Does your lawnmower not start at the worst possible time? That's no reason to panic. Fortunately, most devices are designed so that you can find out the problem and fix it yourself. This guide tells you the most common causes and gives tried-and-tested tips for immediate help.

If the lawn mower does not start, there can be various reasons

Cause: No fuel or no electricity

Surveys of the largest lawnmower manufacturers brought it to light. When the mower won't start, an empty tank is one of the top 3 most common causes. Therefore, first check the existing amount of fuel in order to fill in fresh petrol if necessary. If the engine has become hot as a result of repeated starting attempts, wait until it has cooled down before filling it.

The electric lawn mower cannot run out of fuel. However, an electric mower will not respond if the plug is not properly connected to the outlet. If you can rule out this cause, check the fuse box to see whether the corresponding fuse has blown. In most cases, a defective power cable has caused the short circuit and must be completely replaced.

Cause: Spark plug dirty or defective

If the igniting spark does not jump over, the lawnmower will not make a sound. Take a close look at the spark plug because this is where one of the most common causes of engine not starting is hidden. If you are not familiar with the position of the spark plug, the operating instructions provide detailed information. Here's how to get rid of the problem:

  • Trigger the spark plug according to the manual
  • Take a dry cloth
  • Wipe the spark plug and contacts carefully
  • Do not use water or other liquids

Reinstall the clean spark plug. If the lawn mower still does not start, the spark plug is defective and should be replaced with a new one.

Cause: Air filter clogged

Your lawnmower engine is equipped with an air filter to prevent dirt particles from clogging the carburetor or entering the engine. The filter should be cleaned at fixed intervals of 25 operating hours. If maintenance fails, the air filter becomes so clogged that the engine no longer starts. Most filter elements are made of foam or paper. How to get your lawnmower up and running again:

  • Remove the air filter according to the instructions in the manual
  • Tap out the paper filter or clean it with compressed air
  • Never use compressed air in the immediate vicinity of the engine
  • Clean the foam filter with hot water or washing-up liquid (no solvent).
  • Rub dry with a rag

Reassemble the clean air filter and install according to the instructions. Various manufacturers use dual air filters consisting of an upstream foam element and a paper filter. You can dispose of this paper filter when it is completely dirty. Foam air filters, on the other hand, are designed for around 100 operating hours and also work without paper, so cleaning them with water and a degreasing agent is worthwhile.

Cause: Knife bar blocked

On the lawn mower, there is a close connection between the blade bar and the engine, which only becomes apparent at second glance. If the starter rope is actuated when the cutter bar is blocked, the engine cannot start. This problem often occurs when wet grass has been cut previously. Clumps of grass form and get caught between the blades. But stones or branches can also get caught. To start your lawn mower:

  • Important: first pull the ignition plug on petrol mowers or the mains plug on electric mowers
  • Tilt the lawnmower backwards
  • Alternatively tilt the device with the air filter upwards
  • Put on gloves
  • Remove grass clippings, branches and other debris
  • Clean the housing with a stiff brush

Before starting cleaning, please double-check whether the engine is reliably prevented from starting unintentionally. For safety reasons, we recommend fixing the spark plug cable on the petrol lawn mower so that it is at a sufficient distance from the spark plug.

Cause: Dirty carburetor

Regular engine contact with grass, leaves, twigs and dirt can cause deposits. So it is not uncommon for accumulated impurities in the carburetor to hopelessly clog the fuel and air supply lines. Eventually the lawn mower will not start at all. How to approach the problem professionally:

  • Remove spark plug wire and spark plug
  • Place a teaspoon of fuel directly into the cylinder
  • Reinstall the cable and spark plug

Start the engine. If it starts for a short time and then goes out again immediately, the carburetor should be cleaned. It is often not necessary to remove the carburetor. You can purchase carburetor cleaning agents in spray form from specialist dealers, which can be used to remove dirt from the outside.

tips

Does the lawnmower start and then switch off again after a short time? Then there is a high probability that the fuel is too old. If the petrol in the tank is more than a month old, important components can gum up and the cold start ability gradually decreases. Change the fuel, add fresh gasoline or spray a little jump starter spray on the intake manifold (Owner's Manual).

Category:

Garden design