To mow down long grass, follow the rule of thirds: do not cut more than one-third of the length of grass at a time as it could damage the roots and encourage the spread of weeds. Begin by trimming the grass enough to where it is standing upright with no bent blades before you start mowing. After trimming, adjust the mower to its highest setting to make the first pass, then gradually reduce the height of the blades until the mower is returned to its standard height, which is generally between 2 and 3 inches. Be sure to stop frequently so the mower does not get clogged, overheat or stall out, and allow a few days between passes for the grass to recover.

When a handheld brush cutter isn’t big enough, a brush mower is the perfect option. Before you start a brush mower make sure the oil and fuel levels are good, the equipment is placed on even terrain and the cutting blade isn’t in contact with anything. It is recommended to operate a brush mower wearing gloves, eyewear and steel-toed boots. To operate a brush mower, begin by setting the throttle to full speed, pull the choke lever out, jerk the pull-start, then push the choke lever back in. Adjust the shifter to the preferred gear — the three gears to the right of neutral are to move forward; the gear to the left of neutral is to reverse. When the shifter is in place, engage the lever on the left handle to drive and, when ready, engage the lever on the right handle to cut brush.

The most ideal place to store lawn mowing equipment is somewhere dry and protected from the elements and extreme weather conditions, such as a garage or shed. If the equipment is being stored outdoors, keep it elevated, covered with a tarp and under an awning or sheltered area if possible. No matter where the mowers are being stored, make sure they are secure, easy to access and allow for proper air flow and ventilation to prevent rust, mold and mildew.