What is a Self-Propelled Mower?
Self-propelled mowers are push mowers with a drive wheel. The drive wheel assists you while using your walk behind mower so you don't have to put as much effort into pushing the mower.
Self-propelled mowers use a front or rear drive wheel, and some even come with All Wheel Drive (AWD) just like on a car. This means that power goes to all four wheels making them excellent for slopes, hills and rough terrain.
Most self-propelled mowers give you the option to mulch, bag, or side discharge the clippings.
Main Components:
- Deck
- Blades - usually made of steel
- Drive Belt
- Handle/Levers
- Wheels
- Engine
How it works:
- Pull down the clutch lever - typically the top lever on the handle- and pull the starter cord to power up the engine.
- The engine powers up the mower and the blade begins to rotate.
- The operator pulls on the drive control lever-typically the lower lever on the handle - to engage the drive wheel and propel the mower forward.
- The blades spin underneath the deck at a high speed causing them to cut the grass.
Maintenance Tips:
- Keep up with routine maintenance as suggested in your owners manual
- Always clean the deck after each use
- Do NOT mow in grass that is taller than the mowers deck
- Always practice proper safety practices when using a self-propelled mower
- Keep the blades sharp!
- See How to Change the Air Filter in a Self-Propelled Mower
- See How to Change the Blade on a Self-Propelled Mower
- See How to Replace the Drive Belt on a Self-Propelled Mower