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Tips for Choosing a New Lawn Mower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

So you're thinking about buying a new lawn mower...

Maybe you've stumbled upon this decision because you have a new house with a bigger yard, or you've decided to take on the landscaping yourself rather than have a landscaping service. It could be that your old mower just died and you're tired of putting money into it. Many times we find that customers just want something easier to start than their previous mower. Whatever the case, here's some tips to help you look for the best quality mower for the best price

Go to the dealer before you visit the box store

What you may not realize is that most dealers offer the same (or similar) lawn mowers as the major box stores do, but with better customer and warranty support. The prices are either very similar or exactly the same as the box store.

If you do buy a mower from a box store, 9 times out of 10, if that mower needs service, you'll have to take it to your local dealer anyways. Why not buy it from them in the first place?

Commercial or Residential?

There are many manufacturers who claim to have "commercial-grade" quality. Take a look at the materials! Are the moving parts able to be greased? Is it built to run for a certain number of hours? If you're looking for a larger walk-behind or riding mower, look at a commercial mower built by Scag. Scag uses grease-able, cast-iron spindles and Ogura brand clutches which feature an adjustable air-gap for longer life. Features like that can turn a heavy-duty commercial mower into something that you as a homeowner can use for many, many years.

Read up!

There are many consumer protection and review websites out on the internet that now offer reviews on lawn & garden equipment. Read the pros and cons of each feature. Look specifically for reviews that mention performance in thick and/or wet grass. Sometimes even engines with high horsepower ratings can be awful in less-than-normal conditions.

Check the deck

Cast aluminum or steel? Should it matter? Yes. Cast aluminum decks last much longer than steel, mainly because they don't rust. Steel decks do rust, but they can still last for years if you take care of them. If you're concerned about weight, you should also note that a mower equipped with an aluminum deck is going to be much lighter than a mower with a steel deck.

Newer mowers from some manufacturers feature wash-out ports, which allow you to clean the underside of the mower easily. While we like this feature, you should be aware of two things: the first is that you're using water to clean the mower. This may lead to corrosion, so store your mower in a dry area so that it can air out. The second is that you should choose to clean your mower over a surface that you don't mind getting covered in grass stains.

Gas or electric?

Gas prices are skyrocketing all across the United States. If you only have what we call a "postage stamp" yard, you might only need to be out cutting for 20-30 minutes. There are plenty of electric mowers that might solve your landscaping problems while cutting down on your carbon footprint. They'll also leaving you smelling clean (and not like gas and oil). We've found these mowers keep your neighbors from yelling at you for cutting grass at 6AM!

Gasoline-powered lawn mowers have numerous pros over an electric mower. Features likes more power, higher torque and longer run-time will still keep these models around for years.

Determine the reputation of the dealer/store

Ask around. Know a friend who bought a mower recently? See where he or she bought it from. Word of mouth has been some of the best advertising for us, why not reward someone who made your friend (or acquaintance) happy enough to refer you?

Don't sacrifice the warranty

Many of the mowers you can buy at a box store only offer 1 or 2 year warranties. Even worse, you have to keep the receipt and bring it out every time your machine needs warranty service. If you bought a machine from us, we keep everything on file. The same goes for many dealers across the United States. Many of the mowers that we sell have 3, 4 and 5 year warranties. That's plenty more than you're going to find at a box store -- and all you have to do is call the dealer to find out when you bought the machine to see if it's still under warranty.

If you bought a $250 mower with a 2 year warranty and something major went wrong in 2-1/2 years, you'd be buying another mower. That's more than $500 out of your pocket! $500 might be a serious commitment for a mower up front, but with an extended warranty, you'll most likely find that your money was well spent.

This isn't an exhaustive guide to buying a new lawn mower, but I hope that it's helped you look a little closer at that next mower you might buy. As always, check out our website for new equipment specials and deals!

When Should I Start Cutting Grass?

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

This is a great question. For our customers local to Ohio, this is a question that's fairly easy to answer -- when it finally stops snowing! Because we ship parts all over the United States and Canada, plus Europe, Australia and other places internationally, it's really tough to specifically give an answer to this question. Here are some good indications for you to get ready to cut your grass:

Got frost?

Waiting until after the last frost before cutting grass is always recommended. If you're not in an area that gets frost, you don't need to worry about this

Is it green?

Many times, you can tell a lot about the growing conditions of your grass by looking at it. If it's coming back in the spring and it hasn't grown at all, don't start cutting. Wait until the grass looks full and green. We recommend mowing your lawn when it's grown high enough that it can be mowed. For the first few cuts of the season, keep your deck set to a medium-to-high level, but not too high. There's no sense in walking behind a mower or riding around in a mower if there's nothing to cut.

Is it wet?

One of the things you'll want to watch out for is water, especially if you have a riding mower. Many riding mowers do a great job of leaving ruts in your lawn if it's wet. If you feel like it's never going to stop raining in time for you to cut your lawn, it's still okay to cut grass. You may want to use your side discharge chute, if possible, as bagging or mulching in wet conditions can be a troublesome task. We recommend that you wait until the grass has dried some before starting to mow.

Is your mower ready?

In all sincerity, there is no perfect time to start mowing. You're not going to hurt your grass too badly by mowing a week earlier than a book might have told you. Before starting out for the season, make sure that your blades are sharp, your engine has been tuned up and your mower is safe to use with all proper safety shields and chutes in place. If you're missing a part or if you have a broken lawn mower cable, call us with your model number and we'll help you find the right part to fix your issue.

For help finding replacement lawn mower parts for your mower, please check out our free parts lookup!

Reasons You Should Use An Hour Meter

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Using an hour meter is an easy way to tell when your mower needs maintenance. Over the last 10 years, our Briggs & Stratton Hour Meter has become one of our most popularly sold items. Why? Here's a few reasons:

An hour meter helps you to regularly perform maintenance

A lot of us just really don't know how long we've been using a mower. Some might only use a mower for 4-5 hours a season, while others might use it for ten to fifteen times that amount. How do we know when to change the oil, sharpen the blade or perform other regular maintenance like lubricating and greasing the mower or other equipment? We look at the hour meter! The Briggs & Stratton hour meter flashes every 25 hours, indicating that an oil change and other maintenance (please see your equipment owner's manual for specific details) is recommended.

Know the life of your engine

An hour meter helps you to gauge how long an engine has been running. Most engines are only designed to run a certain number of hours. If you're coming close to that number, you'll want to know. No one wants to be out on the job pushing a hydrostatic-powered piece of equipment around. I've done it before, it's not fun at all

Maintained equipment lasts longer

It's a proven fact that equipment that is maintained correctly lasts longer than equipment that is either lackadaisically or sporadically taken care of. It's your equipment. You paid good money for it. The hour meter will help you know when your equipment needs service. If you don't have time to perform regular service to the machine, take it to your local service center as recommend by your equipment manufacturer

It's just really easy to install!

Okay, so I realize that this may not be a number one reason for buying an hour meter if you don't know why you should use it. Point taken. But it really is easy to install. For the Briggs & Stratton "Maintenance Minder" hour meter, all you have to do is wrap the red wire around the spark plug wire and ground the white wire to the engine. Then you use the reusable pad to attach the hour meter where it's easily readable. Try to keep it out of an area where debris, water, gas or oil can build up.

An hour meter helps you to regularly perform maintenance

Know the life of your engine

Maintained equipment lasts longer

It's just really easy to install!

11 Rules For Caring For Your Chainsaw Chain

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Caring for the chain is just as important as caring for the chainsaw. After all, the chain is doing the work!

Here's a list of chain care rules to keep your cuts sharper than ever:

Refrain from hitting the ground, rocks, or any other abrasive material while cutting.
Never allow your chain to sag down. Check the chain's tension often!
Don't cut with a dull chain! Forcing it just increases the risk of injury and it will damage the bar and chain.
When installing a new chain, inspect the sprocket. If the sprocket is worn -- replace it!
Be sure to always sharpen chain cutters to correct angles.
With every sharpening, measure the depth gauges. Lower and re-profile as necessary.
Look over the chain often for visible wear or any damage.
Verify that the bar groove has proper link clearance, then examine the bar rails for even wear and clean the bar groove.
Wear protective gloves when handling a saw chain!
Put a protective scabbard on the bar when you're not using the saw.
Always make sure that your chain is lubricated properly! Use quality brands for your bar and chain lubricant.

There you have it! Eleven rules to keep in mind about your chainsaw chain. Now that you've got your chain in proper order -- go out there and make the cut!

Caring for the chain is just as important as caring for the chainsaw. After all, the chain is doing the work!

Here's a list of chain care rules to keep your cuts sharper than ever:

Refrain from hitting the ground, rocks, or any other abrasive material while cutting.
Never allow your chain to sag down. Check the chain's tension often!
Don't cut with a dull chain! Forcing it just increases the risk of injury and it will damage the bar and chain.
When installing a new chain, inspect the sprocket. If the sprocket is worn -- replace it!
Be sure to always sharpen chain cutters to correct angles.
With every sharpening, measure the depth gauges. Lower and re-profile as necessary.
Look over the chain often for visible wear or any damage.
Verify that the bar groove has proper link clearance, then examine the bar rails for even wear and clean the bar groove.
Wear protective gloves when handling a saw chain!
Put a protective scabbard on the bar when you're not using the saw.
Always make sure that your chain is lubricated properly! Use quality brands for your bar and chain lubricant.

There you have it! Eleven rules to keep in mind about your chainsaw chain. Now that you've got your chain in proper order -- go out there and make the cut!

How To Use An Edger

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

When just cutting the grass isn't giving your yard that manicured and professional landscape look, it's probably time to look at the edges. That's where an edger comes in. These come in both gas and electric varieties, as well as older-style manual types. Depending on the size of your yard and complexity of landscaping, you can decide which type of edger is right for you. A high quality edger can speed up the edging process, but if you're a homeowner, you'll probably only need to edge your property one or two times a season. Regardless of the type you choose, your lawn will have the nice clean edge that you're looking for.

What do I edge?

First, determine the areas that need edging. These areas can include cement, borders or around landscaping features.

Safety first!

Safety is always a number one concern. Gloves and safety glasses should be worn! The edger is going to cause low-flying debris, so socks and proper shoes are considerably important. Wear jeans or pants, rather than shorts, for additional protection from small nicks or cuts. Also, use caution when handling the edger blade, as it is sharp.

Time to start edging

Now, let's get started. Plug in or gas up your edger. With the edger upright, hold it by the handle and line up the blade between the sod and area that needs to be edged. A throttle trigger is commonly located on the handle to start the rotating blade. Once lined up, start the blades and allow them to reach full speed before letting the blades down onto the lawn. With the edger applied to the lawn, make slow and smooth movements for best results. You can move either forward or backward with the edger -- whichever way makes you most comfortable. The key here is to be accurate and straight. When edging cement, use the guide wheel against hard/cement surfaces to receive a uniform cut.

Patience is a virtue

Take your time! Edging doesn't have to be done often, so it's worth it to do it right the first time. Cutting too far away from the edge will create unsightly gaps that will have to take time to fill back in.

Cleanup!

Once you're all done, power off your edger. Wearing gloves, clean grass and sod away from the blade. Now go and clean up your edges! Sweep away grass and dirt or use a leaf blower to speed up the process.

How's it look? An edger is an excellent way to achieve a clean-cut and professional landscape look to your home. It's just a small part that makes a big difference in the overall look of your yard.

Changing & Draining Your Walk Behind Lawn Mower's Oil

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Checking your oil is one of the most important things that you can do to extend the life of your lawn mower engine. In this video, Pete will show you how to properly check the dipstick in a Honda lawn mower, but this process can be used for any rotary-style lawn mower.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Checking the Oil Level Using Your Dipstick

NEVER ever ever (you get the point) run your mower without oil or with low oil. Always check your mower's oil level BEFORE running it, otherwise you could do serious damage to the engine which could result in costly repairs (or you might need a new engine altogether)
Carefully unscrew the dipstick (or pull the dipstick out, it depends on the mower). Be careful -- some mowers have a dipstick tube that also screws into the mower. Make sure you're only unscrewing the dipstick and not both the dipstick and the tube!
Take a clean rag or paper towel and wipe the oil off of the dipstick. Then, carefully insert the dipstick back into the tube (as far as it will go) and hold it there for a few seconds. Remove the dipstick and make sure that the oil level is at the "full" marking.
Clean the dipstick off again with your clean rag and insert the dipstick back into the mower, hand tightening it until it is snug. Do not over tighten or you may damage the dipstick or the tube.

We also briefly touched on the subject of checking your fuel. You should always run fresh fuel in your mower to ensure that you're getting the most out of your engine. If you decide to run old fuel, please note that this could affect things later on, as the high content of ethanol in fuel attracts water which could damage your engine. Also, carburetors, fuel line and tanks tend to collect gunk that can slow fuel flow and cause your mower to stall or not start.

Draining the Oil Out of Your Lawn Mower

Now we're ready to drain the oil out of our mower -- but we want to start it up first. After checking the oil to make sure that the engine is safe to run, we'll start up the mower and let it run for a few minutes. This will warm up the oil and allow it to collect any sediment that may have settled into the crankcase. Warming the oil will also allow it to flow more freely when we're draining it.
Grab a pan or tub to catch the oil. In our local shop, we're big on re-using things, so most of our pans were retired out of our kitchens years ago. For larger machines, we'll use oil drain pans that you can pick up at your local hardware store that allow you to dispose of the oil properly.
Carefully tilt the mower over with the air filter pointed up. If you tilt it the other direction (with the air filter down), the air filter will become saturated with oil and this will make it difficult to start your mower later and will most likely cause your engine to smoke. We recommend that you replace your air filter if this is done by accident.
After you've tilted the mower over, place the pan underneath the mower. Unscrew the dipstick and let the oil drip down into the pan.
You're never going to get 100% of the oil out of the engine, but it's a good idea to let the oil drain for 5-10 minutes until most of it has drained out. We recommend that you perform other tasks while you're waiting for the oil to drain, like cleaning the underside of the deck, sharpening your lawn mower blades or checking your transmission.

After the draining process is complete, you'll need to screw the dipstick back in and make sure that it is snug (again, not over tightening it). Then, tilt the mower back on all four wheels.

Adding New Oil

For instructions on adding new oil, please read our article on installing new oil into your engine.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Checking the Oil Level Using Your Dipstick

NEVER ever ever (you get the point) run your mower without oil or with low oil. Always check your mower's oil level BEFORE running it, otherwise you could do serious damage to the engine which could result in costly repairs (or you might need a new engine altogether)
Carefully unscrew the dipstick (or pull the dipstick out, it depends on the mower). Be careful -- some mowers have a dipstick tube that also screws into the mower. Make sure you're only unscrewing the dipstick and not both the dipstick and the tube!
Take a clean rag or paper towel and wipe the oil off of the dipstick. Then, carefully insert the dipstick back into the tube (as far as it will go) and hold it there for a few seconds. Remove the dipstick and make sure that the oil level is at the "full" marking.
Clean the dipstick off again with your clean rag and insert the dipstick back into the mower, hand tightening it until it is snug. Do not over tighten or you may damage the dipstick or the tube.

Draining the Oil Out of Your Lawn Mower

Now we're ready to drain the oil out of our mower -- but we want to start it up first. After checking the oil to make sure that the engine is safe to run, we'll start up the mower and let it run for a few minutes. This will warm up the oil and allow it to collect any sediment that may have settled into the crankcase. Warming the oil will also allow it to flow more freely when we're draining it.
Grab a pan or tub to catch the oil. In our local shop, we're big on re-using things, so most of our pans were retired out of our kitchens years ago. For larger machines, we'll use oil drain pans that you can pick up at your local hardware store that allow you to dispose of the oil properly.
Carefully tilt the mower over with the air filter pointed up. If you tilt it the other direction (with the air filter down), the air filter will become saturated with oil and this will make it difficult to start your mower later and will most likely cause your engine to smoke. We recommend that you replace your air filter if this is done by accident.
After you've tilted the mower over, place the pan underneath the mower. Unscrew the dipstick and let the oil drip down into the pan.
You're never going to get 100% of the oil out of the engine, but it's a good idea to let the oil drain for 5-10 minutes until most of it has drained out. We recommend that you perform other tasks while you're waiting for the oil to drain, like cleaning the underside of the deck, sharpening your lawn mower blades or checking your transmission.

After the draining process is complete, you'll need to screw the dipstick back in and make sure that it is snug (again, not over tightening it). Then, tilt the mower back on all four wheels.

Calculating Generator Output

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Calculating the generator's output is important for deciding what size generator is right for you. Doing this is very simple and will save you some headaches in the long run.

Watts = Volts x Amps

Generators can only put out a finite amount of power. Companies use watts to rate a generator's output. The wattage is calculated by multiplying the voltage by the electrical device's load capacity in amperage (Watts = Volts x Amps). For example, a generator may be listed as 1,500 watts delivering 120 volts.

Amps = Watts / Volts

Now you can find the amperage that it can output at 120 volts by dividing the watts by the volts (Amps = Watts / Volts). So a 1,500 watt generator delivering 120 volts can output 12.5 amps.

Dual voltage

Some generators are dual voltage and also output 240 volts. Find the amps available at the higher voltage. Now the 1,500 watt generator is delivering 6.25 amps at 240 volts. Just to note, some generators are not be able to deliver 120V and 240V at the same time, so check the specs.

What are you powering?

Whether it's a few things around the house or your camping equipment -- the total load from the devices that you are powering cannot exceed the generator's output. Take a look at the electrical spec label or owners manual for the devices that you want to power with the portable generator. Then add the watts up in order to figure out what portable generator that you need. Generators are usually listed with a constant/continuous load specification, as well. This is the amount of power that the generator can safely put out for an extended period of time. Some devices also require a large amount of starting wattage compared to their running wattage. For example, a washing machine may require 750W while running, but 2,300W while starting. You may want to differentiate what will be constantly running as well as the maximum amount of power that you'll need.

How many watts?

Gas Motors	Required Wattage
Air Compressors, 1/2 HP	1,500 - 3,000W
Circular Saw, 7-1/4"	1,000 - 2,500W
Electric Chainsaw, 14"	800 - 1,500W
Electric Drill, 1/4" & 3/8"	300 - 600W
Electric Drill, 1/2"	350 - 1,200W
Grinders, 6"	1,000 - 2,600W
Jig Saw	200 - 800W
Paint Sprayer	800 - 1,300W
Portable Oil Heater	900 - 1,000W
Router	900 - 1,000W
Sander, 4" Belt	700 - 1,500W
Soldering Iron	100 - 300W
10 Amp Battery Charger	300 - 400W
Electric Motors*	Required Wattage
1/6 HP, 460 Watt	340 - 850W
1/4 HP, 725 Watt	450 - 1,050W
1/3 HP, 800 Watt	560 - 1,300W
1/2 HP, 970 Watt	760 - 1,800W
3/4 HP, 1,340 Watt	1,080 - 2,600W
1 HP, 1,700 Watt	1,250 - 3,000W
1-1/2 HP, 2,300 Watt	1,600 - 4,200W
Household Uses	Required Wattage
Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU	2,000 - 3,000W
Coffee Pot	1,000 - 1,500W
Electric Heater	1,000 - 2,000W
Electric Stove (one element)	750 - 1,800W
Gas Furnace	300 - 1,500W
Hair Dryer	800 - 1,500W
Iron	1,000 - 1,500W
Microwave	500 - 1,500W
Oil Furnace	400 - 2,000W
Radio	30 - 100W
Refrigerator / Freezer	600 - 2,500W
Sump Pump	800 - 3,000W
Television	100 - 350W
Toaster	1,100 - 1,700W
Water Pump	1,000 - 3,000W

*Electric motors require at least three times more wattage when first starting than when running.

When choosing a generator, it's a good idea to oversize it. If your load is going to be 1,500W then it may be best to look a generator that can deliver 2,500W.

WARNING: NEVER back feed your home's electrical system with an extension cord and a portable generator. This may cause severe damage to all electrical appliances and it creates an electrical hazard to all persons.

Calculating the generator's output is important for deciding what size generator is right for you. Doing this is very simple and will save you some headaches in the long run.

Watts = Volts x Amps

Amps = Watts / Volts

Now you can find the amperage that it can output at 120 volts by dividing the watts by the volts (Amps = Watts / Volts). So a 1,500 watt generator delivering 120 volts can output 12.5 amps.

Dual voltage

What are you powering?

How many watts?

Gas Motors

Air Compressors, 1/2 HP

Circular Saw, 7-1/4"

Electric Chainsaw, 14"

Electric Drill, 1/4" & 3/8"

Electric Drill, 1/2"

Grinders, 6"

Jig Saw

Paint Sprayer

Portable Oil Heater

Router

Sander, 4" Belt

Soldering Iron

10 Amp Battery Charger

Electric Motors*

1/6 HP, 460 Watt

1/4 HP, 725 Watt

1/3 HP, 800 Watt

1/2 HP, 970 Watt

3/4 HP, 1,340 Watt

1 HP, 1,700 Watt

1-1/2 HP, 2,300 Watt

Household Uses

Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU

Coffee Pot

Electric Heater

Electric Stove (one element)

Gas Furnace

Hair Dryer

Iron

Microwave

Oil Furnace

Radio

Refrigerator / Freezer

Sump Pump

Television

Toaster

Water Pump

Required Wattage

1,500 - 3,000W

1,000 - 2,500W

800 - 1,500W

300 - 600W

350 - 1,200W

1,000 - 2,600W

200 - 800W

800 - 1,300W

900 - 1,000W

900 - 1,000W

700 - 1,500W

100 - 300W

300 - 400W

Required Wattage

340 - 850W

450 - 1,050W

560 - 1,300W

760 - 1,800W

1,080 - 2,600W

1,250 - 3,000W

1,600 - 4,200W

Required Wattage

2,000 - 3,000W

1,000 - 1,500W

1,000 - 2,000W

750 - 1,800W

300 - 1,500W

800 - 1,500W

1,000 - 1,500W

500 - 1,500W

400 - 2,000W

30 - 100W

600 - 2,500W

800 - 3,000W

100 - 350W

1,100 - 1,700W

1,000 - 3,000W

*Electric motors require at least three times more wattage when first starting than when running.

When choosing a generator, it's a good idea to oversize it. If your load is going to be 1,500W then it may be best to look a generator that can deliver 2,500W.

Removing Your Mower Blade & Cleaning Your Mower Deck

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Sharpening your lawn mower blade is important -- you want to make clean cuts and not leave patches of uncut or unevenly cut grass. We'll show you how to safely remove blades from your lawn mower using an impact wrench. We'll also show you the easiest way to clean clumped grass and dirt from the underside of your deck.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Removing Your Lawn Mower Blade

Use an impact wrench if at all possible -- this will make it much more safe (and easier!) to remove the blade.
For this Honda lawn mower, there are two bolts holding the blades to the machine. You'll need to locate the correct socket size for the blades first. Attach that to your impact tool. You'll want to hold the blade in some way before unfastening the bolts -- you can do this while either wearing gloves or by holding a thick rag. Be careful that you do not cut yourself while removing the blade. We want to you keep all of your fingers for this job.
Remember how your blade was mounted so that you can re-mount the blade properly, otherwise your quality of cut could be drastically reduced. If you're replacing the blade, use your old one as a guide. Usually you can tell how the blade was mounted by looking at the blade adapter or the bolt holes. You can also mark your blade with "top" and "bottom" if it's not already marked. One other thing that you'll notice about the blade is that the cutting surface will normally face the top of the mower and the flat surface will face the bottom of the mower.
Keep your blade bolts and nuts in a safe location. We recommend to either lay out a rag on bench or other work surface and keep necessary hardware on the rag. You can also use a tin, jar or other re-usable organization method to make sure you don't lose anything. Keeping your hardware close will make your job easier!

Cleaning Your Lawn Mower Deck

There's more than one use for a putty knife -- here's another one -- take a putty knife (or something similar) and scrape off any clumps of grass, dirt or other debris off of the underside of the mower. This will help move the grass through your side discharge or into your bag much more easily by reducing blockage and friction.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Removing Your Lawn Mower Blade

Use an impact wrench if at all possible -- this will make it much more safe (and easier!) to remove the blade.
For this Honda lawn mower, there are two bolts holding the blades to the machine. You'll need to locate the correct socket size for the blades first. Attach that to your impact tool. You'll want to hold the blade in some way before unfastening the bolts -- you can do this while either wearing gloves or by holding a thick rag. Be careful that you do not cut yourself while removing the blade. We want to you keep all of your fingers for this job.
Remember how your blade was mounted so that you can re-mount the blade properly, otherwise your quality of cut could be drastically reduced. If you're replacing the blade, use your old one as a guide. Usually you can tell how the blade was mounted by looking at the blade adapter or the bolt holes. You can also mark your blade with "top" and "bottom" if it's not already marked. One other thing that you'll notice about the blade is that the cutting surface will normally face the top of the mower and the flat surface will face the bottom of the mower.
Keep your blade bolts and nuts in a safe location. We recommend to either lay out a rag on bench or other work surface and keep necessary hardware on the rag. You can also use a tin, jar or other re-usable organization method to make sure you don't lose anything. Keeping your hardware close will make your job easier!

Cleaning Your Lawn Mower Deck

There's more than one use for a putty knife -- here's another one -- take a putty knife (or something similar) and scrape off any clumps of grass, dirt or other debris off of the underside of the mower. This will help move the grass through your side discharge or into your bag much more easily by reducing blockage and friction.

Cleaning Your Mower Blades Before Sharpening

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Before sharpening and balancing your blade, you should always make sure that you've scraped your lawn mower blade free of grass, dirt and other debris. This will make the sharpening and balancing process much easier.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

How to Clean Mower Blades

Alright, we're going to break out that putty knife again (it's a common tool to be used for cleaning a mower). You'll want to scrape off all of the extra debris off of the blade and make sure that it's fairly clean. Try to get into the grooves of the blade and clean those out as well

Here's a quick recap of the video:

How to Clean Mower Blades

Alright, we're going to break out that putty knife again (it's a common tool to be used for cleaning a mower). You'll want to scrape off all of the extra debris off of the blade and make sure that it's fairly clean. Try to get into the grooves of the blade and clean those out as well

How To Sharpen & Balance a Lawn Mower Blade

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Sharpening a lawn mower blade is something that we'd recommend doing at least once a year. If you tend to cut your lawn more than once a week, you may have to sharpen your blade two or three times during the course of a cutting season. Also, if you're one of those people who enjoys flinging rocks and other debris across your yard, you might want to take a look at your blade to make sure that it's still in good condition. Knicks and dings in the blade can reduce cutting performance and can reduce the effectiveness of your blade.

Disclaimer (because we have to): We recommend that sharpening be performed by a trained technician, however, we know that's not always going to happen. We are not responsible for any accidental damage to you, your lawn mower blade, your machine or your environment (house, garage, shop, etc.) if you decide to sharpen your own lawn mower blade. Please make sure that you wear proper safety tools, such as safety glasses and gloves. Use a clean work environment and do not allow the sparks that come off of the machine to land on anything flammable. Always follow recommended safety guidelines for your grinder and any other equipment you're using -- we want you to be safe and to start and finish a project with the same appendages you started with! We don't want "This Isn't How To Sharpen A Lawn Mower Blade" reply videos on YouTube!

Here's a quick recap of the video:

How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade

After you've put gathered and equipped yourself with the correct safety tools for sharpening your blade (safety glasses, thick gloves (ones that go at least in between your hands and your elbows) and something to catch the sparks in, you're ready to sharpen. For this video, we used an RBG blade grinder. You can also use air powered and electric powered drills with sharpening tools, as well as several other hand sharpening tools for this job.
If you're using a blade grinder similar to ours, use the flat bottom edge of the blade to be your guide
Find and set the "cutting edge" face of the blade. Then, set the angle of your grinder to match the pitch of the blade angle.
Only sharpen the angled portion of the blade. You'll want to follow the same angle that is already marked on your blade. Make sure you sharpen the entire angled portion, from the tip of the blade all of the way into where the angling stops. Don't take it any further -- you'll risk damaging the blade or hurting yourself.
Make test cuts before fully sharpening so you can make sure you're sharpening the entire face of the blade. Sharpen the entire face of the angled portion of your blade and check that it's evenly sharpened -- don't leave any bare spots above or below (as you can see in 2:20 of the video).
If you notice knicks or dings in the blade, make even passes until they are removed. If you notice burrs in the blade, lightly pass the backside of the blade along the grinder to remove them.
Don't keep the blade in one location for a long period of time as this damages the tempering of the blade. This will damage the effectiveness of the blade.
When you're done with one side, flip the blade around and sharpen the other side.
Inspect your work as you go -- don't assume everything's going great as long as there's sparks coming out of the grinder!

Balancing Your Lawn Mower Blade

Using a magnetic blade balancer, place the center hole of the blade firmly against the tapered cone. The cone allows the blade to only go down a certain amount but the magnet allows it to spin freely if one side is heavier than another. Hold the blade so that one end of the blade is flat as seen in the video. If one end swings down, most likely that side is heavier and needs to be sharpened a bit more to remove the extra weight.
Double check the heavier side by flipping the blade 180° and checking to see which side is heavier. If the same side flips down, you've found which side needs a little metal removed. Take the blade over to the sharpener and run it through the grinder a few times, then return to the balancer
Know that this process can be time consuming and quite annoying. For this video, it took Pete 5 times to get this blade balanced correctly, but we only showed one extra sharpening.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade

After you've put gathered and equipped yourself with the correct safety tools for sharpening your blade (safety glasses, thick gloves (ones that go at least in between your hands and your elbows) and something to catch the sparks in, you're ready to sharpen. For this video, we used an RBG blade grinder. You can also use air powered and electric powered drills with sharpening tools, as well as several other hand sharpening tools for this job.
If you're using a blade grinder similar to ours, use the flat bottom edge of the blade to be your guide
Find and set the "cutting edge" face of the blade. Then, set the angle of your grinder to match the pitch of the blade angle.
Only sharpen the angled portion of the blade. You'll want to follow the same angle that is already marked on your blade. Make sure you sharpen the entire angled portion, from the tip of the blade all of the way into where the angling stops. Don't take it any further -- you'll risk damaging the blade or hurting yourself.
Make test cuts before fully sharpening so you can make sure you're sharpening the entire face of the blade. Sharpen the entire face of the angled portion of your blade and check that it's evenly sharpened -- don't leave any bare spots above or below (as you can see in 2:20 of the video).
If you notice knicks or dings in the blade, make even passes until they are removed. If you notice burrs in the blade, lightly pass the backside of the blade along the grinder to remove them.
Don't keep the blade in one location for a long period of time as this damages the tempering of the blade. This will damage the effectiveness of the blade.
When you're done with one side, flip the blade around and sharpen the other side.
Inspect your work as you go -- don't assume everything's going great as long as there's sparks coming out of the grinder!

Balancing Your Lawn Mower Blade

Using a magnetic blade balancer, place the center hole of the blade firmly against the tapered cone. The cone allows the blade to only go down a certain amount but the magnet allows it to spin freely if one side is heavier than another. Hold the blade so that one end of the blade is flat as seen in the video. If one end swings down, most likely that side is heavier and needs to be sharpened a bit more to remove the extra weight.
Double check the heavier side by flipping the blade 180-¦ and checking to see which side is heavier. If the same side flips down, you've found which side needs a little metal removed. Take the blade over to the sharpener and run it through the grinder a few times, then return to the balancer
Know that this process can be time consuming and quite annoying. For this video, it took Pete 5 times to get this blade balanced correctly, but we only showed one extra sharpening.

How To Install A Lawn Mower Blade & Clear Your Transmission of Debris

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

If you're sharpening your blade or just installing a new replacement, make sure that you attach your blade so that it's facing the right direction otherwise your quality of cut will decrease. Many blades have indicators like "top", "bottom", and "deck" (or similar words) to indicate how you should re-mount your blade on the mower. Also, regular transmission maintenance can help keep your transmission in better health. Debris, string or other foreign objects wrapped around a transmission shaft can lead to locked-up bearings, which might cause leakage or other damage.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

How To Install A Lawn Mower Blade on a Rotary Mower

If you're using a Honda mower with the dual blades, make sure you assemble the blades in the correct order prior to installation. One way to tell how they fit together is by looking at the orientation of the "clean" spots on the blade (where the grass and debris aren't) and where the bolts have been previously attached.
Traditionally, lawn mower blades will have a "flat" side that will face the grass side, or bottom of the mower.
Find and set the "cutting edge" face of the blade. Then, set the angle of your grinder to match the pitch of the blade angle.
After you've set the blades on the mower, hand tighten the nuts onto the blade bolts. Always hand tighten your bolts when you're starting them onto the threads. Never use a machine or impact tool or you may damage the threads of the bolt which could lead to a dangerous situation. If the nuts are not securely fastened (either due to over-tightening, stripped threads or under-tightening), your blade could potentially cause damage to you, your lawn and your mower.
Before using any tool, make sure you that equip yourself with a thick rag or welding-style glove. Carefully hold onto the non-sharpened edge of the blade and tighten the bolts using an impact wrench or other tool.

Cleaning Your Lawn Mower Transmission

Remove any debris, string or any other foreign objects from around the transmission and transmission axle. In this video, there were strings wrapped around the axle shaft. If those strings were to wrap around and penetrate the bearing, it could cause the bearing to dry out the bearing, lock it up, or cause a wet transmission to leak and become damaged.
Look for sticks, debris, grass or other foreign objects/obstructions inside the mower and belt housing as these items can decrease your transmission and belt life.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

How To Install A Lawn Mower Blade on a Rotary Mower

If you're using a Honda mower with the dual blades, make sure you assemble the blades in the correct order prior to installation. One way to tell how they fit together is by looking at the orientation of the "clean" spots on the blade (where the grass and debris aren't) and where the bolts have been previously attached.
Traditionally, lawn mower blades will have a "flat" side that will face the grass side, or bottom of the mower.
Find and set the "cutting edge" face of the blade. Then, set the angle of your grinder to match the pitch of the blade angle.
After you've set the blades on the mower, hand tighten the nuts onto the blade bolts. Always hand tighten your bolts when you're starting them onto the threads. Never use a machine or impact tool or you may damage the threads of the bolt which could lead to a dangerous situation. If the nuts are not securely fastened (either due to over-tightening, stripped threads or under-tightening), your blade could potentially cause damage to you, your lawn and your mower.
Before using any tool, make sure you that equip yourself with a thick rag or welding-style glove. Carefully hold onto the non-sharpened edge of the blade and tighten the bolts using an impact wrench or other tool.

Cleaning Your Lawn Mower Transmission

Remove any debris, string or any other foreign objects from around the transmission and transmission axle. In this video, there were strings wrapped around the axle shaft. If those strings were to wrap around and penetrate the bearing, it could cause the bearing to dry out the bearing, lock it up, or cause a wet transmission to leak and become damaged.
Look for sticks, debris, grass or other foreign objects/obstructions inside the mower and belt housing as these items can decrease your transmission and belt life.

How To Use A Leaf Blower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

A leaf blower can be a fantastic and versatile tool in the yard, but proper leaf blower etiquette and safety should be followed. From cleaning the rain gutters to drying off the driveway, its important to be aware of the debris your blower will pick up and where it will be blowing it.

Read the manual!

Reading the operator's manual is the most important part of using any power equipment. If you don't have one, you can most likely find one on the manufacturer's website. It may only take all of ten minutes, and like this guide, you just might learn something!

Beyond the leaves

Your leaf blower can be used for more than just blowing leaves. Some other uses include:

Remove and gather leaves
Vacuum up leaves
Break up or dislodge matted grass
Clean parking lots
Clean farm and construction equipment
Clean arenas and amusement parks
Remove light or fluffy snow
Dry off pavement
Clean rain gutters

Some general guidelines

Leaf blower's shouldn't be operated by children
Watch what you're doing! Don't point the leaf blower at people or pets.
Don't operate unless bystanders are at least 50 feet away.
If you're sick or under the influence, then you should consider putting the leaf blower down.
Don't use a leaf blower indoors!
Inspect the leaf blower before and during use.
Don't modify the leaf blower!
Never use a leaf blower while in a tree or standing on a ladder, rooftop or any other unstable surface. Some backpack blowers may look like a jet pack, but if you fall -- we can guarantee that it wont work like one.
Use your head! Be careful!

Safety clothing

Hearing protection
Goggles
Heavy-duty non-slip work gloves
Sturdy and protective clothing
Tie back your hair if it's long!
Wear long pants and long sleeves
Sturdy non-slip shoes
Wear a respirator if it's really dusty!

Fuel safety

Don't spill! If you get gas on the leaf blower -- wipe it off.
Use the correct fuel/oil mix. You can find this in your operator's manual.
Refuel before starting the engine.
Don't smoke while handling fuel!
Start at least ten feet away from where you fueled it.
Store fuel in a well ventilated area
Make sure the spark plug boot is secure to avoid sparks igniting fuel vapor!

Be courteous

Follow the local rules and ordinances about when to use your leaf blower.
Again, don't point towards people!
Don't blow debris near open windows or doors.
Consider passersby.
Don't leave your blower running unattended.
Never use a leaf blower to spread fertilizers, chemicals or other toxic substances.

Too loud?

Use the lowest possible throttle speed that's necessary to do the job.
Use nozzle attachments that will reduce sound.
Try to avoid using multiple blowers in neighborhoods and around buildings because the sound can be intensified.
Check the muffler, air intakes and air filter to make sure they're in good condition.

Too dusty?

Start with the nozzle hose close to the ground at first and then raise up to the point that it doesn't generate dust.
Use the full lower nozzle extensions to minimize dust and control noise.
Pay attention to what you're blowing around!
Practice moving around grass clippings or a paper cup without moving dust.
Wet dusty areas before blowing.
Never use a leaf blower to move excessively dusty materials.
Leaf blowers should not be used to clean up: large amounts of gravel or gravel dust, cement or concrete dust, plaster dust, construction dirt or dry garden topsoil. You can use a vacuum or a power broom with water!

Being more efficient

Control air velocity at the nozzle end to lift leaves and not dust.
Practice different nozzle movement and throttle control combinations.
You can practice up, down, left and right motions while starting close to the ground and the debris.

Credits: Image courtesy of Memories Made to Order

How To Install Oil Into A Lawn Mower Engine

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Proper oil installation is recommended to extend the life of your engine. Over-filling or under-filling your engine's crankcase with oil can cause permanent damage to important components within the engine. In this video, Pete will instruct you how to properly fill and check your oil level within the engine.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Installing Engine Oil

Always use your manufacturer's factory recommended motor oil. Most lawn mower engines require 10W-30, however, please consult your service manual or a servicing dealer for the correct oil specifications for your engine.
Don't put the entire quart into the engine. There are many different styles of small engines that require different quantities of oil. For the correct amount of oil, either check your owner's manual or fill slowly while checking the oil level frequently. Remember that it is nearly impossible to drain every drop of oil out of the crankcase when draining the oil so even measuring the correct fill size will not work.
Helpful Tip: Remember that bubbles and air pockets can form as you pour the oil into the oil fill tube. Allow the oil to settle before checking the level. Push the dipstick down into the filler tube a few times, then remove the dipstick and clean it off with a clean rag or paper towel. Then, put the dipstick down into the tube, hold it for a few seconds, then remove and check the oil level.
Because we're adding new oil, the dipstick can sometimes be hard to read. On many dipsticks, there is a patterned side and a smooth side -- you may need to turn the dipstick to the smooth side and angle it into the light to see where the oil is on the dipstick.
As stated before, over-filling or under-filling an engine crankcase can cause serious damage to an engine. Over-filling can cause the engine to blow out seals which can be a costly repair. Under-filling can cause a lack of lubrication which could result in seizing the engine or having a rod blow out of the side of the engine. We don't want to hear about either of those things, so let's make sure we check always check our oil before using a piece of equipment!

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Installing Engine Oil

Always use your manufacturer's factory recommended motor oil. Most lawn mower engines require 10W-30, however, please consult your service manual or a servicing dealer for the correct oil specifications for your engine.
Don't put the entire quart into the engine. There are many different styles of small engines that require different quantities of oil. For the correct amount of oil, either check your owner's manual or fill slowly while checking the oil level frequently. Remember that it is nearly impossible to drain every drop of oil out of the crankcase when draining the oil so even measuring the correct fill size will not work.
Helpful Tip: Remember that bubbles and air pockets can form as you pour the oil into the oil fill tube. Allow the oil to settle before checking the level. Push the dipstick down into the filler tube a few times, then remove the dipstick and clean it off with a clean rag or paper towel. Then, put the dipstick down into the tube, hold it for a few seconds, then remove and check the oil level.
Because we're adding new oil, the dipstick can sometimes be hard to read. On many dipsticks, there is a patterned side and a smooth side -- you may need to turn the dipstick to the smooth side and angle it into the light to see where the oil is on the dipstick.
As stated before, over-filling or under-filling an engine crankcase can cause serious damage to an engine. Over-filling can cause the engine to blow out seals which can be a costly repair. Under-filling can cause a lack of lubrication which could result in seizing the engine or having a rod blow out of the side of the engine. We don't want to hear about either of those things, so let's make sure we check always check our oil before using a piece of equipment!

How To Replace A Spark Plug & Air Filter On A Honda Mower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

To obtain the best life out of your engine, make sure you check the air filter for built-up dirt or debris. A dirty air filter can allow the filter to let sediment and debris pass through and into the engine. Dirt ingestion can damage an engine fairly quickly, so make sure you always have an air filter equipped and check to make sure it's clean.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Replacing The Air Filter

On this particular Honda lawn mower, you'll need to carefully push down on the two retaining clips on the outside of the air filter cover. There are two hinges on the bottom of the air filter cover, carefully clear the hinges from the clips and remove the air filter and air filter "box" (or cover).
It's a good idea to clean the air filter cover and the box before re-installing your replacement air filter.
Place the new air filter back onto the mower in the same direction as the old filter. On this Honda lawn mower, we're going to replace the filter with the fins pointed outward.
Place the hinges back into the pins and snap the air filter cover back into the retaining clips

Replacing Your Spark Plug

Disclaimer (because we have to): Always make sure your engine is off before performing engine maintenance. We want you to start and finish this job with the same appendages God gave you.
The spark plug is traditionally located on the front of the lawn mower. On this Honda lawn mower, it is located in the upper front hand portion of the mower, directly beneath the red engine shroud/cover.
Carefully put your index finger in between the engine and the cap. To remove the cap, grasp the cap firmly, pulling and twisting at the same time to remove the rubber cap. It will eventually slide off. Sometimes the cap can be stubborn, but be patient and it will eventually come off.
We recommend using a spark plug socket. This is a special socket with a rubber seal that grips the spark plug while removing it. The Honda mower we're working on today uses a 13/16" socket.
Carefully remove the spark plug using a socket wrench. We also recommend using a socket wrench extension to make your job easier -- turning a socket in close proximity to the engine shroud can be difficult.
Before installing the new spark plug, check the spark plug gap/clearance for the electrode air gap. This can be obtained from your local servicing dealer or from your machine's owner's manual or service manual.
It's a good idea to lightly oil the threads of the spark plug before installation. This will help you remove the spark plug on your next tune-up.
Always start by hand tightening your spark plug into the cylinder. You do not want to use your wrench to start your spark plug as this may damage the threads on the cylinder head -- this is a costly repair!
When re-installing the spark plug cap, you'll want to take the cap and firmly push the cap over the plug. You should hear it snap into place.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Replacing The Air Filter

On this particular Honda lawn mower, you'll need to carefully push down on the two retaining clips on the outside of the air filter cover. There are two hinges on the bottom of the air filter cover, carefully clear the hinges from the clips and remove the air filter and air filter "box" (or cover).
It's a good idea to clean the air filter cover and the box before re-installing your replacement air filter.
Place the new air filter back onto the mower in the same direction as the old filter. On this Honda lawn mower, we're going to replace the filter with the fins pointed outward.
Place the hinges back into the pins and snap the air filter cover back into the retaining clips

Replacing Your Spark Plug

Disclaimer (because we have to): Always make sure your engine is off before performing engine maintenance. We want you to start and finish this job with the same appendages God gave you.
The spark plug is traditionally located on the front of the lawn mower. On this Honda lawn mower, it is located in the upper front hand portion of the mower, directly beneath the red engine shroud/cover.
Carefully put your index finger in between the engine and the cap. To remove the cap, grasp the cap firmly, pulling and twisting at the same time to remove the rubber cap. It will eventually slide off. Sometimes the cap can be stubborn, but be patient and it will eventually come off.
We recommend using a spark plug socket. This is a special socket with a rubber seal that grips the spark plug while removing it. The Honda mower we're working on today uses a 13/16" socket.
Carefully remove the spark plug using a socket wrench. We also recommend using a socket wrench extension to make your job easier -- turning a socket in close proximity to the engine shroud can be difficult.
Before installing the new spark plug, check the spark plug gap/clearance for the electrode air gap. This can be obtained from your local servicing dealer or from your machine's owner's manual or service manual.
It's a good idea to lightly oil the threads of the spark plug before installation. This will help you remove the spark plug on your next tune-up.
Always start by hand tightening your spark plug into the cylinder. You do not want to use your wrench to start your spark plug as this may damage the threads on the cylinder head -- this is a costly repair!
When re-installing the spark plug cap, you'll want to take the cap and firmly push the cap over the plug. You should hear it snap into place.

How To Clean the Air Vanes of Your Mower Engine

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Cleaning the air vanes and flywheel fan are one of the most overlooked items when performing service -- but we'll show you how to do it! Because the majority of small engines on outdoor power equipment are air-cooled, it's important to make sure that these engines have clean air vanes for the air intake. In this video, we'll ensure that our engine is going to cool properly by removing the recoil starter and then the engine shroud. We'll then clean underneath the shroud and then put everything back together.

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Cleaning The Flywheel & Fan Housing

We'll have to remove the recoil assembly to access the air vanes on this mower. To remove the recoil assembly, we'll need to remove the three nuts. Always remember to put your hardware in a safe place, such as on a bench, rag or a tin.
Once we've taken the nuts off, we can lift up on the recoil and set it aside. It will still be attached to the mower by the rope, so do not let this fall or break.
Pull up on the engine shroud to reveal the flywheel and air vans. You'll want to pick up and remove any dirt or debris (such as grass or leaves) from the top of the fan.
It's also a good idea to blow out the air vanes of the cylinder to ensure that there are no foreign objects that could hinder air flow. We recommend obtaining a compressed air "gun" like ours. You'll want to take special care to get air into those pockets and make sure they're clean.
Remember: The cleaner your engine is, the cooler it will run. Keeping it cool will extend the life of your engine.
Put the shroud assembly back on top of the engine and push firmly so that it does not wobble. Then, place the recoil assembly back over the shroud exactly the same way that it was removed. Take your hardware and hand tighten the nuts over the bolts. Use your ratchet to tighten them until they are snug -- do not over-tighten!

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Cleaning The Flywheel & Fan Housing

We'll have to remove the recoil assembly to access the air vanes on this mower. To remove the recoil assembly, we'll need to remove the three nuts. Always remember to put your hardware in a safe place, such as on a bench, rag or a tin.
Once we've taken the nuts off, we can lift up on the recoil and set it aside. It will still be attached to the mower by the rope, so do not let this fall or break.
Pull up on the engine shroud to reveal the flywheel and air vans. You'll want to pick up and remove any dirt or debris (such as grass or leaves) from the top of the fan.
It's also a good idea to blow out the air vanes of the cylinder to ensure that there are no foreign objects that could hinder air flow. We recommend obtaining a compressed air "gun" like ours. You'll want to take special care to get air into those pockets and make sure they're clean.
Remember: The cleaner your engine is, the cooler it will run. Keeping it cool will extend the life of your engine.
Put the shroud assembly back on top of the engine and push firmly so that it does not wobble. Then, place the recoil assembly back over the shroud exactly the same way that it was removed. Take your hardware and hand tighten the nuts over the bolts. Use your ratchet to tighten them until they are snug -- do not over-tighten!

How To Drain the Fuel Tank and Carburetor of a Honda Mower Engine

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

When a mower sits for a while (even a few weeks), it might be a good idea to drain the fuel out of the gas tank and add fresh fuel before mowing. Because of the higher ethanol content in gasoline as compared to previous years, the gas will begin to go bad even after about a week. Most of the time, this decrease isn't noticed right away, but over an extended period of time the gas will start to change internally and will also begin to produce an odor that is not pleasant (well, not that we suggest you sit there and sniff fresh gasoline all of the time either).

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Draining the Fuel Tank

One method of removing fuel would be to siphon the fuel out of the tank. Another option (probably the easiest) is by removing the fuel line from either the carburetor, fuel pump or fuel shutoff valve and draining the fuel into a pan. Make sure you take that fuel to your local recycling center.

How to Drain a Honda Carburetor

As seen in the video, there is a blue painted screw on the bottom of the carburetor. This allows the fuel to be drained out of the bowl of the carburetor so that fresh fuel can make its way in when you go to start the mower. Carefully loosen this screw and drain the carburetor and then carefully tighten the screw until it is snug. Remember not to over tighten!

Here's a quick recap of the video:

Draining the Fuel Tank

One method of removing fuel would be to siphon the fuel out of the tank. Another option (probably the easiest) is by removing the fuel line from either the carburetor, fuel pump or fuel shutoff valve and draining the fuel into a pan. Make sure you take that fuel to your local recycling center.

How to Drain a Honda Carburetor

As seen in the video, there is a blue painted screw on the bottom of the carburetor. This allows the fuel to be drained out of the bowl of the carburetor so that fresh fuel can make its way in when you go to start the mower. Carefully loosen this screw and drain the carburetor and then carefully tighten the screw until it is snug. Remember not to over tighten!

What Kind of Battery Does My Snow Plow Need?

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Making sure you have enough juice in your battery to cover both your truck and your snow plow is important. Always make sure you test and re-test your equipment before a big storm to make sure everything is working correctly. It's also a good idea to test your equipment in sub-zero temperatures whenever possible so when that big storm comes, you'll be ready!

According to numerous Meyer® service manuals, it is recommended that your truck be equipped with:

Battery - 70 Amp Hour Minimum or 550 Cold Cranking Amps
Alternator - 60 Amp Minimum

According to numerous Meyer-« service manuals, it is recommended that your truck be equipped with:

Battery - 70 Amp Hour Minimum or 550 Cold Cranking Amps
Alternator - 60 Amp Minimum

Troubleshooting a Surging Engine

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

If your engine is surging or running unevenly, chances are that something is wrong. Some engines will seem to surge when there's no load because when the drive, auger (if a snow blower) or blade (if a mower) are disengaged, the governor will keep it from reaching full throttle. If the engine still surges while there's a load on it (or it dies out completely), here are some quick tips to troubleshooting an engine surge:

Carefully inspect your fuel line as your fuel line may be clogged, dry-rotted or broken
Drain your carburetor and fuel tank as you may have water in the fuel
If the machine is equipped with a fuel pump, check to make sure it is working properly.
Inspect your governor as it may be set improperly or sticking in place.
Clean, rebuild or adjust your carburetor. Always start with an adjustment and then move on to larger projects such as cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor.

Carefully inspect your fuel line as your fuel line may be clogged, dry-rotted or broken
Drain your carburetor and fuel tank as you may have water in the fuel
If the machine is equipped with a fuel pump, check to make sure it is working properly.
Inspect your governor as it may be set improperly or sticking in place.
Clean, rebuild or adjust your carburetor. Always start with an adjustment and then move on to larger projects such as cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor.

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Rear Tine Roto-Tiller

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

To locate the model and serial number on your Ariens rear tine tiller, here is the most common location of the model and serial number identification tag (please see gray arrow):

Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

To locate the model and serial number on your Ariens rear tine tiller, here is the most common location of the model and serial number identification tag (please see gray arrow):

Ariens Rear Tine Tiller Model Location
Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Snow Blower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

When trying to locate the model and serial number on your Ariens snow blower, see the information below for the most common locations of model and serial number information. Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Snow Blower (Painted Orange)

On an orange Ariens snow blower, the most commonly location of the identification tag is the rear of the engine frame, underneath the handles and between the wheels. You'll want to stand behind the unit and bend down to see this information. Please use the gray arrow above as a guide.

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Sno-Tek™ Snow Blower (Painted Black)

On the newer Ariens Sno-Tek™ snow blower, you must use the Ariens parts lookup to find both snow blower parts and engine parts. The model number and serial number information can be found by standing behind the snow blower and leaning down. Look between the two wheels and below the handles. Please use the gray arrow above as a guide.

Where to Find The Model and Spec Number of a Newer Tecumseh Engine on an Ariens Snow Blower

If an Ariens snow blower is equipped with a Tecumseh engine, the most common location of the identification tag is on the lower right hand portion of the engine (this will be on your right if you're standing behind the unit), near the electric starter unit. Sometimes this information will be below the "WARNING" label. You will need the model and spec information off of the engine. Visit our Tecumseh parts diagrams to look up parts for Tecumseh engines.

Where to Find The Model and Spec Number of a Older Tecumseh Engine on an Ariens Snow Blower

If an Ariens snow blower is equipped with a older Tecumseh engine, the most common location of the identification tag is on top of the engine shroud near the spark plug. Sometimes this information will be underneath the electric starter unit and that may have to be removed so that you can properly read the numbers. You will need the model and spec information off of the engine. Please see our Tecumseh parts diagrams to look up parts.

Where to Find The Model, Type and Code Number of a Briggs & Stratton Engine on an Ariens Snow Blower

If an Ariens snow blower was built in the last few years, it is most likely equipped with a Briggs & Stratton engine. The most common location of the identification tag is where the gray arrow is pointed above -- on the front cover below the muffler and near the snow blower's chute. You will need the model, type, and code information to look up the correct engine parts. Visit our Briggs and Stratton parts diagrams to look up parts.

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Snow Blower (Painted Orange)

Ariens Snow Blower Model Location
On an orange Ariens snow blower, the most commonly location of the identification tag is the rear of the engine frame, underneath the handles and between the wheels. You'll want to stand behind the unit and bend down to see this information. Please use the gray arrow above as a guide.

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Sno-TekGäó Snow Blower (Painted Black)

Ariens Sno-Tek Snow Blower Model Location
On the newer Ariens Sno-TekGäó snow blower, you must use the Ariens parts lookup to find both snow blower parts and engine parts. The model number and serial number information can be found by standing behind the snow blower and leaning down. Look between the two wheels and below the handles. Please use the gray arrow above as a guide.

Where to Find The Model and Spec Number of a Newer Tecumseh Engine on an Ariens Snow Blower

Newer Tecumseh Engine on Ariens Snow Blower Model Location
If an Ariens snow blower is equipped with a Tecumseh engine, the most common location of the identification tag is on the lower right hand portion of the engine (this will be on your right if you're standing behind the unit), near the electric starter unit. Sometimes this information will be below the "WARNING" label. You will need the model and spec information off of the engine. Visit our Tecumseh parts diagrams to look up parts for Tecumseh engines.

Where to Find The Model and Spec Number of a Older Tecumseh Engine on an Ariens Snow Blower

Older Tecumseh Engine on Ariens Snow Blower Model Location
If an Ariens snow blower is equipped with a older Tecumseh engine, the most common location of the identification tag is on top of the engine shroud near the spark plug. Sometimes this information will be underneath the electric starter unit and that may have to be removed so that you can properly read the numbers. You will need the model and spec information off of the engine. Please see our Tecumseh parts diagrams to look up parts.

Where to Find The Model, Type and Code Number of a Briggs & Stratton Engine on an Ariens Snow Blower

Briggs & Stratton Engine on Ariens Snow Blower Model Location
If an Ariens snow blower was built in the last few years, it is most likely equipped with a Briggs & Stratton engine. The most common location of the identification tag is where the gray arrow is pointed above -- on the front cover below the muffler and near the snow blower's chute. You will need the model, type, and code information to look up the correct engine parts. Visit our Briggs and Stratton parts diagrams to look up parts.

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Zero Turn Riding Mower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

To locate the model and serial number on your Ariens "EZR" EZ Rider zero turn riding mower, here is the most common location of the model and serial number identification tag (please see gray arrow):

Locating the Identification Tag on an "EZR" Zero Turn Mower

To locate the model and serial # tag, look underneath where your left foot would normally be when sitting on the mower. On the front left portion of the mower underneath the kick plate, there should be a tag as indicated by the gray arrow. You'll need the model and serial number information. Keep this in a safe place!

Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model and serial number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard™ Engine on an Ariens Zero Turn Mower

Just behind the rider is the engine. On the left side (this would be the left side if you were sitting on the mower) of many models, the identification tag can be found. Please use the gray arrow above to help you find what you're looking for. You will need to record the model, type, and code information. Use our Briggs and Stratton parts lookup to find the parts you may need for your engine!

To locate the model and serial number on your Ariens "EZR" EZ Rider zero turn riding mower, here is the most common location of the model and serial number identification tag (please see gray arrow):

Locating the Identification Tag on an "EZR" Zero Turn Mower

Ariens EZ Rider Zero Turn Riding Mower Model Location
To locate the model and serial # tag, look underneath where your left foot would normally be when sitting on the mower. On the front left portion of the mower underneath the kick plate, there should be a tag as indicated by the gray arrow. You'll need the model and serial number information. Keep this in a safe place!

Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model and serial number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a Briggs & Stratton VanguardGäó Engine on an Ariens Zero Turn Mower

Briggs and Stratton model, type and code location on Ariens zero turn mower
Just behind the rider is the engine. On the left side (this would be the left side if you were sitting on the mower) of many models, the identification tag can be found. Please use the gray arrow above to help you find what you're looking for. You will need to record the model, type, and code information. Use our Briggs and Stratton parts lookup to find the parts you may need for your engine!

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on an Ariens Front Tine Roto-Tiller

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

To locate the model and serial number on your Ariens front tine tiller, here is the most common location of the model and serial number identification tag (please see gray arrow):

Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

To locate the model and serial number on your Ariens front tine tiller, here is the most common location of the model and serial number identification tag (please see gray arrow):

Ariens Front Tine Tiller Model Location
Remember, most Ariens model numbers begin with a 9. Once you've located your model number, head over to our free Ariens parts lookup!

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on a Country Clipper Zero Turn Lawn Mower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Looking for the model and serial number on your Country Clipper walk behind mower? This guide can help. Below are some of the most common locations of Country Clipper engine frame and deck model information along with engine information.

Please note: At this time, we are not an authorized OEM Country Clipper parts dealer, however, we have many aftermarket Country Clipper parts available through many of our vendors that can save you money.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers on Country Clipper mowers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial # on a Country Clipper Walk Behind Mower

You'll need to stand behind the unit to find the most common location of this ID tag. Look under the controls and on the rear most portion of the engine frame. Please use the gray arrow above as a reference.

Locating the Deck Identification Tag on a Country Clipper Zero Turn Lawn Mower

To locate the deck model and serial # tag, look on the top of the floating deck on the left side of the mower (if you're standing behind the mower). On the front left portion of the mower deck, there should be a tag as indicated by the gray arrow. You'll need to record the model and serial number information. Keep this in a safe place!

Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a Kawasaki Engine on a Country Clipper Zero Turn Mower

Take a look on the right side of the engine (if you're standing behind the mower) near the fuel tank. You'll need to write down the model (usually something like FH500V, FB460V, etc.) and spec (this is normally 2 letters and then 2 numbers, like "AS09", "CS01", etc.). Once you've located that information, use our Kawasaki Engine parts lookup to find the parts you may need for your engine!

Please note: At this time, we are not an authorized OEM Country Clipper parts dealer, however, we have many aftermarket Country Clipper parts available through many of our vendors that can save you money.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers on Country Clipper mowers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial # on a Country Clipper Walk Behind Mower

Country Clipper model and id location on Country Clipper walk behind mower
You'll need to stand behind the unit to find the most common location of this ID tag. Look under the controls and on the rear most portion of the engine frame.

Locating the Deck Identification Tag on a Country Clipper Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Country Clipper Walk Behind Mower Model Identification
To locate the deck model and serial # tag, look on the top of the floating deck on the left side of the mower (if you're standing behind the mower). On the front left portion of the mower deck. You'll need to record the model and serial number information. Keep this in a safe place!

Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a Kawasaki Engine on a Country Clipper Zero Turn Mower

Country Clipper with Kawasaki Engine model number location
Take a look on the right side of the engine (if you're standing behind the mower) near the fuel tank. You'll need to write down the model (usually something like FH500V, FB460V, etc.) and spec (this is normally 2 letters and then 2 numbers, like "AS09", "CS01", etc.). Once you've located that information, use our Kawasaki Engine parts lookup to find the parts you may need for your engine!

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on a Cub Cadet Push Mower

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Are you looking for the model and manufacturer number on your Cub Cadet push lawn mower? This guide can help. Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Please note: At this time, we are not an authorized OEM Cub Cadet parts dealer, however, we have many aftermarket Cub Cadet parts available through many of our vendors that can save you money. Additionally, many Cub Cadet parts are available through MTD.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers on Cub Cadet mowers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model # and Mfg. Code on a Cub Cadet Push Mower

Standing behind the unit, the model # and mfg. code are located on the back of the mower. Please use the gray arrow above as a reference to help you find the identification tag.

Finding the Model, Type, and Code Number for a Briggs & Stratton Engine on a Cub Cadet Push Mower

On a Cub Cadet push mower with a Briggs -- the model, type, and code information should be located on the the top-left of the engine. As you can see by the arrow, it's pressed into the metal plate just above the muffler. You'll need the model, type, and code number information. Use our Briggs & Stratton parts lookup to find any parts you may need for your engine!

Are you looking for the model and manufacturer number on your Cub Cadet push lawn mower? This guide can help. Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers on Cub Cadet mowers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model # and Mfg. Code on a Cub Cadet Push Mower

Cub Cadet push mower model number and manufacturer code
Standing behind the unit, the model # and mfg. code are located on the back of the mower. Please use the gray arrow above as a reference to help you find the identification tag.

Finding the Model, Type, and Code Number for a Briggs & Stratton Engine on a Cub Cadet Push Mower

Cub Cadet with Briggs & Stratton Engine Model, Type, and Code Location
On a Cub Cadet push mower with a Briggs -- the model, type, and code information should be located on the the top-left of the engine. As you can see by the arrow, it's pressed into the metal plate just above the muffler. You'll need the model, type, and code number information. Use our Briggs & Stratton parts lookup to find any parts you may need for your engine!

Where to Find The Model and Serial Number on a Cub Cadet Riding Tractor

2024-10-22T11:53:00-05:00

Having trouble finding the model and serial number on your Cub Cadet riding tractor? This guide can help. Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Finding the Model and Serial on a Cub Cadet Series 1000 Riding Tractor

You're going to have to do a little work here. Lift up the seat and it should be located right under it. Look at the picture above and refer to the gray arrow indicating where the label is.

Locating the Kohler Courage Model and Spec Number on a Series 1000 Cub Cadet Riding Mower

Alright, time to lift the hood. Go ahead and take a look at the Kohler engine. The model and spec number should be located on the left side. Take a look at the picture above for reference.

Locating the Kohler Command Model and Spec Number on a Series 1500 Cub Cadet Riding Tractor

Go ahead and lift up the hood. If you were sitting on the rider, it would be on the back of the engine (the part facing you). See where the arrow is pointing? That's where the model and spec numbers should be.

You'll need the model and spec numbers. Use our Kohler parts lookup to find any parts you may need for your engine!

Having trouble finding the model and serial number on your Cub Cadet riding tractor? This guide can help. Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Please note: At this time, we are not an authorized OEM Cub Cadet parts dealer, however, we have many aftermarket Cub Cadet parts available through many of our vendors that can save you money. Additionally, many Cub Cadet parts are available through MTD.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers on Cub Cadet mowers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial on a Cub Cadet Series 1000 Riding Tractor

Cub Cadet Series 1000 model and serial number location
You're going to have to do a little work here. Lift up the seat and it should be located right under it. Look at the picture above and refer to the gray arrow indicating where the label is.

Locating the Kohler Courage Model and Spec Number on a Series 1000 Cub Cadet Riding Mower

Cub Cadet with Kohler Courage Engine Spec and Serial Number Location
Alright, time to lift the hood. Go ahead and take a look at the Kohler engine. The model and spec number should be located on the left side. Take a look at the picture above for reference.

Locating the Kohler Command Model and Spec Number on a Series 1500 Cub Cadet Riding Tractor

Cub Cadet with Kohler Courage Engine Model and Spec Number Location
Go ahead and lift up the hood. If you were sitting on the rider, it would be on the back of the engine (the part facing you). See where the arrow is pointing? That's where the model and spec numbers should be.

You'll need the model and spec numbers. Use our Kohler parts lookup to find any parts you may need for your engine!