Our self-propelled lawnmower has stopped propelling itself! Can I fix this myself?

Question

We bought a self-propelled lawnmower 6 months ago from Sears Outlet with no warranty. @ weeks ago it stopped propelling itself! The mower itself still does it's job, it's just really hard to push. My 12 year old mows the lawn so we would really like to fix this problem so it is alittle easier on him.(we have a HUGE corner yard) What might be the problem?

Answer 1

There are four problems I can think of.

1. The belt has broken or slipped off the gears.
2. The gears could be broken.
3. The wheels could be worn out and won't propel the mower.(I doubt this one)
4. The lever you move to engage the wheels isn't working.

Start with the lever and check to see that it is connected and intact. If it is then take the cover off of the wheel where the belt and gears are located. Be sure you remember which bolts go where and how you removed the cover! Then look for anything broken or out of place.

I think you can fix it. The parts should be easy to find since you got it from Sears. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I have a pretty large yard with lots of good straight aways and I buy a self propelled because it is just so much easier. But the lawnmower is much heavier..but not as heavy as they used to be. So when I have to go up and down the sides of a deep ditch. . .it is really heavy and hard to handle but you do have the help with the front wheels. But I'm an old woman and I like to just punch it to go so I don't have to push so hard in all the strange angles I have. Self propelled costs more and is one more thing to break. Just ask my ex lawnguy who insisted on dragging it backwards with the wheels still turning forward and broke the belt. So you have to weigh the ease of use of the lawnmower going by itself and you should help it some especially when going up those hills against how much lighter and cheaper a regular mower is. I have lots to cut over so I put my money in the big back wheels because they make it easier to get over things too. I had a Scotts and it immediately blew a rod and I was told it was my fault for using the wrong oil. I had used the one that came with it. I then bought a Toro and it had a heck of a warranty to start plus I got a third year extra guaranteeing it to start. I didn't take care of it and it was still starting when the body rusted out a good three years later. You need to know this is a high humidity and salt area and we mow all year long. I bought another one and don't leave it out. The new one is not the quality of the old one but then nothing is these days and the big back wheels are not as tall. Toro is worth the money just because it keeps starting and I paid a little over $300 on sale with all the goodies. Check the ads when you decide to buy. That will save you lots too.

Answer 3

No, remove the front wheels, check the gears and the wheels inside, no worn teeth. Remove top cover to get to the belt, Tap back the pulley clips enough to get the belt off. Remove bearings and do not loose little pins. Slide the rod off on side and remove rod and front-self propeller. remove top cover of the self-propeller and look inside for damage. No damage, buy a new rod and self propller. Re-attached all when you took it off and put it all back. If the wheel gears are in good shape , put everything back Make sure belt is not to sloppy. Sart it up Control the lever ans see if the front wheels trun while you have the front wheels off the ground. If it's rotating then you are good to go and you have fix your self-propelled Lawn mower. Be patient>

Answer 4

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RE:
Our self-propelled lawnmower has stopped propelling itself! Can I fix this myself?
We bought a self-propelled lawnmower 6 months ago from Sears Outlet with no warranty. @ weeks ago it stopped propelling itself! The mower itself still does it's job, it's just really hard to push. My 12 year old mows the lawn so we would really like to fix this problem so it is alittle...

Answer 5

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Self propelled mowers are a nice luxury. You will probably find that the mower will be slower than you want to push it, but you can still push it faster if you want. It will help a lot with your hills. An important note is that the mowers you will buy that are not self propelled are not as high quality as self propelled mowers. They are usually cheaply made, but are inexpensive. Honda makes a good mower, also Toro, and I have always had really good luck with Craftsman mowers. You can find one of all of these brands in your price range, just decide what "extras" you want on them.

Answer 6

You'd have to look at the mechanism that propels the mower. It might be as simple as a broken belt, or the belt slipped off a pulley. Without being able to see it, though, it's kind of hard to diagnose the problem.

Answer 7

Can you repair it yourself? Maybe. If you remove the cover over the drive mechanism and can see that there is something obvious that looks wrong, like a loose belt or something keeping one part from turning another part, then you can probably fix it. If you look at the mechanism and have no clue what you are looking at, then take it to a shop.
Without actually seeing the machine, this is the best I can offer.

Answer 8

First UNPLUG the spark plug wire from he spark plug before worming onthe mower. You dan't want to accidently start it while doing repairs.
Does the mower have a cover that protrudes from the front of the engine along the mower deck toward teh front wheels?
If so you will find a drive belt inside. Remove the cover, check to see if the belt is OK.
Eric

Answer 9

Check the drive mechanism. Could be as simple as grass clippings built up between the pulley and the belt. Belt could be broken or stretched. Gears could be broken. Engagement lever is misaligned and does not engage the drive.

Answer 10

I think the belt slipped off, it's on where I can see, I think it's off on the part that is under the engine. How do I get to it?