Tips for Handling an Overheating Mower

Perhaps the greatest threat to your mower’s continued operation is the risk of overheating. While warm months might mean more business for lawn care professionals and more chores for homeowners, they increase the risk of overheating. And it doesn’t need to be hot outside for this to happen! Knowing the causes and solutions to an overheating mower can save you time and money. 

Your friends at Magnum Power have put together this short guide to some of the common causes of an overheated mower. With it, you should be able to perform minor fixes and maintenance, saving you from costly service. However, you should always consult the professionals if you run into a serious problem. Keep reading for more information or visit us in Lawson, Missouri, where we proudly serve all of Clay County.

Causes of Overheating

Mower engines can start to overheat for any number of reasons, including a hot summer sun and the state of the lawn. We’ve listed a few common causes below.

Engine Oil and Filter

Low levels of engine oil or old oil can cause damage to a mower beyond heat, but without lubrication a mower’s moving parts will generate tons of extra friction. That translates directly into heat or even worn-out parts. To prevent this issue, keep up on your regular mower maintenance routine. 

Ensure engine oil is in good condition and top off levels — check it as you would with a car or truck and replace the oil and filter as necessary. Not only will you keep the chance of your engine overheating down, but you’ll also help to protect the rest of the engine from unnecessary wear and tear.

Blocked Cooling Fins

Your mower likely has small fins milled into the engine housing next to any spark plugs that allows heat to more easily radiate off the engine. Unfortunately clippings and other debris can easily get stuck between the fins, giving them the chance to soak up all that extra heat and trapping it inside your mower. As part of your regular maintenance, make sure to check and clear these fins so they can function correctly.

Clogged Cutting Deck

Clippings and debris can also cause trouble with the underside of the cutting deck. This strains the engine as it tries to torque out all that jammed debris. Extra-wet lawns will exacerbate the buildup, so be aware when your mower is at risk and check under the cutting deck regularly to clear out anything that’s stuck in there — but only when the mower is turned off!

Other Engine Issues

Mower engines aren’t lacking in ways of overheating, and there are plenty of little issues that can get in the way of normal functionality. Usually this comes from when you push a mower too hard given the operating condition. This can be because of high-moisture grass, tall grass, or brush that your mower isn’t suited for. 

Putting your mower to the test can be enough to overheat all by itself. You could find that operating a mower at the edge of its capabilities is enough to push it into dangerous territory should a minor fluctuation send it in that direction, like an extra hot day or a minor collision. Often times the only symptom you’ll notice is your mower simply shutting off or locking up. An overwhelmed engine could be in need of a tuneup, so if your mower is clean and still overheating, it could be time to take it in for some service. 

We hope this guide has helped you to be a better lawn mower owner. If your mower still can’t handle the heat, don’t hesitate to call or head into Magnum Power in Lawson, Missouri. We serve all of Clay County, including Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, and Kansas City. Come in today and let our mower experts answer your questions and show you the true meaning of customer satisfaction!