Common Ride On Mower Problems And How To Fix Them

Whilst owning a ride on mower can be one of the most rewarding investments you make, especially if you enjoy having manicured lawns but don’t have the time to painstakingly cut them, they can be quite expensive to repair should something go wrong. The next time your mower isn’t running up to standard, why not see whether you can fix the problem yourself before calling in the professionals?

Your ride on mower won’t start
• Often, this problem is caused because of some simple oversight on your behalf the last time you used the mower. Check that all of the mower’s safety features are in the proper working condition, that the mowing deck has not been engaged, that the park brake is engaged, and that you are sitting on the mower properly.
• Your mower may have difficulty starting if there is a problem with its battery. Check that the battery cables are properly secured to the right terminals (the black on should be connected to the negative terminal, and the red to the positive one). Your battery may also be flat, so try jumping it or replacing it entirely.
• If there isn’t enough fuel in the carburetor, this will also affect your mower’s ability to start. Check the fuel levels and top up if needed. You should also check your fuel lines and filter in case of a blockage.

Your ride on mower’s engine is smoking
• The most common cause of this problem is having too much oil in your mower. Check the oil levels and remove any excess if you find that you have overfilled. The smoking should stop once the excess oil in the engine has burned off.
• If this does not fix the problem, it may have been caused because your mower’s engine is losing its crankcase vacuum (due to a broken or unseated dipstick, dipstick tube or valve cover or other engine damage). These damaged parts will need to be replaced.

Your ride on mower vibrates excessively while running
• Have you run over a large object on your mower recently, such as a rock or root? These objects can cause damage to the blades, pulleys and spindles of your mower. If this is the case, in order to stop the vibration, these parts will need to be replaced.
• The mower belt may have become twisted or damage, so you should check it to ensure it is properly routed. If the belt is twisted but otherwise looks to be in good working order, simply adjust it until it is the right way round. If the belt shows any signs of wear, however, it will need to be replaced.

If your are unable to remedy any of the above problems using the solutions provided, or your ride on mower is experiencing an issue that has not been listed, you will need to take it into a professional service centre for repairs.