Spring rains and bright sunshine create the perfect conditions for vigorously growing grass. You’re ready to grab or hop onto your lawnmower. Turn over the engine, and there’s no sound whatsoever. If you find yourself with a mower that’s not responding, it’s time to take a deeper look at its functions. Simple steps may be all that are necessary to get you back onto the open lawn.
Check the Basics
Always start with the basics when it comes to a faulty mower. You might have just pulled it out of the garage after a long, storage period. Take a look at the gas tank’s level. Verify that it’s full. Empty tanks equate to a nonoperational mower.
Inspect two other parts, including:
- Air filter
- Spark plug
Your air filter protects the internal components from damages sustained by flying debris, including grass and dirt. A clogged filter won’t let air into the mower. It remains out of service as a result.
The spark plug offers the energy necessary to turn the engine over. Dirty or misaligned spark plugs cause startup issues. Clean or replace the spark plug as necessary.
Clean the Carburetor
Your carburetor regulates the flow of air that accesses the gasoline within the lawnmower. It’s the air-to-gasoline mixture that allows your mower to properly operate each time.
Access the carburetor by removing the mower’s protective cover. Verify that gas is moving through the carburetor by removing the bowl cover. If gas drips from this area, the carburetor is working properly.
Consider a carb-cleaner purchase. This spray is easy to use. It also improves the component’s functionality. Don’t forget to take a good look at the carburetor when you spray it. Any corrosion is a sign that it’s time to replace the part entirely.
Inspect the Battery
Take a look at the mower’s battery. It’s smaller than a vehicle’s battery, but it operates with the same theory. The battery provides the power for mowing.
Look for these telltale signs that the battery is dead, such as:
- Leaky housing
- Worn connection wires
- Outdated battery
Swapping out the battery with a new one is a simple, troubleshooting technique that works for most users. You’ll immediately know if the battery is good or bad.
Use caution if the battery is leaking. This corrosive liquid can burn the skin if you come into contact with it.
Examine the Blades
The dynamic part of your mower is the rotating blades. They may shear and trim the lawn with ease, but that fact doesn’t mean that the debris falls right to the ground.
Mower blades that are packed with grass and soil will cause the machine to seize. Clean away any debris. Look for any items that are physically impairing the blades from operating. The mower should activate with no problems afterward.
Exploring Ride-On Mowers
Most of these troubleshooting tips are for push-style mowers. However, you might have a ride-on model at your home. Luckily, these tips still apply to your mower.
Be aware that a ride-on mower has a few extra parts that rival a typical car, such as:
- Starters
- Ignition coils
- Alternators
You must consider the influence of these components when the mower won’t start.
A ride-on mower that’s malfunctioning will usually have an electrical problem. Solenoid failures and dead batteries are common. Remember to keep the troubleshooting steps down to the most basic types at first. Simple problems tend to be the most common ones.
Ideally, keep a spare battery on hand to swap out if necessary. The professionals at Northeast Battery can point out the best battery for your needs. As a result, you’ll always have a mower that’s ready to go.