Why Is Your Mower Losing Power When Blades Engaged?

It is terribly frustrating when the lawn mower loses power when the blades are engaged. This is a common problem among lawn mower owners and can have several causes.

The possible reasons are worn-out pulleys, bad blade spindle, dull or damaged blades and clogging of various components, worn-out spark plug or a malfunctioning carburetor and many more such reasons.

This article provides professional insight on this issue where you will see eye-to-eye with an expert. So, stay tuned!

Understanding the Causes of Power Loss in Lawn Mowers When Blades Are Engaged

The typical reasons why a mower loses power when blades engage are given below:

Dull or damaged blades: Dull or damaged blades do not cut the grass effectively. This also causes the mower to lose power.

Worn or damaged belts: If the mower’s blades’ belts are worn or damaged, they may not be able to transfer power to the blades effectively, causing the mower to lose power.

Worn or damaged gears: If the gears that drive the mower’s blades are worn or damaged, they may not be able to transfer power to the blades effectively, causing the mower to lose power.

Worn or damaged pulleys: If the pulleys that drive the mower’s blades are worn or damaged, they may not be able to transfer power to the blades effectively, causing the mower to lose power.

Worn or damaged bearings: If the bearings that support the mower’s blades are worn or damaged, they may not be able to transfer power to the blades effectively, causing the mower to lose power.

A Fouled Plug: It can cause improper connection with the blades so that the engine cannot turn it properly.

Bad Blade Spindles: Blade spindles can go bad and cause the mower to lose power when blades start running. The mower does not sound like it’s at full speed and does not cut fully.

Stuck Brake System On Blade Pulleys: There’s a brake system near the blade pulleys. It can get stuck and make the mower bog down when the blades are engaged.

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How to Fix The Mower Losing Power When Blades Engaged?

Here are the specific solutions that will particularly fix your mower losing power when blades are engaged:

1. Make sure the blades are sharp and in good condition.
2. Worn and damaged belts that drive the mower’s blades should be replaced. Check the belt to make sure it is not loose. Replace if necessary.
3. Replace worn-out or damaged gears of the mower blade.
4. Check the pulleys to make sure they are not damaged or seized. Replace when necessary.
5. Replace worn-out bearings with signs of damage.
6. Replace a plug that that gives no reading on the multimeter.
7. Make sure you have a slight wiggle with the spindle and that it is not worn-out.
8. Rebuilding the stuck brake system is a better course of action than releasing the brake by dismantling parts.

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Extra Cautions to Revive Mower Dying When Blades Engaged

After you are done with the above things, here are the things to check:

• The air and fuel filter; make sure it is clean and not clogged.
• The spark plug; to make sure it is clean and in good condition.
• The oil level; to make sure it is at the proper level.
• Check the carburetor and fuel lines to make sure it is clean and not clogged.
• The governor to make sure it is functioning properly.
• The governor linkage to make sure it is not damaged or disconnected.
• The battery to make sure it is charged and in good condition.
• The starter to make sure it is functioning properly.
• The ignition system to make sure it is functioning properly.
• The exhaust system to make sure it is not clogged or damaged.
• The fuel pump to make sure it is functioning properly.
• The fuel pressure to make sure it is at the proper level.
• The compression to make sure it is at the proper level.
• The valve clearance to make sure it is at the proper level.

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The Importance of Proper Blade Maintenance

Proper blade maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your lawn mower. A dull or damaged blade can cause uneven cutting.

It can also inflict damage to your lawn, and even damage to the mower. By maintaining your blades, you can ensure that your mower is operating at its best and that your lawn is looking its best.

To ensure proper blade maintenance, it is recommended to check and sharpen the blades at least once a year. It is also important to check for damage and balance the blades regularly.

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