of maintenance to keep the engine in a good condition. Many people still go for petrol mowers however as they are better for cutting a variety of terrain.

Final Words

Overall, the amount of petrol your mower uses per hour will vary according to the variables we mentioned at the start of our article, you can always use an online calculator to get an estimate if you want to check the efficiency of a mower before purchasing.

If your fuel consumption is too high then we recommend switching to a newer mower or following the tips above to try and reduce how much fuel is being used, maintaining the mower's engine will always help it work more efficiently.

How To Fix Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheels Once & For All!

Our Best Guide To Repairing Your Wobbly Lawnmower

After a couple of years using your lawnmower, you may start to notice that the wheel has become wobbly during use, you can start to feel a shake in the handlebars or the wheels are rattling and making more noise than usual.

To fix a lawnmower that has wobbly wheels you will simply need a few tools to tighten it back up again, your lawnmowers wheels can be easily fixed without you having to buy a new one and will only take some steps such as tightening, lubrication and new spacers. 

We have listed out the common causes of wobbly wheels in a mower below and some short steps to follow if you would rather repair them than buy new ones.

What Causes Wobbly Wheels In a Lawnmower?

Let's start by understanding what causes wobbly wheels in a lawnmower. A lawnmower that develops wobbly wheels tend to be older models, and this wobble in the mower occurs when the bolt becomes loose from the wheel mount or it has issues with its wheel bearing.

A bad wheel bearing can happen just by the mower getting worn down over time, and a loose bolt tends to happen when you run over something hard with your mower.

Symptoms that show you have wobbly wheels can be uneven cutting, rattling noises, side to side movement or the mower could just feel hard to control.

How To Fix A Wobbly Wheel In a Lawnmower

Depending on what the issue is in the wheels of your mower, we have listed three different ways to fix your mowers wobbly wheel problem once and for all so as you can continue mowing your lawn.

Tighten The Bolt

Before you start replacing anything on your lawnmowers wheels it's a good idea to check whether or not the axel-on your wheels has just become loose and needs tightening.

If this is the case, follow these steps below to tighten up the wheel axel and remember not to tighten your wheel too much to the point where it can't be free-wheeling anymore.

• Step One - Remove the spark plug from your mower to prevent any accidental startups on the machine.
• Step Two - Grab a socket wrench and locate the loose wheels axel.
• Step Three - Tighten the wheel until it's not wobbling anymore, test the freewheel with your hand to make sure you have not overtightened by accident.

Replacing The Axel With a Spacer

Another cheap way to fix a wobbly wheel on your old mower is to use a spacer that is the same size as your bolt, we will list out how-to steps below.

• Step One - Take your loose axel within the wheel of the mower to the hardware and find the correct sized spacer to match.
• Step Two - File down the hole where your old wheels axel was located until smooth.
• Step Three - Hammer the spacer into the hole until tight.
• Step Four - Clean the rust off the old axel and reinsert it back into the wheel with the spacer, use some lubrication to ensure everything is smooth.
• Step Five - Tighten the wheel back on to the lawnmower with a socket wrench.

Buying a New Wheel

If you see physical damage to the wheel or the bearing is completely worn down then you may need to replace it entirely.

Most lawnmower wheel shouldn't cost more than £20 and can be fitted by using a socket wrench with the same steps above, always take off the spark plug on your mower first, however, and be careful when tipping the mower over to access the underside so that you don't let fuel and oil leak.

What Wheel Size Should My Lawnmower Have?

Taking care of your lawnmowers wheels can make them last longer, you should always lubricate around them and avoid going over harsh terrain with rocks and sticks, as this likely to cause parts to come loose.

On newer models of mowers it's less likely you will have wheel bearing issues, but you should ensure that your mower has the right size wheels too so as they can last you for longer.

Low-Wheel Or High-Wheel?

On most standard lawnmowers, the wheel size that comes with your mower will be around 8-inches, however, you can now get some high-wheeled mowers that will have wheels ranging from 9-inches to 12-inches in diameter.

You should get a high wheeled lawnmower if your garden has rough terrain or high hills, as the large wheels will be able to tack the uneven ground better and cause less stress to the mower, high-wheel mowers however can be hard to push and make 180-degree turns with, so might not be worth it have you flat and small garden, these mowers that come with these wheels also tend to be more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Fix Wobbly Wheels On a Lawnmower

Why do loose wheels occur on a lawnmower?

Loose wheels can happen on any mower if the mower has been used on rough terrain repeatedly or bumped into objects overtime.

How much does a new lawnmower wheel cost?

For a small regular mower, a wheel replacement should be any more than £30.

What is the most common cause of loose wheels in a mower?

The most common cause of loose wheels in a lawnmower is when the axel in the wheel gets worn down over course, most of the time this can be fixed by tightening or replacing it with a new one.

Final Words

Fixing wobbly wheels on your mower is very easy to do and should not take much time as long as you have the correct tools and know-how to tighten the wheel or replace it. Avoid overtightening the wheel, it should still freely spin with your hand and always keep the parts lubricated.

How To Secure Your Lawn Mower If You're Leaving It Outside!

How To Protect a Lawnmower Which Is Left Outside

Storing a lawnmower can be more of a problem than you think, especially if you don't have a shed outside or there is no space in it left, meaning your probably wondering whether or not you can just leave your mower outside.

To secure a mower outside, you will need to cover it with a durable and waterproof tarp to protect it from the elements outside, also raising your mower from the ground slightly or using a storage box can also help secure your mower, to protect your mower from thieves you will have to consider a few factors such as buying a lock-up storage box for example. 

So, to help you out with storing your mower outside we have put together our best tips and tricks below for deciding whether or not to leave your mower outside, how to secure it in the best way possible and some great storage tips.

So without further ado, let's get into it!

Is It Secure To Leave a Mower Outside?

This depends on your neighbourhood and the nature of your garden that you will be leaving the mower in, for example, if your garden is not walled and there is lots of petty theft around the area, it's best not to risk leaving your mower outside.

However, if you do have a walled compound, there is probably no reason as to why you can't leave your mower outside in a place that is not so visible.

If you have no other choice but to leave your mower outside and you are worried about theft, then ensure you put it in a large storage box with a lock, this offers a great storage alternative to a shed and will also protect the lawnmower from the weather.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Leaving Your Mower Outside

Many people just prefer to leave there mower outside if they don't have a shed because it's more convenient, we have listed out some pros and cons as to why you might leave your mower outside below.

Pros

• The mower is very large - If you have an extra-large mower or a riding mower, for example, storing it inside can be pretty impossible, but outside will always have enough space.
• It's convenient - Storing your mower outside could be the best and most convenient option if you wanted to finish mowing the next morning.
• It's cheaper - Rather than building a shed or buying a storage box, storing your mower outside literally costs nothing!

Cons

• Can be stolen - When nobody is around or at night, your mower could potentially be stolen depending on the security of your house.
• Risk of humidity - Humidity can build up moisture in your mower and lead to parts rusting on the machine.
• Vulnerable to pests - Pests whether you like it or not will find a way into the cutting deck and plastic parts on your mower.

How To Store Your Mower Outside In The Best Way Possible

If you are left with no choice but to store your mower outside, and your confident that it can not be stolen, you should ensure your mower is prepared in the best way possible so as it can be protected from the outdoor elements.

• Buy a tarp to cover the mower - A high-quality waterproof tarp cover for your lawnmower will help it be protected from strong UV rays and water, not to mention it also makes it less visible to thieves. You could try using a pop-up tent too if you have one big enough and in storage.
• Raise it off the ground - Building a small platform for your mower to stay on, whether with some bricks or wood can prevent rainwater from flooding underneath the machine and coming into contact with important parts.
• Ensure it's watertight (especially with electric mowers) - Ensure that the cover you put over your mower is watertight, letting water into an electric mower is a big no-no, and for a petrol mower it probably won't cause too severe damage but it could potentially lead to aggressive rust on the machine.
• Use a storage box - The best way to store your mower outside and also keep it secure is to invest in a large outdoor storage box which you can even lock up with a key, this box will allow your mower to be protected from the weather as well as thieves.

Storage Tips For Leaving Your Mower Outside

So, now we know how to best store our lawnmower outside and secure it, you need to consider whether you will be storing it outside long term or short term. If you are planning to leave your mower outdoors for long periods such as over the winter, you will want to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps to store it properly.

• Clean it well - Before storing your mower for long periods it's a good idea to give it a good clean, especially in places where debris builds up such as under the cutting deck.
• Tighten & lubricate the mower - Always lubricate the parts in your lawnmower and tighten any fasteners.
• Drain & stabilise - For petrol mowers, you should let the mower run until empty and drain any remaining fuel from the mower, if you want to keep fuel in your mower while it's being stored then you will need to add a fuel stabiliser.
• Remove the battery and charge - For electric battery mowers you should remove the battery from the mower and have it fully charged before storing, an even better solution to take care of your battery is by using a trickle charger, this will ensure your battery never goes flat.
• Change the oil, air filter and spark plugs - Spark plugs are relatively inexpensive to change, so putting a new one on your mower will be beneficial before storage, you should also clean and change the air filter, as well as change the oil.
• Add a rust protector to the blades - This step is not typically necessary if you will be storing your mower in storage space, however, if your mower is outside, there is a higher chance of the blades on the mower rusting quickly, so adding something to the blades like a rust protector can help prevent this.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Secure a Mower Outside

Can I leave my mower outside in the rain? 

Leaving your lawnmower out in the rain is not recommend unless it is raised off the floor and covered with a durable tarp.

Is it possible to store a lawnmower vertically? 

Yes, once the mower is drained from fuel and oil there is no reason as to why you cannot store it vertically, if you have not drained your mower then never store it vertically.

How can I stop my lawnmower from being stolen? 

Try using a lock-up storage box or a bicycle lock so as you can secure your mower to something and make it harder for a thief to take it.

Last Words

Storing your lawnmower outside can be secure depending on your neighbourhood and how you store your mower, by covering it with a tarp and moving it off the ground, you can ensure your mower is safe too.

If you are worried about your mower being stolen we recommend investing in a storage box that would allow you to lock your mower up, or potentially use a bicycle lock to secure it to something else in your garden.