What is the Most Common Problem with Riding Lawn Mowers?

Riding lawn mowers are a godsend for homeowners and professionals with expansive lawns. They conserve time, decrease physical stress, and make lawn care efficient. But, with any piece of mechanical equipment, riding lawn mowers are not exempt from issues. Of all the issues that concern them, there is one that tops all: starting issues.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why starting issues are so prevalent, their usual causes, troubleshooting, and prevention. We’ll also briefly discuss some additional issues and tips on maintaining your riding lawn mower so that it runs optimally.

Why starting problems tend to be so prevalent

Difficulty starting is at the top of riding lawn mower complaints for many reasons:

• Regular Use and Wear: During their off-season, lawnmowers spend long periods of time idle, causing wear to components like the battery, fuel system, and ignition system.
  
• Complexity of Systems: New riding lawn mowers have complex systems that involve several parts functioning together. If any one of these parts fails, the mower will not start.
  
• Neglect of Routine Maintenance: Routine maintenance is often neglected by many owners, which can result in clogged carburetors, soiled air filters, or weak batteries.

Common Reasons for Starting Difficulty

Knowing the underlying cause of a starting problem is important in fixing it effectively. These are the most prevalent offenders:

1. Dead or Weak Battery

A weak or dead battery is the most common starting problem. Ride-on lawnmowers use battery power to rotate their motor. Batteries drain their own energy over time, particularly if the lawnmower is not being used for a long time.

• Symptoms:
  
  • The engine doesn’t turn over or makes a clicking sound.
    
  • Dim or non-responsive dash lights.
    
• Solutions:
  
  • Test the battery with a multimeter. An intact battery must read approximately 12.6 volts.
    
  • Charge the battery with a suitable battery charger.
    
  • Replace the battery if it no longer retains a charge.

2. Clogged Carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and fuel in the correct proportions for combustion. If clogged with dirt or old gasoline, the engine may not run at all or run poorly.

• Symptoms:
  
  • It cranks over but fails to start.
    
  • Black smoke from the exhaust when attempting to start.
    
• Solutions:
  
  • Clean the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner.
    
  • If cleaning is not helpful, try replacing the carburetor.
    
  • Prevent stale fuel by draining the fuel tank or adding a fuel stabilizer upon storage.

3. Filthy Air Filter

An air filter keeps dust from entering the engine. It can clog up with dirt over time, reducing airflow and slowing engine starting.

• Symptoms:
  
  • The engine does not start up or runs erratically.
    
  • Reduced power during operation.
    
• Solutions:
  
  • Remove and check the air filter. Clean it with compressed air or with soap and water if it is a washable type.
    
  • Replace the air filter if it is too soiled or compromised.

4. Faulty Ignition System

Components such as the ignition coil, spark plug, and safety switches make up the ignition system. One faulty spark plug or a tripped switch can keep the mower from starting.

• Symptoms:
  
  • No spark upon checking the spark plug.
    
  • The mower won’t crank up if incorrectly engaged safety switches.
    
• Solutions:
  
  • Check and replace the spark plug if needed.
    
  • Verify that safety switches, like seat or brake pedal switches, are in good operating condition.

5. Old or Contaminated Fuel

Fuel that sits in the tank for an extended period can break down and lose some of its combustible properties. Further, water contamination in fuel can keep the engine from starting.

• Symptoms:
  
  • Cranks over but will not restart.
    
  • Distinctive odors from the fuel tank.
    
• Solutions:
  
  • Drain the outdated fuel and refill with fresh gasoline.
    
  • Add a fuel stabilizer to keep it from degrading in storage.

Preventing Starting Problems

Prevention is the best means of eliminating starting trouble. Some useful tips are:

• Seasonal Maintenance:
  
  • Drain the fuel tank or use a stabilizer before putting away the mower for winter.
    
  • Charge the battery or unplug it to avoid draining.
    
• Periodic Checks:
  
  • Inspect the spark plug, air filter, and battery at the beginning of each mowing season.
    
  • Check belts, blades, and safety switches for wear.
    
• Cleanliness:
  
  • Leave the carburetor, air filter, and all other parts free from dust and dirt.
    
  • Place the mower in a dry area that is well-ventilated to avoid rust and corrosion.
    
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines:
  
  • Use recommended types of fuel and oil.
    
  • Follow the maintenance routine that is specified in the manual.

Some Additional Issues with Ride-on Lawnmowers

While starting issues are the most prevalent, there can be other issues with riding lawnmowers. These involve:

• Uneven Cutting:
  
  • Due to dull blades, poor deck leveling, or clogged grass clippings.
    
• Engine Overheating:
  
  • Often caused by filthy cooling fins, insufficient oil levels, or debris clogging airflow.
    
• Transmission Problems:
  
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting speeds or the mower does not move.
    
  • Most often brought about by low transmission fluid or belt issues.
    
• Excessive Vibration:
  
  • It suggests issues with blades, spindles, or imbalanced components.

Conclusion

Starting problems are the most prevalent issue with riding lawnmowers, but these are often preventable and repairable with routine care and timely repairs. By maintaining battery health, fuel quality, air filters, and ignition systems, you can ensure that your mower runs smoothly and lasts longer. For optimum performance, always consult the owner’s guide and do not hesitate to call a professional for complicated repairs. With good care, your riding lawnmower will continue to be a trusty gardening aid for many seasons

For all your lawn care needs in the Vancouver area, remember Harry’s Lawn Care. We provide best of lawn mowing services.