With proper upkeep, a good lawn mower should last for many years. When something goes wrong with your lawn equipment, however, it is helpful to know what can be done to repair the problem. Some problems are easily repaired at home, while others may require help from a service technician.
Whether you choose to complete a repair yourself or take it to a professional, you will probably end up working with a service department. If you are not comfortable diagnosing and repairing your mower’s problem, or if you simply don’t have the time, trained service technicians will be able to correct the issue. On the other hand, if you want to do the repairs and maintenance yourself, a competent service department can help you locate the correct replacement parts and provide advice for completing repairs.
There are several repairs that lawn mowers can require. The most common lawn mower problems are easily fixed, like cleaning the air and fuel filters or replacing a spark plug. Other common issues involve various aspects of engine repair. Alternately, if your mower is running, but not cutting grass well, the blades may need attention.
Engine Repair
Disconnect the spark plug before you do anything. You don’t want the engine accidentally starting while your fingers are in there. This article on engine repair covers diagnosing issues with the spark plug, checking problems with the ignition system, removing and replacing the flywheel, cleaning the carburetor, checking the fuel tank and lines, intake and exhaust valves, and whether or not to remove the piston.
Replacing A Belt
If you have a riding mower, one of the most common problems is a broken or worn belt on the mower deck. Since it is one of the most frequent problems, it is especially helpful to understand how fix this yourself and know what kind of belt you need. This article addresses changing the belt on a riding mower.
Changing and Sharpening Blades
One of the reasons your lawn mower might not be cutting as well as it used to is that the blades need sharpened or replaced. Dull blades can be sharpened and reused, but some retailers and service departments recommend replacing blades every year, or at least every other year. This article is about sharpening a mower blade. A blade will need replaced instead of sharpened if it has been damaged in some way.
Most of the repairs your lawn mowing equipment might require are easily corrected, either through maintenance you perform at home or by taking the mower to a lawn service professional. By understanding the most frequent problems and knowing where to find a competent service department, you can ensure that any problems are dealt with quickly so you can get back to using your mower.