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Why Is My Mower Not Cutting Evenly?

By Jeff Mercer · Updated January 7, 2023 · 3 min read
Why Is My Mower Not Cutting Evenly?
DisclosureSome links on this site are affiliate links — if you buy through one I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides an answer, and nothing here is a paid placement.

Hey there, it’s your boy Jeff here. I’ve had my fair share of struggles with trying to get my lawn looking fly, you feel me? But the struggle is real when your mower ain’t cutting evenly.

It’s like, why even bother mowing if it ain’t gonna look good, ya know?

Anyways, I know I’m not the only one who’s had this problem, so I figured I’d share some of my tips and tricks for getting that bad boy mowing evenly. Let’s get into it.

Possible Causes

So, why is your mower not cutting evenly? There could be a few reasons:

  • The blade is dull or damaged
  • The mower deck is not level
  • The grass is too long or uneven
  • There is an issue with the mower’s drive belt or transmission

How To Fix It

Here are a few steps you can take to try and fix the problem:

Step 1: Check The Blade

First things first, check the blade. Is it dull or damaged? If so, it’s time for a replacement. A dull blade won’t be able to cut through the grass evenly, and a damaged blade can cause uneven cuts as well.

So, get yourself a new blade and get ready to give your lawn a fresh cut.

Step 2: Level The Mower Deck

Next, make sure the mower deck is level. If it’s not, the blade won’t be able to cut evenly. To check the level of your mower deck, use a carpenter’s level.

Place the level on the deck, and adjust the deck until it’s level.

Step 3: Cut The Grass At The Right Height

Another thing to consider is the height of your grass. If it’s too long, it can cause uneven cuts. So, make sure you’re cutting your grass at the right height for your particular lawn.

You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual for your mower.

Step 4: Check The Drive Belt And Transmission

If you’ve checked the blade, leveled the mower deck, and cut your grass at the right height and you’re still having issues, it’s possible that there’s a problem with the drive belt or transmission.

In this case, it’s best to bring your mower to a professional for repair.

FAQ

Q: How do I fix stripes in my lawn?

A: To get those stripes looking sharp, you’ll want to use a mower with a rear roller. The rear roller will create the stripe effect as you mow.

Just make sure to mow in straight lines, and you’ll have a striped lawn in no time.

Q: How often should I replace the blade on my mower?

A: It’s recommended to replace the blade on your mower at least once a year, or more frequently if you notice that it’s becoming dull or damaged.

A sharp blade will give you a cleaner cut and help keep your lawn looking its best.

Q: Can I sharpen the blade on my mower myself?

A: It’s possible to sharpen the blade on your mower yourself, but it can be a bit of a risky job. If you’re not comfortable doing it, it’s best to take it to a professional.

They’ll be able to sharpen the blade safely and effectively.

Q: Can I use any type of oil for my mower?

A: It’s important to use the right type of oil for your mower. Check the owner’s manual to find out what type of oil is recommended for your specific model.

Using the wrong type of oil can cause problems with your mower and may void the warranty.

Wrap It Up

So, there you have it. A few possible causes of uneven cuts with your mower and some steps you can take to fix the problem.

Just remember to check the blade, level the mower deck, cut the grass at the right height, and check the drive belt and transmission if necessary. And if all else fails, bring it to a pro. Happy mowing!

Before you start the repairI'm a homeowner who does his own small-engine work, not a certified technician. Before any repair, pull the spark plug wire and let the engine cool. Anything involving blades under a raised machine, fuel system leaks or transmission internals — if you're not sure, have a dealer or small-engine shop look at it.
Jeff Mercer

Written by

Jeff Mercer

Hi, I'm Jeff. I look after about an acre of lawn, a riding mower, a zero-turn, a push mower that is older than some of my neighbours' cars, and a snowblower that only ever breaks the night before a storm. Doing my own repairs started as a way to save on dealer labour and turned into the part of yard work I actually enjoy.

GardenTooly is where I answer the questions people type into a search bar while standing next to a machine that won't behave: why the deck shakes, why the mower dies when it warms up, whether a bent blade shaft can be straightened, what the difference between two transmissions really means for you, and which fuel additive is worth the shelf space.

I'm not a certified small-engine technician and I don't sell equipment. Where I've done a job myself, I say so. Where an answer comes from the owner's manual, a service bulletin or a mechanic who knows more than me, I say that instead — and anything involving blades, fuel, jacked-up machines or a hydrostatic transmission gets a plain "take it to a shop" when that's the right call.

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