It can be unsettling to have a riding lawn mower vibrating really bad. If you’re noticing the vibration, then there’s a good chance that it is, in fact, really bad.
Most of the time we mow with the same machines day in and day out. When a vibration develops that becomes noticeable, then it’s time to take notice and determine the problem. Fortunately, there are often some simple solutions to fix this problem.
Tools Needed (Commissions Earned)
Riding Lawn Mower Vibrating Really Bad Diagnosis
The first step is to determine when the riding mower is vibrating noticeably bad. Is it only when the deck is engaged, or does the engine vibrate the machine when the deck is not engaged?
Engine Diagnosis
If the engine is vibrating prior to engaging the deck, then you can eliminate the deck components from question.
Have a good look at the motor mounts; have they become loose over time?
Often, there’s just four bolts holding the engine onto the frame. If they’ve become loose, the engine will shake and vibrate the entire machine.
Even though a riding lawn mower engine is small compared to an automobile, it can produce a significant amount of vibration if not properly secured.
While you’re inspecting the motor mounts, be sure to inspect the crankshaft as well.
The crankshaft exits the block and usually has the PTO connected to it. This is the part that turns on power to the cutting deck. It’s possible to bend the crankshaft if you hit a rock with the mower blades, and this bent crankshaft can cause a significant vibration.
Also, be sure to clean the area around the crankshaft. Built up debris and grass clippings can cause vibrations as well.
Mower Deck Diagnosis
It’s more common for riding mower vibrations to be caused by the mower deck. This is because the mower deck is subject to much more abuse than the engine itself.
For more ideas about how best to access the mower deck, here are some suggestions.
If you think about it, the mower deck is perfectly engineered to perform with sharp, balanced cutting blades. If these blades become dull or off balance, that can cause a lot of vibrations. Because a blade spins so fast, those imperfections are compounded which can cause the vibrations.
Take a good look at the mower blades. Make sure that they’re sharp and balanced. While you’re at it, inspect the spindles and make sure the entire deck is clear of debris or grass clippings. Clippings that are built up on the deck can cause vibrations as well.
Recap
As unsettling as it can be for a riding lawn mower to be vibrating really bad, chances are that it’s a simple fix. Use this cue to perform a thorough inspection of your machine, and chances are you’ll find a simple solution.
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