Diagrams & Terms
Our handy mower diagram is a reference to help you understand the various parts of a typical lawn mower.
One of the most important components on your lawn mower is the engine. So understanding your lawn mower engine is important too. Print out this PDF to find out about your engine's parts and how they work together.
Handlebar
The handlebar is usually adjustable for operator comfort. It also displays other operator comforts such as the safety bail (sometimes called the operator control bar), throttle control and starter handle.
Fuel Cap
The fuel cap should be clearly marked on your mower. Fill only with clean, fresh gasoline (NOT a gasoline mixture) to ensure easy starts. Always use fuel stabilizer, such as FreshStart™ continuous fuel preserver.
Air Cleaner
Generally made of paper or foam, the air filter captures dirt and debris, preventing it from reaching internal engine parts, where it will cause an engine to prematurely wear out.
Side Discharge Cover
Helps guide grass clippings and other debris away from the operator.
Primer
The primer forces fuel into the throat of the carburetor for easier starting.
Bail or Operator Control Bar
The operator control bar, located near the main handle bar, engages or stops the blades from rotating and can shut down the engine when released.
Rewind/Starter Handle
The rewind or "starter" cord is the cord with the small handle that must be pulled to start most walk-behind lawn mower engines. Mowers with electric starters start the engine with the turn of a key. Engines equipped with the Touch-N-Moweasy starting system use the push of a button.
Oil Cap and Oil Dipstick
The oil fill cap is located at the top of the engine. Oil is very important, as it lubricates internal engine parts to prevent them from binding up. The dipstick is located under the oil fill cap and is used to check the level of oil in the engine.
Spark Plug
Shaped like a small cylinder, the spark plug creates the spark in the combustion chamber of the engine, igniting the fuel and air mixture, allowing the engine to run.
Wheel Height Adjustment
Raises or lowers the wheel height on the mower depending on how much grass you want to cut.
Mower Deck
The mower deck is a metal housing that covers and protects the operator from the mower blades and debris.
Throttle Control
The throttle lever is connected directly to the carburetor. The carburetor is the device that meters and mixes fresh, clean air and fuel. As the throttle lever is moved to the fast position, the carburetor allows more air and fuel to flow to the engine combustion chamber, delivering more speed and power.