Understanding common lawn mower issues and their solutions can save you a lot of frustration and money. Keep your lawn looking sharp by maintaining your mower with help from this post by Syntex Lubricants in Austin & Kyle, TX.

Nobody wants a disheveled, dying yard! We dream of leafy bushes and greener grass. Luckily, that dream can become a reality if you have one key ingredient: a functioning lawn mower.

Keeping your lawn mower in top shape is essential for a healthy, well-manicured yard. But like any piece of equipment, mowers are bound to run into problems over time. From stubborn starting issues to uneven cuts, these frustrations can quickly derail your weekend yard work. The good news? Most common lawn mower issues are easy to diagnose and fix yourself with a bit of know-how.

If you want to learn to keep your lawn mower working perfectly and help your yard shine bright, here are a few tips you should consider.

Want to avoid lawn mower issues? Call Syntex Lubricants in Austin & Kyle, TX at (800) 890-0220 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to find the best quality oil for your small engine!

Common Lawn Mower Issues to Look Out For

1. Mower Won’t Start

One of the most frustrating issues is when your lawn mower refuses to start.

Possible Causes:

• Old or stale fuel
• Clogged air filter
• Dirty or faulty spark plug
• Fuel line blockage

How to Fix It:

• Drain old fuel and refill with fresh gas if the mower has been sitting for a while.
• Clean or replace the air filter if it's dirty.
• Remove the spark plug, clean any debris, and check for wear; replace if necessary.
• Inspect the fuel line for clogs and clean it out.

Pro tip: Regularly changing the spark plug and using ethanol-free fuel can reduce future starting issues.

2. Uneven Cuts

If your lawn looks patchy or uneven after mowing, it may be due to blade or deck issues.

Possible Causes:

• Dull or bent blades
• Incorrect cutting height
• Clogged mower deck

How to Fix It:

• Sharpen or replace dull blades. Ensure they are properly balanced to avoid wobbling.
• Adjust the mower height to ensure an even cut based on grass type.
• Clean out clumped grass and debris from the mower deck to improve airflow and cutting performance.

3. Mower Stalls or Dies Mid-Mow

A mower that starts but dies suddenly can disrupt your mowing routine.

Possible Causes:

• Clogged fuel or air filters
• Carburetor issues
• Dirty fuel lines

How to Fix It:

• Clean or replace clogged fuel and air filters.
• Remove and clean the carburetor to ensure proper fuel flow.
• Check for any fuel blockages and clean the lines as needed.

Tip: Running your mower on clean fuel and performing routine carburetor maintenance can prevent stalling issues.

Keep your yard pretty and your mower healthy with AMSOIL 10W-30 100% Synthetic Small-Engine Oil, the best synthetic oil for small engines in Austin & Kyle, TX.

4. Mower Vibrates Excessively

Excessive vibration can be alarming and damaging to your lawn mower components.

Possible Causes:

• Bent blade or crankshaft
• Loose engine components
• Imbalanced blades

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the blade for damage and replace it if bent.
• Tighten any loose engine bolts or connections.
• Balance the blade by ensuring it’s evenly sharpened on both sides.

If the crankshaft is bent, it’s best to consult a professional as this repair may be more complex and expensive.

5. Grass Clippings Not Discharging Properly

When your mower leaves clumps of grass instead of evenly distributing clippings, it may be due to blockage or airflow issues.

Possible Causes:

• Wet grass
• Clogged chute or mower deck
• Dull blades

How to Fix It:

• Avoid mowing wet grass, as it tends to clump and stick to the mower.
• Clean out the discharge chute and under the deck.
• Sharpen the blades to ensure a cleaner cut.

Tip: Mowing in dry conditions and keeping blades sharp will ensure better discharge and mulching performance.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Many lawn mower issues can be prevented with routine maintenance.

• Change the Oil: Regularly check and change the engine oil to ensure smooth operation.
• Clean the Air Filter: A clean air filter promotes better engine efficiency.
• Sharpen the Blades: Keeping blades sharp ensures a clean and even cut.
• Inspect Belts and Cables: Look for wear and tear and replace as needed.

Having the right tools by your side will keep your home pretty, safe and functional. Call Syntex Lubricants in Austin & Kyle, TX at (800) 890-0220 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to keep your small engine in the best shape possible.