The Top Troubleshooting Tips for Your Malfunctioning Mower

If your lawnmower stops working, it's usually because of a few simple causes. Fortunately, most lawnmower issues are easy to fix and you won't have to deal with costly repairs to get your mower working again. Most issues with lawn mowers begin with either the motor or components, so tackling those issues usually does the trick. If, however, routine maintenance and a bit of troubleshooting doesn't help, at PrairieLand Partners, we serve all of Kansas and can help you get into a new mower today. 

Mower Won't Start

There are several reasons that a mower won't start, but old gas is quite often the culprit. If your mower has been sitting in a garage all winter, the gas may no longer be fresh enough to start the motor. Drain your mower of gas and try starting it again. Check the spark plugs to see if they are loose, dirty or disconnected. Replace if needed. In some cases, the air filter may be clogged, so a simple fix of replacing the filter may do the trick. Finally, the fuel may not be reaching the engine, so tap the side of the carburetor to get the fuel flowing again. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the fuel filter. 

Your Mower Stops Suddenly

If your mower stops working in the middle of a job, there are several possible reasons. First, check the air filter. A dirty air filter will often fill up and stop working in the middle of a job. Simply replace it to solve the problem. The cutting height may need adjusting. If you are cutting tall grass, remember to adjust the cutting height settings on your lawnmower. The lawnmower may also stop if there is a buildup of clippings or debris on the underside. Examine the lawnmower to see if it needs a cleaning. Finally, a lawnmower stopping suddenly can mean that the blade needs to be replaced. A dull, loose or bent blade will stop your mower unexpectedly. 

Your Mower Starts to Smoke

Don't panic if your mower starts smoking. It's usually a minor fix. If the oil chamber is too full, the oil can overheat, sending smoke billowing from your mower. If you turned the mower on its side during transport, some of the oil could have leaked into the exhaust muffler. If, however, you see white smoke and the lawnmower keeps shutting itself off, it may be time to start shopping for a new one. 

Like all machines, lawnmowers break down from time to time. Sometimes a quick fix will do, and other times, it may be a sign to replace it. Here at PrairieLand Partners, we serve all of Kansas and have a full stock of brand new motors to serve your needs. Call us or stop in today.