Riding Mowers & Tractors: Won't move
Replace the ground drive belt if you find it worn or broken when the riding lawn mower won't move. If the engine dies when you release the brake, then the seat switch may be unplugged or broken. Our troubleshooting video riding lawn mower engine dies when you release the brake shows how to check the seat switch. Replace the seat if it's damaged and won't activate the seat switch.
Check the transaxle freewheel control to see if the drive is disengaged. Shift the freewheel control to engage the transaxle if you find the control in the freewheel position. Purge air from the transaxle before using the riding mower the first time and after any transaxle repair. Tune up the mower engine if it sputters and then stalls when engaging the drive system. Rebuild or replace the carburetor if it's clogged and not providing the engine with fuel to stay running when driving the riding mower.
These repairs may help solve your riding mowers & tractors problem
Replace the riding mower drive belt
If your riding lawn mower won't drive forward or slows down when you go uphill, check the drive belt. Reinstall the lawn tractor or riding mower drive belt if it's slipped out of place. Replace it if it's damaged or broken.
If your zero-turn riding mower won't move forward, the ground drive belt could be broken. This DIY repair guide and video give step-by-step instructions on how to replace the ground drive belt on a zero-turn riding lawn mower.
If your riding lawn mower won’t move, the problem could be a broken ground drive belt. If the riding mower is slow and sluggish, the ground drive belt could be so worn that it slips. Either way, follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the ground drive belt on your lawn tractor.
Replace the riding mower carburetor assembly
The carburetor mixes gas with air before the fuel goes into the cylinder. If the gas/air mix isn't balanced, the engine won't start or the engine will run rough and stall when you try to drive the riding mower. A damaged carburetor may also leak gas. Replace the carburetor if it causes any of these symptoms.
When a lawn tractor engine surges or is hard to start, the problem could be a clogged or damaged carburetor. This DIY repair guide and video show how you can replace the carburetor yourself.
Rebuild the riding mower engine carburetor
The carburetor mixes fuel with air to create a combustible mixture that enters the engine cylinder and ignites to drive the piston. Impurities in gasoline can clog the carburetor, preventing the engine from starting. Carburetor clogs can also cause the engine to run rough and the engine may stall when you try to drive the riding mower. Seals and gaskets in the carburetor eventually wear out and can leak gas. Use a carburetor rebuild kit to refurbish a clogged or leaking carburetor.
Does your riding lawn mower engine run rough or misfire? The carburetor might be clogged or worn. This DIY repair guide and video show how to rebuild the carburetor in a riding lawn mower in about an hour.
Tune up the riding mower engine
The engine tune-up includes routine maintenance for a riding lawn mower or tractor. Engine performance suffers if you don't regularly tune up the engine. A poor-running engine may stall when you try to drive the mower. You may notice uneven cuts if the engine doesn't run smoothly when you're mowing grass. Routinely tune up the engine by replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and spark plug. The tune-up also includes checking the ignition, carburetor, battery, throttle and choke controls, as well as cleaning the engine cooling fins.
If your riding lawn mower’s engine runs rough or won't run, the fuel filter could be dirty. This repair guide and video show how to easily replace the fuel filter on your riding lawn mower in 15 minutes.
If your riding lawn mower engine runs rough or is hard to start, it might be because the spark plug is damaged. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace the spark plug on a riding mower in 15 minutes or less.
If your riding lawn mower runs rough or stalls after starting, the air filter could be dirty. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a clogged riding mower air filter in less than 15 minutes.
Replace the riding mower seat
The seat keeps your body stable as you drive the riding mower and engages the seat switch to keep the engine running while you're sitting on the seat. A worn or broken seat may not engage the seat switch, causing the engine to shut off when you release the brake. Replace the seat if it's damaged or worn.
If the engine on your riding lawn mower shuts off when you release the brake, a cracked seat or missing cushioning foam could be the problem; both can keep the safety switch in the seat from engaging when you’re sitting on the mower. Replace the seat, following the steps in this repair guide and video.
Replace the riding mower seat switch
The seat switch kills the engine if the switch doesn't detect you in the seat when you release the brake. To prevent tampering, the seat switch also stops the engine if you unplug its wire harness. When the engine dies as you release the brake pedal, check the seat switch wire harness to make sure it's plugged in. Replace the seat switch if you find it plugged in but not recognizing your presence on the seat.
If your riding mower shuts off when you release the brake while sitting on the mower, the seat switch might not be working right. The step-by-step instructions in our repair guide and video explain how to replace the seat switch in your riding lawn mower.
Symptoms common to all riding mowers & tractors
Repair guides common to all riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
If you hear the solenoid click but don’t hear the starter motor spin when you turn the key, follow these steps to replace it.
If the engine is hard to start or if the spark plug electrode is burnt or cracked, take 15 minutes to replace it.
If the engine of your lawn tractor surges or is hard to start, the carburetor could be the problem. Follow these steps to install a new one.
Articles and videos common to all 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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