Lawn mower cutting problems. 5 Common Lawn Mowing Problems

How To Troubleshoot Lawn Mower Blade Problems (Explained)

Have you ever encountered a situation where your lawn mower blade stopped working properly, and you noticed that it started to cut the grass unevenly or poorly?

If yes, you might have wondered if it is possible to troubleshoot such a blade problem and if possible, how to troubleshoot a lawn mower blade problem.

Firstly, gather up all the necessary tools and materials. Then, look for uneven wheel adjuster or mower deck and replace the deck if necessary. After that, check whether the blade is installed properly or not and if required, install it accordingly. Next, check whether the blade is bent, dull or loose and replace it if required.

Keep reading this following article and learn the detailed way of troubleshooting lawn mower blade problems.

What Causes the Problem?

Often lawn mower users complain that sometimes they notice that their mower blade won’t engage or they could see rows of uncut grass while mowing with their lawn mower.

When your lawn mower’s internal battery is weak, not charged enough, or dead, you will encounter a blade, not engaging issues.

If you have not maintained the lawn mower blade sharpening or scheduled servicing properly, it’s obvious that your mower blade will turn dull or bent and if that’s the case, you will notice uneven cuts or rows of uncut grass like I mentioned earlier.

Lawn mower users have also mentioned noticing loose blades while they were having cutting issues and it can occur either due to overuse or lack of regular maintenance.

Such normal wear or tear issues of lawn mower blades mostly occur when the mower is getting older.

Steps to troubleshoot lawn mower blade problems:

If you suddenly notice that your lawn mower is not cutting the grass evenly or the cutting looks weakly done, it most probably happening due to a dull, bent, or loose blade that your mower has. In that case, you need an immediate, easy but effective fixing solution.

That’s why I have enlisted an easy and quick troubleshooting method in today’s article.

Things required to troubleshoot lawn mower blade problems:

Have a proper glance at the checklist of the necessary tools and materials for this task:

Step 1- Look for an Uneven Wheel adjuster or Mower Deck:

If your wheel adjusters are not all set to the same level, you won’t have a consistent mowing height.

Therefore, you need to check them accordingly, and in case of severe damage or wear issues, replace the defective parts as required.

Otherwise, clean them thoroughly and use WD-40 on them. Remember, a little amount of WD-40 can go a long way.

Also, inspect your lawn mower for damaged or bent mower deck, including any signs of excess rust.

While you are at it, remove any build-up grass from around and underneath the mower deck.

Step 2- Replace the Damaged Mower Deck:

If the mower deck looks damaged, you should replace it and before the replacement task, remove the fuel from the gas tank as well as oil from the engine.

Next, remove the control cable from the engine.

Then, remove the pull rope from the handle.

After that, remove the rear portion of the mower from the deck (including the rear housing, wheels, and handle).

Now pull the side of the deck out a little to remove these tabs from your mower.

Then, tip the mower up on its back and remove the front portion by removing the bolts.

Next, use a 2×4 through the side door on the mower to prevent the blade from spinning while removing the bolt.

Remove the engine from the deck by releasing these bolts.

Set the deck in the motor back down flat on your workbench to remove the rest of the bolts and take out the engine to put aside.

Lastly, remove the sight discard door.

Now, assemble the new deck on your mower by using the same steps but in reverse motion.

Step 3- Inspect whether the Blade is installed improperly:

It is not uncommon for people to accidentally install their cutting blade upside-down, but doing this will tear your grass rather than cut it.

Most mowers spin the blade clockwise that’s why you need to make sure your cutting edge is facing the same direction.

Thus, have a look at the blade to confirm it’s installed properly and if not flip it.

Step 4- Check whether the Blade quality is poor or not:

Inspect the sharpness of the blade and give it a quick sharpen if it is dull because a dull blade will also tear your grass rather than cut it properly.

A simple file can help you to get the job done, but a grinder will make it quicker.

A table grinder will help restore your blade but if you don’t have access to one, simply replacing the damaged blade with a new one is a Smart idea.

Be sure to sharpen the blade a few times per season to keep cut quality at its best.

You should also take this opportunity to inspect the blade for damage or wear like nicks or damaged or chips caused by rocks.

To learn the sharpening procedure in more detail, watch this video.

Step 5- Replacing the Mulching Blade:

If your mower seems underpowered or cuts the grass poorly, it might be the right time to replace the mulching blade.

First, tip the mower on its side to have clear access to the blade.

Then, bind up the blade with a piece of scrap wood and use a ratchet wrench to remove the single nut that’s holding the blade.

You can also see a metal spacer and the insulator, so remove them too.

Next, pull away the blade from the fan and install the new blade now.

While installing the new one, confirm you are pointing it in the right direction. Thus, look at the blade, you will see the “Grass side” mentioned, and this side should be towards the grass.

Now, install the blade onto the hub on the fan and then, reinsert the metal spacer as well as the insulator.

Performing such repairing tasks can be hazardous. Thus, make sure you have enough knowledge and expertise to perform them. Remember to first read all the instructions manual before operating, servicing, or troubleshooting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect and sharpen or replace the Mulching blade of my lawn mower?

The blade should be inspected regularly and sharpened or replaced at least once per year for better mowing and mulching performance.

What causes the lawn mower Mulching blade to vibrate during use?

When the mower blade strikes larger debris, it nicks the blade and larger nick can cause such vibration during operation.

How to determine if my lawn mower blade needs to be replaced?

If you see sizable dents or if the lawn mower blade is bent, you can confirm that it needs to be either sharpened or completely replaced.

Final Verdict

If your lawn mower is also failing to deliver a perfect cutting finish and ruining your grass texture, take a moment to look deeper into the issue.

In today’s article, I already provided the easiest way to troubleshoot the mower blade problems. Initially, the entire troubleshooting process might seem a bit complicated, but eventually, you will be able to fix the issue in no time.

Thoroughly follow all the instructions to troubleshoot Lawn mower blade problems to get the best outcome.

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Common Lawn Mowing Problems

Mowing your lawn in spring is one of those timeless Canadian traditions that just can’t be beat. Especially when you can enjoy a cool glass of lemonade right after!

Proper mowing can make a big difference in maintaining the condition of a healthy lawn. Mowing is often viewed as one of the most important and beneficial practices that you, as a home owner, can do for your grass. That’s why it’s important to follow along with the proper rules and regulations.

Here at Nutri-Lawn Ottawa, we know that poor mowing practices and techniques can affect the condition of a lawn and cause unwanted problems. Here’s a list of things to avoid or eliminate from your mowing routine, starting this spring!

Dull Blades

Dull mower blades rip and tear the blades of grass making the plant weak and susceptible to disease and other stresses. The aesthetic appearance can also be affected, leaving the turf looking brown and unhealthy.

Don’t let this happen, folks! Make sure your blades are sharp and ready for spring. It is recommended to sharpen your mower blades at least 2 times each season in anticipation for the busy period.

Excessive Clippings

Excessive clippings resulting in clumps of grass is a common problem when the lawn is mowed when its wet or if the mowing frequency is left to long in between mowings. This generally occurs when there are too many clippings for the blades to mulch evenly and clumps cover the lawn is a result. These clumps must be raked out or collected in a bagger to eliminate damage to the grass it is covering.

Scalping

Scalping generally occurs when the mowing height adjustment on the mower is set below the desired height of cut for the turfgrass. The grass blades are mowed off very short at the base exposing the stems and crowns of the plant. Accidental scalping can also occur when the lawn is very uneven or bumpy with low and high spots.

Trees

Take special care and avoid running into the base of trees when mowing or trimming around them, as this can cause major damage to the health of the tree. Creating a small mulch tree ring around the base can help ensure a safe distance is kept around the tree.

Unwanted Mess

Always mow along the bordering edges in a clockwise direction. This will ensure clippings are not dispersed directly into flower beds, landscape areas, or all over driveways and sidewalks.

Our lawn care blog is a great resource to find solutions for all these mowing problems. The lawn care experts at Nutri-Lawn Ottawa are always available for a free quote to address these common problems, or better yet, prevent them from happening in the first place. This summer, instead of fixing problems, why not just enjoy your lawn! Contact us today!

Main Reasons Why Your Lawn Mower Leave Lines

Do you ever set out to cut your lawn, everything is going smoothly. The blades are slicing through the grass blades like they’re not even there. The sun is shining.

You’ve got your favorite music playing. Then you turn around only to find your garden resembles a monopoly playing board rather than a beautifully cut lawn? If you don’t follow some specific rituals or checks before you cut your lawn, then you can end up with a problem like this.

If only I had a dollar for every time this had happened to me. I would spend hours in the bearing sun, cutting the lawn as precisely as I possibly could, only to leave those horizontal lines all over the place.

It was a disaster. That was until I learned these 8 causes why my lawnmower was leaving those ugly horizontal lines. Today, I am going to share them with you. I will even offer some free tips on how you can make sure that next time you can mow your lawn completely free of any lines.

Ready to dive right in? Let’s get started.

You are mowing your lawn too quickly.

The first reason, and perhaps the most common of them all, is that you are mowing your lawn too quickly. Uncut lines can arise when you are mowing too quickly, since the engine is forced to work harder, maximizing its own throttle.

Engine problems can be the root of several gardening issues. The solution is just as simple as the problem itself: Go slower! Take your time. Don’t let the engine operate at full throttle and you’ll find you won’t leave any lines as a result.

You aren’t overlapping on the rows.

Again, another common error when mowing the lawn. You always must make sure that you aren’t leaving a little bit of space in between the columns you mow. If you don’t leave a gap, the mower’s blades will pull upwards and the tires will press downwards, which is what creates the lines in the grass.

Again, you can’t just mow the edge of the rows you just previously cut. You must make sure that you spare a couple of inches on the row before so that you can cut the line your tire just mowed on. Failing to do so will just make the lines you created even deeper than they were before.

Your blades are too small.

This issue is most common for gardeners who have bought new blades or sent their mower away to have the blade on it replaced. So, if your lawnmower worked fine for years, then after you replaced the blades, it started to show these issues, then the blades might be too short for your lawnmower.

I mean the reason why this causes lines is simple. If your blades are too small, then they won’t be able to reach all the way across and cut the whole row you are mowing. This leaves small gaps in between each row that you cut.

Your blades are too blunt.

This issue will normally affect people who use self-propelled lawnmowers. If you notice lines in your lawn after you mow it, you should check to ensure that your blades are sufficiently sharp for cutting. To make sure that your blades are suitable, you should sharpen them between once and twice per season.

Oh, and by the way, blunt blades can cause other problems, too. They can damage your grass, and they may be what leaves the jagged yellow tips after you mow your grass. Follow the above procedures to avoid this kind of problem.

Your engine settings are wrong.

Sometimes, your lawnmower might leave lines because of engine performance. Like we mentioned in the first point, you have to make sure that your engine is not being pushed too hard.

You can always adjust the engine settings by yourself, you won’t need the help of an expert or professional. You can do this by adjusting the throttle cable. When leaving your lawnmower engine on a higher speed setting, you will notice that lines can arise after mowing.

You’ve got fuel problems.

Again, tying in with the last point on engine performance. If your fuel quality isn’t up to scratch, then the performance of your lawnmower will reflect that.

If you want to avoid leaving lines, then try to avoid using fuel from the previous season. It can lose quality after even more than 4 weeks inside the carburetor of the engine.

This causes the fuel to gum up and get stuck in the engine which reduces the overall smoothness and performance of the engine. The result being a sluggish display, leading to those dreaded lines in your garden.

You’ve got some other kind of problem with your blades.

So, we’ve already talked about having blunt blades and blades that are too small. But they aren’t the only issues that can lead to poor cutting.

If you notice lines in your garden, you should check to make sure that your blades aren’t curled, warped, or defective in any other way at all. The only real way to fix this issue, is to get your blades checked, and replaced if needed.

It isn’t uncommon to have blades that are the wrong way around or disorientated in any other way. But don’t worry, because this is the exact kind of issue that you can solve yourself, no real expertise needed. Oh, and if you’re asking yourself, ‘how on earth do I do that?’ that’s right, we have got you covered.

You’re doing something else wrong.

So if you have read through the list, and nothing seems to ring a bell, then this last option might be for you. Try the following options if you’re still getting lines on your grass when you cut your lawn.

• You have the engine running at a below optimum speed. Like we mentioned before in point 5, you need to make sure that your engine is at optimal settings, and that you’re mowing at an adequate speed to avoid a poor cutting performance.
• Your tire pressures are wrong. If you have tires that are uneven, or too heavily inflated in general, then you need to make sure that they are at the optimum pressure setting. Failing to do so will leave the dreaded lines pattern on your garden lawn.
• Additionally, make sure that your lawnmower doesn’t have a floating deck, and turn slowly at corners to make sure that you don’t have any missed grass spots when you are mowing your lawn.

What to do about your lawnmower leaving lines in the grass.

Well, there you have it, the 8 most common reasons why there are lines in your lawn after you mow. The solution to solving them, is simple, you just have to make sure that you take care of your blades and cutting technique outlined above.

Additionally, you have to make sure that your lawnmower is of sufficient quality. If you are using a cheap and/or old lawnmower, then the quality of your grass cuttings is going to reflect that. No amount of gardening technique can make up for poor equipment. Always make sure that your lawnmower is of reasonable quality, and get it checked by an expert if you think you have any problems.

But if you still need some additional help on how to avoid leaving lines in the grass when cutting, then check out this awesome video on YouTube, which will tell you a little more about the problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion then, there are a number of reasons why your lawnmower might be leaving lines in it, and we have diagnosed most of those issues in today’s article. If you can take extra care when you next mow your lawn, then you should notice an improvement like this.

It’s not always easy to keep your lawn in perfect condition. It takes maintenance, technique, and hard work too. But the price to pay to get a garden the neighbors will envy is one definitely worth paying. It means you’ll have to go the extra mile in order to keep it in good condition, but that’s what makes it so fun, isn’t it?

Bad Boy Mower Cutting Uneven [13 Painstaking Causes]

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You were overjoyed when you purchased your new Bad Boy heavy-duty lawn mower. Your yard looked wonderful after every cut. Finding out that the mower you just bought no longer gives a good cut is unpleasant.

Your mower will not continue to operate with a bad cut. Now is the moment to pinpoint the cause of your uneven cut.

The following safety measures must be taken before you start to troubleshoot the cutting issue with your Bad Boy mower and allow proper maintenance:

• Remove the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug wires to stop your mower from starting.
• Never attempt to get below a mower deck when the motor is running. Always watch for the stop of all moving parts.
• Put on thick work gloves to protect your hands from cutting edges.
• Consult your owner’s manual for further safety instructions specific to your Bad Boy mower model.

Reasons Your Bad Boy Mower Cutting Uneven

The Bad Boy Mower can cause an uneven cut for a few reasons:

Low Tire Pressure, Worn or Dull blades, Unbalanced blades, Damaged Spindle or Bad Spindle Bearing, Plugged deck, Deck is Not Level, Deck Belt is Bad, Bad Bearing in the pulley, the engine speed is too low, mowing at high speed, incorrect operation, the deck is damaged

Mower Blade Which Is Bent

However, even the strongest lawnmower blades can bend when they contact a solid object. Regularly inspect the blades and remove anything that the blade might run into to prevent damage to your mower or an uneven cut.

Several techniques determine whether a Bad Boy mower blade is bent. Before removing the blade, one method is to inspect the spindle and bearing for damage. If one of these parts is damaged, likely, the blade is also bent.

A blade’s cutting edge can also be used to determine whether it is bent; if it is not precisely straight, then there is a good possibility that the blade is really bent.

If you do discover that the blade of your Bad Boy lawn mower is bent, don’t panic; it can generally be quickly rectified with a few straightforward changes.

If the damage is severe, the entire blade assembly might need to be replaced. In either case, be sure to maintain your mower’s blades so they can keep giving you a precise, equal cut every time you use it.

Mower Blade Is Off Balance

A blade that is out of balance is one potential issue.

A blade is said to be imbalanced if one side of the blade is heavier than the other. This may occur as a result of uneven wear from regular use. When the sharpening process removes more metal from one side of the tool than the other, the balance may also go off.

The severe vibration that an imbalanced blade can produce in your mower can harm the spindle bearings and other mower components of your Bad Boy mower.

If you attempt to use your Bad Boy mower with an installed imbalanced blade, it may cause a shaking mower when you start up the blades.

All lawnmowers, including your Bad Boy mower, should have their blades periodically inspected for balance issues. If a balanced is fitted correctly on, it should sit level.

If it doesn’t, it must be taken out and its balance verified before it can be used again. Your lawnmower’s lifespan will be extended, and damage will occur while in operation if you check for and fix any imbalance problems with your blades.

A blade balancer can be used to verify the balance of your blade before mounting it on your Bad Boy mower. This is a cheap item that can keep your mower from becoming damaged.

If you don’t have a blade balancer, you can hammer a nail about an inch away from the wall into the wall. The blade’s middle should be placed on the nail.

A balanced blade should be level. If one side is lower than the other, you will need to remove a small amount of metal from that end to level the blade on the nail.

Damaged Or Defective Spindle Bearings Are Present In The Mower

Due to its reputation for dependability and performance, bad boy lawn mowers are among the most well-liked models available. Even the greatest mowers, though, can have problems.

One problem that could occur is a broken spindle or faulty bearing, which might move your blade more than necessary and cause a noticeable vibration at high speeds. Due to this, it is challenging to achieve a clean cut, and the engine is also overworked.

Includes 1 spindle assemblyReplaces Bad Boy OEM #’s 037-6015-00, 037-6015-50Fits CZT models 2010-2012

Grab either end of the blade while the mower is still connected to look for damage to the spindle housing. Remind rock it up and down to check for movement or play in the system.

When doing this test, you might also hear a knocking sound; if you do, there is probably damage that needs to be repaired.

Use an electric deck lift to allow you to remove the mower blade and disassemble the spindle housing as directed in your manual if you suspect damage. Reassemble everything in accordance with the instructions, replacing any broken components. You should be able to increase the lifespan of your bad boy mower and prevent future, costly repairs with the right upkeep and care.

The Mower Deck on Your Lawn Mower Is Clogged

However, even the best lawnmower can have problems if the mower deck becomes packed with grass clippings and debris. A plugged mower deck will cause your Bad Boy mower to work harder, resulting in an uneven cut.

Additionally, a plugged deck can also put strain on your engine leading to decreased performance or premature wear.

Keeping your mower deck clean and free of debris build-up is important to avoid these issues. Use a deck lift to allow you to scrape the one direction regularly to remove any accumulation of clippings or other materials that could restrict airflow and suction.

Additionally, try to avoid mowing in wet conditions as wet grass will stick to the underside of the deck more easily and quickly leading to a plugged condition. By following these simple tips, you can maintain optimal performance from your Bad Boy zero-turn for years to come.

Unleveled Mower Deck

You risk getting an uneven cut if your deck is not level. The mower may give you a stair-step-like cut if one side of your deck is lower than the other. Please consult your operator’s manual for specific leveling instructions since they vary by model for your Bad Boy mower deck.

Make sure your deck is level front to back and side to side. The front of the deck may sit a little lower than the back on various deck styles.

This will guarantee more even-cutting results. Commercial-grade mower engines are used in the construction of Bad Boy zero-turn lawnmowers, providing homeowners with a strong and dependable machine to handle their yard work requirements quickly and easily.

However, as with any investment, it’s important to keep up on maintenance to get the most out of using it.

Bad Belt Located in Deck

If you have a Bad Boy mower, it’s important to be aware of the potential deck belt problems that can arise. A bad or failing deck belt adjustment can also cause issues, from an uneven cut on your lawn to reduced blade tip speed and engine damage.

There are several ways to tell if your deck belt is beginning to fail. First, check for signs of wear such as cracks or fraying. Additionally, the belt may appear glazed or shiny from use – this is another sign that it needs to be replaced. Finally, if the belt feels stretched out or seems dry-rotted, it definitely needs to be swapped out for a new one.

If you notice any of these issues with your Bad Boy mower’s deck belt, don’t delay in replacing it. A failure to do so could result in costly repairs down the line. Be sure to purchase a replacement belt that is specifically designed for Bad Boy lawnmowers – using any other type of Belt could void your warranty and potentially cause further damage

Your Mower’s Pulleys Have A Bad Bearing.

Pulleys are an essential part of any lawnmower as they are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the blade assembly. Over time, however, the bearings in these pulleys can become worn down and cause problems. Your pulleys may not rest flat on the deck, resulting in an uneven cut when you mow your grass.

Additionally, bearing wear can cause your Pulley to spin slowly or intermittently, making it difficult to transfer power to your blades resulting in them not rotating at full speed. This can be extremely dangerous as it increases the risk of serious injury if you come into contact with them while spinning.

To check if your Bad Boy Mower’s Pulley bears have gone bad, spin each pulley carefully by hand while paying attention to how smoothly they rotate.

If anything is binding or catching while you turn them or if they make any strange noises such as grinding or squealing then this points towards there being a problem with their bearings that will need rectified sooner rather than later.

Through replacement parts available from online retailers or Bad Boy Mower themselves before more significant damage occurs requiring professional repair services incurring further costs unnecessarily.

Engine Speed of Mower is Insufficient

Bad Boy mowers are well-known for their quality and durability. However, like with any engine, it is important to maintain a certain level of care to prevent any wear and tear.

One issue you may run into is if your engine speed is too low when you engage the mower’s cutting deck – this can cause your blades not to rotate properly and give your lawn an uneven cut.

To avoid this problem, be sure that you are running the mower at full throttle before engaging the deck. The engine needs to run at its highest speed to send enough power to the deck and ensure that the blades will rotate correctly.

If you notice that your engine is no longer giving you the necessary power to cut your lawn properly, it is important to have a small engine mechanic check it for any potential problems. Taking proper care of your Bad Boy mower can extend its lifespan and continue enjoying all it has to offer.

Utilizing a Mower at High Speeds

Bad Boy Mowers are advertised as being able to move quickly and easily over large areas of land with little effort, however, some users have found that when they try to mow at high speeds the engines on their Bad Boys can end up becoming overloaded, resulting in an uneven cut.

In order to avoid this problem it is important to know your mowing conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. When mowing tall grass, wet grass or thick grass it is best to operate at slower speeds in order too prevent bogging down the engine which can cause damage.

Also, hills should be approached slowly since going too fast could result in missing patches of grass or, worse, flipping the mower entirely. By following these simple tips you can ensure that you get a great-looking lawn while also keeping your Bad Boy running smoothly.

Incorrect Overlapping of Mower Deck

The mower leaves an uneven cut when the paths are not properly overlapped, which can be especially true for new owners of the machine. It is important to take the time to learn how to properly overlap your paths so that you don’t leave strips of grass between each pass.

You’ll also want to space your paths evenly so that you don’t have to keep going over the same section multiple times – with a little practice, and you should be able to get it just right!

Damaged Mower Deck

One problem you might encounter with your Bad Boy mower is damage to the deck shell, which can cause your mower to cut unevenly if it’s not fixed. There are several ways that the deck shell can become damaged.

Corrosion is one of the most common causes, especially if you live in an area with a lot of salt in the air or water. Holes or missing pieces such as missing screws can also occur if you accidentally hit something, such as a fence post or tree branch, while mowing.

If your deck shell is damaged, you have two options: repair it or replace it. If the damage is minor, such as a few small holes or some light corrosion, then repairing it should be fairly straightforward and won’t cost too much money.

However, replacing the entire deck shell may be necessary if the damage is more extensive – such as large holes or significant corrosion. This will obviously be more expensive than simply repairing it, but depending on the severity of the damage it may be your only option.

No matter what route you choose to take, fixing or replacing a damaged deck shell on your Bad Boy brand mower will ensure that it continues running smoothly and cutting evenly for years to come

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions Mower Cutting Uneven)

Why is my grass wavy?

There are a few reasons why your grass might be wavy. One possibility is that your lawn has a thatch problem. Thatch is a layer of dead and living grass roots, stems, and other organic matter that builds up on your lawn over time. If the thatch layer is more than half an inch thick, it can start to restrict the flow of water, air, and nutrients to your grass, causing it to become weak and unhealthy. You can remove thatch from your lawn by power raking or verticutting.Another possibility is that your grass is suffering from compaction. Compaction occurs when the soil is too densely packed, preventing air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. You can improve soil compaction by aerating your lawn.Finally, your grass might be wavy because of poor drainage. If water isn’t draining properly from your lawn, it can cause the grass to become waterlogged, leading to root rot and other problems. You can improve drainage by installing a drainage system or by improving the grading of your lawn.

Why does my mower leave a strip of grass?

A mower may leave a strip of grass. When the blade is dull, it tears the grass rather than cutting it, which can leave a strip of uncut grass.

How do I level my Bad Boy mower deck?

If the mower deck on your Bad Boy lawn mower is not level, you can adjust it using the deck-leveling screws on the front and rear of the deck. To level the deck, first raise it to its highest position. Then, using a tape measure, measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the deck at the front and rear of the mower. Adjust the front and rear deck leveling screws until the deck is level.

Is it better to mow grass wet or dry?

It is better to mow grass dry because wet grass can clump together and clog the mower.

How do you mow without leaving lines?

The best way to avoid leaving lines when mowing is to use a lawnmower with a rear roller.

Fixing a Grumpy Lawn Mower: No Stalls/Engine Cut-Outs

We’re going to look at some common lawn mower issues that might cause this and what to do about it. We’ll look at the top three areas responsible for an engine cut-out and how to fix some of the most common issues.

By the end of this article, you will have learned what the most common issues are, how to diagnose them and how to fix them.

So, if you have a lawn mower that runs for a while before dying, you’re in the right place. Read on for our fixing a grumpy lawn mower: no more stalls/engine cut-outs, guide.

Safety

First, take a moment to think about safety. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes. And before you do anything to your lawn mower, always remove the electrical cap from the spark plug. That way, there is no chance of the engine turning over, the blades going round and you losing any fingers.

Whatever make and model you have, there are always minor differences. Make sure you read the owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with your particular mower.

And one final tip: if you have all the parts, tools, cleaning agents and lubricants ready to go before you start, it makes life easier.

The top three reasons a lawn mower cuts-out

There are several reasons a lawn mower might start and then stop. Most of them are relatively easy to fix. We’re going to start with the simplest and work our way towards some of the more complicated.

The top three reasons are:

Fuel issues

Often a lawn mower cut-out is because of a fuel issue. If your mower has been standing unused for a while with some fuel in the tank, you should replace the gas. Most manufacturers will say that you shouldn’t use gas older than a month. While I find that a bit excessive, I would definitely not let gas stand in the tank of my mower over winter.

Old fuel can cause an issue for three primary reasons. Over time, the most volatile compounds in the fuel evaporate and leave behind a residue. This residue can gum up the carburetor and make your mower hard to start or stall.

Water will also condense in fuel over time. And a buildup of water will cause your mower to jolt, sputter and loose power. As well as the fuel residues, other contaminates may have gotten into your fuel. These can block the carburetor and cause a stall.

To troubleshoot a fuel issue:

• First, drain out the old gas. Either syphon the tank or remove the fuel line and allow the gas to drain. If you remove the fuel line, don’t forget to clamp it off before the carburetor. This will stop gas from leaking from the engine.
• Have a rag or absorbent paper towels ready to mob up the spills. Use suction to try to empty the tank as much as possible and pick up any contaminates or residues that may be left in the bottom. I’ve seen a tip that suggested using a turkey baster for this. Anything like that would be perfect.
• Before you add new fuel, it’s a good idea to check the fuel filter. This will either be in the bottom of the fuel tank or on the fuel line running from the tank. If it’s dirty, replace it. Otherwise you can reuse it.
• Using a fuel stabilizer with the new gas will inhibit the formation of residue. Meaning you can leave the gas in the tank for longer. So, if you do need to leave the fuel in the tank or in (your jerry can) stabilizer is a good idea.

One final issue to check while inspecting the fuel, is the fuel tank vent.

Sometimes the vent becomes blocked. This causes a vacuum in the tank and stops the fuel from flowing. Usually the vent is integrated into the fuel cap and can be easily cleaned. If your cap is old or the vent damaged, get a new fuel cap.

Spark plug issues

Another possible issue that would cause your mower to stall is your spark plug. Spark plugs degrade over time and will need replacing regularly. I would recommend you check your plug at least once a year. And inspect it for dirt, damage and distance.

Spark plugs that have been used for a while will accumulate build-up, and this needs to be cleaned off. Use a soft wire brush. If the head is damaged, missing or corroded, you’re going to need to replace it.

If the electrode is damaged, you might want to investigate further as this could be a sign of a foreign body in the engine. If the spark plug is oily, it’s a sign that oil is leaking into the combustion chamber. This could be a more serious problem that needs investigating further.

If the spark plug looks fine, but you still suspect it might be an issue, check it’s sparking correctly. It is possible to get faulty spark plugs (even brand new ones) so it’s worth checking.

Carburetor

A lot of your stalling issues will probably be related to the carburetor. And sometimes people get a little less confident in their ability to solve the problem when you mention the word carburetor. But don’t worry. It is simple and easy to clean, and if necessary replace parts or the whole thing.

The carburetor mixes air and fuel into the right proportions to make the combustible mixture that fires your engine. It draws air through a filter and gas from the tank. They are blended in the mixing chamber before being injected into the engine. Here is a handy little guide to locating your mower’s carburetor.

Once you’ve located the carburetor, the first thing to do is to check it’s sitting firmly. If the carburetor is loose, it can mean the gaskets aren’t tight and you could get an air leak. If it is loose, make sure you also check the gaskets because any movement or vibration could well damage them.

The next step is to inspect the carburetor bowl. This is usually located on the bottom of the carburetor and held in place by a screw. Unscrew it and remove the bowl. Check the bowl for water and dirt, and clean it. Inspect the gasket and if it’s damaged, replace it. Usually the carburetor jet is a part of the screw you removed. Clean the jet and run a wire through the holes to dislodge any dirt that’s stuck.

If you wish to have a more thorough inspection and clean of your carburetor, (and I recommend it) follow this video. And if your carburetor is a few years old, then it might be time to replace it.

Final tips

While the above issues cover most mower stalling issues, there are of course other things it could be:

• Always make sure your mower’s oil levels are correct, as too much or too little oil will always cause you problems.
• Check your brake cable, if it’s loose, tighten it.
• Check the fuel line for leaks or brittleness and replace if necessary.

Conclusion

So, if your lawn mower is starting but then stopping, now you know the first things to check. Try checking and replacing your fuel first, then look at your spark plug and your carburetor. Most lawn mower stalling issues will be resolved by following these steps.

That’s it. Our guide to the most common lawn mower stall issues. Now you can grab your tools and get fixing. Good luck!

I’ve been helping homeowners with appliance repair since 2016. Starting out as an enthusiastic amateur, I’ve since worked with many Appliance, HVAC, and DIY experts over the last 7 years. My mission is to help your fix your appliances and systems. saving you money and lowering your energy bills. Visit my author page to learn more! Read more

Hi there! My name’s Craig, and I started Appliance Analysts back in 2017.

My mission is to help our readers solve appliance-related issues without paying through the nose for contractors or a whole new model. I’m joining up with experts from across the HVAC, Appliance Repair, DIY industries to share free expert advice that will save you time, stress, and money.