5 min read

How to use a lawnmower safely

Preparation, use and maintenance

How to use a lawnmower safely? It’s a broad topic because it covers a range of activities and is partly linked to the machine's power source. When you buy a new lawnmower it is essential to get familiar with it, so only start working after having carefully read the user manual, including the sections on how to operate the various components, checks to be carried out and instructions for maintenance. It doesn’t matter if it’s not your first lawnmower: each model has its own characteristics that you need to know about, and sometimes over-familiarity can make you underestimate the risks and lowers your attention threshold. So, in order to ensure safe use, reading the manual is a must. In this article we will summarise the main measures for using a lawnmower safely.

Get ready to work safely with your lawnmower

Postpone work in the event of bad weather (rain, storm, etc.) and, first of all, make sure that the work area is clear:

Work only in bright light.
Remove rocks, branches and anything else that might be thrown up by the moving lawnmower blade.
Keep away people – especially children – and animals.
Stay away from flammable substances if you have a battery-powered or electric lawnmower.

When working with the lawnmower, always wear:

protective glasses or a face shield
close-fitting workwear with long trousers
closed, non-slip and cut-resistant shoes
gloves with anti-vibration reinforcements and anti-noise ear defenders/earplugs (especially if the lawnmower is petrol-powered)

Remember to tie up long hair and remove scarves, bracelets and loose clothing, which could get caught in the moving parts of the machine. Here you will find our complete line of protective clothing.

How to use a lawnmower safely

Only use the lawnmower if you are fit: it is better to postpone the work if you are tired or struggling to concentrate, etc. Before starting, check that:

all the controls function properly.
the engine’s cooling air intakes are unobstructed.
the handlebar is dry and not greasy or oily.
the machine's protective devices are correctly fitted and securely fastened.
the batteries are charged (if the lawnmower is battery powered).
the mains voltage of the power socket matches the operating voltage of the electric lawnmower (230 V) and the socket conforms to local regulations.

To maintain control of the lawnmower without slipping or tripping:

Plant your feet firmly on the ground.
Grip the handlebar tightly with both hands.

Walk, don't run.
Don’t mow on very steep terrain.
If working on a slope, work across it (rather than uphill or downhill).
Exercise caution when changing direction.
Be careful when pulling the lawnmower towards you.

To prevent slipping, avoid mowing wet grass. With electric and battery-powered lawnmowers, you definitely shouldn't do this, for electrical safety reasons. Besides, it’s a question of lawn health and work efficiency: we talked about this in our article on cutting wet grass. We also recommend that you don’t use the lawnmower for purposes other than those for which it was designed, such as to shred pruning waste (for this job, use a flail mower instead).

Precautions based on the lawnmower's power source

If using an electric lawnmower, be careful of the electric cable while mowing:

Keep it away from the blade, other sharp elements (edges, etc.) and heat sources.
Make sure that people and passing vehicles cannot damage it.
Make sure that it lies flat and untangled.
Don’t pull on it to move the mower or to unplug it from the socket.

As for battery-powered lawnmowers, we recommend that you:

use only original batteries and battery chargers recommended by the manufacturer.
follow the instructions for correct battery charging.
be careful of dropping the machine or accidental knocks: don’t use batteries if they are damaged.
keep the batteries in a cool environment, away from metal objects, out of direct sunlight and protected from moisture and rain.

If using a petrol engine lawnmower, exercise extreme caution when handling fuel:

Don’t smoke, and keep away from naked flames.
Refuel your lawnmower outdoors, with the engine cold.
After refuelling, clean the lawnmower of any traces of fuel and start it well away from the spot where you filled it up.
Store fuel in a suitable container, in a cool, ventilated environment, away from flammable materials.

Lawnmower safety and routine maintenance

Last but certainly not least, maintenance and cleaning are the cornerstones for ensuring a safe and efficient lawnmower. Before doing anything, turn off the machine and let the engine cool down. If the lawnmower is electric, unplug it from the mains socket; if it is battery powered, remove the batteries; if it is petrol driven, remove the spark plug. Also be careful of other hot parts, such as the battery or the muffler (in the case of petrol-powered models). In all cases, don’t touch the blades before they come to a complete stop, and always wear protective gloves.

Regardless of the power source, after using the lawnmower we recommend that you:

check over the entire machine, including the grass catcher, for breakage, signs of wear, etc.
clear off any vegetation, soil, dirt, etc.
clean the engine cooling air intakes in particular.
check that all accessible nuts and screws are properly tightened.
check whether the blade is securely attached and whether it is worn or damaged.

Also, if the lawnmower is electric, check that the power cord and plug are not worn or damaged (the same goes for the extension cord, if you are using one). If the lawnmower is battery powered, check that the batteries and charger are intact and keep the contacts clean. If the lawnmower is petrol driven, check the air filter, fuel filter, engine cylinder fins and spark plug, and either clean them or replace them with original spare parts.

For any kind of non-routine maintenance – such as sharpening and replacing the lawnmower blade – get in touch with the technicians at your nearest Efco service centre. Furthermore, every couple of years or – if you use it intensively – at the end of each season, we recommend that you take the lawnmower to one of our service centres for a general check-up.

Speaking of petrol engine lawnmowers, here is a video summary of how to use a petrol engine lawnmower correctly, from preparation and starting to operation and cleaning.

Thinking of buying a lawnmower or replacing the one you have? To help you decide, check out these articles: