5 lawnmower troubleshooting tips

How to fix your lawnmower problem yourself, fast!


Suddenly, your most important lawn helper is in trouble! Regular lawn maintenance helps prevent problems and extends the life of your lawn equipment as wear and tear from hours of mowing the lawn increases the chances of it breaking down over time.


First, always refer to the operator's manual before starting any maintenance work on your equipment.


Here are some of the more common difficulties you may encounter and what you can do if...:


1. The starter rope is difficult to pull or seems stuck:


A typical cause for this is that the engine choke brake. Check that it is in the correct position before pulling it.


This can also happen if your mower blade is touching the grass or is clogged with grass clippings. Move your lawnmower to a hard surface. With the mower turned off and the spark plug wire disconnected, clean the underside of the mower of excess grass, then return to the lawn and try starting it again.


2. Your lawnmower won't start:


Believe it or not, many owners experience this frustration for a very obvious reason: the gas tank is empty. So make sure you fill it with gas first. Old fuel left in the machine can also lead to starting problems. If you have last season's gas in your mower, drain the fuel tank and fill with fresh. However it should ALWAYS be stored with an empty petrol tank as fuel deposits will cause damage. Other possible causes include:


• Loose, dirty or disconnected spark plug on your lawnmower: Check, clean debris, reconnect and tighten.


• Air filter dirty: Clean or replace.


• Fuel not reaching the engine: Touch the side of the carburetor to help fuel flow. If that doesn't work, you may need a new fuel filter.


3. You lose power in the middle of the haircut:


Why this happens and what you can do:


• Dirty air filter on your lawnmower: Clean or replace.


• Cutting tall grass: Increase the cutting height on your lawnmower


• Dirty spark plug: Clean or replace.


• Grass build-up on the blade: Clean the underside of your mower as noted above.


4. The lawnmower has difficulty cutting the lawn:


• Grass build-up on the blade: Clean the underside of your mower as noted above. Also check to make sure the side discharge is clear.


• Worn, bent or loose lawn mower blade: Sharpen or replace.


5. Your lawnmower smokes:


This may seem a little scary, but it is usually not serious. Your lawnmower's engine may smoke if your gas tank is too full, or if oil leaked into the exhaust if you tipped your lawnmower on its side. It just burns while the engine is warm. But if you're seeing lighter smoke, as well as having trouble keeping your mower running, it's time for a serious look by a professional technician.


Of course, there are cases where special tools or skills are required to fix, or your efforts may not provide the solution. When it's time to call in a professional to get the job done right, find a service agent.