Petrol Lawn Mowers: Essential Usage Tips You Must Know Before Investing!

By Author: Troy Alisten
Total Articles: 2
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Petrol lawn mowers are powered by petrol or diesel engines, making them more robust than electric mowers. They easily handle thick, overgrown grass and aren’t restricted by cord length or battery life. Known for their durability, these mowers are built to last.

The real advantage of petrol mowers is their cutting power. They’re perfect for larger lawns or tougher terrain, easily managing various grass types and cutting heights.

However, petrol mowers can be heavier and noisier than their electric counterparts, and they produce more emissions. They also require more upkeep, such as regular oil changes and spark plug replacements, and can be more expensive to run due to the cost of petrol. Continue reading to learn more in this regard. This blog will help if you are recently going to buy petrol lawnmower for sale.

How Does a Petrol Lawn Mower Work?

When it comes to understanding how an internal combustion engine works, the details can be quite intricate. Instead of diving deep into the complexities of each tiny part, let's keep it simple. The owner’s manual is a treasure trove of information, ...
... or you could even take a hands-on approach by taking the mower apart!

The Engine

Petrol lawnmowers run on internal combustion engines, much like a smaller version of your car's engine. Here's a simple breakdown:

A spark ignites the petrol in a specialised compartment of the engine, creating energy. This energy powers the mower, causing the blades to spin. The blades are directly connected to the engine, so as the engine runs, the blades move.
You control the blade speed with a handlebar lever. This lever adjusts the throttle, which regulates how much fuel goes into the engine, thus determining how fast the blades spin.

Startup

Most traditional petrol lawnmowers use a pull cord to start the engine. You pull the cord to initiate the combustion process and get the engine running. However, modern mowers often feature a battery and/or starter motor that operate independently from the main engine, making startup much easier.

Blades

Your mower’s blades are typically set at a specific height (around 70 mm) and can be adjusted to determine the cutting height of your grass. This adjustment is crucial for hilly properties or areas with rocks, as it helps prevent the blades from striking the soil or stones.

Most petrol and electric mowers have different mechanisms for changing the blade height. Traditional petrol mowers usually feature a small lever to adjust the height of the wheels rather than the blades. In contrast, electric mowers often allow you to alter the height of the blades directly.

Collection

As the mower blades cut the grass, they rotate like a fan, pulling the clippings up through a specially designed path that directs them into a central collection bag or box. This collection container can be easily detached and emptied as needed, typically secured with a small lever for convenience.

Do Petrol Mowers Have Batteries?

This is somewhat of a 'yes, but not exactly' question. Some modern petrol mowers do have a battery, but it's not for powering the mower. Instead, the battery is designed to make startup easier, usually working alongside a secondary startup motor.
However, most petrol mowers for sale don't have a battery, as batteries are typically reserved for electric mowers.

Can You Leave a Petrol Lawn Mower Outdoors?

Technically, yes, but it's not a good idea. Lawnmowers are best stored in a dry, relatively warm place, like a shed or garage. Leaving your petrol lawn mower outside in the summer is generally fine, but winter exposure can cause issues. Freezing and thawing can lead to broken parts and corrosion from rust, especially in wet and cold climates.

Is It Okay to Store a Lawn Mower on Its Side?

Yes, but be cautious. Some mowers are designed for vertical or horizontal storage, while others should remain on their wheels. Storing a mower on its side when it's not designed for it can cause fuel and oil to leak into the air filters, joints, and engine.

What’s the Fuel Consumption of a Petrol Lawn Mower?

Fuel consumption varies by mower type. Standard petrol push mowers use about 1.8–3.8 litres of petrol while riding mowers can take upwards of 7.5 litres, depending on the tank size.

Closing thoughts!

Petrol lawnmowers are impressive machines that can simplify lawn care, but they require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Neglecting upkeep or using the wrong fuel can lead to problems, so it’s crucial to follow the owner's manual and perform routine checks, no matter if you're buying mulching mowers for sale or a lawnmower.