If you are the owner of a DR brush lawnmower, then you know that these machines can sometimes be quite troublesome. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common DR brush mower problems and how to fix them.
A few of the most common DR brush mower problems are the engine surging at idle, blades not engaging, and general engine problems, including the mower not starting and the engine overheating.
We will also provide some tips on how to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.
So, if you are having trouble with your DR brush mower, make sure to read this article!
Contents
Common DR Brush Mower Problems
Engine Surging
The most common complaint I’ve received regarding DR brush mowers is intermittent engine surging; the surging usually happens when the mower is in the idle position.
Unfortunately, if you’re experiencing this problem, it’s usually down to a faulty carburetor, which, depending on your skill level, will likely need your mower to go into your local service shop.
However, there is a home fix you should try first.
For gas engines, you can try Seafoam. Drain the gas and put 2-3 gallons that’s mixed up with 2-3 ounces of Seafoam into the engine. Let it run until the mixture has the chance to get into the carburetor and leave it overnight or for a couple of days; Seafoam needs time to get to work – hopefully, this will stop the surging, and your mower will run a lot smoother.
If that doesn’t work, give the carburetor a good clean out; now, if that doesn’t work, it’s time for a replacement carb.
Blades Not Engaging
Another common issue I’ve dealt with on these mowers is the blades not engaging.
This issue is caused by a faulty pulley and belt, both of which will need replacing.
If you’re confident in your ability to fix the mower, you can order parts and replace them yourself. You need to gain access to the inside of the mower; to do this, you need to disconnect the fuel line and throttle cable. You’ll then be able to shift the fuel tank once you’ve undone the four half-inch bolts connecting it.
There’s a spring above the pulley and belt; you need to remove that too; once that’s removed, you’ll be able to access all the parts you need to, replace them, put everything back into position, and you should be back to total working order.
If you need a bit of a demo, the video below is excellent.
Mower Deck Clogging
Time and time again, I’ve seen a simple clogged chute stopping your DR brush lawn mower from performing efficiently; dry old grass and debris collected during a mow all contribute towards a clogged mower deck, and it’s such an easy fix!
Make sure to clean under the deck after each use; you can do this by hand, getting hold of a stiff brush, using water, or with an air pressure tool. If it is still clogging, try adjusting the cutting height to allow for better grass flow.
Another cause could be a bent blade or misaligned mower deck, which would require professional repair.
DR Brush Mower Not Starting
All lawnmowers have the occasional trouble starting, and the DR brush mower is no different. There are a number of issues that can cause a non-starter.
Firstly, always check the spark plugs, and make sure they’re in good condition, not covered in debris, and have no loose connections.
An obvious one, check the fuel levels. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the simplest of problems. If you don’t use your mower regularly, try not to run your mower on old fuel, the fuel deteriorates, and old fuel isn’t ideal for your mower.
If you’re still having a problem, you’ll need to dive into the air filter and carburetor. Give the air filter a clean or replace it altogether; air filters are known to collect debris and clog up, which reduces the airflow to your engine.
Lastly, is your battery at the end of its life?
DR bush mowers have a 12-volt battery; make sure it’s charged up and is holding its charge. If it’s not holding the charge, chances are you need a new one!
Overheating Issues
If your dr brush mower is overheating, check the airflow to the engine. Make sure there are no obstructions or debris blocking any vents.
Also, make sure you’re not running your mower at full throttle for too long, and give it regular breaks during use.
Overheating issues can be a symptom of everything I’ve mentioned already. Blocked filters and a clogged mower deck can contribute to your mower overheating, a lack of airflow is nine times out of 10 the reason a mower overheats.
There is, however, the odd occasion that the reason your mower is overheating is a lack of oil in the engine. The oil acts as a lubricant in the engine, if your engine oil level is too low, there’s a lot of friction in the engine, which will create heat, and therefore overheating. The fans in your engine can only cool it down so much, so make sure they’re clean and debris free too!
Excessive Smoke
If you’ve got white or blue smoke billowing out of your mower’s exhaust, you’ve likely got a blocked air filter.
As I mentioned before, air filters can get clogged up with debris, causing a lack of airflow to the engine. Give your filter a clean, or replace it altogether.
If you’ve got black smoke coming from the exhaust, this means there’s too much fuel getting into the engine and not enough air. This could be down to dirty carburetor jets; they will need to be cleaned or replaced.
One last issue that could cause excessive smoke is a problem with the valve seals, which means oil can enter the combustion chamber and burn off as smoke. This would require professional repair.
It’s important to note you must use the correct fuel grade for your mower, the wrong type of fuel can create a large amount of smoke; check your owner’s guide for the right fuel grade.
Uneven Cutting
If your dr brush mower is leaving patches or not cutting evenly, firstly check the blade. Is it sharp enough and suitably aligned? If not, sharpen or replace the blade as necessary. Secondly, are the blades loose? The blades need to be fitted tightly and securely; make sure the blade carriers are secured, and all mounting bolts are tightly in place.
Another potential problem might be the height setting on your mower deck. Be sure that it’s set to a working level for your lawn, and then readjust as necessary.
Lastly, check the turf for any debris or objects that may be causing an obstruction while mowing. Clear away any sticks or stones before mowing to avoid damaging your blade and uneven cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much oil does a DR brush mower take?
It is recommended to use 20W-50 motor oil, and the mower takes approximately 18 ounces.
Who makes Dr mower?
DR Power Equipment, located in Vermont, manufactures DR brush mowers.
Is the DR brush mower self-propelled?
No, the DR brush mower is not self-propelled and must be pushed by the operator.
Conclusion
There can be a lot of problems that come with owning a dr brush lawn mower. However, some of these problems can easily be fixed yourself.
Overall, dr brush lawnmowers are fairly reliable machines, but there are a few things to watch out for.
Make sure to regularly check for clogged air filters and debris, as well as sharpen or replace your blades when necessary. Additionally, pay attention to the fuel grade you use and keep an eye on the oil level in the engine.
By following these tips and keeping up with regular maintenance, your dr brush mower should serve you well for years to come. Happy lawn-mowing!
