Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)/Weed Eater Mower

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Expert: Eric A. Jones - 9/28/2004


Question
When I push up the lever to lower the blade, it doesn't cut..I did see a belt loose but wonder if this is a simple enough repair a hurricane tired old Florida lady can do, or do I need to have it taken in? It is a Weed Eater Mower and I bought  it from Home Depot about 6 years I don't know the model but it has  a 36"blade cut and I think it is a 9 or 10 h.p.

Really appreciate any help...the insurance deductibles from the hurricanes has eaten up any extra money I had.

Answer
I'm not sure what model you have but the I would follow the cable from the lever to the cutting deck.  You may have to remove some parts to see where the cable goes.  Anyhow you should find an idler pulley attatched to the end of the cable.  When you tighten the cable, the idler pulley should tighten the cutting belt.  There is probably and adjustment on the idler pulley bracket or the cable to tighten the belt; this may help or you may need a new belt like you stated.

Is this a riding mower?
Let me know.
Eric

Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

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Eric A. Jones

Expertise

Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.

Experience

Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.

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