The Top 5 Signs Your Mower’s Been Hitting the Gym: Riding Lawn Mower Bent Crankshaft Symptoms

The Top 5 Signs Your Mower’s Been Hitting the Gym: Riding Lawn Mower Bent Crankshaft Symptoms

Have you noticed that your once mild-mannered lawn mower has been flexing its muscles lately? If your riding lawn mower is suddenly feeling stronger and more powerful than usual, you may be dealing with a bent crankshaft.

But what exactly is a crankshaft, and how can you tell if it’s bent? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top five signs your mower’s been hitting the gym, and what you can do to fix it.

What is a crankshaft?

A crankshaft is a component in a combustion engine that transfers power from the pistons to the drive shaft. In a riding lawn mower, the crankshaft is usually located underneath the engine and is responsible for turning the blades.

When a crankshaft is bent, it can cause several problems, including decreased engine performance and increased wear and tear on the mower’s components.

Sign #1: Uneven cutting

If your mower’s been hitting the gym, one of the first signs you may notice is uneven cutting. This can be caused by the bent crankshaft throwing the blades out of alignment. As a result, some areas of your lawn may be cut shorter than others, and you may notice patches of grass that are left uncut altogether.

Sign #2: Vibrations

Another sign your mower’s been hitting the gym is increased vibrations. Because the bent crankshaft is not able to smoothly transfer power to the blades, it can cause the engine to vibrate more than usual. This can make riding your lawn mower an uncomfortable experience and can also increase the risk of damage to other components.

Sign #3: Difficulty starting

If your mower’s been hitting the gym, you may notice that it’s harder to start than usual. This can be caused by the increased strain on the mower’s components due to the bent crankshaft. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine, further exacerbating the problem.

Sign #4: Loud noises

Another sign your mower’s been hitting the gym is the presence of loud, unusual noises. This can be caused by the bent crankshaft rubbing against other components, such as the engine block or the mower deck. If you hear any unusual noises coming from your riding lawn mower, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Sign #5: Increased fuel consumption

If your mower’s been hitting the gym, you may notice that it’s using more fuel than usual. This can be caused by the increased strain on the engine due to the bent crankshaft. Over time, this can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased operating costs.

How to fix a bent crankshaft

If you suspect your riding lawn mower has a bent crankshaft, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional. In some cases, the crankshaft may be able to be repaired without needing to replace the entire engine. However, in more severe cases, the entire engine may need to be replaced.

Preventing a bent crankshaft

While a bent crankshaft can be a serious problem, it’s important to know that it can often be prevented with proper maintenance. Here are some tips for preventing a bent crankshaft:

• Regularly change your oil and filters. Clean oil and filters can help reduce wear and tear on the engine.
• Replace air filters as needed. Clogged air filters can reduce engine performance and increase the risk of damage to other components.
• Avoid overworking your mower. If your lawn is particularly thick or tall, try to cut it in stages rather than all at once.
• Keep the blades sharp. Dull blades can put increased strain on the engine and increase the risk of other components becoming damaged.

The Bottom Line

A bent crankshaft can be a serious problem for your riding lawn mower, but it’s not one that’s insurmountable. By knowing the signs to look for and taking steps to prevent it from happening in the first place, you can help ensure that your mower stays in top condition for years to come.

So if you notice that your mower’s been hitting the gym lately, don’t panic. Just follow these tips and you’ll be back to a perfectly trimmed lawn in no time.

Table

List

5 Tips for Preventing a Bent Crankshaft:

1. Regularly change your oil and filters
2. Replace air filters as needed
3. Avoid overworking your mower
4. Keep the blades sharp
5. Inspect your mower regularly

References:

• “Crankshaft.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Dec. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crankshaft.
• “Lawn Mower Maintenance.” The Home Depot, 12 Feb. 2019, www.homedepot.com/c/ai/lawn-mower-maintenance/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9099ca9f578.