How Much Gas Does A Lawn Mower Use? Gas Consumption Explained!
You own a lawn mower, mow your lawn weekly, and worry about gas usage, right? And yes, you should worry about this, as spending much on gas is not feasible for everyone. But don’t worry; I’ve got this detailed guide to let you know how much gas does a lawn mower use.
This question has no direct answer, as every lawn mower uses different gas amounts. This also depends on the mower size, the area you mow, and the time you take to trim that area. However, a mower uses from 0.25 to 4 gallons per hour, depending on its type and overall load.
In this article, I’ll discuss gas consumption in different types of lawn mowers and the factors that affect it. I’ll also offer some expert tips to reduce gas usage and save a lot on the next refilling. If you are new to lawn care, read this article to learn all about lawn mower gas usage.
How Much Gas Does A Lawn Mower Use? A Quick Overview
As I mentioned, there is no direct answer to how much gas lawn mowers use. Every mower type uses gas in different amounts, especially based on the size. A big mower has a bigger engine and more gas capacity and consumes more gas when mowing more area and vice versa.
When knowing gas consumption for your specific mower, consider these factors and adjust your expectations accordingly. As a regular lawn-mowing individual, you’d want to keep gas costs at the least. Let’s move ahead with the factors to discuss what influences mower gas usage.
Factors Affecting Gas Consumption In Lawn Mowers
Well, some factors directly affect the amount of gas your lawn mower uses. And in this section, I’ll explain all these factors so you can consider them before buying a mower or changing gas. If you understand these primary factors, you can efficiently estimate and manage fuel usage.
Your Lawn Mower’s Type
The type of lawn mower you possess plays a significant role in determining its gas consumption. Several types of lawn mowers are available that use gas as a fuel, each with its features and fuel requirements. Here is a quick overview of how each mower can relate to usage.
Push mowers, also known as walk-behind mowers, are manually operated. These mowers rely on human effort to propel them forward while cutting the grass. Due to their smaller size and lower power output, push mowers have lower gas consumption than other types.
Self-propelled mowers have a drive system that powers the wheels, reducing the effort required to push the mower. These mowers generally have larger engines and cutting decks than push mowers. So, they consume slightly more gas but offer greater convenience and ease of use.
Riding mowers, or lawn tractors, are for larger properties and commercial use. These mowers have powerful engines and wide cutting decks, enabling them to cover large areas quickly. Due to their size and increased power output, riding mowers consume more gas than other types.
Your Mower’s Engine Size
The engine size of your lawn mower is a crucial factor that directly affects its gas consumption. It’s typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or horsepower (HP) and indicates the engine’s power output. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how engine size impacts gas usage:
Mowers with smaller engines, typically ranging from 140cc to 190cc or 4-6 HP, are commonly found in push mowers. These engines are for smaller lawns and lighter-duty applications. Due to their lower power output, mowers with smaller engines consume less gas.
Mowers with medium-sized engines fall from 190cc to 300cc or 6-9 HP. These engines are commonly found in larger self-propelled mowers. They offer increased power and cutting capabilities and may consume slightly more gas than those with smaller engines.
Riding and commercial-grade mowers often feature larger engines ranging from 300cc to 500cc or more, delivering 10 HP. These engines provide substantial power for handling large areas and complex terrain. However, due to their increased power output, they consume more gas.
Your Lawn’s Grass Age
The age of the lawn’s grass is a factor that can impact the gas consumption of your lawn mower. As grass matures, it undergoes changes in density, height, and overall health, which can affect the power required to cut it. Here’s a more how grass age affects gas consumption:
Young grass refers to newly established lawns or recently seeded areas. During the early stages of growth, the grass is typically thin, tender, and not densely packed. Such grass requires less power and effort, and the mower can glide through the grass easily, consuming less gas.
As grass matures and becomes denser, it requires more power to cut effectively. The increased density means the mower’s blades must work harder to penetrate the thicker grass blades. This results in higher resistance and potentially higher gas consumption.
Wet grass or grass that has become overgrown can significantly impact gas consumption. Wet grass clings to the mower’s blades and deck, causing additional resistance and requiring more power to cut. This can result in increased gas consumption while cutting.
Overall Maintenance
The overall maintenance of your lawn mower plays a crucial role in its gas consumption. Regular and proper care ensures that your mower operates efficiently, resulting in optimal fuel usage. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how maintenance affects gas consumption:
The air filter prevents dirt, debris, and contaminants from entering the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged, restricting airflow and causing the engine to work harder. So, a dirty air filter reduces fuel efficiency and can lead to increased gas consumption.
The spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber. A worn-out or faulty spark plug can result in incomplete combustion, leading to decreased engine efficacy. And as a result, gas usage will increase to give power to the engine to perform.
Average Gas Consumption By Various Lawn Mowers
Regarding gas consumption, different mowers have varying average usage rates based on their design, engine size, and usage patterns. As I mentioned, understanding the gas usage rates for various mowers can help you estimate fuel costs and plan accordingly. Let’s dig deeper:
Push Lawn Mowers
On average, push lawn mowers consume around 0.25 gallons of gas per hour. These mowers typically have smaller engines and are suitable for smaller lawns. With these lawn mowers, you can perfectly mow areas that don’t require excessive power.
Self-Propelled Mowers
Self-propelled mowers with built-in drive systems use slightly more gas than push lawn mowers. On average, they consume approximately 0.3 gallons of gas per hour. These mowers are ideal for larger lawns where pushing a mower manually may be tiresome.
Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding mowers, designed for larger areas, have more powerful engines and consume more gas than the other mower types. On average, riding mowers use around 0.5 gallons of gas per hour. These mowers provide comfort and efficiency for maintaining expansive lawns.
Tips To Reduce Gas Consumption In Your Lawn Mower
Efficient gas usage in your mower helps save money on fuel costs and protects the environment. You can minimize gas consumption by implementing a few tips and achieve a well-maintained and healthy lawn. So, let’s explore the following tips to reduce gas consumption:
Mow In The Morning
Mowing your lawn in the morning, especially during cooler hours, can help reduce gas usage. In the early hours, the ambient temperature is lower, resulting in reduced strain on the engine. In the cold, less fuel evaporation occurs, allowing better combustion and fuel economy.
Mow Twice A Month
Instead of mowing your lawn frequently, consider mowing it on a bi-weekly schedule. Allowing the grass to grow slightly taller before each mowing session can help reduce gas consumption. It’s because longer grass provides shade to the soil, reducing moisture loss and weed growth.
Mow With Sharp Blades
Using sharp mower blades is essential for efficient and proper cutting. Dull blades tend to tear the grass instead of cleanly cutting it. Regularly sharpen or replace the blades to ensure a clean and precise cut. It’ll help reduce the strain on the engine and maximize fuel efficiency.
Adjust Mowing Height
Adjusting the mowing height of your lawn mower can impact your grass’s health and gas usage. Set the cutting height to the right level for your grass type and growing conditions. Cutting too low can stress the grass and increase the need for more frequent mowing.
Use The Right Gas Fuel
Using the correct type of gas, recommended by the manufacturer, is crucial for ideal power and fuel efficiency. Gasoline with a higher ethanol content can lead to decreased efficiency. Use fuel with a lower ethanol content to ensure efficient combustion and minimize gas usage.
How much gas does a lawn mower use in an hour?
The gas usage of a lawn mower varies depending on its type and specific model. On average, push mowers use about 0.25 gallons of gas, self-propelled mowers use around 0.3 gallons, and riding mowers consume about 0.5 gallons per hour.
How many gallons of gas does a lawn mower hold?
The gas tank capacity of a lawn mower can vary depending on the model and size. On average, lawn mowers have gas tanks that hold around 1 to 4 gallons of fuel. To know the exact capacity of your specific mower, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
How much gas does a push mower hold?
A push mower typically holds around 1.5 to 2 gallons of gas. However, it’s important to note that the exact gas tank capacity can vary depending on the specific model. Some brands, such as Toro push mowers, have a gas capacity of only half a gallon.
Conclusion
Well, that’s all about how much gas do lawnmowers use. Regarding lawn mowers, it’s crucial to understand how much gas they use for budgeting and eco-conscious lawn care. You can optimize gas usage by considering various factors and implementing fuel-saving tips.
To reduce gas consumption, mow during cooler hours, such as in the morning. Follow a regular mowing schedule, use sharp blades, and adjust the mowing height. All these factors contribute to optimal gas usage—you won’t have to refill your gas every time you mow your lawn.
Seth T. is a freelance content writer and garden doctor. In his free time, you’ll find him tending to his garden, nurturing plants, and finding innovative ways to make the most of his outdoor space.
How Much Gas Does a Push Mower Hold?
How much gas does a push mower hold? This is a common question that people have The fuel capacity of a push mower varies depending on the specific model and brand.
Understanding the gas capacity of your mower is essential for planning and ensuring uninterrupted mowing sessions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the factors that determine gas capacity, common gas tank sizes for push mowers
The gas capacity of a push mower typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 gallons, although it may vary depending on the specific model and brand. Different models and brands and tools have different capacities. We will discuss the different fuel sizes below
Common Gas Tank Sizes for Push Mowers.
Small Gas Tanks:
Push mowers with smaller gas tanks generally hold around 0.5 to 0.75 gallons of fuel. These models are suitable for smaller lawns or light-duty mowing tasks.
While they may require more frequent refueling, they are often more compact and easier to maneuver.
Medium Gas Tanks:
Push mowers with medium-sized gas tanks typically hold around 0.75 to 1 gallon of fuel.
These models strike a balance between fuel capacity and maneuverability, making them suitable for medium-sized lawns or moderately demanding mowing tasks.
Large Gas Tanks:
Push mowers with larger gas tanks can hold around 1 to 1.5 gallons of fuel.
These models are designed for larger lawns or more demanding mowing conditions, such as thick or tall grass.
With a larger gas capacity, they allow for longer continuous mowing sessions without frequent refueling.
Understanding Gas Capacity:
Factors Influencing Gas Capacity:
The gas capacity of a push mower is determined by various factors, including the mower’s design, size, and intended use.
Manufacturers consider factors such as engine size, cutting deck size, and intended mowing area when determining the appropriate gas tank size for a particular model.
Relationship Between Gas Capacity and Mowing Time:
The gas capacity of a push mower is directly related to the amount of time it can run continuously without refueling.
A larger gas tank allows for longer mowing sessions, while a smaller tank may require more frequent refills.
Understanding the Gas Tank of a lawn mower
Fuel Capacity
The fuel capacity of a push lawn mower’s tank varies depending on the model and manufacturer.
However, on average, push lawn mowers typically have a fuel tank capacity of around 0.25 to 0.5 gallons. This capacity is generally sufficient to cover a small to medium-sized lawn on a single tank of gas.
Fuel Efficiency
Push lawnmowers are usually more fuel-efficient compared to their riding counterparts. This is because they have smaller engines that consume less fuel.
The fuel consumption of your push lawn mower will depend on the specific model and how it’s used.
Quality of Fuel
It’s recommended to use fresh unleaded fuel in your push lawn mower. High-grade unleaded fuel can improve the lawn mower’s engine performance and increase fuel efficiency, which ultimately means it decreases how much gas it consumes.
Fuel Capacity
On the other hand, riding lawnmowers typically have a larger fuel capacity due to their larger size and more powerful engines.
The average gas tank capacity of a riding lawn mower ranges from 1 to 3 gallons.
What kind of gas should I use in my mower?
Quality of Fuel
As with push mowers, it’s recommended to use fresh, high-grade unleaded fuel in your riding lawn mower.
This improves the lawn mower’s engine performance and can potentially reduce fuel consumption.
Use Fuel Stabilizers
If you’re lawn mower use is not frequent, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the lawn mower gas tank.
This will help maintain the quality of the gas and ensure your lawn mower runs smoothly when you need it.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your lawn mower can also improve fuel efficiency. This includes regular oil changes, air filter cleaning or replacement, and spark plug maintenance.
How Much Gas Does a Push Mower Hold: FAQs
How much gas does a push mower use?
On average, a push mower has a fuel space of around 0.25 to 0.5 gallons. it also depends on lawn mower use.
How can I improve the fuel efficiency of my lawn mower?
Regular maintenance and using high-quality, fresh unleaded fuel can improve the fuel efficiency of your push mower/ riding mower.
How much gas does a riding mower use?
Riding mowers typically have a fuel space of 1 to 3 gallons. Their fuel consumption depends on factors such as engine type, Fuel tank size, terrain, and lawn mower use.
10-minute Lawn Mower Fuel Flow Fix!
What should I do if I’m not using my mower frequently?
If you’re not using your mower frequently, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to maintain the quality of the gas.
What other maintenance tasks should I perform on my push mower?
In addition to fueling, it’s essential to regularly check the oil levels, clean or replace air filters, sharpen or replace blades, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for optimal performance and longevity.
Where should I refuel my push mower?
Refuel your push mower in a well-ventilated outdoor area to prevent the buildup of potentially hazardous fuel fumes.
Can I use a funnel when refueling my push mower?
Using a funnel is a good practice to avoid spillage and ensure precise fueling. It helps minimize wastage and prevents fuel from coming into contact with sensitive components
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much gas your lawn mower uses is a critical part of managing its operation and maintenance.
Whether you’re using a lawn mower or a riding lawn mower, you’ll need to consider the fuel tank, fuel efficiency, and the quality of fuel you use to ensure optimal performance.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can maintain your lawn mower more effectively and potentially save on fuel costs in the long run. your lawn use should be frequent to keep it from rusting.
They’ve got the power: What you need to know about mower engines
Mower engines have come a long way since the first internal combustion engine (ICE) was put into a commercial lawn mower by Ransomes of Ipswich in England in 1902.
“Internal combustion engines are changing as government regulations and market competition increases,” says Ken Logan, product strategy manager at Kawasaki. “Of course, the physics hasn’t changed for ICEs — intake, compression, spark, exhaust — but the technology of how to do this has. power is coming out of engines while lowering fuel consumption, improving exhaust emissions and increasing engine life.”
Well over a century later, it is hard to even conceive of using a lawn mower that isn’t powered by an engine, especially if it is being used on a large commercial or residential property.
Recent developments and innovations in commercial mower engine technology can help landscape contractors save fuel and money. The power they afford can also help companies be more efficient, even if they have fewer employees, which is important in an industry experiencing a dwindling labor market.
Many of the latest innovations in engines have been introduced to enable mowers to cover more ground in less time, says Brett Wegner, product manager, Kohler Engines. “With tightened labor markets, productivity has become more critical because time is money,” he adds.
When it comes to a commercial mower engine, the fuel choice is perhaps one of the biggest deciding factors, and more efficient fuel consumption is one of the biggest recent advances in engine technology. Fuel and the rate at which it’s consumed can determine cost of ownership, environmental impact and engine performance.
“All different fuels have their place,” Wegner says. “The benefits depend on the type of equipment you’re using and the fuel source that’s most readily available and cost-effective for your specific use.”
No matter what type of fuel a landscape contractor chooses to use in his or her mowers, developments in engine technology ensure he or she will likely experience a cost savings, benefit from environmental friendliness and see an increase in power.
Saving green
“Certainly engine products today are far more efficient than they used to be,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “One of the ways you get to emissions conformity is by reducing the amount of fuel you burn, so if you have an emissions requirement, you’ll burn less fuel. Engines have gotten far more efficient as of late.”
If an engine burns less fuel, it stands to reason that less money will be spent on fuel. Electronic fuel injection (EFI) is one innovation in engine technology that helps landscape contractors use fuel more efficiently, which in turn, saves them money.
KEEP IT CLEAN Propane-powered mowers are cleaner burning than their gasoline or diesel counterparts. (Photo: Kohler)
EFI systems — which have been commonly used in automobiles for many years — work to precisely meter fuel in the engine to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. While some commercial mower engine manufacturers have been using EFI for several years, for many, it is still new technology.
According to John Deere’s engineering team, EFI reduces machine cost without sacrificing performance. EFI machines do not have carburetors, which often require routine maintenance or replacement — both of which can be costly and lead to downtime.
The sensor technology in an EFI engine optimizes performance by adapting to operating conditions.
“For example, in applications like an urban area where you’re doing a lot of transport time between parking lots and different areas where you’re not running the (power takeoff), it’s not consuming as much fuel because the engine doesn’t have to power all those areas,” explains Natalie Haller, product marketing manager for commercial mowing at John Deere.
The technology allows engines to continuously adjust engine performance in response to changes in operating conditions — such as external temperature and altitude.
Engines equipped with EFI technology are able to make adjustments as they run, so fuel is always being used in the most efficient manner, no matter the operating conditions and, most importantly, if the operating conditions change. Not only does this save companies money, but it also adds to the machine’s green factor.
IT’S ELECTRIC Electric or battery-powered mowers serve as options to completely eliminate emissions. (Photo: Mean Green Mowers)
The fuel system itself is constantly readjusting, measuring and tweaking its air-fuel ratio hundreds of thousands of times per minute and optimizes the performance of the engine to put out the least emissions and be as fuel-efficient as possible, says Jeremy Wishart, director of off-road business for the Propane Education Research Council (PERC).
EFI technology is now common on gasoline-powered engines, but there are only a few manufacturers that have adopted it for propane engines, according to Wishart. He says he expects several companies to announce EFI propane engines in the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of next.
Other efficiencies incorporated into today’s mowers that can save contractors money include: cast-iron cylinder liners; aluminum block; large capacity air, fuel and oil filters; high-performance spark plugs; and hydraulic valve lifters, Wegner says.
Fuel choice is another way contractors can save money on their mowers. Though gasoline is still the most common fuel of choice for mower engines, according to Briggs Stratton, switching to an alternative fuel like propane will cost more upfront but overall can help a company’s bottom line.
According to Wishart, unlike traditional fuels such as gasoline or diesel, propane is less susceptible to market volatility and less likely to see fluctuations in price due to weather, geopolitical conflict, a refinery going down or even regional price differences.
Because a landscape contractor can lock in fuel price with a propane retailer, he or she can more effectively budget for fuel, since generally, the price won’t change until the contract is renewed.
Going green
Environmental, or green, initiatives are top of mind for many engine manufacturers. As emissions regulations get ever stricter, companies must find ways to make their engines more environmentally friendly, which is another area where EFI comes in.
POWER UP Gasoline and propane-powered mowers offer the same amount of power to the engine. Diesel engines, however, provide more torque. (Photo: John Deere)
“With older carbureted engines, you’re basically tuning it for one operating condition, and that’s usually max power. And max power equals max fuel consumption, unfortunately,” Wishart says.
Decreasing fuel consumption not only decreases the amount of money operators have to spend on fuel, but it also decreases the amount of engine emissions.
Other companies have committed to developing engines that run on cleaner-burning alternative fuels. Propane engines have gained some traction in recent years due to their lower emissions and financial incentives from the government and PERC that can help make the purchase of new propane-powered equipment more affordable, Wegner says.
“Since propane is a cleaner-burning fuel, propane models are ideal for states that enforce Ozone Action Days, when mowing with carbureted gasoline engines is limited,” Wegner adds.
When EFI is added to an already clean-burning propane engine, the environmental impacts are lessened even further. And with more engine manufacturers jumping on board to develop propane EFI engines, they are becoming more readily available.
Other engine companies are embracing the green trend, not just by the type of fuel they use, but by what the engines themselves are made out of. Briggs Stratton’s commercial mower engines are comprised of 98 percent recycled aluminum.
“Not 100 percent of the materials can be recycled, but many of the materials can be,” says Michelle Gross, senior director of marketing for North America in Briggs Stratton’s global engines and power group.
Even diesel-powered engines, which have historically been some of the dirtier engines, are getting more environmentally friendly. “There have been significant strides in diesel, whether it’s injection or filtering because emissions requirements are tightening,” Kiser says. “Oftentimes the cost of fuel will dictate the product choice and selection. But certainly diesel manufacturers have made significant progress in making engines cleaner.”
According to Haller, the John Deere Z997R, which is a diesel engine, was in final Tier-4 compliance a full year ahead of the mandated regulation, just to support the cleaner emissions.
Tier-4 emissions standards are the strictest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for off-road diesel engines. According to the EPA, to meet Tier-4 emission standards, engine manufacturers must produce new engines with advanced emission control technologies, and in-use diesel fuel must decrease sulfur levels by more than 99 percent, since the emission control devices can be damaged by sulfur.
Kohler manufactures diesel engines from 9.1 to 134 HP for a wide variety of equipment. These engines are unique because they meet Tier-4 standards without the use of a diesel particulate filter, Wegner says. The diesel particulate filter removes soot from the exhaust of a diesel engine.
Not only is this part of the engine often bulky and inefficient, Wegner notes, but the filter can also be costly to replace. Being able to eliminate it altogether saves money and the downtime associated with engine repairs.
“We have a lot of faith in our manufacturers that they will be able to meet any emissions requirements,” Kiser says.
Mowing green
Josh Willis of Greenscapes Land Care, Worton, Md.(Photo: Tony Ventouris, tonyventourisphotography.com)
Ultimately, no matter what kind of engine a mower comes equipped with, it is important to find the one that is right for a company’s intended application, budget and fuel availability. Overall, gasoline-powered engines are still the most popular, according to Gross. One of the benefits of a gasoline engine is the prevalence of the fuel.
“For most commercial lawn mower applications, gasoline is preferred because it delivers proven performance and is relatively inexpensive, easy to use and readily available,” Wegner says.
Gasoline is everywhere at every fuel station in every town, Haller notes. It is not always easy to find diesel, and securing propane typically requires a contract with a local propane retailer.
It’s also likely that if a gasoline engine needs maintenance, a landscape contractor is going to be able to find someone who can fix it. “Gas engines are easier to service because most of the small engine repair shops FOCUS on gas engines,” Gross adds.
Performance-wise, propane and gasoline operate about the same, but there is a notable power difference when it comes to diesel engines, which do afford operators a bit more power under the hood, Haller says.
According to Haller, diesel provides more torque, so if an operator is mowing through thick or tall grass, diesel engines are going to give them more power and provide a better quality cut the first time around. Unfortunately, the power comes at a price. Diesel still has the stigma of being one of the dirtier fuels.
“Diesel has greater power density than gasoline, but it has a reputation to overcome … (Think of) that thick black billowing Cloud of smoke belching out of the exhaust you see from trucks on the highway,” Logan says.
Propane, while clean burning, especially when compared to diesel, has a stigma of its own to shake off. According to Wishart, landscape contractors often believe propane won’t afford them the same type of power they’re used to working with.
Wishart explains that all of the rumors landscape contractors have heard about propane-powered mowers are generally just that, rumors. “Give it a try on one mower,” he says. “You’ll experience that the power is going to be the same, the maneuverability is going to be the same.”
According to Kiser, as long as the correct engine is paired with the right mower, a user is going to experience the intended amount of power paired with the best fuel economy.
“There are a wide variety of engines. The key is finding what product works best (for your application),” he says. “Manufacturers are terrific at this. The key there is to identify what engine is best and then make them available in the marketplace.”
Motorin’
It stands to reason that the simplest way to save money on fuel and reduce emissions is to eliminate the internal combustion engine altogether, which some companies are doing by switching to electric or battery-powered equipment.
Electric and battery-powered mowers run on motors, rather than engines, and tend to cost a bit more upfront than their engine-powered counterparts, says Joe Conrad, president of Mean Green Mowers.
“Electric mowers are going to be a higher initial investment,” he says. “Most contractors find that it takes about one-third of the service life to obtain the return on investment. The last two-thirds of the service life savings is money in the of the contractor.”
Conrad says there are several reasons why landscape contractors may choose to switch to electric or battery-powered commercial mowers, including:
- Customers requesting a green alternative that is nonpolluting;
- Customers wanting quieter options; and
- Contractors can more easily draw in new customers — or keep existing ones — by offering low noise and zero emissions.
According to Conrad, electric or battery-powered mowers also require less routine maintenance because they do not have belts, pulleys, hydraulics or oil that need changing.
“Electric mowers save money because of minimal maintenance and zero fuel to purchase,” he says. “They also save time since the mowers charge overnight and (operators) do not need to make trips to the gas stations during the day to fill up.”
Electric mowers’ lack of emissions is another upside for operators, according to Conrad. “Low noise, zero exhaust smells and very low vibrations mean less stress on the operator.”
Why is Lawn Mower Using Too Much Gas? (And How to Fix It)
If your lawn mower is gas-powered and has started consuming excessive gasoline, then this article will be very helpful to you.
A lawn mower is one of the essential lawn care tools that you need to maintain your lawn. But when it starts consuming a high amount of fuel, it doesn’t only increase the mowing cost but also harms the environment.
And these two reasons are enough to get concerned about this issue and fix it. In this article, I will tell you the possible causes of why your lawn mower is using too much gas. I will also tell you how you can get rid of this issue and make your lawn mower more fuel efficient.
Why is Your Lawn Mower Using Too Much Gas?
1) Air Filter is Clogged
The air filter is one of the most important components of a lawn mower because it prevents debris, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the engine.
But there is one problem with an air filter over time, it gets clogged with dirt and other lawn debris, which reduces the airflow to the engine of your lawn mower. This causes the mower’s engine to use more fuel to maintain its output power.
How to Fix This Issue?
There are two ways to fix this issue. First, clean the air filter by removing any dirt or debris that has become lodged in it. You can also use an air filter cleaner kit for cleaning the air filter of your lawn mower.
The second way is to replace the old air filter with a newer one. You only need to go for the second way if you find the air filter to be damaged or extremely dirty; otherwise, cleaning it will work.
2) Tire Pressure is Low
Lawn mower tires help with providing stability and traction while mowing your lawn. If the air within the lawn mower tires is low (underinflated), the engine has to work hard to compensate for the load, which ultimately leads to excessive fuel consumption.
How to Fix This Issue?
In order to fix this problem, you need to check whether the tires are underinflated or not. You can also check the tire pressure every time before you start mowing your lawn. If the tires are underinflated, you need to inflate them with an air pump in accordance with the recommended levels mentioned in the owner’s manual.
For comfort, get a portable tire inflator to reduce unnecessary hassle.
3) Engine Speed is Too High
Many people increase the engine speed of their lawn mowers in order to speed up them. Though it is useful, it can reduce the fuel efficiency of your mower machine and it starts consuming more fuel unnecessarily.
How to Fix This Problem?
If you find that the engine speed of your lawn mower is too high, you can adjust your own or seek help from professional a lawn technician.
4) You are Using Low-quality or Old Fuel
If you use old and low-quality fuel, it will make your mower machine burn an excessive amount of fuel. It is because when the fuel is stored longer in the fuel tank of a lawn mower, it becomes stale and can break down and lose its potency over time. When the engine uses such fuel, it will decrease the fuel efficiency of your lawn mower.
Along with it, if you use bad fuel, it may contain impurities that can clog the engine and make the mower suffer from other problems such as backfiring, sputtering, etc.
How to Fix This Issue?
The only way to get rid of this problem is to use fresh, high-quality fuel. If old and bad-quality fuel is already in the fuel tank, you need to drain it at a suitable place.
5) Fuel Filter Has Become Dirty
The fuel filter is one of the essential components of the fuel system of a lawn mower. It plays an important role in preventing dirt, debris, and other fuel contaminants from entering the engine.
But as time passes, the fuel filter can become clogged and start restricting the fuel flow to the engine, which can make the lawn mower’s engine run lean. And if this happens for a long time, the engine starts demanding more gas, which can lead to increased fuel consumption.
How to Fix This Issue?
If you diagnose that your lawn mower is consuming more fuel because of a dirty fuel filter, you immediately need to clean the fuel filter. And if it is too dirty to clean, you should get a new fuel filter for your lawn mower.
6) Spark Plug is Fouled
The spark plug ignites the fuel in the engine of the lawn mower, due to which the engine creates the power needed to run the mower.
Over time, the spark plug gets fouled with dirt and other contaminants, and it can’t burn gas efficiently. And due to this, the engine of your lawn mower ends up spitting fuel out through the exhaust.
So, combustion doesn’t get completed correctly, and your lawn mower starts consuming more gas unnecessarily.
How to Fix It?
If you find a fouled spark plug to be a cause of excessive fuel consumption, you need to replace it with a newer one.
7) Lawn Mower Engine is Under Load
You might have been neglecting this, but it is absolutely true that mowing conditions can also make your mower machine burn so much fuel. When you mow grass using a lawn mower, its engine needs to maintain the power it provides to spinning blades.
And when you come across thick and tall grass, the engine has to work under load to supply the same power, and in order to do so, it burns more fuel than normal.
Along with this, if you are mowing grass in hilly areas using a riding lawn mower, you might have experienced that you needed more fuel to finish the mowing. It is for the same reason that the engine needs to work hard under certain mowing conditions.
How to Avoid This Problem?
In order to avoid this problem, you first need to identify the situation in which your lawn mower goes under load. Once you do this, you simply need to avoid those situations.
For example, if you know your lawn is full of thicker or taller grass, you need to use special lawn mowers that are specially made to mow such grass. If your lawn is in hilly areas, you need to use special types of lawn mowers that are made to mow in hilly areas. and so on.
8) Blades of Your Lawn Mower are Dull
When the blades are dull, the lawn mower has to overwork, which puts additional strain on the engine. This extra power strain can make lawn mowers consume more gas than when the blades are sharp.
How to Fix This Problem?
Make sure the lawn mower blades are sharp and if you find them to be dull, sharpen them using a blades sharpener.
9) You are Using Low Octane Fuel
Above I told you to avoid using old and bad fuel but that doesn’t mean you can use any type of fresh fuel. Lawn mower consumes less fuel when they are filled with high-octane fuel. It is because low-octane fuel burn fast than high-octane one.
Many times people switch unknowingly to low-octane fuel and notice that their lawn mower suddenly started consuming more fuel than it used to consume.
How to Fix It?
Make sure the fuel you use in your lawn mower contains recommended octane levels. To know the recommended octane levels, you can refer owner’s manual or can ask any professional lawn technician.
10) Carburetor is Damaged
A damaged carburetor can also be the reason behind the decreased efficiency of the lawn mower. Carburetor regulates the air-to-fuel mixture in the lawn mower engine.
If the carburetor is damaged, it will pass more air which will evaporate fuel more and the overall fuel efficiency of your lawn mower will decrease.
How to Get This Issue Fixed?
Inspect the carburetor and if found to be a cause behind excessive fuel construction, you should repair or replace it.
11) Fuel Line is Damaged
The fuel line and fuel cap of a lawn mower prevent air from entering the fuel system. This can cause an improper fuel-to-air mixture. If the fuel line or fuel cap is damaged or leaking, it can allow air to enter the fuel system. And when air enters the fuel tank, it can raise the fuel consumption of the lawn mower.
How to Fix It?
You need to inspect the fuel line and fuel cap and if you find any of these two to be faulty, you need to either replace them or repair them.
Wrapping Up
Fuel is costly and if your lawn mower starts consuming more fuel, it means it will directly affect your budget. Here, I have covered all the causes that can make your lawn mower consume more fuel than you have estimated.
So, currently or in the future, if you find the same problem with a lawn mower, you can consider these causes and get them solved to get the fuel efficiency of a lawn mower back.