Lawn Mower Loses Power When Cutting: Causes and Solutions

You are so used to getting the same old results every time. Then, one day, you are surprised when you start the lawnmower and suddenly it loses power while cutting. It will just not run at the same level it used to run, and the blades will no longer cut the grass like they should.

This can be very irritating, especially if you want to be done with the lawn before the game starts, but now you have to deal with it. On top of that, taking the lawnmower in for repairs will cost a pretty penny that you just can’t afford. So let’s take a look at some of the most common issues and fixes.

Dirt

One of the reasons that your push mower might lose power is because of dirt built up in the air cleaner system. You should remove the air filter, and then blow it with compressed air or an air gun, depending on what you have available.

How to Clean the Air Filter

The air filter is located in a box that is easily accessible on top of the carburetor of the lawnmower. Depending on what brand of mower you have, the filter may be a piece of breathable material like a sponge.

If not, the air filter might be a metal type of filter with a film element around it that is also a sponge. This type of film around the metallic air filter is easy to remove and replace; you just need to lift it off from its position.

After you have removed the debris that is built-up on this sponge, you can use any type of liquid soap that dissolves grease. You can simply wash it in the sink with soap and water and let it dry before replacing it.

As soon as the sponge element has dried out completely, you need to oil it up again before replacing it. This can be done by pouring about a teaspoon of engine oil over it and working it completely into the sponge.

After you have worked the oil into the element and completely worked it into the sponge, you should squeeze out the excess oil. What you do not want is the sponge dripping oil into the carburetor and causing more problems to the fuel line.

Just make sure you get rid of all the debris that has built up in the plastic box and around the sponge. You can use a damp cloth to wipe out all the dirt that is present and put a paper towel over the carburetor.

After replacing the sponge or the film element, there should be a remarkable difference in the power output of the lawnmower. If you open the box that houses the air filter and it is not dirty, there is something else wrong with the lawnmower.

The Fuel System

Dirt and water in the fuel can also cause your lawnmower to lose power while you are mowing the lawn. This will clog up the fuel system, cause buildup in the carburetor, and cause the lawnmower to lose power.

The best thing to do in this case is to remove the old fuel in the tank and replace it with fresh fuel. First, you can use some clean fuel and rinse the tank with it, as well as wash away all dirt.

That means you need to wash the whole fuel tank inside out with clean fuel and then rinse it again. Then, you can replace the fuel in the clean fuel tank, and the problem should go away.

Oil

If the oil is not at the proper level, this may also cause the lawnmower to lose power while cutting. A low oil level will mean there is not enough lubrication for all the moving parts, which could cause power loss.

To solve this problem, you need to get the oil to the right level and keep it at the right level for optimal performance. Care should be taken not to have too much oil in the engine because that may cause frothy oil.

Frothy oil may introduce too much air into the lubrication system and cause a lack of lubrication and overheating, as well. Thus, the right amount of oil is absolutely essential for the best performance of your lawnmower.

Conclusion

We hope this Lawn Mower Loses Power When Cutting: Potential Causes and Solutions guide has helped you. These are only a few of the problems that may cause power loss in your lawnmower. If any of these remedies do not solve the problem, a new engine is the next step to take.

Hopefully, this will solve the power loss problem with your lawnmower and will not turn into an expensive issue. If you are not sure what to do or how to diagnose the issue, it is always best to consult with a professional who will help you get it all sorted out in no time.