Before you begin mowing, check the lawn for obstacles such as sticks, stones and toys. Even small rotary lawn mowers can fling objects at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour. A quick walk through the yard will minimize the chance that you or someone else will be hit by flying debris. Start the mower on level ground and if it's a rope starter, always keep one foot on the proper location on the deck. Make sure discharge chutes, deflector shields and baggers are securely in place.
Patience is a virtue while mowing.
Rest if you feel fatigued. After mowing take a moment for some basic mower upkeep. Let the mower cool. Then remove the dirt and damp grass from under the mower deck. You'll double the life of the mower deck if you do this as a matter of habit.