How to Adjust a Walk Behind Mower That Pulls to One Side
Walk behind mowers give you a great workout while you mow the lawn and they can leave a very neat path. If the mower starts pulling to one side, however, your neat rows become lopsided and the mower becomes difficult to operate. You should stop mowing as soon as you realize the mower is pulling to the side, so you can clear up any problems before they cause damage to the mower.
- Turn off the mower and move it to a level area with plenty of room to work. Working on grass or uneven surfaces can cause the mower to fall or begin to roll.
- Give the mower time to cool down so you don't burn yourself. If possible, work in the shade so the mower can cool down more quickly. If you have work gloves, they can protect your hands from any overheated parts of the mower.
- Examine each wheel carefully. Look for any damage to the wheels and make sure each wheel is able to turn freely. Also look for grass or dirt clumped or caked around the wheel or axle. Clear away anything that is blocking free movement on any of the wheels.
- Check the wheel height. Make sure all four wheels are set to the same height and adjust them if they are incorrect. If necessary, measure the height with a tape measure to ensure the heights are exact.
- Test the mower on your level work surface before testing it out in the yard. If you have not caught all of the problems, it will be easier to diagnose before you get the mower back out into the yard.