Which Way Should You Tip A Lawn Mower?

Proper maintenance is an essential part of lawn mower care. Not only will it extend your machine's lifespan, but it will also ensure healthy, properly cut grass and avoid unnecessary repair bills. That means you'll regularly find yourself needing to tip your mower over. Indeed, everything from cleaning the machine's underside to replacing your lawn mower blades will require you to gain better access to its deck. However, while this may seem like a simple task, there is a right and wrong way to tip it over. While it may come as a surprise, tilting it on its back wheels is the proper method. This position gives you the access you need for routine maintenance while reducing the risk of fluid-related damage that may end up requiring professional care.

To do this, place a jack stand or sturdy piece of wood underneath the front bumper to keep the mower in place. Alternatively, if you're in a pinch, ask a helper to stand on the handle or hold it firmly down on the ground. This way, you gain full access to the underside for cleaning and maintenance without risking any oil or fuel accidentally seeping into other parts of the machine. As the liquid pools at the back of the engine, it won't cause damage to the air filter, carburetor, cylinder, or muffler. 

Diagnosing issues and safely cleaning your lawn mower requires proper access to the deck and blades. However, before you begin moving it around, remember to remove the spark plug boot and place it off to the side to ensure it doesn't accidentally start while your hands are near the blades. Tipping a mower straight on its back is the method most professionals recommend. However, this creates a 45-degree angle which may be too constrictive if your mower is lying on the ground, as you will need to crouch down to work on it. If this is uncomfortable, consider placing it atop an elevated workbench before tilting it back. 

If that's not possible and you have to tip it on its side, there is one key rule to remember: Never tilt a lawn mower onto the side that houses the fuel. Doing so will allow it to drip into the air filter and ruin it. Instead, double-check which side the oil tank is on and tip it accordingly. This will most often mean placing it down on its right side as you're standing behind it. What's more, try to work on it as quickly as possible to minimize the time during which the liquids can seep down. Finally and most importantly, prevent lawn mower damage by never, ever tipping it on its nose, as this can cause it to smoke.