Riding Lawn Mower Stopped Running While Mowing: (Reasons & Fixes)

Did your lawn mower stop running while cutting the grass? There can be several possible reasons if the lawn mower stops running. You can sort out the reasons and can fix them. But how to fix riding a lawn mower stopped running while mowing?

Firstly, identify the reasons why riding a lawn mower stopped running while mowing. It may occur due to low oil levels, debris around the air filter/fuel line, and the loose carburetor bolts. Check the oil level, clean the debris, and fasten the carburetor bolts to fix the problem.

Let’s know the in-depth process to troubleshoot the lawn mower that stopped running while mowing. Let’s come to the discussion.

Why Do Lawn Mowers Stop Running While Mowing? Top 3 Reasons

It is a confusing moment when your lawn mower runs fine but suddenly stops running with no warning. It mostly happens when the lawnmower overheats. Your lawn mower can be overheated because of any of the below-listed reasons:

Top 3 reasons that can stop your lawn mower while mowing:

1. Low oil level-

Lawn mowers also use engine oil like other big vehicles to protect them from overheating. Maybe your lawn mower engine oil level is low, which may cause overheating of the engine.

2. Grass or debris-

Grass or twigs particles and other debris can also cause blockage of air from reaching the engine. Debris in the engine shroud, side panels, or cooling fans can prevent air circulation that may overheat the engine.

3. Loose fasteners-

A lawn mower may also stop running when there is a problem with the carburetor bolts. Carburetor mounting bolts can cause blockage of air, which may overheat the engine.

How To Troubleshoot Riding Lawn Mower Stopped Running While Mowing?

Here we will guide you about troubleshooting a lawn mower that won’t start after hitting something and below fixing the lawn mower issues that stopped running while mowing.

Things you will need:

You should have the following essential tools and equipment to troubleshoot and fix the issue successfully. This list includes all the tools required for troubleshooting and fixing the above three issues.

• Gas
• Rag
• Brush
• Tray
• Gloves
• 2 Wrenches

You can use any of the available Gas for cleaning auto parts. But we recommend GARAGE BOSS GB310 Briggs and Stratton. It is best for cleaning all vehicle engines and other parts, from small engine vehicles to large trucks.

Solution 1 (Troubleshoot Low Oil Levels):

First, check the lawn mower oil level; maybe the oil level is low. Follow below simple steps to check the oil level.

The Easy 2-step Solution to Troubleshoot Low Oil Levels:

Step 1- Park your lawn mower on a flat surface

First, park your riding lawn mower on the flat surface. It is essential to be on a flat surface to check the right level of oil. Leave it for a few minutes to balance the oil level.

Step 2- Check the Oil Level

Now unscrew the dipstick and remove the dipstick from the oil tank.  Do not check the oil level because the whole dipstick will be covered with oil.

Clean the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it back into the tank.

Now take it out and check the oil level. You will see two holes on the dipstick bottom. If you see the oil level is between these two holes, it is okay. But if it is lower than the last hole, the oil level is low.

If the level is low, refill it with fresh oil. Before refilling the oil tank, ensure you have the recommended oil according to your lawn mower brand.

Solution 2 (Remove debris or grass particles)

You have checked the oil level is fine, okay, now you should check for debris or grass particles. After removing the debris or grass, you may be able to fix the lawn mower issue.

The Easy 4-step Solution to Follow to Remove Debris or Grass Particles

Step 1- Shut off the fuel valve

First, go ahead and shut off the fuel valve for safety. It will protect from leakage issues.

When you go ahead, see the junk around the motor, air filter, and other parts.

Step 2- Take gas in the tray

The next thing to do is to take the tray and put the little gas in the tray.

Step 3- Stroke with a brush

Now dip the brush in the gas and stroke it around the lawn mower’s parts. Try to move it forth and back for proper cleaning and removal of debris. It will also remove the dry grass particles.

Try to cover all small areas and ensure you have covered all the exposed parts, such as fuel lines or air filters. It is good to cover all the areas twice.

Once cleaned, take the rag and use it over the surface to clean the gas chemical.

Step 4- Clean the grass under the base

Now turn the lawn mower on one side to clean the grass particles under the base area. These particles also slow down the riding lawn mower if poorly stuck.

Once you have tilted the lawn mower, clean the under-base carriage. Cover the inner base where lawn mower blades, belts, and other parts are. It will remove the clogged grass.

Also, clean the sidewalls. You can use a screwdriver or chisel for easy cleaning of sidewalls.

Do it carefully, do not do this with bare hands because blades are so sharp that you may cut your hands. So wear safety gloves. Once you have done it, turn back the lawnmower side and test it.

Solution 3 (Fix loose fasteners)

Your lawn mower debris is cleaned, and the oil level is also okay, but still, it has the problem. You should check the carburetor bolts. If they are loose, fasten them to remove the problem.

Easy 2 Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Loose Fasteners

Step 1- locate the Carburetor bolt

First, access to the carburetor of your lawn mower; it is located near the air filter. Check their bolts; if you see they are loose, you should fasten them.

Step 2- Fasten the bolt with the wrench

Are bolts loose? Take the wrench according to the carburetor bolt size. Fasten the bolts and make sure they are properly tightened. If you face some problem holding the bolt, you can also use another wrench to hold the bolt in place.

Once you have fastened the bolts, test the lawnmower to ensure the removal of the problem. I hope your problem will be solved.

But if you see the problem still exists, call for a professional service to fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):

Final Verdict

A lawn mower is a straightforward machine that can be fixed easily. For most of its problems, you do not need to take professional services.

If your riding lawn mower stopped running after some time while mowing, find out the possible reason and fix it. It will not be just cost-effective but also train you for future issues troubleshooting.

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