Keeping your lawn mower in top shape starts with simple maintenance steps. One of the most important—but often overlooked—components is the air filter. It keeps dirt, debris, and grass clippings from entering the engine. If you’re wondering where to find the filter on your lawn mower, this guide is for you. With decades of experience working with tools and engines, I’ve put together everything you need to know, written in clear, easy-to-understand language.
General Location
Where the Air Filter Is Usually Found
The air filter is almost always located near the engine. On most lawn mowers, you’ll find it inside a small housing made of plastic or metal. This housing is often square or round and has a lid that can be opened by removing clips or screws.
Depending on your lawn mower model, the air filter may be in one of these places:
Under the top engine cover: especially common in riding mowers.
On the side of the engine: this is where most push mower filters are located.
Near the carburetor: often attached right next to or above it.
If you follow the airflow path from where the air enters the mower to the carburetor, you’ll almost always find the filter along the way.
Identification Tips
What the Air Filter Looks Like
Air filters come in a few basic shapes and materials:
Rectangular or square: most common in push mowers.
Cylindrical: often seen in riding mowers or commercial units.
Foam: used in older or inexpensive models; usually light and spongy.
Paper: pleated like an accordion; often encased in a rubber or plastic frame.
How to Recognize the Filter Housing
The filter sits inside a protective cover. Look for:
A small plastic or metal box, typically 4 to 6 inches wide.
Clips, screws, or tabs holding the lid in place.
A location close to the engine’s air intake.
Labels or imprints indicating “Air Filter” or similar terms.
Once you open the housing, you’ll see the filter sitting snugly inside. It may be held in place by a simple frame or slot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Locate and Inspect the Filter
Here’s a safe and easy way to find and inspect your lawn mower’s air filter.
Step 1: Disconnect the Spark Plug
Safety first. Before you touch anything on the mower:
Locate the spark plug wire and gently pull it off the spark plug.
This prevents the engine from accidentally starting while you work.
Step 2: Find the Air Filter Housing
Now that it’s safe:
Look around the engine for a small box with a cover.
Check the sides of the engine or under the top cover if needed.
Use a screwdriver or your fingers to open the housing.
Step 3: Remove the Filter
Carefully pull the filter out of the housing.
Take note of how it was seated so you can put it back the same way.
Step 4: Identify the Filter Type
Foam: Soft and sponge-like.
Paper: Rigid with visible pleats.
Dual-element: A foam sleeve over a paper core.
Step 5: Check for Dirt or Damage
Hold the filter up to the light.
If you can’t see light through a paper filter, it’s clogged.
Foam filters should be free of large debris and not brittle.
If it’s oily, torn, or very dirty, replace it.
Maintenance Advice
Why Filter Maintenance Matters
The air filter is your engine’s first defense against dirt. A clean filter:
Keeps the carburetor from clogging.
Helps the engine run smoothly.
Improves fuel efficiency.
Extends the life of the mower.
A dirty filter can cause:
Hard starting.
Poor performance.
Higher fuel consumption.
Engine damage over time.
Cleaning and Replacing Filters
Foam filters: Wash with soap and water, squeeze dry, and re-oil lightly.
Paper filters: Tap gently to remove dust, but replace if clogged.
Dual-element filters: Clean or replace foam; replace the paper part.
Check your filter
Every 25 hours of use.
More often in dusty or dry conditions.
Anytime you notice poor performance.
Always Refer to the Manual
Your mower’s manual will have specific instructions. Look for the section on air filter maintenance for:
Recommended replacement intervals.
Filter type and part number.
Cleaning or installation notes.
Types of Lawn Mowers and Filter Placement
Push Mowers
Gas-powered push mowers usually have the filter on the side.
Easy access with a flathead screwdriver.
Often uses foam or paper filters.
Self-Propelled Mowers
Similar to push mowers in layout.
Filter may be slightly larger due to higher engine power.
Riding Mowers and Lawn Tractors
Filter is often under the engine hood.
May use larger, cartridge-style paper filters.
You may need to remove the top engine cover for access.
Zero-Turn Mowers
Typically have commercial-grade engines.
Filters are larger and may include a pre-filter.
Often mounted on the side of the engine under a plastic cover.
Robotic Lawn Mowers
These do not have air filters because they are electric.
Maintenance focuses on battery and sensor care instead.
Conclusion
Finding the air filter on your lawn mower doesn’t need to be a mystery. It’s usually located near the engine, inside a plastic or metal housing. Whether it’s a foam pad or a paper cartridge, the filter plays a vital role in keeping your mower running strong.
By following the steps above—disconnecting the spark plug, locating the housing, and inspecting the filter—you’ll be able to maintain it yourself with confidence. Clean or replace it regularly, especially if you mow in dusty areas. Always refer to your manual for exact guidance.
No matter what type of mower you use—push, riding, or zero-turn—understanding where the air filter is and how to maintain it can save you time, money, and engine troubles down the road.
Keep your tools sharp, your filters clean, and your lawn mower running like new.
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