Common Lawnmower Issues and How to Solve Them

Summer has finally arrived, and it’s time to pull out your lawnmowers and weed trimmers to get your lawn ready. As with anything, these machines can be damaged or break and require maintenance. Follow this guide for quick tips on common issues and how to fix them.

Failure to Start

You get your lawnmower out, you are ready to go, and it won’t start. While frustrating, this is a relatively common issue that can be solved easily. Start by looking at your fuel tank, is it full? Check for any signs of damage that could be causing leaks. Then go through and check for any issues such as a dirty filter. This can prevent your engine from starting. If both these areas are fine, check the spark plugs. Look to see if they are loose or dirty, anything that would prevent the spark from reaching the engine.

Engine Issues

When you mow the lawn, if you start to notice some sputtering or smoke rising from your mower, don’t panic. Check the filter, blades and spark plugs to see if you can find any excessive dirt, damaged or loose fittings. Once done, try and start your mower again. If you are still having problems, look for small engine repair shops near you, as this could be indicative of larger problems that require a professional eye to fix. Finally, if your lawnmower is putting off smoke, look at the color. White or light smoke is a sign of bigger engine issues that need to be fixed before you continue to use your mower.

Uneven Cuts

After you have put in the time to mow your lawn, the last thing you want to see is uneven or uncut grass. The best way to prevent this is by checking the conditions of the grass before you mow; wet or long grass can affect your mower's performance. Next, walk around your lawn checking for items that may block your mower’s path or damage the blades. Additionally, check the deck height to ensure your mower can handle the length of the grass. If you are still having these problems, check the blades for any damage that you may have missed.

There is nothing nicer than relaxing on a well-mowed lawn. Take the time to make sure your mower is up for the job this summer. If you have any issues, don’t shy away from asking for help. Have a wonderful summer!