How to Mow with a Corded Mower

Using a corded electric mower to trim your lawn is one of the least-polluting and most environmentally friendly ways to cut grass. Unlike gasoline-powered lawnmowers that must be filled with fuel and pull-started to get them running, a corded mower starts with just a flick of a switch once it is plugged into a grounded exterior outlet. The only addition you'll ever need for a corded lawn mower is an extra-long, heavy-duty extension cord, available at any hardware store.

Make sure the grass is completely dry, since your mower is powered by electricity. Never mow a wet lawn. Check the mower's cord and the extension cord before mowing to make sure there are no damaged areas and no bare wires showing.

Plug the corded mower plug into the receptacle end of an extra-long, heavy-duty, three-prong extension cord. Plug the extension cord into a grounded outlet on the exterior of the house.

Wheel the mower out to the lawn where you want to begin. Always begin at a point closest to the place where the cord is plugged in so that you can mow away from the cord. Plug the cord into the mower, then sling the cord over your shoulder so you can better manipulate it and keep it away from the mower's path.

Mow the lawn back and forth, moving steadily away from the place where the cord is plugged in. Each time you make a turn to go back, flip the cord to the side opposite the discharge chute, if your mower has one. This ensures that no foreign object will be discharged into the cord, possibly damaging it.

Move across slopes as you mow -- not up and down -- to avoid slipping into the mower, or having the mower slide backward and over your feet.