Why Does a Mower Die in High Grass?

Wheel Setting

• Your mower’s wheel settings may not be appropriate to cut high grass. If the front of the mower is lower than the grass, it bends the grass blades horizontally. That forces your mower blade to slice through a larger mass of grass than if the grass blades were completely vertical. Adjust the wheels to a higher setting so your mower can cut the high grass. Then readjust the wheels to cut areas of lower grass. If the grass is exceptionally high, consider using a trimmer on the grass and then mowing.

Clogged Undercarriage

• A clogged undercarriage can affect your mower’s cutting speed. Wet grass can accumulate underneath the mower, the blade housing and even on the blade itself. Wet grass and dirt can also clog the grass chute. With enough debris accumulation, the blade’s rotating speed can be cut dramatically, therefore reducing its cutting power.

Cutting Blade

• A dull blade makes it more difficult to cut high grass or even level grass, for that matter. The mower blade should be sharp and freely rotate when you move it by hand. Also, check the rotating shaft and any hardware that supports the blade. Corroded or damaged nuts could slow the blade’s rotation and affect the cutting power. If you have a mulching kit on your mower, ensure it is properly affixed and the blades are sharp.

Thatch

• The grass itself could be the problem if it has thatch. Thatch is a mix of live grass, dead grass, twigs and other natural debris. You may not see it in high grass, but thatch can be very thick and make it difficult to mow with even the sharpest of blades. Examine the grass with a metal rake to see if it gets caught in any thatch. Also look for other debris that could form thatch.