How to Start Your New Gas Lawn Mower (The Right Way)
So, the freight truck just pulled away. You inspected the crate, paid your cash balance, and now you have a brand-new, high-performance machine sitting in your driveway.
At Cadets Gear, we know that unboxing a piece of heavy equipment is exciting. But before you tear into the grass, you need to set your machine up for the long haul. Most professional-grade mowers are shipped “dry” to comply with freight safety regulations.
Here is the definitive guide to safely fueling, oiling, and starting your new gas mower for the first time—so you can get to work.
⚠️ Pre-Start Checklist
Do not pull that cord yet. Because we ship our machinery via freight carriers, your mower arrives without fluids. Attempting to start it now could seize the engine and void your warranty.
What you need:
Fresh Unleaded Gasoline: Minimum 87 octane. (Avoid ethanol blends over 10% if possible—they attract moisture).
Engine Oil: Check your owner’s manual for the specific grade (usually SAE 30 or 10W-30).
A Level Surface: Driveway or garage floor.
Step-by-Step: Firing Up Your Machine
1. Add Engine Oil (Critical)
Since your machine was shipped securely to your door, the oil reservoir is likely empty.
Locate the oil fill cap (usually yellow or black).
Pour slowly. These high-compression engines don’t need much to overflow.
Check the dipstick frequently. The oil should sit perfectly between the “Add” and “Full” marks.
Pro Tip: Overfilling is just as bad as underfilling. Take your time.
2. Fill the Fuel Tank
Use fresh gasoline. Gas that has been sitting in a can for 6 months loses combustibility and can gum up your carburetor.
Fill to just below the neck to allow for fuel expansion.
Tighten the cap until it clicks.
3. Prime the Engine (If Equipped)
Many of the walk-behind and push mowers we stock feature a primer bulb to help get fuel into the carburetor for a cold start.
Locate the soft rubber bulb on the side of the engine.
Press firmly 3 times. You should feel the fuel moving.
Note: If your model has an “Auto-Choke” system (common on higher-end Cub Cadet models), you can skip this step.
4. Engage the Safety Operator Control
Stand behind the handle.
Pull the Safety Bail Bar back against the handle and hold it there.
This is a “Dead Man’s Switch”—the engine will not start (or stay running) unless this bar is engaged.
5. The Pull
Grip the starter handle firmly.
Give it a smooth, rapid pull. Don’t jerk it violently; just use a strong, fluid motion.
It should fire up within 1–3 pulls.
Once running: Let the engine idle for about 60 seconds before engaging the blades. This allows the oil to circulate properly.
Troubleshooting: If It Doesn’t Start
You verified the exterior condition during your Cash on Delivery (COD) inspection, so we know the machine isn’t damaged. If it won’t start, it’s usually one of these simple issues:
Issue Possible Cause The Fix No sound / Cord is loose Safety Bar not engaged Hold the safety bar tight against the handle. Cord pulls, no start No fuel in carburetor Press the primer bulb 3 more times. Starts then dies Stale gas or Choke issue Ensure gas is fresh. Keep the safety bar held. Cord is stuck Blade obstruction Check under the deck for shipping cardboard or debris. The Cadets Gear Promise
We believe in a “Verify First, Pay Later” model because we want you to be confident in what you buy. You’ve already done the smart part by reserving your equipment with a 20% deposit and inspecting it upon arrival.
Now, maintain that investment. Read your manual, keep your oil clean, and your machine will serve you for years.
Ready to upgrade your fleet?
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Need technical assistance? Our support team is standing by.
📧 support@cadetsgear.us
