Having trouble starting your lawn mower? Learn the proper techniques for starting both push mowers and riding mowers, including troubleshooting common starting problems.
Ensure the mower is on a flat, stable surface. Check that the spark plug wire is connected and the fuel tank has fresh gas.
For push mowers, set the throttle to 'start' position. For riding mowers, ensure the parking brake is engaged and the blade switch is off.
Press the primer bulb 3-5 times to draw fuel into the carburetor. This is especially important for cold starts.
Hold the starter handle firmly and pull with a smooth, steady motion. Don't yank the cord - use controlled pulls.
Once started, let the engine warm up for 30-60 seconds. Adjust the throttle to the desired speed for mowing.
Common causes include old fuel, dirty spark plug, clogged air filter, or a disconnected spark plug wire.
Try 3-5 pulls. If it doesn't start, check fuel, spark plug, and air filter before continuing.
Use choke for cold starts, especially in cool weather. Don't use choke for warm starts.
Let it run for 30-60 seconds before mowing to ensure proper lubrication and operation.
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