How to Properly Tilt Your Lawn Mower On Its Side: Your Probably Doing It Wrong!

Even a simple act like tilting your lawn mower on its side can make the difference between a hassle-free mowing season and an unnecessary, costly trip to the small engine repair shop.

Keep this simple method in mind when tilting your lawn mower: Intake up, Exhaust down

There are several reasons to tilt a lawn mower on its side, and knowing the correct way to do it is essential for keeping your mower in good working condition!

As mentioned in a previous post, it's wise to check your mower's blade for damage or cracks before each use. The blade is located under the engine and beneath the mower's deck, so the only way to visually inspect it is by tipping the mower on its side.

Follow this guideline to safely tilt any lawn mower!

Important safety tip: For safety, disconnect the spark plug wire by gently removing the plastic or rubber boot from the spark plug. This prevents accidental starting while tilting the mower.

Next, identify the unit's "intake side" by locating the air filter housing, with the carburetor behind it. This is the side that must always face up when tilting any lawn mower!

If a lawn mower is improperly tilted with the intake side down, the air filter might become soaked with gas or oil, and the carburetor (which provides the engine with the correct fuel and air mix) could fill with engine oil. Both situations lead to a non-starting mower and require a carburetor cleaning and possibly a new air filter.

It's also a good habit to tilt your lawn mower to clean grass clippings that accumulate under the deck and on the blade after each mow. Now you can do this with confidence!

Never the Norm!