Air filters prevent dirt and debris that is picked up during the mowing process from getting into your lawn mower. Dirt and debris can enter the engine through the carburetor if the air filter is worn out. Replacing your lawn mowers air filter is a simple maintenance practice that will improve performance and extend the lifespan of your mower.

Types of Lawn Mower Air Filters

Disposable paper air filters use a folded assortment of special paper to catch particles. These filters are designed to be thrown away rather than reused.

Reusable foam air filters can be washed and reused. Before being reused, they are lightly oiled to keep contaminants from passing through.

How to locate the Air Filter on a Lawn Mower

To replace your air filter, you first need to locate where it is in your lawn mower. The placement of the air filter differs from mower to mower. The standard location of an air filter is on the side of the engine behind a metal or plastic cover. Once you find the cover, open it and check whether the filters look dirty or oily. This is a sign that the air filters need to be changed. If most of the dirt can be removed with a gentle tap on the surface, you can continue using the filter a bit longer.

Remove Your Old Air Filter

The second step is to remove the disposable air filter from its compartment. Clean the compartment using a rag to make sure it is clean. You should note how the air filter fits into its compartment.

Replace the Air Filter

Fit your new air filter in place and make sure it is positioned exactly as the old one. Air filters are designed for one-way airflow and will not work if they are not appropriately aligned. Some filters have manuals that will indicate the right side up. Finally, reattach the air filter cover, and screw the cover back on.

Running your lawn mower without an air filter can allow dirt into the engine and clog in the carburetor and lead to cylinder damage. The owner’s manual usually offers suggestions for intervals in air filter maintenance. You should inspect and replace your air filter regularly at the beginning of the season.

The standard suggestions to replace pleated paper air filters is after 300 hours of use or about three months. For foam pre-cleaners, they should be cleaned every 25 hours of use. These times may vary and can be increased based on conditions of use.

A grass catcher is like the bagger on a vacuum cleaner. It collects and bags or bins all of the clippings from each blade of grass cut by the mower. The catcher holds the clippings until you're ready to empty them. There are several types of grass catchers, and each type fits on the lawn mower differently. Read on for additional information about the four main types of grass catchers.

Rear Side Bag

A rear side bag is a standard type of grass catcher. On a push mower, it fits between you and the mower. On a riding lawnmower, it's located behind the seat. The bags are made of durable materials that can be washed in order to remove debris. Made of flexible and stretchy materials, they're easy to handle. A wire frame holds the bag upright and in place while you mow. The bags are light in weight and hold 2.5 to 3.9 cubic feet of grass clippings.

Rear Side Bin

Rear side bins are another option for a grass catcher. The bins have a slightly higher capacity compared to a bag. They hold up to 4.2 cubic feet of grass clippings. The bins have a lid that prevents clippings from flying out while you drive the mower. You can lift the whole bin off the platform in order to dump it into your compost pile or yard waste collection containers. The bins are made of durable plastic that resists rust and corrosion. They can be washed with a garden hose and biodegradable detergent in order to remove leftover debris.

Side Attachment

A side attachment is another good choice for catching grass. They attach to the side of the mower. The grass clippings don't have to travel as far, which makes this style less noisy. On the other hand, the side attachment style makes the mower wider, so you'll need to use more caution when mowing along edges, shrubs and trees. The side attachments are also available in bag or bin styles.

Front-End Attachment

If you have a zero-radius turn lawn mower, a front-end attachment is an excellent choice. You'll have no problem seeing or turning with the grass catcher on the front of the mower. The grass won't have to travel far to get into the bin, so there's less of a risk of clogs. Since it won't have to blow the clippings as far, it operates quietly. This may be more pleasant for you. These attachments come in a range of capacities. They coordinate with the hardware you may use for other lawn mower attachment types, including shovels or plows.