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Lawn Mower Repair Guide: How to Fix Common Lawn Mower Problems

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A lawn mower repair guide is important for making sure your lawn mower delivers a consistent performance every time.

For many homeowners, a well-maintained lawn is important and the right machinery can provide the results every gardener is looking for. Lawn mowers are sturdy machines, but issues and problems can arise any time.

The good news is that there are lots of problems that you can easily fix at home.

In this blog, we’ll examine the most common problems, the best ways to tackle them, and lawn mower repair strategies.

If the problem is more complex, don’t worry! GLC offers a comprehensive repair and service option for recurring problems or ones too difficult to solve at home.

Are you ready to dive into our lawn mower repair guide?

Let’s go!

Common Lawn Mower Problems and How to Fix Them

According to the 2021 census, 87% of UK homes have a garden. This results in a high number of people mowing their lawn and needing top quality lawn mowers for the best results.

That’s why knowing how to fix issues with your grass cutting machine is essential.

Let’s take a look at some common lawn mower problems and the best ways to go about sorting them.

1. Lawn Mower Not Starting

Is your lawn mower not starting? Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a lawn mower just won’t start. This is a common problem and it’s very frustrating, especially during peak mowing season.

Here’s what might be causing it and how to sort it:

Potential Causes:

• Empty fuel tank or stale fuel: If there’s no fuel, your lawn mower won’t be able to start. Similarly, stale fuel can lose its combustive properties which will result in the mower not starting. Read our blog about unleaded petrol problems in garden machinery to help avoid this issue.
• Blocked carburettor: If the carburettor becomes blocked by debris and residue for stale fuel, it can prevent the engine from receiving the correct air-fuel mixture.
• Spark plug issues: If a spark plug is dirty, damaged, or disconnected it can disrupt the ignition process for outdoor work.
• Dead or faulty battery (for cordless mowers): Without a charge or a functional battery, electric mowers won’t start.

Solutions:

• Refill the fuel tank with fresh, high-quality fuel.
• Detach the carburettor and clean it thoroughly with a carburettor cleaner or book in with our workshop to have your carburettor “Sonic Cleaned”.
• Inspect the spark plug to see if you can see any dirt or corrosion. Clean it with a wire brush or replace it if necessary.
• Charge your cordless lawn mower battery or replace it if it’s not working properly.

2. Lawn Mower Blade Needs Sharpening

Lawn mower and strimmer blade sharpening is vital when servicing or repairing a mower.

All lawn mowers and strimmers need sharp blades for the best, most precise cut. A dull blade can negatively impact your lawn and mower, as it’s more likely to tear the grass as opposed to giving it a clean cut. This can put strain on the mower’s engine as a result.

Therefore, it might be time to sharpen the blade!

Some signs that it’s time for lawn mower blade sharpening are:

• Your grass appears to be unevenly cut or has torn edges.
• The mower leaves the grass blades with white and brown tips.
• Reduced grass collection performance.

The best process for sharpening the blades are:

• Disconnect the lawn mower from power or fuel.
• Refer to the manual about how to remove the blades in the safest way.
• Mark the bottom of the blade so you know which way to refit it.
• Use a sharpening file or an angle grinder to restore the blade’s edge. Make sure to balance your blade afterwards to avoid vibration while mowing.
• Book in with our workshop to have your blade sharpened and balance professionally “While You Wait”.

Safety Tip: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or sharpening blades during lawn mower servicing.

3. Lawn Mower Drive Problems

Lawn mower drive problems sometimes occur on a self-propelled mowers and result in the wheels not turning as they should.

Therefore, lawn mower repair will be necessary if the lawn mower isn’t moving forward, and it’s often due to problems with the drive belt, drive pulley, or transmission.

Signs of drive problems:

• The mower struggles to move or stops entirely.
• Power doesn’t reach the rear wheels or roller effectively.

Here are some ways to overcome lawnmower drive problems:

• Take a look at the drive cables for signs of fraying, splits, or wear. Replace damaged cables with compatible parts.
• Some cables have adjusters which you can adjust as required to compensate for any stretching.
• Check the drive belt for cracks or excessive wear and replace if necessary.
• Lubricate the lawn mower cables regularly to prevent stiffness and ensure smooth operation.

4. Lawn Mower Overheating

If a lawn mower overheats, it can cause issues and permanent damage to the engine or the motor which can result in a poorly functioning mower.

Or worse, one that doesn’t work at all.

There are some reasons why this might be happening and once you know the root cause, it’s usually easy to overcome.

Potential causes of a lawn mower overheating are:

• Blocked air vents or clogged filters restricting airflow.
• A build-up of grass clippings and debris under the deck trapping the heat.
• An overly long extension cable on an electric mower can reduce voltage to the motor, causing it to overheat.

Lawn mower repair tips and solutions:

• Clean the air vents and replace air filters.
• After each use, remove grass clippings and debris from the mower deck.
• Avoid using excessive lengths of extension cable with electric mowers.
• Raise the cutting height when tackling longer grass to reduce strain on the motor. Overloading the mower by cutting more than 50% of the grass length in one session can also lead to overheating and performance issues.

5. Uneven Cutting Performance

If a lawn mower is working as it should, you should get a sleek, even, and professional-looking cut at all times, achieving a beautiful garden. If you notice an uneven cutting performance, it’s likely there are some issues that need to be taken into account.

Potential reasons why:

• A damaged or unbalanced blade can cause uneven cuts.
• Incorrect cutting height settings may lead to inconsistent results (you should never cut more than 50% of grass length).
• Faulty wheels or uneven ground can impact the mower’s stability.

Solutions:

• Inspect the blade for any signs of damage and replace or balance it if needed.
• Adjust the cutting height settings to suit the terrain and grass length. It’s recommended that you don’t cut more than 30% of the overall length in one go. This is because cutting low in long grass also drastically reduces airflow, causing poor collection and blockages which can damage the lawn and the mower.
• Repair or replace faulty wheels and adjust your mowing pattern to handle uneven terrain.

6. Poor Grass Collection

If clippings aren’t getting picked up it can lead to an untidy lawn and ruin the professional finish you’re aiming for. We’re not aiming for scarification here! A build-up of grass clippings can also lead to disease in some instances, alongside ruining the appearance of your lawn.

Some potential reasons are:

• Blocked fabric bag pores or grass collector: Fabric grass catchers can become clogged with debris, reducing airflow.
• Worn blades: Dull blades reduce airflow and can hinder collection efficiency.
• Debris buildup: Grass and debris on the underside of the deck can block the vacuum effect.

To solve the issue of poor grass collection:

• Use a pressure washer to clean the pores and restore suction.
• Sharpen or replace the mower blades if they’re dull.
• Clean the mower deck thoroughly after each use to prevent the build-up of grass and debris.

The Importance of Regular Lawn Mower Servicing

The best way to keep on top of your lawn mower’s performance and efficiency is to regularly service it. If you’re taking on the task of lawn mower servicing yourself, you’ll get the hang of it in no time and be able to get into a regular routine with it.

Here are some reasons why lawn mower servicing is so important:

Preventative Maintenance

Regular servicing will stop small issues from becoming major ones that are costly and inconvenient. Keeping up with regular servicing will help to keep your mower running as it should for outdoor work, limiting the worry of unexpected problems cropping up.

Enhanced Longevity

A lawn mower service can help it last longer, as it’s less likely to break down or become damaged over time. Regularly checking on your grass cutting machine will improve its condition and boost its longevity. Extending the lifespan of your mower will prevent you from spending lots of money on repairs or replacements in the long run.

Improved Performance

Lawn mower blade sharpening and checking the engine is working properly are vital tasks for the overall performance of your mower. If you’re doing regular outdoor work with the mower, you’ll want sleek and clean cuts every time. There’s nothing worse than an unruly lawn and a lawn mower that can’t handle it. For example, if you’re using our 3-in-1 lawn mower, scarifier, and aerator and flicking between all three, a proper servicing will help to make sure all features are working as they should.

Safety Assurance

Lawn mowers are heavy-duty items of garden machinery and safety is key. Keeping up with regular maintenance of the lawn mower cable, blade, and engine helps to increase trust in the safety of the machine. You can stay on top of any issues and reduce the risk of the lawn mower cutting out during operation.

Cost Savings

As we mentioned above, lawn mower servicing can help with long-term cost savings. Rather than having to pay a lump sum for a big repair, you can pay for smaller, less expensive repairs as you go.

Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Healthy

While you might be able to repair your lawn mower, it’s a good idea to follow some tips in the first place for the best outcome.

Here are some tips to keep your mower healthy:

Proper Storage

One of the best things you can do to keep your lawn mower healthy is store it properly. To store it correctly, keep it dry and make sure it’s covered to protect it from the elements. This will help to protect it from the risk of rust and potential damage, helping to reduce the amount of further repairs that come from this.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning can help keep your lawn in tip-top shape. Remove grass clippings and dirt from the deck, blades, and the mower’s grass catcher to keep it as clean as possible. Use a pressure washer or hose to get rid of debris as this will help to prevent build-up and all the issues that come with that.

It’s easier to clean your mowers directly after a cut, the grasses will just fall off with a light brush. Leaving it longer allows the grass to set hard making it much harder to clean.

Oil and Filter Checks

A regular lawn mower service and keeping on top of your oil and checking the air filter will ensure you don’t unexpectedly run out or run into any issues. Check the manufacturer’s guide for the recommended levels and quality, and this will help to prevent any issues down the line.

Opt for High-Quality Fuel and Parts

One of the best things to do for the health of machinery used for outdoor work is to use high-quality fuel and parts. By opting for parts made by top manufacturers, you’ll likely experience better performance time and time again. You might need to pay more initially, but you’ll save money in the long term with this kind of investment.

At GLC, all of our spare parts are genuine items produced by the manufacturer of the machine for a perfect fit, that lasts! Always use genuine parts to ensure a safe and effective repair.

Smart Mowing Practices

Smart mowing practices can help with the reliability and durability of your lawn mower. For example, avoid cutting more than 30% of grass length in one session to prevent overloading the mower or stressing your grasses. If you require a bigger cut, leave it for 2-3 days before doing the same process again. It’s also a good idea to use a mower that suits your space, whether that’s a ride on mower or a cordless one, as this will help you get the best outcome every time.

Why Choose GLC for Lawn Mower Repairs and Servicing?

At GLC, we provide a repairs and servicing option for all your equipment. If the problem is complex or difficult to manage, you can trust our 40+ years of experience to help you sort it out.

Here’s why you should choose us for all your lawn mower repair servicing:

• Experience and expertise you can trust: We have extensive experience with all types of lawn mowers and equipment, meaning we can help to tackle any issue.
• Affordable services: Being a family-run business, our main focus is the customer service we provide. That’s why we offer competitive prices for all your servicing needs.
• Convenience: We offer a full winter service when your mower would otherwise be lying dormant. This means that by the time spring comes around, your mower is ready to use.
• Comprehensive service: from lawn mower blade sharpening to an engine breakdown.

Keeping your mower in top condition is easy with GLC. By addressing common problems, maintaining good habits, and scheduling regular servicing, you can enjoy a trouble-free mowing experience. Plus, excellent results!

For professional assistance, explore GLC’s garden tool and lawn mower service and repair options today.

Lawn Mower Repair Guide: How to Fix Common Lawn Mower Problems

A lawn mower repair doesn’t need to be a challenge.

Most of the time, like your lawn mower not starting, it just needs a quick fix to put it right again. Many of the problems mentioned are common and don’t require too much attention.

However, at GLC, we offer a comprehensive service and repair option for all your petrol and cordless mower needs. Our 40 years of experience and expertise puts us in an excellent position to help you with any lawn mower issue you’re facing.

If it’s time for a new lawnmower altogether, we have an excellent array of products from trusted manufacturers. Shop our collection today or fill out an online form and get in touch with us for a service or repair.