Top 4 Lawn Mower Repair in Orlando
Looking for right lawn mower repair service in Orlando can be a challenge. With so many options available, it’s crucial to find a reliable provider that meets your needs. In this blog, we will explore the four best lawn mower repair services in Orlando.
Reid’s Mower
Reid’s Mower is a lawn mower store that offers various services, including sales of new and used equipment, as well as repair services. They have a solid reputation for customer service and are known for providing quality service.
- Address:
3210 N Orange Blossom Trail,
Orlando, FL 32804,
United States - Phone Number:
+1 407-292-8683 - Website:
reidsmower.com
Trail Saw & Mower Service Inc.
Trail Saw & Mower Service Inc. is a lawn mower and small engine repair service known for providing prompt and fairly priced repair services. They are recognized for their commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable service.
Location: 4540 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804, United States
Phone: +1 407-293-1861
Website: Trail Saw & Mower Service Inc.
Main Street Mower
Main Street Mower is a lawn mower store located in Winter Garden, Florida. They offer a variety of lawn care products and repair services. Customers appreciate their friendly service and quality repairs. The store aims to provide reliable equipment and support to help maintain your lawn.
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 407-654-9299
Website: mainstreetmower.com
Address:
Main Street Mower
12105 W. Colonial Dr,
Winter Garden, FL 34787,
United States
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Main Street Mower is known for its knowledgeable staff and customer satisfaction. They help customers choose the right mower and provide essential repairs. Whether you need a new mower or a tune-up, Main Street Mower is committed to assisting you with your lawn care needs.
Sunbelt Lawn & Tractor, Inc.
Sunbelt Lawn & Tractor, Inc. is a well-known agricultural dealership located in Winter Park, Florida, serving the Orlando area. They specialize in selling new and used farm equipment, including popular brands like John Deere, Stihl, and Honda. Customers appreciate their knowledgeable and friendly staff, who provide excellent service and support for lawn mower repairs and parts.
Address:
4031 Forsyth Rd,
Winter Park, FL 32792,
United States.
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 407-671-4439.
Website: sunbeltlawnandtractorinc.com
Business Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed.
For more information, you can visit their website at Sunbelt Lawn & Tractor, Inc.. The team at Sunbelt Lawn & Tractor is dedicated to providing quality products and services, making it a reliable choice for all your lawn care and agricultural needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident from the numerous positive reviews highlighting exceptional service and fair pricing.
What to Check When Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start?
When a lawn mower won’t start, it can go from mowing the lawn to taking a hammer to your lawn mower real quick.
If your problem is bad fuel, a bad spark plug, or a clogged air filter, great. More times than not, the issue is a few simple things.
Understanding the starting point helps you focus your time and energy to skip the headache.
From looking at the gas tank to examining the ignition system, troubleshooting is not that difficult.
We’ll go through a few simple fixes that will have your mower back in action and you back to enjoying your weekends in no time.
Follow these tips and guide, and with a little patience, you can handle nearly every no-start situation without calling an expert. Forget the rumor mill and get down to the real nitty gritty on how to fix your lawn mower not starting.
Common Causes of Starting Issues
A lawn mower that’s been sitting unused for months has a few potential starting issues to contend with. Particularly after winter, you’re likely to be faced with stale fuel, clogged filters or rusted-out parts. If we make sure to focus on these few key areas calmly and methodically, victory can be ours.
Check Fuel and Oil Levels
Always begin with the fuel. Gasoline can go bad in as little as 30 days, and that’s made worse if ethanol is part of the mix.
Old fuel can leave varnish deposits that can clog the carburetor. Draining the tank, or running it dry and refilling it with fresh gasoline, usually makes a big difference.
Don’t forget that oil check as well. Check the dipstick to make sure the oil is at the right level and that it isn’t cloudy or dirty.
Contaminated oil can damage your engine’s performance. To maintain a healthy mower, remove it and replace it with new SAE 30 oil or the oil recommended for your mower.
Inspect the Spark Plug Condition
The spark plug may be small, but it is a crucial component. Remove it and look for indications of fouling, such as black soot or oil accumulation.
A fouled plug is unable to produce the necessary spark required for ignition. Cleaning it up with a wire brush or replacing it entirely fixes this issue.
Check the spark plug wire for wear or loose connections—these can break the spark.
For extra peace of mind, check the spark by grounding the plug against the engine and pulling the cord. A visible spark indicates that it’s working.
Examine the Air Filter for Clogs
Airflow is vital to combustion. When the air filter is clogged with dirt or grass, it chokes the engine. With the filter out, examine it under bright light or sunlight. Changing out paper filters, or washing foam ones with soapy water, allows proper airflow again.
Check to make sure the filter is seated tightly to prevent particle buildup from reaching the engine. Set a regular maintenance schedule to ensure your mower stays in good working order.
Verify the Fuel Filter is Clear
The most common cause of fuel flow problems is a clogged fuel filter. Find it on the fuel line between the tank and carburetor and check for clogs.
By replacing a clogged filter you can ensure a smooth, leak-free delivery of fuel.
Additionally, check fuel lines for any leaks or cracks. Damaged fuel lines affect the fuel flow and should be replaced immediately.
Maintaining a log of replacement and service records will help identify these trends.
Assess the Battery Charge and Condition
On electric start models, a weak battery can stop it all. Inspect all terminals for signs of corrosion, and clean them with a baking soda solution if necessary. Check battery voltage with a multimeter, making sure it’s at least 12.4 volts.
If the battery is swelling or leaking, replace the battery. Routine cleaning and maintenance go a long way to keep it alive and powering fun.
Troubleshooting Steps for Lawn Mowers
1. Check for Stale or Old Gasoline
Old gasoline is usually the first suspect when a lawn mower won’t start. Discoloration or a sour smell may indicate stale fuel. If you see any of these signs, drain the tank and make sure to dispose of the old gas properly.
Refill the tank with fresh gas. To provide even more protection, introduce a fuel stabilizer to store gas to prevent it from going stale while in storage. Look for clues such as milky white oil or gas over a month old.
If your mower shuts down after only ten minutes, these signs can be a sign of fuel-related problems. Replacing the gas cap will fix this easy fix lawn mower troubleshooting step for almost 1 in 5 mowers.
2. Clean the Carburetor Thoroughly
The carburetor is crucial to making sure the fuel and air get mixed correctly. Over time it can build up with sticky gunk. Take it apart very very carefully and spray some carb cleaner up in there to dissolve the varnish.
Verify that the jets and passages are not blocked and clean them using a very fine wire if necessary. After cleaning the carburetor, put all the pieces back together, ensuring everything is seated properly.
Routine cleaning, particularly before you store your mower, will help your mower start up without a hitch. With proper care, your mower can be operational for 10-15 years!
3. Inspect the Safety Mechanism Functionality
Lawn mowers are equipped with safety features – including the safety bar and dead man switch – to help keep operators safe. Confirm that these components are functioning.
Inspect for shorted, blown, or corroded wiring harness connectors. To ensure a safe start, the safety bar will need to be completely engaged. A simple checklist of these features before a unit starts operation will prevent wasted time and unsafe operation.
4. Clear Debris from the Mower Deck
Excess grass clippings and debris can build up and clog the mower deck, impacting performance. Clean off gunk after every use.
Check the area around the blade for foreign objects and remove debris from under the mower with a vacuum, or brush. Regularly removing debris can help avoid stalling and keep your mower operating at peak performance.
5. Test the Flywheel Brake Engagement
Flywheel brake should engage and disengage properly every time the safety bar is pulled. Check for debris and make sure it operates in both up/down positions.
If the mower has trouble starting, this step can identify brake-related problems.
Tools and Materials Needed
Having a well-prepared toolkit along with the proper materials will make your job easier and more efficient. They simplify addressing everyday challenges such as starting issues and regular maintenance. Here’s a complete rundown of tools and materials you’ll need.
Essential Tools for Troubleshooting
For any repair, even the most basic ones, you need a good set of tools. Begin with socket sets and pliers; these tools are multi-faceted for things such as tightening a bolt or pulling off an old part.
A spark plug wrench is the most important tool for every mower owner.
It makes things easier to get to and replace spark plugs that frequently go bad and keep your mower from starting.
For electrical issues, a multimeter is your best friend. It quickly and accurately diagnoses battery or ignition problems, making for efficient troubleshooting.
A quick list of tools you’ll want to include:
- Socket sets (various sizes)
- Pliers (needle-nose and standard)
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Spark plug wrench
- Multimeter for electrical diagnostics
- Adjustable wrenches
When it’s time to inspect your spark plug, the wrench allows for quick and easy removal. This quick access makes it easy to periodically check for any oil or burn marks. A plug that is functioning properly should last for years in a four-stroke motor.
Materials for Repairs and Maintenance
Routine maintenance is key to making your lawn mower last. With good care, it can last about 10 to 15 years. Fill up on all the right stuff, too, including motor oil formulated just for small engines.
AMSOIL Synthetic Small-Engine Oil delivers the high-performing, commercial-grade protection your small engines deserve. Always have air filters, fuel filters, and spare spark plugs on hand for quick replacements.
Cleaning products such as carburetor cleaner are very important. If fuel isn’t flowing, tap on the carburetor lightly to see if that resolves the issue. If you clean it well with the proper cleaner, it will perform significantly better.
Make sure you’re using fresh gas—milky white oil or gas more than a month old can lead to hard starts.
Here’s a table summarizing materials and their uses:
| Material | Purpose | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Oil | Lubrication and engine protection | AMSOIL Synthetic Small-Engine Oil |
| Air Filters | Keeps debris out of the engine | Briggs & Stratton |
| Spark Plugs | Ignition system performance | NGK Spark Plugs |
| Carburetor Cleaner | Cleans carburetor to improve fuel flow | Gumout |
When to Seek Professional Help
When your lawn mower breaks down and won’t start, it may be tempting to try your hand at DIY repair work. There are times when turning those repairs over to a professional is the smarter decision. Knowing when to get professional help will save you time, money, and aggravation.
Signs of Serious Mechanical Issues
Those are issues that are worse than just simple repair jobs that indicate deeper mechanical concerns at play. For example, if you see smoke coming from the engine or feel abnormal vibrations while operating it, these may be signs of a failing engine or worn components.
These symptoms are not to be brushed off, as they are frequently indicative of a clear need for professional help. Leaks around the engine or fuel system are a major red flag. Fuel leaks can cause both performance and safety issues.
Changes in engine noises, such as knocking or grinding sounds are important to report as well. When the mower’s familiar buzz changes to something more jarring, that’s your cue to stop and rethink.
A quick checklist of mechanical issues that demand immediate action:
- Smoke or excessive vibrations
- Visible oil or fuel leaks
- Irregular or loud engine noises
- Persistent failure to start despite basic troubleshooting
Situations Requiring Expert Assistance
Often, DIY mower repairs are doing more damage than good. Electrical failures, like a no-start starter or battery can be difficult. Typically, you need specialized tools and expertise beyond just DIY home improvement projects to address these issues properly.
Batteries, for instance, have a life expectancy of three to five years. If this is where the problem is, taking it to a pro guarantees it’s handled correctly.
Internal engine repairs, like a rebuild, are another place where professional assistance is key.
These tasks require extensive technical expertise and state-of-the-art processes.
Think about the age of the mower and whether you can afford repairs. If it’s over ten years old and requires major repairs like a new engine or transmission, replacing it may be more cost-effective.
Here are scenarios where professional repair is advisable:
- Complex electrical issues
- Internal engine repairs
- Repair costs exceeding mower value
- Mower over ten years old needing significant fixes
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Don’t let a little maintenance stand between you and a well-manicured lawn. Care for your rig today will keep it from not starting when you need it tomorrow! Here’s what you need to know to keep it running great with a little preventative maintenance.
Regularly Replace Oil and Filters
Regularly changing the oil and air and oil filters is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your mower in service longer. Use either an hourly usage threshold or a seasonal reminder, such as every spring and every fall.
Using only high-quality oil and filters will keep your engine running smoothly and reduce needless wear and tear on your engine. As an example, SAE 30 oil is a popular recommendation for most mowers.
Oil Check oil every time prior to mowing and add oil when needed. The engine can overheat or be seriously damaged by running it when it’s low on oil.
Best Practices for Oil and Filters:
- Change oil every 25-50 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first.
- Replace the air filter a minimum of once per season, or more frequently if necessary.
- Dispose of used oil responsibly at a recycling center.
Store the Mower Properly During Off-Season
Proper off-season storage will keep your mower safe from winter weather and help ensure stale fuel won’t wreak havoc on your machine. Take the time to clean the entire mower from top to bottom to eliminate dirt or clippings.
This will save rust and clogged parts from forming before you store it away.
Either drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to avoid gumming in the fuel system. A dry, weather-proof shed or garage is best for storage.
Cover the mower to prevent dust and rodents.
Off-Season Storage Checklist:
- Empty the gas tank or add a stabilizer.
- Remove the battery and store it indoors if applicable.
- Replace spark plug Make sure you start smoothly next season and replace your spark plug.
Keep the Blades and Deck Clean
Grass clippings and other debris can build up on this deck, affecting cutting performance. After every use, scrape off any residue with a plastic scraper or brush.
Blunt blades rip grass, making it susceptible to disease, so check and sharpen blades regularly. If you don’t feel comfortable sharpening blades, go to the experts so you don’t end up with an uneven cutting edge.
Tips for Blade and Deck Care:
- Sharpen blades at least once a season.
- Check blade bolts regularly for tightness.
- Always clean the deck to prevent corrosion.
Perform Routine Inspections Before Use
A little prevention with a pre-mow inspection can prevent minor problems from becoming big, expensive ones. Inspect the fuel and oil levels; fill them up if they are low.
Check for loose or worn components such as belts or bolts and replace immediately. Test all safety features, including the blade brake, and make sure they are in working order.
Pre-Mowing Inspection Checklist:
- Check the gas tank for stale or low fuel.
- Ensure the spark plug is clean and secure.
- Inspect tires and transmission components for riding mowers.
Conclusion
Restoring a lawn mower to its starting condition doesn’t need to seem like an intimidating task.
Being aware of the most common causes, adhering to proper troubleshooting protocol, and having the proper tools on hand will help save time and frustration.
Regular service goes a long way to prevent issues down the line. Keep fuel fresh and clean, air filter clean, and spark plug condition good.
Of course, there are times when it’s better to call in a pro, particularly if the repair seems beyond your reach or too complex.
Performing these simple maintenance tasks now will keep your mower running strong and lasting long when you need it the most.
If you’re prepared to make your lawn care more manageable, begin with these easy steps.
Resolving minor problems as they arise ensures that your mower continues to operate at peak performance, year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my lawn mower start?
Your lawn mower may not start due to a few common issues. These might be a clogged air filter, a gummed-up spark plug, bad fuel, or a leaky carburetor. Here are the main lawn mower parts not starting and how to fix them.
How can I fix a lawn mower with old fuel?
Empty the old fuel out of the tank and instead, put in some fresh gasoline. Adding a fuel stabilizer like STP® Fuel Stabilizer can help you avoid stale fuel issues down the line.
What tools do I need to troubleshoot my lawn mower?
You’ll want a wrench set, screwdriver, spark plug socket, and a fuel siphon. These simple tools will allow you to quickly diagnose and fix the majority of non-starting issues.
When should I call a professional for lawn mower repairs?
If you’ve looked at the fundamentals—fuel, spark plug, air filter—and the mower isn’t starting, it’s time to call a pro. Additionally, consult a professional for serious issues such as broken carburetors or wiring malfunctions.
How do I clean a dirty air filter on my lawn mower?
Take out the air filter and clean it using warm, soapy water. Allow it to dry all the way before reinstalling. If it’s paper-based, don’t wash it, but replace it.
How can I prevent my lawn mower from not starting?
Help your mower out with regular maintenance – oil changes, cleaning the air filter, changing the spark plug, and using fresh fuel go a long way. Store your mower properly during the off-season to prevent carbon buildup and rust.
Is it safe to troubleshoot my lawn mower at home?
You got it, 100 percent. Just don’t forget to remove the spark plug wire, put on some gloves, and do any work in a well-ventilated space to ensure safety. For more complex repairs, hire an expert.