Whenever I power on my riding lawn mower and the blades don’t engage, I can’t help but feel a surge of frustration. Not only does it disrupt my plans for the day, but it also throws off other schedules and turns what should be a productive session into a repair job.
Based from my experience in lawn care, there are several reasons why these blades might not be turning on. So, what can you do when faced with this problem? In this guide, I’ve outlined a few tried-and-true solutions for such situations.
What to Do When Riding Lawn Mower Blades Won't Engage
Taking care of the lawn is made easy with a riding lawnmower. Like every other machine, you don’t expect it not to develop faults. From the belt to the battery, things can cause the riding lawn mower blades not to engage even when the mower blades are fully sharpened.
When these problems arise, I advise that you do the following:
Refer to Manual from Manufacturer
One of the first things to do when your mower’s blades fail to engage is to refer to the manufacturer’s manual. Lawnmowers differ from manufacturer to manufacturers, so as their manuals.
You won’t expect a Craftsman mower manual to be exactly the same with Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, or Ryobi. For this reason, you must refer to the manual whenever the blades won’t turn or if you notice any fault.
Inspect the Belt
One of the reasons why the blades on your lawnmower may not engage is the belt. It’s either stretched or too loose, worn-out, or damaged, causing it to fall off easily. It could also snap out of position, especially if you tried to cut more grasses at a time that’s beyond its capacity.
The deck belt, located under the operator’s seat, works by engaging and disengaging the mower’s blade. The belt runs through a pulley system and spins the blades. If it has become damaged, the blades won’t engage.
Before carrying out any replacement, you should inspect the belt first in case your Cub Cadet mower has belt that keeps coming off. The configuration depends on the model and manufacturer, but most lawn mowers have the same design. Reduce the deck to its lowest setting and check out if it’s damaged or has accumulated grasses.
The belt must be inspected at least every six months. This way, you won’t be surprised and frustrated when you want to take care of the lawn.
Replace Belt, Cables, or Clutches
When I see any damage or excessive wear on the belt, I immediately suggest addressing the problem by swapping it out. Likewise, if the belt feels loose or looks overly stretched, it’s best to adjust or replace it to maintain optimal performance.
If the blades don’t still work even after replacing the belt, you should check the blade cable. The cable is made up of metal with cast metal ends, a plastic sheath, and a bracket. If the metal ends are damaged or the cable gets kinked, you should replace it immediately.
You can do the same to the clutches if you find any of the parts damaged. Lawnmowers have clutches that shut off the blades while the engine is running. This part can wear out over time, and when they do, they won’t be able to power the blades.
It’s necessary that you inspect them for proper diagnosis. Disassemble the mower to monitor the clutch better.
If any of the parts that make up the clutches develops a fault, the blades won’t engage. It means you should replace them.
Check Pulley
The pulley could be another reason why the riding lawn mower is having issues causing the blades not to engage. The mower’s pulley controls the tension in the drive belt, which in turn turns the blades. If the pulley freezes and doesn’t rotate, the blades won’t engage.
I’d advise always checking the state of your pulley. If you find it’s frozen, it’s time to replace it. And don’t forget to inspect the other pulleys on the deck while you’re at it.
Check Power Source/ Battery
Lawnmowers use the PTO (Power Takeoff) [1] clutch mechanism to engage the blades. PTOs are either manually operated or electric. Batteries run the electric PTOs.
If the battery has a weak charge or is dead, it won’t power the blades. So, if the blades refuse to engage after powering it on, ensure that you check the battery. You must fully charge the lawn mower battery, and if it’s faulty, you should replace it with a new one.
Extra Tips and Reminders
Here are some tips and reminders you must have at the back of your mind when engaging the mower blades.
- Check if the deck belt is installed properly.
- Make sure that you charge the battery fully if the mower blades are electrically powered.
- Ensure the deck is lowered to the desired height before starting it.
- Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes before using it. Replace all damaged belts, cables, and clutches after inspection.
FAQ
Why won't my riding mower blades engage?
Even if you have a reverse threaded mower blade, your riding mower blades won’t still engage if the clutches are broken and the cable is damaged.
Additionally, if the deck belt is damaged, the pulley system is frozen, and the battery has a weak charge, the chances are that your riding mower blades won’t engage.
How do you engage the blades on a riding lawn mower?
To engage the blades on a riding lawn mower that’s manually operated, turn the key clockwise to power it on, increase the throttle to half speed, and allow the engine to warm up for two minutes.
Then, lower the mower to the preferred cutting height. Push the lever to the right of the steering to engage the blades.
It’s the same if you want to engage a lawnmower with electric blades, except that you don’t have to push the lever to the right of the steering to engage the blades. Just pull up on the yellow Power Takeoff switch to the right of steering.
Also Read: Do New Lawn Mower Blades Need to be Sharpened?
Conclusion
From my time in the field, I can tell you that lawnmower blades are prone to wear and tear. It’s natural for them to face issues over time and the extent of the damage often relates to how frequently you use the mower. That’s why I always emphasize the importance of regular inspections to catch problems early on. With the solutions I’ve laid out, you should be able to address any concerns that come up.
If you are unable to fix them, contact a professional or if warranty still covers your lawnmower, contact the brand’s customer service. Some manufacturers that have good customer support include Husqvarna, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and John Deere.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
