For gas-powered lawnmowers, the primary reasons for a failure to start are lack of gas, water in the fuel system, broken or faulty spark plug, and engine seizure. For electric mowers, check to make sure the mower is plugged in and that the cord itself is not damaged.

What are the most common lawn mower issues?

When a lawn mower issue arises, it generally results in the either the mower’s inability to start or its inability to cut properly. The most common causes of these issues include:

Clogged air filter
Flooded engine
Dead spark plug
Overfilling of oil
Dull cutting blade
A dirty undercarriage
Gasoline or oil that is too old and has gone stale
Overheated engine

What are the different types of lawn mowers?

Reel mowers are those without engines that use a series of vertically spinning blades to slice the grass, much like a pair of scissors would. These mowers are typically smaller and are pushed manually by an operator. But larger reel mowers can be towed behind tractors or multipurpose vehicles, which is how most golf course lawns are maintained. These mowers make shallow cuts and disperse the clippings broadly back over the lawn. This is known as grasscycling. a form of self-fertilizing, and is generally considered to be good for the grass’ health and longevity. Rotary mowers generally have a single blade that spins horizontally and is powered by a small gas or electric engine. These mowers can be adjusted to cut thick or shallow grass and disperse the clippings neatly to one side, greatly easing the process of clean up. Rotary mowers can be pushed manually, ridden by a driver, or towed behind tractors and multipurpose vehicles.

What are basic maintenance tasks for keeping a lawn mower in good repair?

Clean blades and the undercarriage of clippings and dirt at least once per year to prevent rusting
Change oil, air filter, and spark plug once every one to two years
If the mower is being stored for a long period of time, such as during the winter, drain the remaining gas and oil

How often should the spark plugs of a lawn mower be changed?

Lawn mower spark plugs should be changed every one to two years.

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