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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.
Start spring mowing when grass reaches 3-4 inches tall, soil temperature consistently stays above 50°F, and soil is firm enough that mower wheels don't leave ruts. Timing varies by region and grass type: cool-season grasses typically green up in late March to early May, while warm-season grasses require waiting until late April to June.
The spark plug on a lawn mower is located on the engine's cylinder head, typically accessed from the top or side depending on engine orientation. Learn how to find, identify, and safely access your spark plug for maintenance and replacement.
Most residential lawn mowers use unleaded gasoline (87 octane), with many modern mowers requiring ethanol-free or low-ethanol fuel to prevent engine damage. Two-stroke engines need a fuel-oil mixture, while four-stroke engines use gasoline alone. Always check your mower's manual for specific fuel requirements.
You can rent a lawn mower from home improvement stores, local equipment rental shops, garden centers, and peer-to-peer platforms. Daily rates typically range from $15–$75 depending on mower type. Learn where to find rentals, what to expect, and how to choose the right option for your needs.
Craftsman lawn tractors are currently manufactured by MTD Products, which is owned by Briggs & Stratton. However, the manufacturer varies by model year and tractor type due to the brand's complex ownership history involving Sears, multiple OEM partnerships, and several ownership transitions.
Learn how to restring your weed wacker by identifying your trimmer head type, obtaining the correct line gauge, and following our step-by-step winding process. Most restringing jobs take 15–30 minutes and can save you money on professional service.
The carburetor is typically mounted on top of or directly beneath the engine, positioned between the air filter and the engine's intake manifold. Exact placement varies by mower type, engine brand, and model year. Learn how to locate it on push mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn models.
The spark plug on a lawn mower sits on the engine block, typically on top or to the side. On push mowers, it's near the top of the vertical engine with a thick rubber boot attached. On riding mowers, location varies by engine model. Learn how to locate, identify, and maintain your mower's spark plug.
Learn how to restring your weed eater in 5–10 minutes. This guide covers safety precautions, identifying your spool type, and detailed instructions for bump-feed and manual-wind mechanisms.
Learn how to load fuel, install batteries, and thread trimmer line into your weed wacker with step-by-step instructions for gas-powered, cordless electric, and string-fed models. Includes safety precautions and troubleshooting tips.
