Gasoline-powered lawnmowers are a popular choice among homeowners, thanks to their superior performance and reliability.
However, gasoline engines can be affected by the weather, so it’s important to know whether you can use your petrol lawnmower in the rain.
You can use a petrol lawnmower in the rain, but it’s better to use it in dry weather. The rain can cause all sorts of problems from damp grass clogging the blades to less efficient performance due to the damp conditions.
It’s not always possible to cut grass when the weather is dry and sometimes you may have to get the mower out when it is raining to simply get the job done.
If there is no choice but to cut the grass when it is wet then the gas mower is always the best choice.
Using your gas mower in the rain
If you have to use your petrol lawnmower in the rain, make sure the blades are sharp and clear of any debris before you start.
Damp grass does not cut as easily as when dry and can clog up the mower during use. To reduce this raise the level of the blades so that the mower passes more easily across the surface.
You can always lower them again when the ground dries out to get a closer cut.
Mowing in the rain is always more difficult than mowing in dry weather, the cut grass won’t collect as easily and the mower will feel heavier and it will be more difficult to cover the ground – so take your time and go slowly.
If the lawn is particularly wet and muddy, it’s best to avoid mowing altogether and wait for it to dry out before attempting to cut the grass again.
Will I break my mower if I use it in the rain?
Using your mower during rain is not the best choice and if you are not careful then you could cause damage to it.
The main risks are:
- Clogging – wet grass will clog the mower so you will need to stop frequently to clear the blades. If you do not deal with clogs then you run the risk of overheating the engine and causing internal damage which will be expensive to repair.
- Structural damage – it is much more difficult to push a mower during wet weather due to the surface conditions. If the grass is very wet or muddy then the mower can get stuck and, if you force it then you could damage it’s structure including the handles, controls and wheels.
- Corrosion – you just cannot put a gas mower away after using it in the rain. If you do then it will rust. It will need cleaning and wiping down, removing traces of wet grass and excess water.
How to protect your mower if you need to use it in the rain
A simple but effective method that will provide your gas mower with some wet weather protection is to copy what wet weather motorcyclists do with their bikes.
A liberal coating of WD40 or similar over your mower will help to repel water, mud and other debris, protecting your mower from the elements.
After use take a cloth and wipe the mower down, the coating will make the removal of dirt, water and debris much easier.
Power means better results when using a petrol mower in the wet
If you need to cut grass in a range of weather conditions including rain then try to get the most powerful mower that you can afford.
A powerful engine will be much more effective at cutting through the wet grass and will generate a much higher draft for blowing the cut grass into the collector.
This is essential to prevent the build-up of clogging and an inefficient performance.
Make sure that the blades are also adjustable so that you can raise them slightly when mowing in wet conditions.
This will help to reduce the amount of friction between the blade and the grass and improve the overall results.
Here are some of the best gas mowers for use in the rain
Honda 664100 Walk Behind Mower with Clip Director and MicroCut Twin Blades
This Honda mower is a 4-in-1 system that allows you to mulch, bag, discharge or even shred leaves.
It has a 21 in. NeXite deck with 7 different cutting heights ranging from 3/4 in. to 4 in.
The rear wheel drive system ensures easy movement over varied terrain and the 9 in. wheels are equipped with ball bearings for smooth rolling of the mower deck.
The Honda GCV200 engine is a reliable power source that starts easily, runs smoothly and produces enough power to handle the toughest jobs on your lawn while still being fuel-efficient.
Fully Equipped Gas Powered Lawn Mower 161cc 20-Inch Hand Push
This gas-powered lawn mower is the right choice for your yard.
It’s a powerful tool that provides you with all the features you need to cut your grass and weeds quickly, easily, and effectively.
The innovative Smart Cut Technology automatically increases the speed of the blade when more power is needed for the best cut possible.
Features include front wheel drive, dual lever adjustable cutting height, and a durable steel deck.
The unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities as well as a 161cc gas engine.
Choose from 6 different height settings to achieve the perfect cut for your lawn.
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BLACK+DECKER 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Self Propelled FWD Lawn Mower with 140cc OHV Engine
This Black+Decker 21-Inch Gas Powered Self Propelled FWD Lawn Mower has a 140cc powerful engine that will help you get your lawn cut in no time.
The gas powered motor is equipped with recoil start and dual lever height adjuster with 6 different height settings.
The 3-in-1 cutting deck allows you to choose side discharge, mulching or rear bagging capabilities.
This lawn mower’s 21″ cutting deck helps you trim your lawn faster than ever before.
With its 8″ wheels with bar treading, it works effortlessly on level or uneven surfaces.
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PowerSmart Self Propelled Lawn Mower, 22 Inch Lawn Mower Self-propelled, 200CC 4-Stroke Engine
The PowerSmart Self Propelled Lawn Mower, 22 Inch Self-propelled, 200CC 4 stroke is a powerful mower that offers high performance and durability.
The forced air cooling system keeps the motor running cool for long life and optimum performance. The steel mowing deck is durable yet lightweight with an easy to clean surface.
This lawn mower has a 3 in 1 feature which allows you to choose between bagging, side discharging or mulching your grass clippings.
It also comes with 5 position height adjustment so you can easily adjust the cutting height anywhere from 1.5 in to 4 in.
This lawn mower is easy to start with the pull cord recoil system and it has a large capacity grass bag for less emptying.
Final words
If you need to use a gasoline powered mower in the rain regularly then remember to go for a powerful model with adjustable blades and a reliable engine.
A machine that is easy to start and has a large capacity grass bag will make things easier for you too.
Make sure that you wipe the mower down after use, remove any grass from the blades and keep the machine lubricated and protected to extend it’s life.
