How to Make Lawn Mower Faster: Causes and Solutions

If you have a lawn mower that doesn’t work manually, you might face a lot of unexpected issues with it. 

Recently my dad’s mower started working slower. So, we were looking for ways to make the lawn mower faster.

Lawn Mowers can get slow for Multiple reasons like faulty components, old fuels, too much usage, and more to follow. 

However, the assuring part is you can improve the lawn mower’s efficiency by changing the fuel, cleaning the components, or even sharpening the blade. 

To make your mower work faster, you might have to fix some parts of it. At the same time, bring some effective changes in using it and the maintenance. 

So, I have divided the ways into two segments. 

• Fixing the parts
• Changing the parts

For a better understanding of bringing out the best level of efficiency from the lawn mower, keep reading. 

Let’s start with a quick overview of the reasons why your mower works slowly.

What Causes Your Lawn Mower to Get Slower?

Before you figure out how to make your lawn mower faster, you should identify exactly what causes your mower to get slower. 

It can be:

• Dull mower blades.
• Dirty air filters or spark plugs.
• Low oil levels or old oil.
• Contaminated or old fuel.
• Clogged fuel filters.
• A damaged or loose drive belt.
• Uneven tire pressure or damaged wheel.
• Clogged mower deck.
• Mowing on uneven or excessively long grass.
• Older mowers may naturally experience reduced performance.
• Issues with the mower’s transmission or drive system.
• Insufficient lubrication in moving parts.
• The collection bag that is chute is too full.

Fixing the Parts to Make Your Mower Faster: 8 Options

In this part, I will explain how some issues can damage its fast-working capabilities. Also, how you can solve them.

Sharpen the Mower Blade

Dull mower blades can significantly impact your lawn mower’s performance and make it work slower for several reasons. When mower blades are dull, they don’t cut grass cleanly; instead, they tear and shred it.

This inefficient cutting process places extra stress on the mower’s engine and requires more power to operate. 

As a result, the engine works harder, reducing the mower’s speed and overall efficiency.

In this case, you need to sharpen the blade of the mower. The sharp blade will ensure a clean and precise cut while reducing the strain on the engine. 

Here’s how to sharpen them:

• Disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starts.
• Lift the mower and remove the blades using a wrench.
• Use a file or a grinding wheel to sharpen the blades, maintaining the blade’s original angle.
• Ensure the blades are balanced by hanging them on a nail or using a balancing tool.
• Reattach the blades, making sure they are tightly secured.

Clean the Dirty Air Filters

Air filters of the mowers usually prevent dust, debris, and contaminants from entering the engine. When air filters become clogged with dirt and debris, they restrict the flow of air to the engine.

As a result, it causes a richer fuel mixture and finally reduces combustion efficiency. It results in the engine running poorly, and finally, slower mower performance.

So, what to do if the culprit is the dirty air filter? 

Here are some tips you should follow:

• Regularly clean or replace air filters.
• Properly follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for the air filter maintenance.
• Clean the filter to remove loose debris with water or use compressed air.
• Replace the filter if it is severely clogged or damaged.

Fix the Worn or Fouled Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber. If spark plugs become fouled with carbon deposits or wear out over time, they may not provide a strong spark for efficient combustion.

It can lead to misfires, reduced power, and slower operation. So, if you find out the part plug is worn or fouled, you need to fix it. 

For that, just follow the tricks below.

• Check spark plugs regularly to find out visible issues.
• Replace the spark plugs if they show signs of wear or fouling.
• Use the correct spark plug type and gap according to the mower’s specifications.

Solve the Issues with The Fuel You Are Using

Contaminated or old fuel can also impact your lawn mower‘s engine performance. When old or tainted gasoline is used, it can lead to incomplete combustion and engine misfires.

This engine misfire significantly reduces power output. As a result, the mower starts to run slower and less efficiently. So, if you think that the mower oil is old or has issues, you need to fix it.

• Make sure to fill your mower’s gas tank with fresh, high-quality gasoline.
• Don’t use gas that has been sitting in a container for an extended period.
• Store gasoline in a clean, airtight container, and don’t place it under direct sunlight.
• Regularly check and clean or replace fuel filters to ensure they aren’t clogged with contaminants, allowing clean fuel flow to the engine.

Fix Issues with the Wheel

Uneven tire pressure or damaged wheels is one of the major reasons that hinder your lawn mower’s performance. When the tires have uneven pressure or if the wheels are damaged, it affects the mower’s ability to move smoothly and maintain a consistent speed.

Uneven pressure can also lead to an uneven cutting height. At the same time, damaged wheels can create wobbling or instability, further reducing maneuverability and speed.

So, check if the culprit is the wheel or not. If it’s the wheel, I will suggest you follow the tricks below.

• Regularly inspect and adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
• Use a pressure gauge to achieve the correct pressure for the wheels.
• Inspect mower wheels for cracks, bends, or other damage. If any wheel is compromised, replace it promptly.
• Select wheels for replacement that match the mower’s specifications for size and design.
• Lubricate wheel bearings regularly to reduce friction and maintain smooth movement.
• Keep spare wheels on hand for quick replacements when needed.
• Ensure all wheels are securely attached to the axle to prevent wobbling.

Clean the Clogged Deck

Grass clippings and debris can gather within the mower deck when you will use it. And the clogged deck can hamper the proper discharge of grass.

This buildup also interferes with the cutting process and finally reduces the cutting efficiency and causes the mower to work slower. Additionally, excessive clogs can strain the engine as it tries to power through the obstruction.

To prevent deck clogs you can try the following tricks.

• After each use, thoroughly clean the mower deck with a brush or hose to remove grass clippings and debris.
• Pay extra attention to the discharge chute and any areas prone to clogs.
• For stubborn clogs, consider using a scraper or putty knife to remove impacted debris.
• Keep the underside of the deck well-lubricated with a silicone or Teflon-based spray to minimize grass buildup.
• Regularly inspect and maintain the cutting blades to ensure they’re sharp and efficient, reducing the chances of clogs.

Fix the Drive System Issue

Problems with the lawn mower’s transmission or drive system can instantly slow down its operation. When the drive system is compromised, the mower may struggle to move and it can affect the mower’s efficiency and cutting speed.

There can be different drive system issues including worn drive belts, damaged pulleys, or transmission problems. To fix these issues and boost your mower’s speed, follow these steps:

• Examine the drive system components for damage or wear, including belts, pulleys, and transmission parts.
• If any parts are damaged or worn, replace them immediately.
• Tighten loose belts or adjust tension if needed.
• Ensure that all moving parts in the drive system are adequately lubricated for smoother operation.
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for the drive system to prevent future issues.
• Consider removing heavy attachments or accessories to reduce the overall weight of the mower.

Replace the Mower Battery

If you have a battery-powered electric mower, think of the last time you changed the battery. If it’s an age-old battery, it can make your lawn mower slower.

And an old battery causes that issue in most places. Indeed, this issue caused our mower to work slower. So, the solution is simple. Just replace the battery.

Replacing the mower battery is easy and you can do it all alone if you have the minimum knowledge of the machine. Here is how you can change the mower battery.

• First, ensure the mower is off and cool.
• Find the battery in the mower and it should be right under the seat or hood.
• Remove the terminals and remember to start with the negative (-) cable.
• Attach the new battery and now, start with the positive (+) cable.
• Ensure tight connections, and test the mower.

Besides the above issues, any type of external damage can cause your mower’s internal damage and reduce the speed as well. At the same time, some internal engine-related issues can also cause the same issue. In such cases, you might need to take it to a professional.

Changing Your Mowing and Maintenance Habit to Make It Faster

Sometimes, the wrong use of the mower and improper maintenance make it work slower.

In such cases, you just need to learn some basic tips to use your mower properly and ensure perfect maintenance for it. 

Let’s check the tips below, that will help you effectively.

Change Your Mowing Habit While Mowing Uneven and Long Grass

When you mow uneven or overly long grass, the mower’s blades encounter more resistance. This increased resistance places additional strain on the engine, requiring more power to cut through the grass efficiently.

As a result, the mower works slower, and the engine may even stall. 

To prevent such issues, you need to make the following changes in your mowing style.

• Set your mower to a consistent cutting height to ensure an even and efficient cut.
• Avoid dramatic and sudden changes in height between mowing sessions.
• Keep mower blades sharp to reduce resistance
• Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clumping, which can slow down the mower.
• Empty the collection bag frequently to prevent excessive weight that can hinder speed.
• Regularly remove grass clippings from the mower deck to prevent buildup, which can affect performance.

Ensure Regular Mower Maintenance

Irregular mower maintenance can effectively slow down your mower’s performance. 

Without proper care, gathered debris and grass clippings can clog the cutting deck, dull the blades, and hinder airflow at the same time.

If you neglect the engines, they can have dirty air filters, fouled spark plugs, or inadequate lubrication. 

This negligence results in decreased power output. Also, worn belts, damaged wheels, and a lack of tire pressure maintenance can hamper maneuverability and speed.

To ensure that your mower is free from all these issues, you need to ensure proper maintenance of the mower. 

In such cases, remember to ensure the following facts:

• Try to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to ensure your mower operates at peak performance.
• Regularly remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the cutting deck, as well as other parts like the engine, to maintain optimal airflow.
• Proper lubrication of critical components reduces friction, extending their lifespan and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Look for any signs of wear, like damaged belts or wheels, promptly to prevent further performance degradation.
• Sharpen blades before each mowing season.
• Use high-quality fuel and additives to keep the engine clean.

Buy A New Mower

Finally, my suggestion is to buy a new one especially if your mower is outdated or you have been using it for a long time. 

Older mowers can naturally experience reduced performance because of so many reasons.

Over time, wear and tear on engine components can lead to decreased power output and efficiency. Additionally, outdated mower designs may not incorporate the latest technology for optimal speed and cutting.

Well, while buying a new mower, make sure to choose a mower that is updated and comes with modern facilities.

When to Call a Professional If Your Mower Is Working Slowly?

If your mower has any of the following issues, there is no need to call a professional unless you don’t have minimal experience in handling the machine.

But there are some cases when you need to take it to a professional. For example:

• When your mower consistently operates slowly despite maintenance efforts.
• If the mower makes strange sounds or excessive vibrations, you should take it for expert diagnosis.
• If you suspect a safety hazard because of erratic behavior or malfunctioning parts, calling a professional is necessary.
• For major engine or transmission repairs that exceed your DIY capabilities, you should take it to a repair shop.
• Take it to the professional when the issue requires specialized tools or knowledge.
• Electrical problems can be complex and dangerous and professional help is essential in such a case.

Also, when DIY efforts fail to resolve the issue, it’s time to bring in a professional. Besides, if your mower is under warranty, professional repairs may be necessary to maintain coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Wrapping Up

So, we have a lot of reasons that simply slow down the mower’s speed. Also, you have learned how to fix them. 

So, if you somehow find your mower working slower, don’t sit idle.

Remember that the slow action of the mower wastes your time and effort. So, first, figure out what causes the issue and take necessary action to solve it.

Besides, you should try to be more careful while it’s the right way of using the mower and also its maintenance. Proper use and maintenance can eventually conserve its speed for a long time and also, keep it in good condition.

Hopefully, you have understood all my points. Thank you for your time.