Lawnmower running too slow to mow

ampersand

As above really - it's been this way for a long time, but I've coped. The grass is longer today and I'm getting nowhere...and that, not even fast!

It's a leccie mower, Turbocast 35, and I've always needed to lift it for a bit to let the blade speed up , so that when it's in contact, it will CUT the grass, rather than just flatten it, as I move the mower over.

Haven't been able to do it for 10 days or so and had been using strimmer instead anyway, but would like to fix the problem if anyone thinks they can help.

Thankyou - hope this is on a suitable Thread, dithered about Old-Style and even Techie!:o. In My Home perhaps?

forgotmyname

Sounds underpowered or you have let the grass get too long, Sharpen or fit a new blade may help.

ampersand

Mmmm, you're right. Grass has become long-ish with the warm rain, but it happens anyway. It's been this length before. I've always had to lift mower every few yards until I hear the speed pick up, then lower it and carry on. Today, however, it was pretty much ineffectual regardless, and the speed didn't seem to pick up enough to do the job. Would sharpening or new blade actually increase the rotor speed?

maxheadroom

Sound like the motor is on its way out, my flymo minimo did this and eventually motor seized and burnt out.

Not worth fixing it, these little electric ones are disposable items.

Try and get a new one in end of summer sales

ampersand

Rather as I feared max - was having a dither about this very thing when Mr T was selling them off last month and had extra points tillspits running at same time. Didn't do it then - was trying to hold off expenditure, but will now have to hunt down some pts offer to work in with it and lessen the sting a little. The worst aspect of planned obsolescence is when even basic fix/maintain/replace/restore costs more than a new item.

confused?

Thought I would pop in and see if I could help, however it seems you have a wealth of answers.

I would agree that the mower (unfortunately) more than likely, isn’t up to the job any more due to the length of your grass.

you could try and borrow someone’s petrol mower if you know anyone who may have one and get it back to a more manageable length.

I did mine today after 4 month! it is now like a bowling green.
Using a petrol mower,

(cheap challenge one from Argos! got a petrol strimmer free with it too!)

Thing is if you use the strimmer you'll have to go picking up all the cuttings by hand making the job more of a pain than it is already proving to be . (borrow a petrol one with a catcher).

also if you wait for it to dry you risk it actually getting even longer, or this time of year even wetter.

Using the electric mower and strimmer will ruin your lovely lawn if your not careful!

Then if you strim this it will be even more of a pain as it will be thicker and still wet.

(I'm a real believer that some things are really examples of false economy. for example I have had to buy a cheap pair of hedge trimmers every year for the past 5 years. at £20+ a pop I could have bought a great petrol set for £60 and had it for 10 years!, on the other hand I’ve had many a cheap tool that have done the one off job!)

My only tip about TOOLS is if its for a one off job then go ultra cheap at B&M or Pound land, if its something you will use many a time then find the second cheapest known brand tool!

Take Care

C?

forgotmyname

Argos challenge extreme petrol strimmer is quite good. I got one for the allotment.

Chops through thicker stuff than i imagined it would. Blackberry stems & Brambles approx 1/2" thick.

Replaced the 2mm line with 2.5mm Excellent.

Davesnave

According to Google there is no such mower as a Turbocast 35, though Flymo use the turbo word in their names.

I have an old Flymo, and when it started to refuse long grass, it was the motor that had moved on its mounting ring and caused the drive belt to slacken. Tightening up the motor in the correct position cured the fault.

If the motor still runs, it's likely your problem is similar, as electric motors don't usually fade away, they just die when the brushes wear away, or through a burn-out from overheating.