Why Your Lawn Mower is Stalling & How to Fix It
As the Summer is approaching, many homeowners are preparing their lawns to brave the heat. Routine mowing is essential to keep your lawn healthy and green all season long. Over time, however, your lawn mower may begin to have trouble starting up. If this is the case, there are likely several reasons why your lawn mower is stalling and steps you can take to fix it. In this blog, we will discuss the most common reasons why lawn mowers may stall and how to get it running quickly and efficiently.
Importance of Routine Lawn Mowing & Maintenance
For many homeowners, especially those living in New England, keeping your lawn maintained is a year-round task. From raking leaves in the Fall to mowing the grass in the summer, having a lawn requires persistent upkeep. When it comes to mowing, regularly mowing your lawn is essential for keeping the grass from growing too tall and becoming overgrown. This can also help prevent dry patches from forming, which can lead to cracked or dead spots in your lawn.
How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn?
The number of times you should mow your lawn will largely depend on the type of grass you have and the current weather conditions. Generally speaking, cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, and rye) should be mowed every 7 to 14 days, while warm-season grasses (St. Augustine and Bermuda) should be mowed every 5 to 7 days.
Common Reasons Why Your Lawn Mower May Be Stalling
There is nothing more frustrating than getting out your lawn mower and having it not turn on. This can be caused by a range of issues, some of which are easier to fix than others.
Gas is Stale or Dirty
If you haven’t used your lawn mower in a while, the gas may have gone bad. Gasoline can become stale or contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to your mower stalling or difficulty starting.
How to Fix This: If you suspect this may be the case, drain the old gas and fill it with fresh, clean fuel.
Clogged Air Filter or Fuel Line
Your mower’s air filter is responsible for trapping dirt and debris that can get into the engine. If it becomes clogged, this can lead to your mower having difficulty starting or stalling. Similarly, the fuel line can become clogged, preventing your mower from starting properly.
How to Fix This: To fix this issue, clean or replace your air filter and fuel line. Make sure to check the owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this properly.
Damaged Motor
Motors are designed to last, but they can become damaged and worn out over time. You will know this is the case when you attempt to start your mower and hear a grinding or clicking noise.
How to Fix This: If your motor is no longer working properly, it is best to contact a professional lawn mower repair service who can assess the issue and help you determine the best course of action.
Blades are Dull
Having dull blades can cause your mower to stall or vibrate. Due to their size and shape, blades can become dull quickly, which will cause them to struggle to cut through thick grass. As the sharp edge wears down, the mower may run slower and eventually stall.
How to Fix This: To fix this, sharpen the blades or replace them with a new set.
Lodged Objects
As you mow across your lawn, rocks, sticks, and other debris can become lodged in the mower. If they get stuck in a way that they are blocking the blades, this can cause your mower to stall.
How to Fix This: Visually inspect the mower before each use and remove any debris or lodged objects.
How to Prevent Lawn Mowers from Stalling
To save yourself from the annoyance of having to troubleshoot your mower each time it stalls, there are several steps you can take to prevent your lawn mower from stalling in the first place.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for keeping your lawn mower up and running. Make sure to change the oil, air filter, and spark plug regularly so your engine can run properly. Additionally, you should check your fuel and make sure that it has not expired or become contaminated.
Regularly Clean Your Mower
Similar to all other landscaping equipment, it is important that you regularly clean your mower to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris. Make sure to wipe down all surfaces and remove any lodged objects that may be blocking the blades. There are many cleaners on the market designed for cleaning mowers, so be sure to pick one that is safe for your equipment.
When to Contact a Professional for a Stalling Lawn Mower
If you have tried all of the above steps and your mower is still not working properly, it may be best to contact a professional for assistance. A lawn mower repair service can assess the issue and determine if any repairs are needed.
Contact Tri-Rent-All in Portsmouth & Hampton, NH, for Professional Lawn Mower Rentals & Repair Services
With decades of experience in the industry, Tri-Rent-All is your go-to source for all of your landscaping equipment needs. Before spending money on costly repairs and machinery, contact Tri-Rent-All for the best lawn mower rentals and repair services in Portsmouth and Hampton, NH. To learn more or to start renting today, visit our website.