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Common issues with lawnmowers – Top tips on how to keep mowing without needing to visit the repair shop

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We have compiled a list of frequently asked customer questions to assist you in trouble shooting at home without the need to contact a dealer or repair shop.

The ride-on mower makes a clicking sound and will not start!

If you turn the key in your ride on mower and it makes a clicking noise but doesn’t start, it is likely it is a flat battery or loose battery connection. Charge the battery fully, this could take up to 18 hours with a 12v charger. If the battery is fully charged and the engine still won’t start, check the battery for loose wires or connection issues. Access the battery and give the wires a gentle pull and look for any obvious loose connections. If neither of these suggestions work, contact the manufacturer or the dealer you purchased from.

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Does my ride-on mower battery need charging or does it self-charge on the mow?

Ride-on mower batteries do not generate adequate charge when mowing so it is necessary to recharge the battery regularly. A ride-on mower’s battery charger is low voltage so can be left charging whilst the mower is not in use, this is especially important over the Winter months. Always refer to your ride-on mowers manual for battery maintenance.

The Lawnmower Starts Then Stops

This is a common and frustrating problem. There are several possible reasons your mower keeps conking out and we have highlighted a few here.

Petrol Lawnmowers

Carburettor  ― Not enough fuel reaching the engine is a very common problem with small petrol engines. If there is old fuel in the engine or the carb is blocked by deposits ― there are a few things you can try before booking it in at the workshop.

Briggs & Stratton Ultra Care Carburettor Cleaner 200ml
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can have a go at cleaning the carb yourself. Always ensure the engine is cool and make sure you read and understand the instructions when using cleaners and solvents.
Youtube has plenty of tutorials on how the clean a carburettor. Click here to watch one

Spark Plug  ―A faulty spark plug can be the cause of an engine that starts and stops. Firstly you can try to clean the plug but if there if there is a build-up of deposits that will require intensive brushing or scraping we recommend replacing the spark plug to save time and effort.

Air Filter  ―With all the dirt and debris creating when mowing it’s common for air filters to become blocked. It’s advisable to replace the air filter every season.

Electric Lawnmowers

Obstruction If grass and debris is not cleaned away from the blades and allowed to dry and harden it can prevent them from turning efficiently. Obstruction can also be from cutting long, thick grass and if the mower isn’t up to the job it can cut out and refuse to mow.

Fuses  ― A blown fuse can be the reason an electric mower cuts out. You can use a Multimeter to test the fuse or remove it and see if there is any obvious gap in the wire or smear on the glass then it’s worth replacing.

Power Cable  ― Over time power cables get worn and damaged, if this is the case we advise you replace the cable immediately as it will have the potential to cause serious harm.

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The lawnmower blade has fallen off!
If your mower blade has fallen off it is likely you have hit something hard such as a small rock or stone. A blade is held on by a blade boss which sits behind the blade and is held it in place with two metal pins. The pins are designed to shear off when the blade hits something solid to stop the blade from causing serious damage to the underdeck or engine. If the pins have sheared off the blade boss will need replacing. Refer to your machines manual on how to replace a blade boss to ensure it is fitted correctly as the correct tension is required to avoid it happening again.

The lawn mower is not picking up grass!
If the grass is long or wet the mower may not be cutting properly. The mower has cutting heights which should be changed to suit the height of the grass you’re cutting, so if the grass is long set it accordingly. It’s best to cut the grass when it’s dry, if the grass is wet, it’s likely to clump and clog.
Brush away any wet or dry grass that has built up on the underdeck, blades and chutes.
If if you have a mulching mower, check if the mulch plug is in place. The mulching function acts by blocking the grass chute so grass cuttings are deposited directly onto the lawn. It will need to be removed to allow the grass to be sucked into the chute and collected in the grass box.
Brush and clean out your grass box especially if your grass collector is fabric, it can get built up with debris. Use a sturdy brush to clear dust and debris out of the aerated fabric. This will allow the air to circulate and the mower to collect efficiently. Check that the grass collector is attached properly and examine it regularly for any wear or deformation.

The grass collector keeps falling apart!

If the grass collector is correctly assembled, it should not fall apart – follow the mowers assembly instructions, or check youtube as many manufacturers have instruction videos for their products.
Plastic clip style bags need to be fully clipped together. Fabric and canvas collectors that are supported with a metal frame which should be fitted securely together. If there are any parts left over ― take another look or check the assembly instructions again.
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Can I cut grass when it is wet?
We do not recommend cutting grass when it’s very wet. Mowing in wet conditions can produce an uneven cut as the blade can rip the grass instead of trimming neatly.  
Wet cuttings clump together and become difficult to collect leaving them deposited across the lawn. Cut, wet grass blocks chutes and builds up in the under deck making mowing difficult. Mulching is also best left until drier conditions. This is because instead of fine cuttings being blown back to the lawn, they are dropped in clumps and decomposition takes longer which could cause the grass to deteriorate in patches.

For more expert advice on any of the products available, please call us on: 01452 616169

or email us at: [email protected]

Other resources 

How to clean your lawnmower or ride on mower

Making the most of your grass space

How often should you service your lawnmower

The benefits to buying authentic parts and using an approved dealer

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