Riding Mowers & Tractors: Why won't my riding mower cut grass?
If the riding lawn mower runs but the blades won't cut the grass, the problem could be with the blade belt. Examine and replace the belt if you find it worn or broken.
If the belt is okay, check the blade belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable and clutch lever assembly on tractors with manual blade actuators.
On riding mowers that use a PTO switch to activate the blades, check the PTO switch and the electric clutch. Failed mandrel pulleys can also prevent the blades from spinning properly.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RIDING MOWERS & TRACTORS PROBLEM
Replace the riding mower blade belt
The blade belt spins the blades to cut the grass. A worn or broken drive belt won't spin the cutting blades so your mower won't cut the grass. A worn blade belt can also cause mower deck vibration or uneven cuts. Examine the blade belt regularly and replace it if it's worn or broken.
Riding mower blade belt
How to replace the blade belt on a zero-turn riding mower
If the blades won't spin on a zero-turn riding mower, the problem could be a broken blade belt. Replace a broken or worn blade belt on a zero-turn riding lawn mower by following the steps in this DIY repair guide and video.
How to replace a riding lawn mower blade drive belt
If the blades on your riding lawn mower don’t spin fast enough—or don’t spin at all—the blade drive belt could be worn out or broken. This repair guide and video show how to replace a blade drive belt in less than an hour.
Replace the riding mower mandrel assembly
The mandrel assembly attaches to the deck and spins the blade to cut grass. A blade won't move if the mandrel locks up. A damaged mandrel causes mower deck vibration and uneven cutting. Examine the mandrels regularly and replace any damaged mandrels.
Riding mower mandrel assembly
How to replace a mandrel assembly on a riding lawn mower
If the blade shaft on your riding lawn mower vibrates or won't spin the blade, the mandrel might be worn or damaged. This DIY repair guide and vidoe explain how to replace a riding lawn mower mandrel assembly in just 6 steps.
Replace the riding mower blade engagement lever
The blade engagement lever pulls the blade clutch cable to spin the blades when you shift the lever to the engaged position. The blades won't spin-read: cut grass-if if the lever breaks. If the blades don't spin, examine the lever and replace it if it's broken.
Riding mower blade engagement lever
Replace the riding mower deck idler pulley
The deck idler pulley tightens the blade belt against the blade pulleys to spin the blades when you shift the blade engagement lever to engage the blades. You might need to replace the riding mower deck idler pulley if the blades don't spin. A worn idler pulley can also cause uneven cuts and mower deck vibration, so check the idler pulley if you notice these symptoms. Replace the deck idler pulley if it's worn or broken.
Riding mower deck idler pulley
Replace the riding mower blade clutch cable
The blade clutch cable tightens the blade belt to spin the cutting blades when you shift the blade clutch lever to the engaged position. Blades won't spin when you push the engagement lever if the blade clutch cable is worn or broken. Examine the cable when the blades won't turn. Replace the blade clutch cable if you find it worn or broken.
Riding mower blade clutch cable
How to replace a blade clutch cable on a riding lawn mower
If the blades don't spin on your riding lawn mower when you shift the lever, the blade clutch cable could be broken. You can replace a broken blade clutch cable in about half an hour, by following the steps in this DIY lawn tractor repair guide and video.
Replace the riding mower electric clutch
The electric clutch mounts to the engine crankshaft and controls the mower's cutting blades. The blades won't spin if the electric clutch is defective. Replace the electric clutch if it won't engage the blades when activated.
Riding mower electric clutch
How to replace the electric clutch on a zero-turn riding mower
If the blades on your zero-turn riding mower won't engage, the electric clutch could be at fault. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace an electric clutch on a zero-turning riding lawn tractor.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors
Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.
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Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment…
Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma…
Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components…
Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator…
Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
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How to replace a riding lawn mower blade
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How to replace a riding lawn mower fuel filter
Help your mower run better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding mower's annual tune-up.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.
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You might find the answers to your questions about your riding mower or lawn tractor in this list of frequently asked qu…