As Billy Conolly said, “Marriage is a wonderful invention: then again, so is a bicycle repair kit,” or can I say a lawn mower repair kit? Lawn mowers are crucial gardening partners that ensure our yards are at their best. But problems begin when this amazing machine starts to stop while working, can’t start to, or encounter some other issues compromising their regular operation.
In this Lawn mower repair guide, you will learn the lawn mower troubleshooting in simple steps and the tricks through the FAQs to keep your equipment at its best. Also, you will come to know our selection of 4 best lawn mowers to buy in the market.
Let’s start with lawn mower repair guide first…..
Mechanical errors are inevitable, especially for lawn mowers and other lawn-related machinery. Due to various reasons, you may find one of your vital machinery is not functional as it used to be or it can’t start at all. However, malfunctions should not put you in panic, especially if you have the necessary lawn mower repair skills.
If you lack the knowledge, I recommend you read through this article as we will guide you on how to fix a lawn mower – the lawn mower troubleshooting and repairing, in 5 simple steps.
Note: Before you fix lawn mowers or any other machinery, keep in mind the following key takeaways:
- Always refer to the owner’s manual.
- Consult dealers or manufacturers if the mower is still under warranty.
- Consult a professional for complex issues – engineering issues.
Note that mowers vary depending on make and constructors. Therefore, your knowledge of fixing a particular mower may not apply to others. Let’s now get to our lawn mower repair guide.
How to Fix a Lawn mower in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step to fixing any problem is to identify it. This step will help you decide whether to tackle the issue or consult a professional.
To identify the problem, you may consider re-doing the task you were performing before the error. For example, if the mower suddenly stops or loses speed, you may consider restarting it. Do not rush to fixing an issue you are not sure of. The fault may be a result of tall grass or a mower blade hitting a hard object. Therefore, ensure you establish the problem.
Here are common lawn mower problems;
- Starter rope stuck or hard to pull
- Lawn mower loses power or stops
- Lawn mower smoking
- The lawn mower can’t start
- Lawn mower not working
In this article, we will discuss how to fix the listed mower issues.
Step 2: Troubleshooting Lawn mower Problem
Troubleshooting refers to searching or finding the source of an error. The next step after identifying the problem is troubleshooting it. You cannot conduct any lawn mower repair or fixative procedure without identifying the cause of the problem.
For example, if the mower cannot start, you need to identify the probable cause or reason it can’t run.
Here are common causes of common lawn mower problems:
Starter Rope Stuck or Hard to Pull
- The mower blade is stuck, or something is blocking it
- A glitch in the engine – often due to oil issues
- Freewheel brake engagement
Lawn mower loses power or stops
- Dirt in the air cleaner system
- Dirt in the fuel system
- Contaminated fuel
- Low oil level
- Excessive load – tall grass or rigid materials such as debris
- Faulty sparks-plug
Lawn mower smoking
- Dirt in the filter system – leading to insufficient airflow
- Oil Leakage into the combustion chamber
- Defective carburetor
The lawn mower can’t start
- Faulty sparks-plug
- Insufficient fuel
- Fault in the fuel system
- Contaminated fuel
- Faulty ignition coil
- Defective starter assembly
- Lawn mower not working
- Loose blades
- Broken flywheel key (the small metal bar that enhances the engagement of flywheel with crankshaft)
Each problem may be a result of several reasons. While troubleshooting, evaluate a specific part of the mower related to the particular situation you are troubleshooting.
Step 3: Devise Possible Solutions
After establishing the source, it is easy to devise a solution to that particular problem. Often, replacing defective parts is the ideal solution to fix lawn mowers. Cleaning is also a better way to improve faulty parts.
To decide on a solution, you may evaluate the level of defectiveness.
Step 4: Fix Your Lawn mower
Now, it’s time to fix the problem. First, you need to perform regular mower maintenance procedures, including cleaning filters and airflow system, changing and ensuring the necessary fuel and oil levels, cleaning excess oil on the engine, and checking the condition of spark plugs and mower blades. The procedures should fix almost all issues in your mower. If the problems persist, try other fixes.
Let’s look at other fixes for each error;
How to Fix Stuck Starter Rope
To fix starter rope issues, move the mower to a flat, clear (with fewer obstacles such as debris) area. This will solve the problem if it is due to a stuck mower blade. You may also consider cleaning the mover blades. Ensure to shut off the engine and disengage sparks plug when cleaning.
Disengaging freewheel brakes will solve the error resulting from brakes engagement.
How Fix Lawn mower Losing Power or Stopping
If you experience declined power or frequent stops, even after conducting maintenance procedures, the cause may be excessive engine load. Evaluate the grass height and adjust your mower – raise the mower deck to its highest setting. You may also consider raking your lawn to collect debris and other rigid materials.
If the problem persists, check the fuel system, starting from gas filters to the carburetor. You may also consider replacing clogged parts.
How to Fix Smoking Lawn mower
After cleaning your mower, the other probable cause of smoking is a leakage of the oil into the combustion chambers. The leak can be a result of broken seals or loose gasket heads. In this case, you will need to adjust or replace the gasket head.
Another probable reason for the smoking mower is a faulty carburetor. While carburetor regulates air-gasoline mixture, defects in it can lead to the imbalanced mix, which results in black smoke. To fix carburetor-related issues, adjust it to increase airflow in it. You may also remove and clean it or replace it entirely.
How to Fix Lawn mower can’t Start Error
Many factors can lead to starting issues. Therefore, fixing the error will require you to examine different parts consecutively.
If the sparks plug is in condition yet the mower does not start, examine the fuel system. Defects resulting from dirt, contaminated fuel, use of wrong fuels, among other causes, can lead to the mower not starting.
If the problem persists, check the ignition coil. Use an ignition system tester to test the coil’s condition.
The problem may also be a result of a broken starter assembly. Here, examine the entire starter assembly condition, starting from the housing to the starter recoil spring. To evaluate the state, detach the starter assembly from the mower, unscrew, and disengage the starter housing. From here, you can quickly identify the problem. Replace or fix the defective parts.
How to Fix Lawn mower not Working
The mower’s probable cause not working is a broken flywheel key—usually, the key breaks due to sudden stop resulting from stuck or dragged mower blade. The breakage helps in disengaging the flywheel from the crankshaft to avoid damages to the engine. To fix the error, remove the flywheel housing then disengage the flywheel from the crankshaft. Replace the key and reassemble your mower.
The above procedures should help you fix persistent problems.
Step 5: Test your Lawn mower
The last step is testing if you have fixed the troubling errors. Restart the lawn mower and observe its functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Lawn Mower Repair
1. Are lawn mowers easy to fix?
Yes. Some issues do not require expertise. For instance, issues such as lawn mower won’t start, start then stop, change oil, and other simple problems can be fixed using a few tools and appropriate replacement lawnmower parts.
2. Is lawn mower worth fixing?
It is always worth it fixing your lawn mower. New lawn mowers cost up to thousands of dollars. This is a huge amount compared to a few hundred dollars you will use in repairing. However, if the problem is more extensive and requires more money to fix, such as changing the engine, it’s worth buying a new lawn mower.
3. How can I fix my lawn mower?
The first step to fixing your lawn mower is determining the level of damage. Check the user manual. Some problems are well stated and how to fix them. You might also consider changing the oil, recharging batteries, and servicing the mower as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. How do you diagnose a lawn mower problem?
Loose or dirty spark plug, dirty air filter, cutting tall grass, built-up clippings and debris, bent or loose mower blade, and fuel not reaching the engine are common causes of most lawn mower problems. If you encounter any issue with your mower, begin by inspecting your mower for any noticeable abnormality.
You may need to check and clean off debris from the spark plug and tighten it if your mower doesn’t start. Other remedies to undertake to diagnose various problems include the following. Cleaning or replacing the filter, raising your mower’s cutting height when dealing with long grass. Plus, cleaning the underside of the deck, tapping the carburetor when the fuel is not reaching the engine, and sharpening or replacing the mower blade if it gets dull, bent, or loose.
5. How can I start my lawnmower sitting for an extended period?
If your lawn mower has been sitting for an extended period, you need to make a few changes before starting it. Firstly, check the oil, and if it is very dark or has residue, change it. Check the gas tank. If the gas has been sitting there for more than a month, replace it with fresh gas.
Finally, check if the carburetor is in good condition. You will also need to ensure that the spark plug, fuel pump, flywheel, and filter are in good condition. After this short exercise, you can now start your mower.
6. What does it mean when my lawn mower starts then stops?
The common cause of this issue is a dirty or clogged carburetor. It might be caused by old gasoline, dirty spark plug, blocked gas line, blocked gas filter, or too much oils in the reservoir.
7. Why does my lawn mower run for a few seconds then stops?
This problem indicates that the engine is getting shots of gas from the primer bulb or choke operation to start it, but issues in the carburetor such as the blockage and the causes mentioned above starve it from getting additional gas.
8. Why does my lawn mower shut off as I mow?
Common reasons for this issue are using a mower with a dirty air filter, dirty spark plug, clippings and debris build-up, dull or faulty blade, or cutting tall grass using a low cutting height.
9. How long do the lawn mowers last?
A well-maintained lawnmower will last about 10 years. This duration will vary depending on frequency to use it, the climate you live in, and the mower type. Gas mowers last longer compared to battery-powered mowers.
10. How often am I required to change the oil in my lawn mower?
Most users will change the oil in their lawn mowers when the amount starts running over, annually, or when they start it after prolonged sitting. Although these are good moments to change the oil, it is recommended to consider changing the oil every 20 to 50 hours of operation.
4 Best Lawn Mowers 2022
Here are the top 4 best lawn mowers in the market.
1. Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 25022
Green works electric lawnmower is among the best electric lawn mower for all your cutting, mulching, or bagging needs. The 3-in-1 mower has a powerful motor of 12 amp which allows you to cut through the toughest grass.
The 20-inch deck made with still makes this mower strong and able to cut quickly and efficiently. It also has a cord that keeps you connected to the power source, giving you ample time to complete your work.
The 3-in-1 electric mower can perform 3 tasks at once, such as mulching, rear bagging, and discharge. The electric mower has an adjustable height that suits all users.
View at Amazon: Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 25022
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- It’s durable
- Free from gas leakage and emission
- Easy to use. Has a push button to start and stop
Cons
- Has no extension cord
- A limited work area that is proximity to a power supply
2. Greenworks 40V 20-Inch Cordless (2-In-1) Push Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah + 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included 25302
Not a fun of gasoline? Then this 2-in-1 green works lawn mower is the best cordless lawn mower choice for you. This mower uses batteries to run, which gives you the freedom to mow even in isolated areas without a power supply.
It has double batteries that increase the runtime by up to 70 minutes. This cordless mower gives you the freedom to work in a wide area without having to worry about the power source.
You won’t have to worry about uneven cut grass or the ability to cut thick grass because the green works 2-in-1 has a smart cut technology that helps cut all types of grasses by adjusting the power. The dual blades give you an even and quality bagging and mulching.
View at Amazon: Greenworks 40V 20-Inch Cordless (2-In-1) Push Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah + 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included 25302
Pros
- It is lightweight
- No gas emission or leakage as it uses batteries
- It’s not noisy
Cons
- It is not self-propelling
3. Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 High-Wheeled FWD Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower with Bagger
Have you experienced the trouble of fussing your lawnmower with a primer or a choke? Well, the good news is that this craftsman M215 lawnmower gas-powered comes with recoil and an auto choke.
All you need is to pull the starter cord and get the machine running which saves you a lot of trouble trying to get the mower running. This mower has a powerful engine of 159cc OHV for sufficient use on a large area.
The mower can be easily used by people of different heights since it has 6 adjustable cutting heights to choose from making it easy to be use and control.
View at Amazon: Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 High-Wheeled FWD Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower with Bagger
Pros
- Self-Propelling hence easy maneuverability
- It’s easy to use
- Has rear-wheel made with zag treading that helps with traction.
Cons
- It emits gas hence not environment friendly
4. WORX WR147 Landroid M 1/4 Acre Robotic Lawn Mower
If you opt to get yourself a robotic lawnmower, then this Worx wr147 is the best robot lawn mower you can have. It is fully automated and can do the mowing by itself so that you can go on with other tasks.
Did you know you can also control the lawn mowing process from a phone? Just install an app control that can help you check the mower working progress. You can also start and stop the landroid or get a notification of software issues on your smartphone.
How about getting work done on the narrow places where gigantic mowers are unable to get to? This robotic landroid will get work done on narrow pathways and also on sloppy places of even 20 degrees.
View at Amazon: WORX WR147 Landroid M 1/4 Acre Robotic Lawn Mower
Pros
- Has 3 blades that help cut grass close to the edge
- Easy to install
- Waterproof
- Rain sensors that can sense rain
Cons
- It can be hard to work on very tough grass.
Final Words
As Fredrick Douglas said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”. So is to farm machines. If you want the best out of your lawn mower, you should conduct regular maintenance practices than wait until it’s broken.
Lawns are essential elements for beautifying your home. Therefore, caring for the grounds is highly recommendable. Although mechanical errors are common for machinery like lawn mowers, the mower’s general problems should not stop you, as you now have the necessary lawn mower repair knowledge. Note that knowing how to fix a lawn mower is equally important as knowing how to care for your lawn.
In the above Lawn mower repair guide, the frequently asked questions point out the best practices and all the information you need to keep your lawn mower working well.
Recommended Readings:
11 Best Gardening Tools For Seniors in 2021
How to Aerate Lawn – Step-by-Step Guide
How to sharpen garden tools-An ultimate guide
