When it comes to lawn beautification, mowers are one of the most important tools to keep your front lawn looking fresh. Waiting too long to cut your grass creates more wear and tear on the mowers, so if you notice a problem with your lawn mower, it’s important to start the troubleshooting process as early as possible. Here are just a few common issues you could be experiencing with your lawn mower.
- Problem: Mower suddenly stopped working and turned off
If your lawn mower shuts off in the middle of mowing, there’s no need for immediate panic; the source of the issue could be one of a number of things. First, check the air filters and clean or replace them if necessary. You may also need to adjust the cutting height on your mower so that there aren’t as many excess clippings and the mower doesn’t have to work as hard. If you’re still having issues, you may need to clean or replace the spark plug and clean the underside of clippings. - Problem: Starter rope is stuck
This is another fairly common issue with various no-name and name brand lawn mowers. Usually, it’s caused by engagement of the engine flywheel brake, which is the bar on the handle that stops the engine when it’s released. Make sure the bar is down to the handle before pulling on the starter rope. Another common cause is that the mower blade is full of clippings and can’t start properly. To combat this, make sure the mower is off and the spark plug has been inactivated. Move the mower to a driveway or another hard surface away from the lawn and clear out any excess clippings under its body. After returning the mower to an upright position and re-engaging the spark plug, the problem should be solved. - Problem: Mower is smoking
This may seem pretty serious, but there’s no need to get alarmed. If your mower is smoking, the first thing you should check is the buildup of clippings in the underside of the mower. Make sure the side discharge shoot is unobstructed as well. The other possible cause is a mower blade that has become loosened, dulled, or bent. If this is the case, they need to be sharpened or replaced.
Ultimately, it’s important to be aware of the causes of these common lawn mower issues. The average American spends four hours per week taking care of their lawn. That adds up to an average of 208 hours per year, or over eight days, and keeping your lawn mower in top condition is the best way to get the most out of its lifespan.