Walk behind 2002 Lawn Boy

[pgrimes@insight.rr.com]

My 2002 Lawn Boy has been great until today. It started vibrating so badly it went up through my arms. When sitting on the driveway, the vibration caused it to jump and move sideways. Any suggestions?

 

[Lawnboy18]

Did you hit anything while mowing (tree stump, rock, metal post, etc.)?

If so, it might be a bent crankshaft (not much you can do). You could wack with a hammer or replace it = $$$

Or, it could be your blade that is unbalanced.

 

[pgrimes@insight.rr.com]

Did you hit anything while mowing (tree stump, rock, metal post, etc.)?

If so, it might be a bent crankshaft (not much you can do). You could wack with a hammer or replace it = $$$

Or, it could be your blade that is unbalanced.

I don't recall hitting anything, I hope a new blade cures it.

 

[Lawnboy18]

Have you been sharpening the blade recently?

 

[pgrimes@insight.rr.com]

Have you been sharpening the blade recently?

No, not since last season.

 

[Lawnboy18]

Well that is rather strange. Anyone else use this mower?

 

[Phototone]

You don't give us the model number of this mower, therefore we don't know if it is a 2-cycle or 4-cycle model, as they offered both types during this period. The first thing that comes to mind is a bent crankshaft, which is much more common on the 4-cycle models, and in essence, you probably should just replace the mower if that is the case. A badly bent blade could also cause this problem. Also the motor coming loose from the deck (or muffler plate on 2-cycle models). But I would have to say that a vibration as large as you describe generally comes from a bent crankshaft, caused by hitting a very big unyeilding rock. Now, on the 2-cycle models, I have seen this crack the crankcase rather than bend the crankshaft.

 

[pgrimes@insight.rr.com]

You don't give us the model number of this mower, therefore we don't know if it is a 2-cycle or 4-cycle model, as they offered both types during this period. The first thing that comes to mind is a bent crankshaft, which is much more common on the 4-cycle models, and in essence, you probably should just replace the mower if that is the case. A badly bent blade could also cause this problem. Also the motor coming loose from the deck (or muffler plate on 2-cycle models). But I would have to say that a vibration as large as you describe generally comes from a bent crankshaft, caused by hitting a very big unyeilding rock. Now, on the 2-cycle models, I have seen this crack the crankcase rather than bend the crankshaft.

My thanks to everyone who responded. Based on your comments, I looked at the blade (in denial about the crankshaft) and found that the mulching fan has about a 1-1/2 inch piece missing. Clearly the result of some sort of violence, although I do not recall it. So, new mulching fan and I'm back in business. Glad I don't have to scrap the mower.

 

[bertsmobile1]

My thanks to everyone who responded. Based on your comments, I looked at the blade (in denial about the crankshaft) and found that the mulching fan has about a 1-1/2 inch piece missing. Clearly the result of some sort of violence, although I do not recall it. So, new mulching fan and I'm back in business. Glad I don't have to scrap the mower.

Mulching takes a high toll on blades which need to be checked regularly.
Mulching can reduce the life of a blade by as much as 2/3.
You need to check the flutes regularly as they wear very thin then a big lump breaks off, at 38,000 feet per minute, it flys off fast and can do a lot of damage.