Push Lawn Mower: Diagnosing Problems

We compiled the best new push lawn mowers on the market. Buy now!

1. GreenWorks 25022 12 Amp Corded 20-Inch Lawn Mower
2. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
3. Craftsman 37430 21 Inch 140cc Briggs and Stratton Gas Powered 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
4. Honda 21” 3-in-1 Self Push Gas Lawnmower Lawn Mower w/ Twin Blade – HRR216PKA
5. Gardena 4025-U 15-Inch 25-Volt 3.2 amp Lithium-Ion Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower
6. American Lawn Mower 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
7. Lawn-Boy 10730 Kohler XT6 OHV High Wheel Push Gas Lawn Mower, 21-Inch
8. Husqvarna 7021P 21-Inch 160cc Honda GCV160 Gas Powered 3-N-1 Push Lawn Mower With High Rear Wheels (CARB Compliant)
9. Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower Standard Full Feature Lawn Mower With T-Style Handle And Heat Treated Blades
10. BLACK+DECKER CM1640 16-Inch Cordless Mower, 40-volt
11. Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe 14-Inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower With Grass Bag
12. GreenWorks 25223 G-MAX 40V 19-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower, (1) 4Ah (1) 2Ah Batteries and Charger Included
13. Troy-Bilt TB370 163cc 21-inch In Step RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
14. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
15. Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
16. BLACK+DECKER EM1700 17-Inch Corded Mower with Edge Max, 12-Amp

Check if the starter is stuck. The starter is the rope with a handle coming out of the body of the lawnmower. If this chain is abnormally difficult to pull, the blade may be stuck or jammed with grass. Disconnect the spark plug by gently pulling the head of the rubber hose away from the metal attachment.[5] Turn the lawnmower on its side and clear the debris from the lawnmower, being careful of the sharp blades.

• You MUST disconnect the spark plug before doing this. Otherwise, you risk the lawnmower starting with your hands inside of it.
• If the starter is still stuck after clearing out the debris, see a mechanic.

Examine your lawnmower if it is smoking. First, turn off your lawnmower and allow it to sit for an hour to cool off. Monitor it to make sure the smoking stops after a few minutes. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.

• If your lawnmower is smoking and won’t stay on, take it to a small engine a mechanic. Your mower may need servicing.

Clear the discharge chute. Once the motor has cooled, disconnect the spark plug and clear away debris from the blades and the discharge chute (where the grass clippings fly out). If the lawnmower continues to smoke, the air filter may be clogged or the blades may be bent. See a mechanic to resolve these issues.

• The air filter should be replaced yearly to reduce the risk of clogging.

Change the mower height if you lose power while mowing. If your mower dies while you’re using it, you may be cutting grass that is too tall. If this is the case, raise the cutting height of your lawnmower. Refer to your user manual to do this as every lawnmower is different.

• Check your user manual to see if it addresses this issue. Some models have “quirks” that can be easily fixed if you know how to do it.
• Always be careful when changing the height of your lawnmower. Make sure the mower is off and the spark plug is disconnected.

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