How to Solve Common Mowing Problems
Are there strips of uncut grass left behind by the mower after you are done mowing?
Are there sharp ridges left in the lawn surface?
Mowing problems can be frustrating when you can’t figure out the cause behind them. These guidelines can teach you how to fix common mowing problems that you may be experiencing.
This information is only provided as a general guideline. Consult your owner’s manual on specific recommendations for the power equipment you are using.
Streaking
Streaking is when thin strips of uncut grass are left behind the mower. Streaking is usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
|
CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
|---|---|
|
Blades are not sharp |
Sharpen your blades |
|
Blades are worn down too far |
Replace your blades |
|
Engine speed is too slow |
Always mow at full throttle |
|
Ground speed is too fast |
Slow down |
|
Deck is plugged with grass |
Clean out the mower |
|
Not overlapping cutting rows enough |
Overlap your cutting rows |
|
Not overlapping enough when turning |
When turning your effective cutting width decreases – overlap more. |
Stepped Cutting
Stepped cutting is sharp ridges left in the lawn surface. Stepped cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage, mower blade, or misadjustment.
damage.
|
CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
|---|---|
|
Deck is not leveled correctly |
Level the deck correctly |
|
Tires are not properly installed |
Check and inflate tires |
|
Blades are damaged |
Replace the blades |
|
Deck shell is damaged |
Repair or replace the deck |
|
Mower spindle is bent or loose |
Repair or replace the spindle |
|
Blades are installed incorrectly |
Reinstall the blades correctly |
Uneven Cutting
Uneven cutting is wavy or smooth troughs in the lawn surface. Uneven cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage or misadjustment.
|
CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
|---|---|
|
Deck is not leveled correctly |
Level the deck correctly |
|
Blades are dull or worn |
Sharpen or replace the blades |
|
Blades are damaged |
Replace the blades |
|
Deck is clogged with grass clippings |
Clean out the deck |
|
Deck shell is damaged |
Repair or replace the deck |
|
Mower spindle is bent or loose |
Repair or replace the spindle |
|
Blades are installed incorrectly |
Reinstall the blades correctly |
Scalping
Scalping is when the mower deck comes close to or hits the ground. Scalping can be caused by the mower deck misadjustment, unevenness in the lawn, or by mower deck bouncing due to the ground speed being too fast.
|
CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
|---|---|
|
Lawn in uneven or bumpy |
Roll or level the lawn |
|
Mower deck cutting height is set too low |
Raise cutting height |
|
Ground speed is too fast |
Slow down |
|
Deck is not leveled correctly |
Correctly level the deck |
|
Tire pressure is uneven |
Check and inflate the tires |
Stingers
Stingers are sparse patches of uncut grass left behind the mower. Stingers are usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
|
CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
|---|---|
|
Blades are not sharp or are nicked |
Sharpen your blades |
|
Blades are worn down too far |
Replace your blades |
|
Engine speed is too slow |
Always mow at full throttle |
|
Ground speed is too fast |
Slow down |
|
Deck is plugged with grass |
Clean out the mower |
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About the Author
Jacks Jack's Small Engines has been providing parts for outdoor power equipment online since 1997. We also run a service center for outdoor power equipment like riding mowers, snow blowers, generators, chainsaws, and just about anything else.
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