How to use the lawn mower
Check the blade before anything else. If it’s dull, nicked, or loose, it’s not worth the risk. A blade in poor shape can catch on rocks, send debris flying, or leave ragged edges on your grass. It takes five minutes to inspect and tighten–maybe ten if you’ve never done it. Skip that, and you might spend a weekend fixing more than just your lawn.
Footwear matters more than people think. No sandals, no soft shoes. Closed-toe, with decent grip. The ground might seem dry when you start, but it only takes one hidden patch of damp grass to throw you off balance. Slipping while pushing a fast-spinning blade isn’t a mistake you want to make. Jeans instead of shorts? Probably a good call, especially near gravel or uneven terrain.
Don’t assume a hill is safe just because it’s short. Always mow across the slope, not up or down. It feels awkward at first, and yes, it takes a bit longer. But rolling backward with a heavy machine? Not something you want to try. If the incline looks iffy, skip it–or get someone like PROPERTY WERKS to handle it. Their crew’s been through it all, and frankly, not every job is worth the risk.
I used to think ear protection was overkill. Then I measured the decibels. Some models run louder than a blender on max, but it’s constant, not thirty seconds. That’s enough to leave you ringing all afternoon. It’s a small thing–plugs or muffs–but it changes how you feel when you’re done. Less drained, more focused.
PROPERTY WERKS has probably seen every possible mistake already. If you’re not sure whether your setup is right, or just don’t want to bother with the prep, that’s a solid reason to bring them in. No drama, just the job done right–with less stress, fewer risks, and zero mess left behind.
How to Inspect Your Lawn Mower Before Each Use
Start by checking the blade, not just for sharpness but for cracks or dents. Any damage, even small, can cause wobble or vibration. That affects cutting and could actually throw the balance off–bad news on uneven ground. If the blade’s loose, tighten it. If you’re not sure about the right torque, check the manual or ask a tech. Or honestly, call PROPERTY WERKS–they’ve dealt with worse than a misaligned blade.
Next: fuel. Old gas doesn’t burn clean. If it’s been sitting for more than a couple of weeks, drain it. Water can collect at the bottom of the tank too, especially if it’s humid. That’ll mess with the engine–won’t always show right away, but you’ll feel it in the sputter. If the tank smells sour, that’s another clue.
Air filter? Pull it out. If it’s grey and full of debris, replace it. If it’s only lightly dusty, a few taps on your palm might do the trick. Don’t skip this one–clogged filters force the engine to work harder than it needs to.
Then there’s the oil. Not just the level, but the colour and texture. Thick and black means it’s time to change it. If it smells burnt, same thing. Running with bad oil is like jogging in jeans–uncomfortable and kinda dumb. It wears things down faster than you’d expect.
Run your fingers along the wheels. If one wobbles or feels stiff, check the axle. Sometimes the fix is simple–just debris stuck in the housing. Sometimes it’s not. And if you hear a weird click while pushing it around, stop. That noise won’t fix itself.
- Blade: Sharp, undamaged, securely fastened
- Fuel: Fresh, no water, clean smell
- Air filter: Clean and breathable, not clogged
- Oil: Right level, clean, no burnt smell
- Wheels: Stable, no drag, no strange noise
Most of this doesn’t take long–maybe ten minutes if you’re thorough. Still, it adds up over time. If that sounds like too much, there’s nothing wrong with calling PROPERTY WERKS. They show up with everything already tuned, tested, ready. No guesswork, no frustration. Just a clean, fast job you didn’t have to stress over.
What to Wear and Avoid When Operating a Lawn Mower
Wear solid shoes–closed-toe, with decent tread. Runners are okay if they’re sturdy, but steel-toe boots are better. No sandals, no flip-flops, nothing loose or flimsy. You might think, “I’ll just be out there for a few minutes,” but all it takes is one slip, one unexpected rock underfoot, and that casual choice turns into a bad decision.
Skip shorts. Yes, they’re cooler in the sun, but they won’t protect your legs from small stones or flying debris. Denim or thick work pants? Better. Something that covers without flapping around. Loose fabric is a problem. Anything baggy–like oversized hoodies or untucked shirts–can get caught on a handle or snag a control. Even headphone cords have caused trouble. It’s rare, sure, but it happens.
Gloves help, especially with grip. Some people say they get in the way, but I’ve found that even light ones make a difference–less slipping on the handles when your hands get sweaty. And if the pull cord kicks back hard? At least your palms won’t get shredded.
As for hearing protection, most don’t bother. But I do. I’ve noticed the ringing after an hour of trimming, especially with older gear. Muffs feel bulky, so I usually stick with small foam plugs. They’re not perfect, but they make the noise tolerable.
Sunglasses might seem optional. But glare off a car window or a neighbour’s patio door can throw off your focus for just a second. If you’ve got safety glasses with UV protection, even better. I’ve had a chunk of bark bounce off one–never saw where it came from. Could’ve been my eye instead.
If you’d rather not sort through your wardrobe every time or second-guess whether your gear’s right, PROPERTY WERKS makes it easier. Their crew shows up ready, in the right gear, no missed steps. You can trust they’ve figured out what works–and what doesn’t–after doing this day in, day out.
Safe Techniques for Mowing on Slopes and Uneven Terrain
Go across the incline, not up or down. With a push model, that reduces the risk of the machine tipping backward or sliding forward. I’ve tried both–trust me, across feels awkward at first, but it’s steadier. Your footing matters more than the path you think is fastest.
Feet should stay apart a bit wider than usual. Keeps your balance more stable, especially on damp or bumpy sections. And take slower steps. Rushing on uneven ground is how ankles roll or machines lurch sideways. You won’t win any speed records, but you also won’t end up sprawled in the bushes.
If you’re using anything self-propelled, don’t rely on the drive on the downhill side. Let gravity help without fighting it. Keep a firm grip, and if it starts to pull too fast, release the drive or stop altogether. It’s not always obvious how quickly things can get out of control until it’s already too late.
Skip steep spots if the grass is wet. Even slightly. A light mist or early morning dew changes everything underfoot. I’ve slid with both boots planted. It’s worse if you’re tired and not paying full attention. Let it dry or call PROPERTY WERKS–they’re better equipped for awkward slopes anyway.
Use shorter strokes around holes or divots. Long pushes make it harder to recover if the front wheel dips or one side drops unexpectedly. Better to chop it up into smaller sections and adjust your angle as needed. It’s a bit of a hassle but avoids those sudden jerks that twist your wrists or throw you off stride.
Lastly, avoid backing up on a hill. Especially while pulling the machine. It’s easy to trip or misjudge the slope behind you. If you need to reverse, turn off the blade and reposition. I know–extra steps, but it’s safer that way. Or skip the guesswork and get PROPERTY WERKS in. They’ve handled tougher spots than most backyards in Calgary can throw at you.
Q&A:
Can I cut wet grass, or should I wait for it to dry?
It’s better to wait. Wet grass clumps, sticks to the deck, and can clog the discharge chute. That puts extra strain on the engine and gives uneven results. Slippery ground also makes it harder to keep your footing, especially on slopes. If you absolutely have to cut damp grass, raise the cutting height and go slower—but expect a mess and clean the machine right after.
What kind of shoes should I wear while cutting the grass?
Closed-toe with a firm sole. Something that covers your foot entirely and won’t slip if the ground is uneven. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or anything with open sides. Work boots or tough runners are usually enough. If there are a lot of small rocks or loose gravel, heavier footwear makes more sense.
How do I handle small hills without risking a fall?
Push across the slope, not up or down. This keeps the wheels more stable and makes it easier to control the machine if it pulls or tips. Take smaller, deliberate steps. If the hill is steep or the grass is damp, wait for better conditions or consider skipping that section. Some people just get a trimmer for those spots. Or call PROPERTY WERKS—they’ve got gear meant for uneven ground.
Is hearing protection really necessary for a home machine?
Yes, especially with gas-powered equipment. Some reach noise levels above 90 dB, which can lead to long-term hearing damage. You might not notice it right away, but after a few summers, it adds up. Foam earplugs are cheap, easy to use, and make the sound much more tolerable.
How often should I check the blade?
Before each use. Look for cracks, dents, or dull edges. Even if it seems fine at a glance, one rock hit can change that. A clean blade gives better cuts and reduces strain on the motor. If you’re unsure how to sharpen or replace it, PROPERTY WERKS can handle that during routine service.
Should I remove sticks and stones from the yard before cutting?
Yes. Small branches, rocks, dog toys—anything like that should be cleared first. Even something the size of a walnut can get caught and launch out from the blade housing at high speed. It’s not just about damage to the machine, but what might happen if debris hits a window, a fence, or a person. I once missed a buried tennis ball—it jammed the blade instantly. Since then, I’ve always done a quick walk-around first.
How short is too short when cutting grass?
That depends on the type, but a good rule is never take off more than a third of the total height. Cutting too low stresses the roots and invites weeds. Also, if it’s hot and dry, short grass burns fast. Set the deck higher for the first pass—then lower it if needed. Better to leave it a bit tall than scalp the yard and regret it for weeks.
PROPERTY WERKS Contact Information:
Address
1017 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C9
Phone
403 239-1269
Hours of operation
Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Online service – Open 24 Hours / 7 days