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The Consumer Smart blog is where you will find in-depth smart product reviews, buying guides, and ownership advice. Each article examines durability, long-term value, and software support so you can make a confident purchase decision whether you are buying for the first time or replacing a device that has reached the end of its life.
Learn how to change the oil on a gas-powered lawn mower with this complete step-by-step guide. Covers tools needed, draining old oil, refilling with the correct oil type, and post-change maintenance tips for push mowers and riding mowers.
Learn how to safely remove a blade from any Toro lawn mower — walk-behind, riding, or zero-turn. This guide covers required tools, spark plug disconnection, bolt direction, carburetor-side-up tilting, blade inspection, reinstallation torque specs, and FAQs including the reverse-thread myth.
Clean a push lawn mower carburetor by disconnecting the spark plug, turning off fuel, and either spraying carburetor cleaner into the throat for quick maintenance or fully removing and disassembling the unit to clean jets and passages. This guide covers both methods with troubleshooting tips.
A lawn mower that won't start most commonly fails due to stale fuel, a fouled spark plug, a clogged air filter, or a gummed carburetor. Work through causes in order of likelihood—starting with the simplest checks before escalating to more involved repairs—to get your mower running without professional help.
The best way to get rid of an old lawn mower depends on its condition. A working mower can be sold, traded in, or donated. A broken mower should go to a scrap yard, bulk pickup, or junk removal service. Gas mowers require draining fuel and oil before any disposal method.
Learn how to fix a Craftsman lawn mower with step-by-step troubleshooting for engines that won't start, rough running, uneven cutting, drive failure, and excessive vibration — plus a routine maintenance schedule to prevent future problems.
Learn how to safely and effectively operate a zero-turn lawn mower with this comprehensive guide covering pre-operation checks, lap bar steering, turning techniques, and proper shutdown procedures.
Learn how to mow a lawn correctly with this step-by-step guide covering the one-third rule, mowing height by grass type, patterns, frequency, clipping disposal, and post-mow care — everything needed for a healthy, even cut every time.
Learn exactly how to jump a lawn mower battery using jumper cables or a portable jump starter. This guide covers safe connection order, voltage checks, troubleshooting, and when to replace instead of jump.
If your lawn mower will not start, work through this prioritized checklist: check the spark plug, replace stale fuel, clean the carburetor, inspect the air filter, and verify the safety switches. This symptom-by-symptom guide tells you exactly which fix applies to your mower type.
