How to Adjust Push Mower Height Settings Correctly
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Push mower height settings control how high the blade sits above the ground, and the right setting depends on your grass type and the season. Most push mowers use a single lever or a set of wheel adjusters, and the steps are the same on electric and gas models. Set the height with the engine off, check the distance from the ground to the blade, and set every wheel to the same level so the cut stays even. The rest of this guide explains each step, using the height facts that three listed push mowers state.
Quick answer
- Turn the engine off and disconnect the power or spark plug before you change any height setting.
- Measure from the ground to the blade, not from the deck, and check the reading on more than one side of the mower.
- Use one height for each mow, and raise the blade rather than cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
- Check the manual for your model, because listings give different numbers of positions and ranges.
What a height setting controls
The height setting decides how much grass the blade leaves standing. A higher setting leaves more leaf surface, which helps the grass keep growing and shade the soil. A lower setting cuts closer, but it removes more of the leaf and can stress thin turf. The University of California Integrated Pest Management program notes that each grass type has an optimum cutting height, so the right setting depends on the lawn you have rather than a single number for every yard.
Start by identifying your grass, then find a setting in the middle of its range for your first mow of the season. If the lawn is dense and tall, raise the deck one setting for the first cut, then lower it on the next pass if the grass allows. The goal is a clean cut that does not tear the tips or leave the lawn looking scalped.
Step 1: Turn off the mower and disconnect the power
Every adjustment starts with the mower off. The UC IPM guide says you should never adjust the mower height while the engine is running. For a corded electric mower, unplug it from the outlet before you touch the deck or the lever. For a battery mower, remove the battery. For a gas mower, disconnect the spark plug wire. These steps keep the blade from turning while your hands are near it, and they take less time than a single pass.
Step 2: Find the height control
Most push mowers use one of two layouts. Some have a single lever that moves all the wheels at once, and others have a set of adjusters on each wheel. The UC IPM page says that on most mowers you can adjust the height by raising or lowering the wheels or by pushing and releasing a lever. The listings in this guide describe a single lever, which is the simpler design: one movement changes every wheel together, so you do not have to balance the deck by hand.
The Craftsman listing describes a single lever that adjusts the cut from 1-1/2 inches to 4 inches. The Black+Decker listing describes a tool-free single lever for its six-setting height adjustment, with the same 1-1/2 to 4 inch range. The PowerSmart listing describes a five-position adjustment from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. Each listing names its own range, so use the range on your own mower rather than assuming a common one.
Step 3: Measure the cutting height
Measure the cutting height from the ground surface to the blade, not to the deck or the wheel. The UC IPM guide says to measure the distance from that surface to the blade on rotary mowers. Measure at a couple of points across the deck, because a worn wheel or uneven ground can make one side sit lower. A small ruler held flat on the ground and touching the lowest point of the blade works well for this.
If your readings differ from side to side, the deck is out of level. Adjust each wheel so the blade sits at the same height at both ends, then check again. A level cut depends on this check more than on the number on the lever.
Step 4: Set the height for your grass
Pick a height that fits your grass type and the season. The UC IPM page says the best height depends on the grass species, so look up the recommended range for yours in your region. University guides from Michigan State, UMass Amherst and Purdue give ranges that differ by grass and by location, so use the guide for your state rather than a single figure from a product page.
In general, a taller setting suits a hot, dry period and a shorter setting suits cool-season grass in spring. Do not drop the setting by more than a third of the grass height in a single cut. If the lawn has grown a lot, raise the deck, mow once, then lower it on the next pass. This keeps the grass from browning at the tips and makes the second mow cleaner.
Step 5: Check the cut and make small changes
After one pass, look at the cut. Ragged tips or brown edges usually mean the blade is dull or the setting is too low for that day’s growth. A patchy cut can mean the deck is out of level. Make one change at a time, then mow again, so you can tell which adjustment fixed the problem. Keep notes of the setting for each season, because the right height often changes with rainfall and growth.
Comparing the three listings
The three push mowers in this guide use the same kind of single-lever adjustment, but their ranges differ. The table below uses only the numbers each listing states.
| Listing | Power | Height range stated | Settings stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN Electric Push Lawn Mower, 20-inch deck | Corded electric | 1-1/2 in to 4 in | Title says 6 settings; specs say 3 positions |
| BLACK+DECKER Electric Push Lawn Mower, 20-inch deck | Corded electric | 1-1/2 in to 4 in | 6 settings, tool-free single lever |
| PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch Gas Lawn Mower | Gas | 1.5 in to 3.9 in | 5 positions |
The Craftsman listing is inconsistent: the title says six settings, but the specs list three positions. Check the mower itself or the manual before you rely on either number. The PowerSmart spec list also gives six positions in one field, which is another reason to confirm the count on the mower.
Craftsman electric push mower
The Craftsman listing describes a 20-inch deck, a 13-amp corded motor and a single lever that moves the cut between 1-1/2 and 4 inches. It includes a collection bag and a side discharge chute. Its listing gives a three-year limited warranty, which the bullets say is detailed in the warranty section. The lever is the main point for a height guide, because it sets the whole deck at once. View on Amazon
Black+Decker electric push mower
This mower has a 20-inch deck and a 13-amp corded motor. The listing describes a tool-free height lever with six settings between 1-1/2 and 4 inches, and it lists a push-button start. The bullets also describe a folding handle that helps it fit in a shed or garage. The specs give a two-year limited warranty. If you want a corded electric mower with a clear six-setting control, this listing matches that description. View on Amazon
PowerSmart gas push mower
This is the one gas option in this guide. It has an 18-inch steel deck, a 144 cc four-cycle engine and five height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. The listing says it is for small yards up to about a quarter acre and gives a two-year limited warranty. Because it is gas, the height adjustment must be done with the engine off and the spark plug disconnected. View on Amazon
Mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is adjusting the height while the mower is still on. The UC IPM guide says not to do this, and it is the step that carries the most risk. Another is setting the wheels to different heights, which leaves a ridge or a patch of uncut grass. Cutting too low in a single pass is also common, and it can leave the lawn browned. Finally, many owners skip the level check, which is why one side of the lawn looks different from the other.
FAQ
Can I change the height setting while the engine is running?
No. The UC IPM guide says never to adjust the mower height while the engine is running. Turn the engine off, disconnect the power or spark plug, and wait for the blade to stop before you touch the lever or the wheels.
What height should I set my push mower to?
It depends on the grass species and your region. The UC IPM guide says each grass type has an optimum height, and university extension pages give different ranges by grass and location. Check your state’s extension service for your grass, and set the mower within that range.
How do I measure the cutting height?
Measure from the ground to the blade, using a flat ruler or a short rod. The UC IPM page says to measure from the surface to the blade on rotary mowers. Measure at more than one point across the deck to check the deck is level.
Why is my cut uneven after I change the height?
The most likely causes are an uneven deck, wheels set to different heights, or a dull blade. Measure the height at each side, adjust the wheels so they match, and check the blade for wear. If the cut is still uneven after that, the deck or the blade may need service.
Should I lower the setting for the last mow of the season?
Many lawn guides advise against cutting too low, because a low cut removes too much leaf and can weaken the grass. The University of California IPM page says taller cutting results in deeper root systems, so the safer choice is to keep the setting high enough for the grass type. Follow your extension guide for the season.
Bottom line
Set the height with the engine off, measure from the ground to the blade at more than one point, and match the setting to your grass. Use the single lever on your mower to move every wheel together, and check the deck for level after each change. If your mower’s listing states a range that differs from the manual, trust the manual.
Sources
University of California IPM: Mower height adjustment
Related reading: How to Set the Cutting Height on a Mower covers the same lever on a different layout, and Best Lawn Mowers for Even Cut: Height Settings That Decide the Result compares mowers by how evenly they hold a height.
