Every home-owner needs a good lawn mower for maintaining a well-manicured lawn. However, like any other machine, they are prone to common problems and troubleshooting issues that can cause them to malfunction.
Knowing how to identify and fix these issues can save you time and money, as well as ensure that your lawn mower is always in good working condition. In this article, I will explore some of the most common problems and troubleshooting issues with lawn mowers. I will provide you with practical tips and solutions that you can use to keep your lawn mower in top condition.
Whether you are a seasoned lawn care professional or a homeowner looking to maintain a beautiful lawn, this article will help you troubleshoot common problems and keep your lawn mower running smoothly.
Common Problems with Lawn Mowers and Their Causes
Lawn mowers can encounter several problems that can affect their performance. Here are some of the most common issues and their possible causes.
Engine-Related Issues
- Won’t Start: This is a common problem with lawn mowers. It could be caused by several factors such as old gas, dirty spark plugs, or a clogged air filter.
- Loses Power: If your lawn mower starts but loses power while mowing, it could be due to a dirty air filter, overfilled oil, or a damaged carburetor.
- Vibrations: Vibrations can be caused by bent or damaged blades, loose bolts, or a worn-out crankshaft.
Blade-Related Issues
- Dull Blade: A dull blade can cause uneven mowing and clumps of grass clippings. It can also damage the grass by tearing it instead of cutting it cleanly.
- Stuck Blade: A blade that is stuck can cause the engine to stall or lose power. It can be caused by debris, grass clippings, or a damaged blade spindle.
- Bent Blade: A bent blade can cause vibrations, uneven mowing, and damage to the engine.
Fuel System Issues
- Dirty Fuel Filter: A dirty fuel filter can cause the engine to stall or not start at all. It can also cause the engine to lose power while mowing.
- Overfilled Fuel Tank: Overfilling the fuel tank can cause fuel to leak into the carburetor and flood the engine.
- Old Gas: Old gas can cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all. It is recommended to use fresh gas every season.
Ignition and Exhaust Issues
- Dirty Spark Plugs: Dirty spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire or not start at all. It is recommended to clean or replace them regularly.
- Excessive Smoke: Excessive smoke from the exhaust can be caused by an overfilled oil tank, dirty air filter, or a damaged piston ring.
- Excessive Noise: Excessive noise from the engine can be caused by a damaged muffler or exhaust pipe.
Belt and Pulley Issues
- Loose or Broken Belt: A loose or broken belt can cause the blade to stop spinning or the engine to stall. It can be caused by a worn-out belt or a damaged pulley.
- Worn-out Pulley: A worn-out pulley can cause the belt to slip or break. It can be caused by debris, dust, or dirt buildup.
Troubleshooting Lawn Mower Problems
When it comes to lawn mower problems, there are a number of issues that can arise. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most common problems and provide troubleshooting tips to help you get your lawn mower up and running again.
Engine and Fuel System Troubleshooting
Some of the most common problems include a clogged carburetor, consuming too much gas, and not starting.
Make sure there is fresh gas in the tank, and if not, replace it with new gas. If the gas tank is full, then the carburetor may be clogged. Remove the carburetor and clean it, then replace the stale fuel in the tank. If it still doesn’t start, then you might need to replace the fuel filter of your lawn mower.
Pro Tip: If your lawn mower won’t start, the first thing to check is the gas tank.
Blade Troubleshooting
If your lawn mower is not cutting properly, it may be due to a dull, bent, or loose blade. Check the blade for any damage and make sure it is properly tightened. If the blade is dull, sharpen it or replace it if necessary.
Ignition and Exhaust Troubleshooting
If your lawn mower won’t start, check the spark plug and make sure it is clean and properly gapped. If the spark plug is dirty or damaged, clean or replace it.
If your lawn mower is smoking, it may be due to a clogged air filter or a problem with the exhaust system. Check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Belt and Pulley Troubleshooting
Check the belt for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary. Make sure the pulleys are properly aligned and tightened.
General Maintenance and Safety
To avoid many of these common problems, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your lawn mower.
This includes:
- Checking and Changing the Oil
- Checking the Air Filter
- Tightening Any Loose Mounting Bolts
It’s also important to follow proper safety procedures when using your lawn mower, such as wearing protective gear and never leaving the mower unattended while it’s running.
Understanding Lawn Mower Components
Understanding these components can help you identify and troubleshoot problems that may arise during the use of your lawn mower.
Engine and Fuel System
The engine is responsible for providing the power to turn the cutting blades, while the fuel system supplies the engine with the necessary fuel to operate. Some common problems that may arise with the engine and fuel system include:
- Dirty or Clogged Carburetor
- Clogged Fuel Filter
- Faulty Spark Plug
- Old or Stale Fuel
To prevent these problems, perform regular maintenance on your lawn mower, including changing the oil, replacing the air filter, and checking the spark plug.
Deck and Blades
The deck is the housing that covers the blades, while the blades themselves are responsible for cutting the grass. Some common problems that may arise with the deck and blades include:
- Bent or Damaged Blades
- Worn or Damaged Deck
- Dull Blades
Pro Tip: Sharpening or replacing the blades as necessary can help ensure that your lawn mower is cutting grass efficiently.
Ignition and Exhaust System
The ignition and exhaust system are responsible for starting the engine and expelling exhaust gases. Some common problems that may arise with the ignition and exhaust system include:
- Faulty Spark Plugs
- Clogged Exhaust System
- Worn Ignition Coil
Regularly check the spark plugs and exhaust system for damage and wear. Replacing worn or damaged components can help ensure that your lawn mower is running smoothly.
Belts and Pulleys
The belts and pulleys are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the cutting blades. Some common problems that may arise with the belts and pulleys include:
- Loose or Damaged Belts
- Worn or Damaged Pulleys
- Misaligned Pulleys
To prevent these problems, regularly inspect the belts and pulleys for damage and wear. Replacing worn or damaged components can help ensure that your lawn mower is cutting grass efficiently.
Specific Lawn Mower Models
When it comes to troubleshooting lawn mowers, it’s important to know that different types of mowers may have different issues. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips for push mowers, riding mowers, and electric mowers.
Troubleshooting Push Mowers
Push mowers are the most common type of lawn mower, and they are typically powered by gas. Some common issues you may encounter with push mowers include:
- The Engine Won’t Start: Check the fuel level, spark plug, air filter, and carburetor.
- The Engine Runs Poorly: Check the fuel level, spark plug, air filter, and carburetor. Also, make sure the blade is sharp and balanced.
- The Mower Won’t Move: Check the drive belt, transmission, and wheels.
- The Blade Won’t Engage: Check the blade belt, blade clutch, and pulleys.
Troubleshooting Riding Mowers
Riding mowers are larger and more complex than push mowers, and they are typically powered by gas. Some common issues you may encounter with riding mowers include:
- The Engine Won’t Start: Check the battery, starter, fuel level, spark plug, air filter, and carburetor.
- The Engine Runs Poorly: Check the fuel level, spark plug, air filter, and carburetor. Also, make sure the blade is sharp and balanced.
- The Mower Won’t Move: Check the drive belt, transmission, and wheels. Also, make sure the parking brake is disengaged.
- The Blade Won’t Engage: Check the blade belt, blade clutch, and pulleys.
Troubleshooting Electric Mowers
Electric mowers are quieter and more environmentally friendly than gas mowers, but they can still have issues. Some common issues you may encounter with electric mowers include:
- The Mower Won’t Start: Check the battery or power cord, and make sure the safety key is inserted.
- The Motor Runs Poorly: Check the battery or power cord, and make sure the blade is sharp and balanced.
- The Mower Won’t Move: Check the drive system and wheels.
- The Blade Won’t Engage: Check the blade clutch and pulleys.
No matter what type of lawn mower you have, regular maintenance and proper usage will help prevent issues from occurring. If you do encounter a problem, refer to your owner’s manual or consult a professional for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Lawn Mower Hard to Start but Runs Well?
If your lawn mower is hard to start but runs well once it’s started, there are a few things that could be causing the problem.
- Dirty Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine and make it harder to start.
- Bad Spark Plug: A fouled or worn out spark plug can make it difficult to ignite the fuel in the engine.
- Clogged Carburetor: If the carburetor is clogged with debris, it can prevent fuel from reaching the engine and make it hard to start.
How Can I Fix My Lawn Mower that Won’t Start?
If your lawn mower won’t start, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem.
- First, check to make sure that the spark plug is clean and properly gapped. If the spark plug is dirty or worn out, replace it with a new one.
- Next, check the fuel level and make sure that the fuel is fresh and clean. If the fuel is old or contaminated, drain the tank and refill it with fresh fuel.
- Finally, check the air filter and carburetor for any blockages or debris that may be preventing fuel from reaching the engine.
What Should I Do if My Lawn Mower Won’t Restart After Running?
Generally, a lawn mower that won’t start after it has been running has run out of fuel or power. another possibility is that the spark plug has died or the carburetor has become clogged.
If the fuel is old or contaminated, drain the tank and refill it with fresh fuel.
Why Won’t My Lawn Mower Turn Over All the Way?
A common reason your lawn mower won’t turn over all the way is that the battery is dead or weak, which can prevent the starter from turning the engine over.
Another possibility is that the starter motor is faulty or worn out, which can prevent it from turning the engine over.
Finally, the engine may be seized or have other mechanical problems, which can prevent it from turning over.
What Are Common Reasons for A Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower Not Starting?
There are a few common reasons why a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower may not start.
- One possibility is that the spark plug is dirty or worn out, which can prevent the engine from igniting the fuel.
- Another possibility is that the carburetor is clogged with debris, which can prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
- Finally, the air filter may be dirty, which can restrict airflow to the engine and make it hard to start.