Your lawn mower is probably your most essential piece of lawn equipment. If it suddenly won’t start or it stops running in the middle of a mowing job, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. Below are some of the most common lawn mower problems and what you can do about them.

How to Fix 4 Common Lawn Mower Problems

1. Stuck Starter Rope

If the starter rope is hard to pull or feels stuck, make sure the engine flywheel brake is fully engaged. This is the bar you hold to the handle that stops the engine when released. The brake should be pressed fully to the handle before you pull the starter rope. This can also happen if the lawn mower blade is clogged with grass clippings. Turn it off and disconnect the spark plug, then turn it on its side and clear away the clippings. Reconnect the plug, turn the mower right side up, and try again.

2. Won’t Start

One of the most obvious, yet often overlooked, causes is an empty gas tank, so make sure it’s full. Old gas may also prevent starting, so always start the season with a tank of fresh fuel. A dirty or loose spark plug could also be the culprit, which you can clean and reconnect. Also, check the air filter and clean it if it’s dirty, or replace the filter altogether. In some cases, fuel may not be reaching the engine. Tap the side of the carburetor to get things flowing. If that doesn’t work, you may need a new fuel filter.

3. Loss of Power

If you can get your lawn mower started but it shuts off while mowing, the culprit, again, could be a dirty air filter. Cutting grass that’s too tall may clog the blade, causing loss of power as well. If this happens, clean the underside of the mower and raise the height of the blade. As with the first two problems, a dirty spark plug could also be the culprit.

4. Smoke

Don’t panic if your lawn mower starts smoking while cutting your grass. One of the most common causes is a buildup of debris and clippings, which you can clear away. Also check the side discharge and clear any clogs. In some cases, a dull or damaged blade can cause smoking, which you can either sharpen or replace. 

If you’ve tried the above and are still experiencing problems with your lawn mower, it may be time to take it in for repairs. Residents of Milledgeville, GA, have relied on Southside Equipment Company for more than 30 years for all their lawn and garden equipment repairs and maintenance. Visit these Stihl® dealers online for maintenance tips and call (478) 452-5523 to schedule repair service.