| By Chelsea Morris |
| When lawn equipment starts acting up, most people assume it’s done. It won’t start, runs rough, or loses power.
In many cases, the problem isn’t the machine. It’s one worn or failing part, and fixing it can give your equipment years of extra life.
As a lawn care pro in Virginia Beach who also maintains and fixes my own lawn care equipment, I deal with this all the time. Making a small repair now can save you big repair bills.
Here are some things worth replacing to keep your equipment running long into the future.
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| Start with the Carburetor |
| If your lawn mower or leaf blower is hard to start, only runs on choke, or bogs down, the carburetor is often the issue.
Start by adjusting the high and low settings, if needed. There’s a right way to do this though. Running too lean can overheat the engine and cause serious damage, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to have a small engine mechanic handle it.
If that doesn’t fix it, clean the carburetor and replace worn gaskets or the diaphragm.
Many machines will run like new after a simple cleaning. If the carburetor’s too far gone, replacing it is still far more affordable than replacing the entire machine.
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| Check the Air Filter |
| A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reduces power, and can make starting difficult.
An air filter is inexpensive, easy to replace, and makes an immediate difference.
Read my guide for How to Clean or Replace Your Air Filter.
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| Keep Your Equipment Running Longer |
| Small lawn mower parts have a big impact. Fixing a problem early helps prevent bigger repairs later.
Regular oil changes, clean fuel, and routine maintenance also play a key role. For more, see this DIY Lawn Mower Maintenance Guide.
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| Fix It Before You Replace It |
| Before replacing your equipment, take a closer look.
Often, one small repair is all it takes to bring a machine back to life and keep it running for years.
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| Chelsea Morris runs High-Class Grass in Virginia Beach, where she’s known for her goofy dad socks, sharp lines, honest work, and the unmistakable smell of gas and fresh-cut grass on her clothes. She’s been mowing since childhood and fixes her own equipment with the confidence of someone who knows her tools inside and out. |