Garden
Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
Check the belt to the mower deck, it more than likely has stretched and needs replacing or you may need to adjust the tension.
How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?
We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :
Try replacing the fuel filter; a clogged one will make the mower run sluggishly. Alternatively, check the spark plug. A spark plug that`s outlived its usefulness can cause a sluggish start. Pull the spark plug out, clean it off and reinstall it in the mower.
You might have contaminated gas in the mower. Drain out the old gas. Change the fuel filter. Get new gas, non-ethanol if possible.
Whenever the blade is engaged, it rotates on a crankshaft to cut the grass. But if there is interference in this rotation, the engine can overload and shut off or lose power. Check the crankshaft connection to see if it rotates freely. Inspect the connecting hardware for damage or rust.
If a mower is hard to start, it may be the result of a dirty carburetor and/or a clogged air filter. Use a screwdriver to remove the carburetor and clean any dirt out of it with a rag. Clean the air filter or replace it if it`s disposable.
Typically, when the mower is cutting grass, the RPM of the majority of mowers drops to approximately 3000 RPM. Some even operate at speeds below 2,500 RPM but can still produce good cuts. When the blades are not cutting the grass, the majority of walk-behind and ride-on mowers operate at 3200 RPM to 3600 RPM.
If your mower blades will not turn after the blade controls have been engaged, your deck belt may be broken. The deck is located directly under the operators seat. This belt spins the mowers blades and runs through a pulley system of idlers. The exact configuration of the deck belt will depend on your model of mower.
In fact, an edge that is that sharp has the tendency to roll over, which can cause blades to get nicked and chipped. Additionally, lawn mower blades that are too sharp get duller, faster resulting in the need to sharpen more frequently and a shorter blade life.
For riding mowers using a manual clutch, the mower blades are engaged by manually shifting a lever that moves a pulley assembly to tighten the blade drive belt. The rotating engine shaft will then drive the belt, which in turn, rotates the pulleys to spin one or more cutting blades.
A dull blade can make your lawn appear yellow, brown and raggedy. A dull lawnmower blade may even pull up portions of the grass because it actually pulls on the entire plant instead of slicing through the blades of grass cleanly.
Mower blades should be aggressively sharp, but not as sharp as a razor`s edge. You should be able to touch the blade with your hand without getting cut. Contrary to popular belief, a lawn mower blade with a razor sharp edge will not cut grass better.
Generally speaking, the blade should be tight enough so that it doesn`t move around on its own, but you should be able to move with your hand by applying some pressure. The manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the mower`s manual.
Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
When I hold the bar down that engages the blade it will not cut?
ANSWER : Is the blade sharp?
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Mower cranks and runs smooth until i try to engage blades or put mower in gear. it then stalls out
ANSWER : The seat switch is not making. You can start the mower but if you try to move it or cut, the switch is acting as if there is no operator present. Find it under the seat.
Gary
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Blades wont operate when engaged – Craftsman 20 Hp 42" Deck Lawn Tractor
ANSWER : Check the PTO switch it may have worn out
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Uneven grass cutting
ANSWER : I have seen dull blades, blades not installed right and an un-level deck cause that.Hope this helps.
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I have a Craftsman FS5500 48″ lawn mower. The PTO makes a noise (squeak) for a second when I pull up on the red blade engage knob. The blades do not engage. PTO does not turn. When I push the red button down to disengage there is a brief squeak from the PTO.
It worked well the past month then a little problem 2 weeks ago. It seemed to disengage after mowing a while. Then after sitting for 15 minutes the blades would engage. I used it earlier this week and the PTO won’t turn at all.
Just purchased from the last and original owner a month ago. He said the oil would need to be changed this summer. Could that be part of the problem? Engine runs great!
Also, I need an owners manual, not able to find from the previous owner.
Thanks
ANSWER : Hi,The problem is probably in the button that you pull and push to engaged and disengage the PTO… If you wiggle the button or try to pull it slowly, you may find a spot where it will work. But the button has gone bad and will need to be replaced.If you are comfortable with wiring, you could jumper the wires and getting it working, but it would be a very temporary and possibly dangerous fix…
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I have a craftman 42 in dual blade riding mower. It it cutting my grass unevenly. I have change the blades and bearing on the blade housing. please help.
ANSWER : Either the deck is uneven or one of the blades are upside down
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I need to get the blade of the lawn mower sharpened.Any tips on how to disconnect the blade fropm the lawn mower?
ANSWER : There is a jig that you can buy that makes this job SO much eaiser. It is a universal jig that clamps onto the deck and keeps the blade from spinning so you can use a ratchet to remove the nut holding the blade on. One name brand is called a “Blade Hog”. You should be able to find one of these at one of the bog box hardware stores.
Hope this helps,
Chad
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42 inch mower cuts uneven, what is the problem?
ANSWER : Several things here could be the problem. Check to see if mower deck is level, measure distance on both side on a level surface. Check tire’s for low air. If you’ve replace the mandrel’s lately, some have a left & right side & if not put back together properly this will cause uneven cutting
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