One of the main factors contributing to lawn mower vibrations is an unbalanced or damaged blade. When the blade is out of balance, it can cause the entire mower to shake, resulting in uneven cuts and difficulty in handling the machine.
Let’s dive a little bit deeper into why your lawn mower is probably vibrating and violently shaking so bad and what you can do to fix it.
Key Takeaways
- Uneven or damaged blades are usually the cause lawn mower vibrations
- Regular maintenance and inspection of your lawn mower can prevent shaking
- You could have an issue with the crank shaft, which will require an experienced repair job
- You can easily fix most of the common causes of shaking lawn mowers
Why Your Lawn Mower Is Vibrating Violently
There are a few reasons why your lawn mower might be shaking violently.
One common cause is an unbalanced blade. When a blade becomes worn, damaged, or bent, it can lead to uneven weight distribution during operation, causing the mower to vibrate excessively.
Another cause of violent vibrations could be loose components within the mower. Components such as bolts, nuts, and engine parts can become loose over time due to wear and tear.
It is critical that you regularly inspect your lawn mower and tighten any loose components to prevent excessive vibrations. You shouldn’t have any problems with loose parts if your snugging everything up during your seasonal maintenance. Check out our post “How to Maintain a Lawn Mower: Care For Your Investment” for more on that.
Furthermore, engine issues can also contribute to a vibrating lawn mower, especially if there is a problem with the crankshaft or other engine components. In such cases, it is best to consult a professional for diagnosis and repair.
Most Common Causes of A Shaking Lawn Mowers
Unbalanced Blades
The most common cause of a shaking lawn mower is unbalanced blades.
A blade can become unbalanced if it has accumulated debris or if it has worn unevenly.
To check for unbalanced blades, turn off the engine and inspect the blade for any signs of damage or uneven wear. You may need to sharpen or replace the blade to remedy the issue.
Badly Damaged Blades
Another common cause of lawn mower shaking is damaged blades. Blades can become damaged over time due to wear and tear or by hitting rocks and other debris. This can cause the blade to become bent, cracked, or broken.
Inspecting and promptly addressing your damaged blades is crucial as they can affect the mower’s overall performance and safety.
To inspect the blade for damage:
- Turn off the lawn mower and ensure the spark plug is disconnected for safety.
- Remove the damaged blades
- Inspect both sides of the blade for any visible damage or uneven wear.
If damage is discovered, replace the damaged blade with a new one. Sometimes if the damage is minimal, sharpening and balancing the blade will be enough to fix the issue.
How To Balance And Sharpen Mower Blades
Visit our post for an in depth tutorial “How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades: A Simple Guide“
- Clean the blade: Before balancing, ensure your blade is clean. Remove any grass clippings, dirt, or rust using a wire brush or sandpaper.
- Sharpen the blade: If the blade is dull, sharpen it using a file, bench grinder, or angle grinder, keeping a consistent angle of around 45 degrees. Ensure the blade is sharp, but not too thin as this can weaken it.
- Check for balance: There are several ways to check if your blade is balanced. One method is using a blade balancer, which is a simple tool that holds the blade horizontally. If one side of the blade dips, it’s heavier and should be filed down to match the lighter side. Alternatively, you can balance the blade on a nail or screwdriver, observing if it leans to one side.
- Adjust balance: If the blade is unbalanced, file the heavier side until it’s level. Remove small amounts of material at a time and recheck the balance frequently to avoid overcorrecting.
- Reinstall the blade: Once the blade is balanced, reinstall it on your lawn mower, making sure it’s tightly secured. Always remember to disconnect the spark plug before handling your mower’s blade to prevent accidental starting.
By properly balancing your lawn mower’s blade, you can ensure a flawless cut, protect your engine, and extend the life of your mower.
If you want to learn more about how to remove, balance and sharpen you lawn mower blades, check out our post “How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades: A Simple Guide“
Frequently Asked Questions
What could cause increased lawn mower vibration after replacing the blade?
After replacing the mower’s blade, increased vibration may occur due to improper installation or an unbalanced blade. To resolve this issue, ensure the blade is securely tightened and correctly installed. If the problem persists, the new blade might be unbalanced. You can check the blade balance by using a blade balancer or hanging it on a nail. If one side dips lower, you need to sharpen that side or replace the blade entirely to prevent further vibrations.
How can I avoid badly damaged blades?
Many home owners have obstructions that are hard to see. When cutting our clients lawns, we always ask that they areas are marked with a small flag or painted marker. This ensures we don’t damage our mowers crank shafts and blades. Watch out for branches, tree roots, and toys, which are very easy to hit if you’re cutting in a rush if you’re not paying attention.
If you’re looking for more information that will help you maintain your lawn mower, we recommend visiting our articles…
How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades: A Simple Guide
How to Maintain a Lawn Mower: Care For Your Investment
