How To Fix A Self Propelled Lawn Mower That Won't Move

Has your self-propelled lawn mower stopped working or does it barely move when you go uphill? Pushing it isn’t the answer. Check out this quick and easy fix that may solve your problem before you start troubleshooting the transmission or belt.

With a walk behind mower, sometimes it is just a stretched or broken drive control cable. Watch now to learn how to adjust it and get mowing again.

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Learn how to properly fix or repair your own outdoor power equipment if it won’t start, bogs out, won’t rev up, chain or blade is dull and doesn’t cut good, needs sharpened, or simply just runs poorly.

Simple and basic, do it yourself (DIY) tutorials to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment.

I do my best to teach you how I easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way.

Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like chainsaws, weed eaters, string trimmers, grass trimmers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, or four stroke, four cycle units like lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, ride on mowers that need parts installed or replaced, I’m your guy.

I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many years so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to you. I want Steve’s Small Engine Saloon to SAVE YOU TIME, FRUSTRATION AND MOST IMPORTANT, MONEY!

Disclosure: This YouTube video is provided for informational purposes only. Steve is a qualified small engine mechanic and is working in an open and fully ventilated shop for the purpose of making this video. Small engines should be operated outside in fully ventilated areas only and it is important that you wear the appropriate safety gear. If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. Please ensure that you take all proper safety measures before attempting any project.

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[DanKirchen]

Thanks Steve. Five years later and your video is still very helpful! Good health to you.

[seascapewa]

Amazing video. My lawnmower has been getting worse for years and I have just gotten use to it. I watched this video 10 min ago, went out and adjusted the cable. Now, for the first time in a couple years, I'm able to mow straight up my hill. Thank you so much for the advise.

[upstate_direct]

COMPLETE LIFE SAVER!! Thank you for showing me this I was just about to send my mower away for 150$ or more and two week wait time. All for a simple cable tighten. The 3/8 gave me a little trouble at first but once I was able to loosen and crank it all the way down it worked like a charm!!!! Saved 200$ and 2 weeks. AWESOME

[kathystalnaker]

Thank you so much! My husband is a disabled Veteran so the mowing is my responsibility. We live in WV & the yard is too sloped for a riding mower. I have been struggling with the self propelled for 2 seasons now! I watched this, went out & adjusted & off we Thank you so much!

[danschaefer]

Thank you. My self propelled Lawn Boy was not propelling itself. Your video helped greatly.

[GrahaemeDodge]

Worked a dream, had already started looking on the net for a new one, 5 minutes after watching the video, my old one works like a dream, many thanks

[gotcha_bel]

It worked! Thanks! Honda dealer and mechanic didn’t even know the issue. Made adjustment in 2105 Honda push mower and it now works!!! Thanks!!!

[jenniffermassey]

It worked! My mower had a "tighten" button that you keep swiping and it fixed the issue. Thank you!!!

[bradgubanich]

I found this adjustment screw by accident when my mower wouldn’t engage and works wonderfully now. Great videos.

[Desiree-zmbx]

Third time you saved me this summer on a 2 yr old Honda GCV 160 Snapper self propelled mower. Ran into the lawn mower repair guy at Lowes asking where I’ve been this season. I said, ”I got a new man in my life helping me now.” He said, “Ohhhh.” Me: “His name is uh …Steve. Just Steve…Yeah”. Him: “Oh…well ok. That’s uh good. Have a good one.” Walks away. That was awkward. Thanks for helping a gal learn how to make many repairs with confidence. Saved again! 😊

[KCinspireME]

My husband recently passed away unexpectedly and I’m having to take care of my yard for the first time in my late 30’s! 😅 Fingers crossed this works!

[cbromley]

Many thanks Steve you are a star, my wife was saying "take in for a full service" I did as you suggested, took at least 4 mins, then my mower was perfect. Oh Yes Thanks from London, excellent!!!

[stevestrawley]

Thanks, Steve! I actually had a stick stuck under the belt, but it needed adjustment, as well. You just saved me a headache and some money! Much appreciated.

[giovybez]

I was totally bummed this morning because my mower (less than a year old) was not propelling. This did the trick. Adjusting the cable was a little different but basically the same concept. Can’t thank you enough. 🙏🏿

[phillipchadwick]

Thankyou so much Steve. My local garden machine repair man, is a) very charming b) charges like a wounded bull. You've saved me a small fortune.
Big heavy old lawnmower skipping about as if it's turbo charged. Sooo easy too. Thanks again P

[BrassCatcher]

Thank you sir! My lawn mower self drive cable came out of adjustment and quit on me mid mow! I thought it was done for but this video got me back in business! Thank you so much.

[deborahmcpeek]

Thanks Steve, I replaced the belt, all pulleys look good and I did the cable adjustment. My front wheels do not turn or I sure could use your help! Thanks again for your videos!

[charlesschwab]

Thank you, Steve! This is a great video you made, easy to follow and implement. My RWD Husqvarna has had less and less self-propulsion performance over the last couple of years….since you gave me a leg-up this was a zero-sip job! In less than 2 minutes it works like new! Thank you again!

[OriginCorey]

Awesome fix Steve! Quick note, I have a toro self propelled and only have a singular bar for my wheel control. The mechanism to shorten the pull chain was a nut and bolt being used to hold tension on a plastic piece that was holding the chain in place. I had to loosen the nut to release the pressure on the chain, pull the chain away from the bar and retighten the nut. Same basic principal but it was a little different than this mechanism and thought I should share. Almost got discouraged when I saw they were different but I was able to figure it out based on your explanation of the mechanism! Thanks dude.

[robertbranham-sizi]

Steve I appreciate your time, I watch your video all the time I like to work on things myself and fix them 😊😊😊😊 thank you