How to Fix Up an Old Lawn Mower
- Spark plugs and battery
- Oil filter and oil change
- Air filter and precleaner
- Fuel filter
- Clean out mower deck
- Replace mower drive belt
- Lubricate
- Check tire pressure
Full Answer
How do I use the repairclinic lawn mower troubleshooting guide?
The RepairClinic lawn mower troubleshooting guide is your fast track to mower repair diagnostics and part replacement. Start by entering your model number in the search box. Then choose from our list of common symptoms.
What is the fix-it guide for riding lawn mowers?
This Fix-It Guide also refers to rotary lawn mower repair, small engine repair, and switch repair for further information on fixing a riding lawn mower. How Does a Riding Lawn Mower Work?
How do you fix a lawn mower that won’t cut grass?
If grass is poorly or unevenly cut, try mowing at a slower speed and adjusting the riding lawn mower engine speed with instructions in your owner’s manual. Scrape away any dried grass and other debris caked under the mower deck. Sharpen or replace dull or bent blades (see the Rotary Lawn Mower Fix-It Guide). Check and replace a worn belt.
What to do if your lawn tractor is hard to start?
If the engine of your lawn tractor surges or is hard to start, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow these steps to install a new one. If the engine is hard to start or if the spark plug electrode is burnt or cracked, take 15 minutes to replace it. Follow the steps in this guide to remove the mower deck for cleaning or inspection.
How do I fix my riding lawn mower?
0:286:28How to Fix a Smoking Craftsman Lawn Tractor... For Good - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff cleaning it out real good with some car cleaner. Especially around that needle. And I'm going toMoreOff cleaning it out real good with some car cleaner. Especially around that needle. And I'm going to be draining all the oil out taking the filter off and refilling it with new oil.
What causes a riding lawn mower to not move?
If your riding lawn mower won't move, the problem could be a broken ground drive belt. If the riding mower is slow and sluggish, the ground drive belt could be so worn that it slips. Either way, follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the ground drive belt on your lawn tractor.
Is it better to repair or replace a lawn mower?
If any of the blades are bent, you'll want to take the machine to a professional repair shop to replace them. Household lawn mowers will need to have their blades sharpened every two years or so, but if you've attempted this more than once, you'll likely be better off replacing them.
How do you fix a riding lawn mower that won't start?
1:145:56Lawn Tractor Won't Start? Try This Easy Free Fix! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it appears that the chokes going on when you push it in all the way you think you've got theMoreSo it appears that the chokes going on when you push it in all the way you think you've got the choke on you go to start it it won't start and that's because something needs to be adjusted in there.
Why won't my riding lawn mower move forward or reverse?
A blocked fuel filter can keep gasoline from flowing to your mower's engine in adequate supply, resulting in a lawn mower that isn't drivable. Damaged or clogged air filters also can prevent your lawn mower from going forward or in reverse simply because the engine will overheat quickly.
How do you know if your lawn mower belt is bad?
The belt has a glazed or burned sidewall. Look at the belt edge that contacts the pulleys. If it appears shiny, glazed or burned, it will need to be replaced.
What is the average lifespan of a riding lawn mower?
Riding lawn mowers last for 7 to 8 years. Proper maintenance can allow the mower to function well over a decade. Clean it regularly, inspect the engine components, and don't forget to choose the correct size.
How long does the average lawn mower last?
around 10 yearsMost mowers will last around 10 years, but that may vary based on how often you use it, the climate you live in, and the size of your lawn. If you notice any of these problems with your mower, it may be time to look into purchasing a new one.
How much does it cost to replace a riding mower engine?
The shop rate can range from a low of $90 per hour to a high of $150 per hour. A low-end shop rate of $110 and a high of $150 will allow you to replace an engine for between $1,100 and $1,800.
What is the first thing to check if a lawn mower won't start?
Your Mower Won't Start:Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten.Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace.Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn't work, you might need a new fuel filter.
Why does my riding lawn mower clicks but wont start?
If your riding lawn mower engine clicks when you turn the key but won't turn over, there's a pretty good chance your mower could have a bad starter solenoid. Other problems, though not as frequent, include a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine.
How do you clean a lawn mower carburetor without removing it?
Use Carburetor Cleaner Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleaner, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
Why does my hydrostatic transmission won't move?
By far, the most common reason for hydrostatic transmission failure is old hydraulic fluid. John Deere states that "Operating outside of the recommended oil air temperature range may cause premature hydrostatic transmission failure." Oil must be changed when its anti-foam additive decays.
Why won't my Cub Cadet go forward or reverse?
A Cub Cadet lawn mower won't move or go forward when the transmission bypass lever is engaged; the pump belt is loose, worn or broke; the tensioner pulley is worn; the spring is stretched or missing; the hydraulic oil is hot, old, or at an insufficient level; or air is trapped in the hydraulic system.
How do you troubleshoot a hydrostatic transmission?
Troubleshooting Hydrostatic Drives If the system is overheating, check the oil level in the tank, inspect the heat exchanger, check the inline pressure filters, inspect the crossport relief valves, and check the pump and motor case drains for excessive bypassing.
Why won't my Zero Turn Mower go forward or backwards?
A zero turn mower may not move or go forward due to a bad drive belt, tensioner pulley or tensioner spring. Old or low hydraulic fluid; hot hydraulic fluid; air in the hydraulic system; and the drive release levers in the wrong position can cause the zero turn to not move.
What Can Go Wrong with a Riding Lawn Mower?
The mower may cut poorly or unevenly . The V-belts may slip or come off during use. The belt may squeal or wear quickly. The mower may vibrate excessively when the clutch is engaged. The mower may be hard to shift or may not move when the clutch is engaged. The engine may not start, may lose power, or may die during use.
How Can I Identify a Riding Lawn Mower Problem?
If grass is poorly or unevenly cut, try mowing at a slower speed and adjusting the riding lawn mower engine speed with instructions in your owner’s manual. Scrape away any dried grass and other debris caked under the mower deck. Sharpen or replace dull or bent blades (see the Rotary Lawn Mower Fix-It Guide ). Check and replace a worn belt.
What to do if your riding mower doesn't move?
If a riding lawn mower is hard to shift or doesn’t move when the clutch is engaged, adjust the drive-belt tension (see below). Also make sure the mower is lubricated according to the owner’s manual specifications. As needed, have the mower serviced for damaged or maladjusted clutch/brake pedal linkage.
What to do if your riding lawn mower belt slips?
If the riding lawn mower V-belt slips or comes off during use, clear any debris in the belt area, adjust the drive-belt tension (see below), or have the belt replaced. Adjust and tighten pulley fasteners or have a service center replace worn parts.
What to do if your mower belt squeals?
If the belt squeals or wears excessively, adjust the drive-belt tension (see below) and look for obstructions around the belt. If that doesn’t work, take the mower in for professional service.
How to take care of a riding lawn mower?
Save yourself some time and money. Pull out the owner’s manual for your riding lawn mower and determine what regular maintenance is needed, then mark the jobs on your calendar. Taking care of your mower will pay off by ensuring a longer working life at lower costs.
What is riding mower?
Riding mowers also can be used to pull small utility carts for other yard jobs . Other grass cutters include the reel lawn mower and the rotary lawn mower.
How long does it take to replace a spark plug on a riding mower?
How to replace a riding lawn mower spark plug. By Lyle Weischwill. If the engine is hard to start or if the spark plug electrode is burnt or cracked, take 15 minutes to replace it. Repair difficulty. Time required. 15 minutes or less.
Why is my lawn tractor hard to start?
If the engine of your lawn tractor surges or is hard to start, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow these steps to install a new one.
How long does it take to install a riding mower seat switch?
Follow the steps in this guide to install a new riding mower seat switch in about 15 minutes.
What can keep a lawn mower from running?
A broken seat can keep the mower from running.
How to make a riding mower run better?
Help your mower run better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding mower's annual tune-up.
What to do if your starter doesn't click?
Replace the starter solenoid if it doesn't click when you turn the ignition key.
Why won't my car start after hitting a rock?
If the engine won't restart after hitting a stump or rock, the problem could be a sheared flywheel key. Follow these step-by-step instructions to replace it.
Most Common Problems
The Repair Clinic lawn mower troubleshooting guide is your fast track to mower repair diagnostics and part replacement. Start by entering your model number in the search box. Then choose from our list of common symptoms. After we help you discover the root cause of your problem, you can select the parts you need.
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