Maintaining your lawn is one of the many duties that come with home ownership. To keep your yard looking its best, your lawnmower must be in good working order. Indeed, it is your best friend in yard upkeep when it’s operating properly. However, it can occasionally experience issues, just like any other machine. It’s always a good idea to have it checked by a professional, especially if your lawnmower won’t start, is dripping with oil, is making odd noises, or isn’t cutting grass evenly. You may be tempted to fix the machine yourself, however, attempting to repair a complicated engine issue is risky.
Moreover, if the problems are not addressed, your dependable companion could become damaged beyond economical repair. Knowing when your lawn mower requires professional maintenance will help you avoid wasting time, money, and the disappointment of an untidy lawn. Professionals are equipped with the skills, tools, and expertise to correctly identify and address the problem. That being said, you should also take into account the lawn mower’s age and the severity of the problem when deciding whether or not to have a professional repair your lawn mower.
Trouble starting and unusual engine noises
Your lawn mower should start smoothly. Pulling the starter rope several times or even wrestling with it just to get the engine going is a clear sign that something is wrong. It might be as simple as a clogged carburetor that needs cleaning or a worn-out spark plug that needs to be replaced. It could also be something more severe, like a problem with the engine. Have you also noticed that your lawn looks ragged and uneven after mowing? Or, perhaps your mower is leaving streaks of uncut grass? These are signs that your mower blades could be dull, bent, or misaligned. Blades in this condition make your yard look unkempt and damage your grass, leading to a less healthy lawn over time.
Another problem requiring professional attention is unusual noises from your lawnmower’s engine. If you hear rattling, knocking, or sputtering sounds, that’s a serious red flag — these strange noises could signify that one of the internal components has become displaced or is functioning improperly. Take the time to carefully inspect your lawnmower. Try to trace where the noise emanates from and tighten any loose parts you find. It’s essential to address these sounds as soon as possible to prevent them from causing any more damage to your mower.
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Smoke emissions and excessive vibration
If you notice smoke billowing out of your lawnmower, it’s absolutely vital that you stop using it right away. Smoke can Indicate numerous potential issues lurking within your machine. Often, the culprit behind a smoking lawnmower is a clogged air filter. This vital part of your engine ensures that only clean air gets in, keeping out dust, dirt, and other particulates that could wreak havoc. However, when the lawnmower air filter is clogged, the engine struggles to get the air it needs, disturbing the delicate air-fuel balance required for smooth combustion. Even a malfunctioning spark plug can lead to a smoky lawnmower.
Another sign to look out for is excessive vibration. While some vibration is normal while running a lawn mower, a sudden increase is a cause for concern. This could signify a problem with the mower’s blades — they might be unbalanced or damaged — it could also point to an issue with the engine or the drive system. Remember, the engine is the heart of your lawn mower, so ignoring any minor issues could lead to more serious (and more costly) damage down the line.
