I just bought a new push mower. What needs done before I can use it?

Question

My new push mower is a simple pull start 4.75 hp Briggs and Stratton engine with side discharge. I bought this mower off display so I will receive a manual in the mail in a few weeks.

I have tightened all connections but hesitant to add fluids.

I assume adding 5w30 to correct levels and moistening the foam filter is all I need to do.?.? Unleaded gas of course will be added.

Does this sound correct and/or is there other steps?

Thanks a ton in advance!

-Young homeowner

Answer 1

not 5w 30, three cycle

Answer 2

The oiled foam filter shouldn't need oiling, but do check it and oil if needed (few drops, squeeze it back out) change the filter once a year, clean it every few runs..... more in dusty conditions. That oil (oiled foam now, not paper) is needed to catch the tiny dust particles.

The oil? 5w-30 is fine (its a 30 weight at operating temp) fill it up (takes 20 ounces max) and run that for 5 hours, dump it and refill with fresh....... I'd recommend you do this 3-4 times, it removes the break in metals.

After breakin, use a HD-30 (straight high detergent 30 weight) above 40 degrees F, 5w-30 or 10w-30 below 40 (if conventional)

OR just use a SYNTHETIC 5w-30 or 10w-30 year round.... it stands up to the heat like a straight 30, while conventional oils, you may see consumption....
CHECK the oil every time you go to start it cold, make sure it's to the full mark!!

replace the spark plug when it gets hard to start, just clean it and gap it (.30) once a year.

Every 2 years maybe, take the shroud off and clean the flywheel and fins of debree (helps on cooling and life)

I like to use a little marvel mystery oil in mine..... keeps the carb and cylinder walls lubed and clean....

Every 5 years atleast.... take the cylinder head off (get a new head gasket) and clean the carbon deposits...


That B&S engine will give you many, many years of use.

Answer 3

You could visit the website of the manufacturer for details but it sounds like you have it under control. Is the blade sharp? Set the cutting height to about 80% of the grass height.
Walk the yard to find debris and rocks which could be ejected before you mow and ........mow on little mower.


I have no idea what 3 cycle oil is????? Small engine 4 cycle oil is best but regular motor oil is good also. Check with the manufacturer http://www.briggsandstratton.com/ if you have any questions. There is no need to add anything to the fuel. Fuel stabilizer is for winter storage. You may need to use a higher octane fuel though if it is recommended.

Answer 4

Kcrudy got the oil type right. USE SAE 30. Unleaded gas is right do not moisten the filter. That is an AIR filter, if you moisten it you may not get enough air into the carb to make it run, OR you will suck the fluid into the carb.

Answer 5

I am not expert but I know also besides oil and gas the spark plug cover is usually not on all the way, make sure it is pushed in over the plug. also a fuel stabilizer can be added to the gas at the beginning of the season. ( but you can run your mower without it. )

Answer 6

do not use 5w30 oil in your mower use SAE 30 oil and change it after approx 5-10 hours breakin then every 25 hours after that.

5w30 oil is not heavy enough for an air cooled engine during summer use, it is for winter operation.

Answer 7

I bought a new mower earlier this year and it was pretty much plug and play. Just add the oil and gas and it is ready to go.

Answer 8

Use 3 cycle and change the oil after your first cutting.

Answer 9

sounds like you can mow now,or is it you can now mow or now you can mow or mow, you can now as yoda would say