A well-maintained lawn mower is the key to a healthy, well-manicured lawn. However, like any piece of equipment, mowers can develop issues over time. Many of these problems are preventable with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
At Equip Rentals in Niagara Falls, we’ve seen it all—from hard-starting engines to uneven cutting. This guide will help you identify common lawn mower problems and learn how to prevent them, ensuring your mower runs smoothly all season long.
1. Lawn Mower Won’t Start
One of the most frustrating issues is when your mower refuses to start. This is often caused by:
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Old fuel left in the tank over winter
❌ Dirty spark plug or disconnected spark plug wire
❌ Clogged carburetor
❌ Dead battery (for electric or riding mowers)
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Always drain old fuel before winter storage or use a fuel stabilizer.
✔ Replace the spark plug annually to ensure a clean ignition.
✔ Keep the carburetor clean—use fresh gas and check for blockages.
✔ Charge the battery before storing your mower for the winter.
Need help? Bring your mower to Equip Rentals for a quick diagnostic and repair.
2. Lawn Mower Runs Rough or Stalls
If your mower starts but runs unevenly, sputters, or stalls, there may be issues with fuel delivery or air intake.
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Dirty or clogged air filter
❌ Water in the fuel tank
❌ Carburetor issues (clogged jets, dirty float bowl)
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Clean or replace the air filter every 25 hours of use.
✔ Use fresh, ethanol-free gasoline to avoid water buildup.
✔ Have the carburetor cleaned or serviced annually.
Pro Tip: If your mower still idles roughly, it may need a professional carburetor cleaning.
3. Uneven or Poor Cutting Performance
A mower that leaves patches of uncut grass or ragged edges is likely suffering from dull or imbalanced blades.
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Dull or damaged blades
❌ Mower deck height set incorrectly
❌ Uneven tire pressure (causing an uneven deck)
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Sharpen blades at least once a season for a clean, even cut.
✔ Adjust the mower deck to the right height for your grass type.
✔ Check tire pressure regularly to ensure an even cut.
Pro Tip: Dull blades rip grass instead of cutting it, leading to brown, unhealthy lawns. Get your blades professionally sharpened at Equip Rentals!
4. Lawn Mower Overheats
An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your mower and shorten its lifespan.
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Dirty cooling fins or blocked air vents
❌ Low or old engine oil
❌ Overworked engine (mowing tall, wet grass)
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Clean cooling fins and air vents regularly.
✔ Change the oil every season to keep the engine properly lubricated.
✔ Avoid mowing wet or overgrown grass in a single pass—cut it gradually.
Pro Tip: A well-lubricated engine runs cooler and lasts longer. Make oil changes part of your spring and fall maintenance routine.
5. Lawn Mower Smokes While Running
Seeing white or blue smoke coming from your mower? This could indicate a serious issue with the engine.
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Overfilled oil level
❌ Oil burning due to worn piston rings
❌ Tilted mower causing oil to leak into the exhaust
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Check the oil level before use and avoid overfilling.
✔ Never tip the mower on its side—tilt it back when checking the blade.
✔ If excessive smoke persists, have a mechanic inspect for internal damage.
Pro Tip: If your mower smokes but still runs fine, it may just need an oil change and filter replacement.
6. Self-Propelled Mower Moves Too Slow (or Not at All)
If your self-propelled mower feels sluggish or refuses to move, the drive system may be worn out or need adjustment.
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Worn or loose drive belt
❌ Dirt buildup in drive gears
❌ Faulty drive cable or transmission
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Inspect the drive belt and replace if cracked or loose.
✔ Clean grass and debris from drive wheels after each mow.
✔ Adjust the drive cable tension if the mower struggles to move.
Pro Tip: A simple belt replacement can restore full power to your self-propelled mower.
7. Lawn Mower Vibrates Excessively
If your mower vibrates more than usual, it could be due to loose parts or an imbalanced blade.
🚨 Common Causes:
❌ Bent or unbalanced blade
❌ Loose nuts, bolts, or engine mounts
❌ Damaged crankshaft (from hitting a rock or hard object)
✅ Prevention Tips:
✔ Check for loose hardware before each use.
✔ Balance blades after sharpening to prevent wobbling.
✔ Avoid mowing over large debris like rocks, branches, or tree roots.
Pro Tip: If vibrations persist after blade balancing, bring your mower to Equip Rentals for an inspection.
Preventative Maintenance: The Key to a Trouble-Free Mower
Regular maintenance can save you time, money, and frustration by preventing these common issues.
💡 Quick Maintenance Checklist:
✅ Check and change the oil regularly
✅ Clean or replace the air filter
✅ Sharpen and balance the blades
✅ Inspect the spark plug and replace annually
✅ Use fresh fuel and add a stabilizer for storage
Located in Niagara Falls? Equip Rentals offers expert servicing, repairs, and tune-ups to keep your lawn mower in peak condition.
Why Choose Equip Rentals for Your Lawn Mower Servicing?
✔ Professional inspections and tune-ups
✔ Blade sharpening and balancing
✔ Fast, reliable repairs with quality parts
✔ Affordable pricing for all makes and models
Don’t wait for problems to arise—schedule your lawn mower service with Equip Rentals today!
Would you like to add a special service discount for seasonal tune-ups?
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