How to Make a Lawnmower Actually Shift

Locate the clutch on your mower. On a push mower, the drive clutch lever is attached to the handle that you use to push the mower. On a riding mower, the clutch is a pedal, not unlike the clutch in a manual transmission car -- you operate it with your left foot.

Identify the gear shift on your mower. Push mowers typically have fewer speeds, and the gear shift is near the handlebar and the drive clutch lever. On a riding mower, the gear shift is generally near the other levers and switches, like the ignition. Gears may be indicated with numbers or pictures, such as a rabbit indicating a faster speed and a turtle indicating a slower speed.

Choose your speed based on how fast you want the mower to go. Don't use your mower's top speed for cutting the grass -- the highest gear is reserved for transporting the mower without engaging the blades.

Release the drive clutch lever on a push mower before shifting gears. The drive clutch lever works like a gas pedal -- when it is depressed, your lawnmower moves forward. Release it so that the lawnmower is not in motion, shift gears then engage the lever again to continue mowing.

Press in on the clutch, before shifting, when operating a riding mower. Press down on the clutch and lay off the throttle then manipulate the gear shift to change gears. After changing gears, slowly release the clutch. If you have ever driven a manual transmission car, the process is essentially the same.