(Solved!)
- Check the Deck. The mower deck is one of the most important parts of the mower. ...
- Blade Issues. A common cause for your mower not cutting all the grass is an issue with the blades. ...
- Maintaining the Engine. ...
- When to Mow. ...
- Tips on Mowing. ...
- Lawn Health. ...
- Final Thoughts. ...
Why does my riding lawn mower not cut the grass?
Replace the riding mower blade belt The blade belt spins the blades to cut the grass. A worn or broken drive belt won't spin the cutting blades so your mower won't cut the grass. A worn blade belt can also cause mower deck vibration or uneven cuts.
What happens if your lawn mower blade is defective?
A defective blade will cause all kinds of problems in the grass cutting and collection department. Examine your blade checking for loose bolts, damaged, misaligned, bent, or broken blade tips. Mower blades have it tough, and hitting stones, sprinklers, stumps, and dog toys is all part of the job.
Why does my lawn mower leave marks on the ground?
This tilting in tight turns and when one wheel is lifted higher than the other by uneven ground contours will leave marks. The only fix for this is to slow down, make wide turns, over-lap cuts, or buy another tractor with a free floating deck. Scalping is when the mower deck comes close to or hits the ground.
What causes step cutting on a lawn mower deck?
If the tire pressure is not as recommended per the manufacture, the deck could easily be off by a 1/4″ from side to side. Step cutting is sharp ridges left in the lawn surface. Step cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage, improper adjustment, or mower blade damage.
Why does my mower leave a strip of grass in the middle?
A strip of uncut grass left in the middle of mowing rows could signal that your lawnmower's blades are unbalanced or that one or both of them was installed the wrong way. Lawnmower blades are beveled and specifically designed to attach in a certain fashion.
How do you fix a uneven cut on a riding lawn mower?
0:502:45Leveling a Riding Lawn Mower Deck for an Even Cut - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe heights should be within 1/8 inch if not turn the lift link adjustment nut clockwise to raiseMoreThe heights should be within 1/8 inch if not turn the lift link adjustment nut clockwise to raise the left side of the deck or counter clockwise to lower it.
Why does my mower leave high spots?
High spots could be as simple as an engine running too slowly to properly rotate the blades. If they are turning too slow, grass will be missed, and your engine will be under undue stress. After adjusting the throttle, start mowing, and pay attention while you push the equipment.
How do you mow uneven ground?
Try to dive straight up and down across the slope. This will reduce the risk of tripping over, and it will also help in mowing across the challenging slopes. To avoid scalping at uneven grounds, raise the deck of the mower and cut the grass taller just before you reach the top of the slope.
How do you align lawn mower blades?
Turn the mower blades slowly until one points forward and one points backward. Leave this as is and place a wood block inside the deck next to the edge of a blade that has to be aligned. Turn this blade just a bit to wedge it tight. Using an adjustable wrench, remove the blade's screw, spline washer and spring washer.
How do you balance lawn mower blades?
0:332:09How to Balance Mower Blades : Lawnmower Maintenance & RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe easiest way I think to do it is to just clamp a nail into a vise. Then you can set the blade onMoreThe easiest way I think to do it is to just clamp a nail into a vise. Then you can set the blade on the nail through the blade Center hole.
How do you cut grass evenly?
0:174:11How to Properly Mow a Lawn - Is Mowing Tall or Short Better for the ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLawn is something that should be very simple. And easy however many homeowners. And evenMoreLawn is something that should be very simple. And easy however many homeowners. And even professionals make major mistakes when mowing a lawn first mow the grass tall. At least 3 inches or above.
Why does riding lawn mower cut uneven?
A riding mower can begin cutting uneven when a tire pressure is low; a blade is bent or installed incorrectly; the deck is not level; a bearing is bad in the spindle housings or pulleys; the blades or belt is worn; the engine speed is too low; or there is operator error.
How can I make my mower cut better?
2:4513:29HOW TO MAKE YOUR OLD LAWN MOWER CUT BETTER THAN NEWYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPer the rotation of your lawnmower. Now you want to sharpen it all the way from here all the way toMorePer the rotation of your lawnmower. Now you want to sharpen it all the way from here all the way to the end that way you know as you're going through cutting.
What mower is best for uneven ground?
Top 5 Best Lawn Mower for Uneven GroundPowerSmart Lawn Mower, 21-inch & 170CC, Gas Powered Self-propelled Lawn Mower My Top Pick.Greenworks 40V 20 inch Brushless Dual Port Lawn Mower Best High-End.LawnMaster MEB1116K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch Top Contender.More items...•
Why is my yard so uneven?
Areas of a lawn can become uneven over time, due to settling, drainage issues, and various natural and unnatural causes. In the least extreme cases, you can solve the problem by topdressing with a thin layer of leveling mix (soil, compost, and sand).
What lawnmower is best for uneven lawn?
Hover lawnmowers hover above the ground, making them easier to push and adept at mowing uneven surfaces. They are a good choice for unusual-shaped lawns and cheaper than other types.
Wheels are Set to Different Heights
On some lawn mowers, the height of each wheel must be set individually. If just one wheel is set to a different height, no matter if it’s just one notch above or below the others, it can cause your lawn mower to cut unevenly.
One or More Wheels is Damaged
Whether you’re using a walk-behind mower or a riding lawn mower, having all of the wheels function correctly is really important for obvious reasons. A broken/damaged wheel won’t just make your mower harder to push or drive, it’ll also likely cause your mower deck to “dip” on the side of the affected wheel, leading to an uneven cut.
Cutting Blade is Loose
Power tools need to be constantly maintained, as through use their condition worsens. The blade is the perfect example of this. It’s possible that over time, the bolt that attaches it to the crankshaft becomes loose and the blade is no longer fixed down securely, so it’s no longer kept 100% horizontal when in operation.
Mower Blade is Dull
Your mower blade needs to meet two conditions to do its job: a) be completely horizontal, and b) be sharp enough to cut effectively. The reason why a dull blade can cause an uneven cut is because a dull blade does not actually “cut” the grass, it tears it.
Mower Blade is Bent
One of the most common bent lawn mower blade symptoms is an uneven cut. You see, when you bend the blade (this typically occurs if you pass over something hard, like a rock or a metal pipe), it has a similar effect to a loose blade.
Crankshaft is Bent
If you have bent your blade, it’s also possible that you could have damaged your crankshaft, and installing a new blade isn’t going to fix that. No sir! A bent crankshaft is big trouble. Want to know how to tell if a lawn mower crankshaft is bent? It’s really very easy.
Cutting Deck is Clogged
A lot of people think that the only part of the underside of a lawn mower that matters is the blade. How wrong they are! The cutting deck itself is super important in creating the vacuum effect that makes the grass blades stand up tall so they can be cut level.
Why does my mower cut my steps?
Step cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage, improper adjustment, or mower blade damage. Normally the deck just needs to be re-leveled. To check for this: Park the unit on a flat surface. Manually turn the blades perpendicular with the direction the tractor is sitting.
Why does my mower streak?
Streaking can occur if the engine speed is too low. All mowers are designed to run at full throttle. Believe it or not you are doing more harm to your engine by running it slower than full throttle when you are mowing. Blades need to be spinning at the correct blade tip speed.
Why does my lawn mower scalp?
Scalping can be caused by mower deck misalignment, unevenness in the lawn, or by the mower deck bouncing because the ground speed is too fast.
What to do if your deck blades are 1/4 off?
If the measurements are a 1/4″ or more off, it needs to be corrected. The next thing to do is to turn the blades and measure again. If the measurements are not the same, one of the blades is probably bent. Other things to check for are damage to the deck shell, and bent or loose spindles.
What is Jacks Jack's small engine?
Jacks Jack's Small Engines has been providing parts for outdoor power equipment online since 1997. We also run a service center for outdoor power equipment like riding mowers, snow blowers, generators, chainsaws, and just about anything else.
Why is my lawn mower blade coming loose?
If when your mower is running you detect an uncharacteristic or increasingly strong vibration or loud noise coming from the underside of the engine, the mower blade may not be secured properly and could possibly be coming loose. If you believe this is happening, shut the mower off immediately. The blade is held onto the underside ...
How to tell if mower blade is upside down?
If your mower seems to be functioning properly but is not cutting grass, inspect the blade to see if it has been installed upside down. The crankshaft that the mower blade is attached to can only rotate in one direction, so the blade must be installed correctly so that the sharpened cutting edge of the blade is facing the right way.
What does a stamp on a lawn mower blade mean?
Most blades will have a stamp or some sort of wording on them to indicate which side should face up or down. All blades will always have a bevel or a curve in them, which will point up towards the mower deck when properly installed. When tilting the mower on its side to inspect the blade, make sure to tilt the mower so the carburetor is on ...
Why is it important to always ensure that the blade is properly secured to the crankshaft?
It is important to always ensure that the blade is properly secured to the crankshaft so that it does not come loose or threaten to detach from the mower while it is spinning.
How does a blade work on a car?
The blade is held onto the underside of the engine with a bolt attaching directly to the crankshaft. If this bolt is not fully tightened it may slowly wiggle loose from the vibration of the engine while in use. It is important to always ensure that the blade is properly secured to the crankshaft so that it does not come loose or threaten ...
Why won't my mower cut grass?
A worn or broken drive belt won't spin the cutting blades so your mower won't cut the grass. A worn blade belt can also cause mower deck vibration or uneven cuts. Examine the blade belt regularly and replace it if it's worn or broken. December 31, 2014.
Why does my lawn mower have uneven cutting?
The mower deck houses the cutting blades, mandrel pulleys and blade drive belts. You may see uneven cutting if the mower deck gets damaged because the deck. Severe rust can corrode the deck, causing holes in the deck. Replace the mower deck if it's damaged or there's a lot of rust. December 31, 2014.
How long does it take to replace a riding mower blade?
This repair guide and video show how to replace a riding mower blade in 30 minutes or less. Repair difficulty. Time required. 30 minutes or less.
What is a riding mower tune up?
Tune up the riding mower engine. The engine tune-up includes routine maintenance for a riding lawn mower or tractor. Engine performance suffers if you don't regularly tune up the engine. A poor-running engine may stall when you try to drive the mower.
How to level a riding mower deck?
A tilted mower deck can cause uneven cuts. Park the lawn tractor on a flat surface and inflate all 4 tires evenly. Lower the deck to the cutting position and position the blades sideways. Measure the height of the cutting blade outer edges. Adjust the mower deck hangers to level the mower blades ...
What does a mandrel do on a lawn mower?
The mandrel assembly attaches to the deck and spins the blade to cut grass. A blade won't move if the mandrel locks up. A damaged mandrel causes mower deck vibration and uneven cutting. Examine the mandrels regularly and replace any damaged mandrels.
How to stop vibration on lawn mower?
To eliminate vibration, replace unbalanced blades and worn mandrels. Replace a worn blade belt because a worn belt won't spin the blades correctly. Worn deck idler pulleys can also cause vibration, so replace any deck pulleys that don't spin freely. Check the mower deck for damage and replace the deck if it's bent.
Why is my riding lawn mower not cutting grass?
What Makes a Riding Lawnmower Not Cut Good? Problems with the blades, engine or deck of your riding lawnmower can cause cut grass to look uneven, streaky or too long. Even a mower that has been cared for properly eventually experiences the kind of wear and tear that leads to a less than satisfactory cut.
How to check blades on lawn mower?
Check the blades' position on a flat surface by turning the blades until they point perpendicular to the machine and then measuring the distance between the blades and the ground on both the upper left and upper right sides of the mower. The distance should be the same on both sides.
What is a riding mower deck?
The mower's deck is the actual part of the machine that cuts grass. Many riding mowers have a deck position that is slightly lower in front than in back. Measure the distance from the front of the deck to the ground and from the back of the deck to the ground, and check the mower owner's manual to ensure the distances are correct. If your riding mower doesn't have a free-floating deck, then when using the mower make its turns both slow and wide, which will help eliminate uneven cuts on the lawn's edges.
What to do if your riding mower doesn't have a free floating deck?
If your riding mower doesn't have a free-floating deck, then when using the mower make its turns both slow and wide, which will help eliminate uneven cuts on the lawn's edges. Melly Parker has been writing since 2007, focusing on health, business, technology and home improvement.
Can you replace bent mower blades?
The best option is to replace bent mower blades with a new set unless you can bend the blades to their original shape. Dull blades either can be replaced with a new set or removed from the mower, sharpened and put back on the mower.
Why is my grass not cutting?
Check your engine performance, if you feel the engine doesn't sound right or it's sluggish, go ahead and solve engine related issues first.
What does it mean when a tractor mower clutch fails?
When the clutch starts to fail it slips, that means the blades are not turning with the same power or speed as normal. It will be especially noticeable in taller heavier grass.
What is a mulching blade?
Mulching Blade. A true Mulching blade is designed to finely chop and disperse grass clippings, not collect, a proper mulching mower won't have a grass-bag. Many of the latest mowers are fitted with a hybrid mulching blade, also known as a 3 in 1 (collecting, discharging or mulching).
Why is my lawn mower blade yellow?
Is your blade sharp? A dull blade is the number one reason for leaving uncut grass. The blunt blade will damage your lawn in no time at all, it tears the grass and leaves a jagged edge which turns the grass tips yellow. The recommended way to repair the yellow grass damage - cut regularly with a sharp lawn mower blade.
What happens when a metal cutting blade is worn out?
Bending and gouging chunks from the metal blade will cause uneven cutting and a horrible vibration. A blade may look OK, but they do wear. If it's more than 4 seasons old, it's probably worn-out. The leading edge cuts the grass and is easy to see when its worn.
How fast do mower blades turn?
Mower blades turn about 50 times a second - that's 200 mph at the tip. So when you hit something, it's going to damage even hardened steel.
What to use to tighten mower bolts?
A torque wrench should be used to tighten the bolt to the correct specification. A quick check of your mower manual or on the dealer site will give the spec. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later.
Low Tire Pressure on Your Zero Turn
Before you begin checking anything on your zero turn, check your tire pressures. Something as simple as a low tire can throw off the level of your mower deck and give you an uneven cut. A low tire can cause the side of the deck with the low tire to sit closer to the ground making the deck unlevel.
Worn or Dull Zero Turn Mower Blade
A blade can become extremely dull and no longer cut the grass. It can find strips of uncut grass in your yard. A blade that has a worn sail will not be able to create sufficient airflow under the deck. Airflow is needed to create a suction under the deck to lift the grass for a nice even cut.
Bent Zero Turn Mower Blade
Your blade can become bent from an impact with a solid object like a stump or rock. You may remember the exact time of impact because of a jolt or grinding noise from the blade impact. Other times, the impact may not be great enough to make you aware of a potential problem that can cause a bent blade.
Unbalanced Zero Turn Mower Blade
A blade that is not balanced can give you an uneven cut. An unbalanced blade is one where the weight on one side of the blade is more than the other side. A zero turn blade can become unbalanced when the dirt that is sucked into the mower deck wears more on one side of the blade.
Bad Spindle Bearing or Spindle on Your Zero Turn Mower
A bad spindle bearing or spindle on your lawn mower can cause your blade to wobble which turns into a significant vibration when the blade spins at high speeds.
Bad Zero Turn Deck Belt or Pulley Bearing
The deck belt runs around your pulleys and spins your mower blades. When your belt is worn, it can slip and not turn your blades at the high speeds required for a good and even cut. Replace a deck belt that has a glazed shiny appearance or one that sits deep in the pulley grooves.
Zero Turn Mower Deck is Plugged
It is normal to collect grass clippings, mud and other debris under your zero turn mower deck. When the amount of debris becomes significant, it can interfere with airflow and the suction created under the deck to lift and cut your grass for a nice even cut.
