It’s frustrating to have to stop mowing the lawn repeatedly to clean the mower deck. The grass will get caught under the mower deck, making removal a major hassle.
Getting the job done seems simple when you have a brand-new lawn mower. Grass won’t get stuck under the mower deck, even if you use it for a few weeks straight.
Grass clippings may initially be difficult to push under the mower, but after a few weeks, you’ll see how easy it is. The system’s efficiency will suffer, and it will be more difficult to clean.Your lawnmower’s efficiency will suffer, and cleaning the machine will become a major inconvenience on a regular basis if you do this.
However, there are solutions that can be used to eliminate the issue. It stands to reason that you wouldn’t want to use an old remedy that could potentially harm your lawn.If you need to work on your lawn mower, take out the spark plug first to avoid any misfires or accidental starts.
Here are some of the best ways to prevent grass from getting stuck on the mower deck.
What Does Grass Building Up Mean In The Context Of A Lawn Mower?
When grass clippings and other debris collect under the cutting deck of a lawn mower as you mow, this is known as “grass building up” or “grass sticking.”
Grass clippings generated by the mower’s blades must be released onto the lawn via the discharge chute. However, there are situations in which this does not occur, and the grass clippings instead pile and become caught within the mower’s deck.
These additional grass clippings that have accumulated over time can clog the lawn mower’s discharge chute, prevent proper airflow within the cutting deck, and reduce the blade’s ability to rotate freely.
Lawn Mower Deck Grass Buildup Causes
A few different factors can cause the accumulation of grass under your mower’s deck. So let’s talk about them.
Mowing Overgrown Grass
Overgrown grass is likely to get stuck under the mower deck when cut. If the grass has grown too tall, the mower may need help cutting it uniformly.
Consequently, the blades of the mower can leave longer clippings, which increases the likelihood that they will clump together and build up underneath the mower’s deck.
Deck Clearance Is Insufficient
Grass growing under a deck may have multiple causes, one of which is insufficient deck clearance. A lawn mower’s blade clearance is compromised when the deck is positioned too low.
Because of the restricted space, grass may become compacted and stifled under the deck. The grass that has been mowed cannot escape the deck in this manner.
Grass Mowing In Wet Or Damp Conditions
One of the most common mistakes people make when using a lawn mower is cutting grass when it is too wet. When it rains, the grass clippings and the underside of the mower deck will stick to each other.
This causes grass to bunch up, which can clog the chute and prevent the clippings from being properly discharged. Cutting and discharging wet grass clippings is more difficult since they stick to the blades and deck.
Lawn Mower Blades Are Dull
Dull blades on a lawn mower can prevent grass clippings from being collected on the deck. This is because a dull mower will not cut the grass as cleanly as a new one.
The grass is ripped into longer shreds as the dull blades fail to make clean cuts. These longer trimmings bunch up more easily. This cycle continues indefinitely.
It is then possible for these clumps to become trapped under the mower deck, which prevents proper grass discharge and, as a result, eventually increases the accumulation of grass.
Your Mowing Method Is Incorrect
The deck of your lawn mower is more likely to become clogged if you mow incorrectly. Mowing too quickly can cause the mower to become overloaded, which in turn can cause uneven cuts and longer clippings that are more likely to clump.
Grass accumulation under the mower deck could result from the factors mentioned above. Let’s talk about some ways to avoid running into this issue.
How Do You Keep Grass From Sticking To Your Mower Deck?
Here are some ways to prevent grass from getting stuck underneath a lawn mower.
The Amount Of Sticking Will Be Affected By The Blades
If you’ve recently replaced the blades on your lawn mower and seen a dramatic reduction in the amount of debris left behind, the new blades are likely to blame. Changing the blades on your lawn mower will significantly affect its performance.
Mulching blades, known as the three-in-one blade variety, are notorious for limiting air flow beneath the lawn mower deck. As a result, more clippings fall to the ground instead of flying directly out of the discharge port.
Because most trimmings are stored below the deck, this ultimately results in fewer stuck trimmings. On the other hand, high-lift blades are an option worth thinking about.
These two-for-one versions increase the lawnmower’s ability to expel clippings and prevent them from becoming stuck.
Coat The Mower Deck With Graphite
Mower decks often have a graphite coating applied to the underside as a lubricant to prevent grass buildup.
Grass clippings are less likely to get stuck to the mower deck, thanks to graphite’s non-stick properties. This can facilitate easier grass discharge and less grass buildup.
In addition to this benefit, graphite coating enhances a lawn mower’s cleanliness and cutting efficiency, making it a more desirable feature overall.
Mow The Grass When It Is Dry
If you mow your lawn when the grass is dry, you can reduce the amount of clumping and sticking that occurs. The clippings are more likely to get stuck on the mower if the grass is wet or damp because it is heavier and more prone to clumping.
Mowing wet grass can also cause the deck to become slippery, making it more likely that grass clippings will get stuck to the underside of the lawn mower. Wait for the grass to dry out so the clippings are lighter and drier to prevent excessive grass buildup.
Make Use Of A Wire Brush
Wire brushing after each time you mow is another great option. Keep in mind that grass sticks to the mower and that many clippings will be stuck together.
The accumulation of clippings can be avoided before it becomes a problem if you take precautions right away.
Using a wire brush is a great plan. When you’re done using the mower for the day, give it a good scrub down with the wire brush. It has no trouble at all removing dead grass that has clumped together.
It is important to keep in mind that waiting for a day or two after you have finished the cleaning is not a good idea because the moisture from the grass will eventually damage the blades if you do so.
Instead, use a wire brush to clean the entire area after mowing. The result is that it won’t rust and will stay spotless for a long time.
Mowing Overgrown Grass Should Be Avoided
If it has become overgrown, your lawn should be kept from mowing in one long session. Instead, it would be best if you did the grass-cutting in stages. Uneven mowing, larger clippings, and more grass accumulation on the deck result from trying to cut too much grass at once.
In order to accomplish this, you will need to raise the cutting height and then make multiple passes, each time cutting the grass shorter than the previous one.
Additionally, you should mow the grass regularly because it will keep the grass from getting too tall.
Change The Mowing Height
Grass that sticks to the deck of your lawn mower can be easily avoided by ensuring that the cutting height of your machine is correctly adjusted.
When grass is cut too short, the blades become more rigid and resilient, increasing the likelihood that they will stick together.
So, you shouldn’t cut off more than a third of the grass’s length in one go. A healthier lawn and less grass stuck to the mower’s underdeck are two benefits of this practice.
Reduce Mowing Speed
Slower mowing speeds allow the blades to make clean cuts and scatter the clippings more evenly. If you mow too quickly, you may need help getting a good mulch or discharge. Clumping and accumulation of grass result.
Therefore, reduce the speed at which you cut the grass, and try to avoid getting grass stuck on the lawn mower’s deck.
Maintaining The Motor
Mower problems can be avoided in the long run by giving it as much TLC as possible. In the first place, consider upgrading to high-lift blades or something similar. Then, for your convenience, we have compiled this comprehensive manual on lawn mower maintenance.
The spark plug must be taken out first. Injuries are possible if the lawnmower’s engine starts up while you’re manually turning the blade.
Instead, take the time to unplug the spark plug or cut the wire leading to it before beginning. Then, it would be best if you began by scraping the caked grass that has adhered to the sides.
If you want to avoid getting grass clumps in your hands while you work, gardening gloves are a must.
You may need to wet the surface of the deck in a careful manner if there is grass that is too firmly adhered to the surface and cannot be removed easily.
The use of an air hose to remove the grass is another option. If you want to get rid of the issue, using an air hose with a nozzle is your best bet.
The air filter should also be checked. Cleaning the air intake filter is necessary because it traps dust and other debris before they can enter the engine.
Start by giving it a good cleaning with an air hose. Rinse the filter in a sink full of dish soap and soak it to remove any remaining grime.
It’s important to keep it from completely drying out. If you want to know if the air filter can be cleaned by submerging it in a tub of water, you should read the instructions.
You can clean the grass debris off the mower deck when you’re done with a pressure washer. You should be aware. However, that water can lead to rust and corrosion.
A protective coating should be applied to the mower deck afterwards to avoid this. Maintaining a spotless mower is a must.
Make Use Of Grass Treatment Products
Applying a grass treatment product to the mower deck’s underside can help create a non-stick surface, decreasing grass buildup.
Sprays and coatings made of silicone or Teflon are widely used for this purpose and are highly recommended by lawn care professionals. As a slippery barrier, these products keep grass clippings from sticking to your deck.
To get the best results from any treatment, however, you must thoroughly clean the deck and apply it per the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn’t simply use one coat or spray. However, they must be applied routinely to avoid clogging the deck with grass.
While Mowing, Take Breaks
Mowing can be interrupted to remove grass clippings under the mower deck if necessary. The mower can be turned off, and the deck can be cleaned with a brush or scraper afterwards.
Maintaining a clean deck at regular intervals ensures that grass can be cut effectively and that more extensive cleaning is avoided in the future.
Types Of Lawn Mowers Prone To Grass Building Up
When they first started working as a lawn technician, they noticed three types of lawnmowers had the most difficulty cutting grass without the grass sticking to the blades.
The following are the three categories:
Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding lawn mowers are distinguished by their huge cutting decks and robust engines. These two factors allow them to cover more ground rapidly. Wider cutting decks, however, might increase grass buildup, particularly if your grass is moist or damp.
Initially, the grass clippings will begin to collect on the discharge chute, and once it becomes obstructed, they will begin to collect on the deck of the grass trimmer.
This is irrelevant if other types of lawnmowers are immune to deck clogging issues. According to the lawn technician, however, these mowers were the worst offenders when it came to clumping and excessive buildup on the undercarriage.
Mulching Mower
Mulching mowers are purpose-built to collect grass clippings and return them to the lawn in a fine, mulch-like form. However, this increases the likelihood of buildup due to grass when the grass is too wet or when the mower blades are dull.
Side Discharge Walk-Behind Mowers
Side discharge chutes on walk-behind mowers allow the user to toss grass trimmings to the side of the mower as they work. The mower deck and the chute may become clogged with grass if it is moist or if the grass is too long and begins to clump together.
Conclusion
Grass accumulation under a lawn mower deck can be caused by various factors, including overgrown grass, insufficient deck clearance, wet or damp conditions, dull mower blades, and incorrect mowing methods. Overgrown grass is more likely to get stuck under the mower deck when cut, causing longer clippings to accumulate and clump. Insufficient deck clearance can also cause grass to become compacted and stifled under the deck, making it difficult to remove the grass.
Mowing in wet or damp conditions can also cause grass clippings to bunch up, clogging the chute and preventing proper grass discharge. Dull mower blades can prevent grass clippings from being collected on the deck, making it more difficult to cut and discharge. Mowing too quickly can cause the deck to become clogged, causing uneven cuts and longer clippings.
To prevent grass from getting stuck underneath a lawn mower, consider changing the blades, using graphite coatings, mowing when the grass is dry, using a wire brush after mowing, and avoiding mowing overgrown grass. By following these tips, you can prevent grass accumulation under the mower deck and maintain the efficiency of your lawnmower. To maintain a healthy lawn, it is essential to raise the cutting height and make multiple passes, cutting the grass shorter than the previous one. Regular mowing is also crucial to prevent grass from getting too tall. To avoid grass sticking to the deck, adjust the cutting height correctly, reducing the speed at which you mow and avoiding grass stuck on the deck.
Maintaining the motor is crucial for preventing problems. Upgrade to high-lift blades and clean the spark plug before starting. Use gardening gloves to avoid getting grass clumps in your hands. Wet the deck carefully if there is too much grass that cannot be removed easily. Use an air hose to remove the grass, and check the air filter for dust and debris. Clean the grass debris off the mower deck with a pressure washer, but be aware that water can lead to rust and corrosion.
Use grass treatment products to create a non-stick surface, such as sprays and coatings made of silicone or Teflon. These products help create a slippery barrier, preventing grass buildup. However, thorough cleaning and application are necessary to get the best results.
While mowing, take breaks to remove grass clippings under the mower deck if necessary. Maintaining a clean deck at regular intervals ensures effective grass cutting and prevents more extensive cleaning in the future.
There are three types of lawn mowers that are most susceptible to grass buildup: riding lawn mowers, mulching mowers, and side discharge walk-behind mowers. These types of lawn mowers can cause clumping and excessive buildup on the undercarriage, making it essential to maintain a clean and well-maintained lawn.
Content Summary:
- It’s frustrating to have to stop mowing the lawn repeatedly to clean the mower deck.
- Here are some of the best ways to prevent grass from getting stuck on the mower deck.
- When grass clippings and other debris collect under the cutting deck of a lawn mower as you mow, this is known as “grass building up” or “grass sticking.
- A few different factors can cause the accumulation of grass under your mower’s deck.
- Because of the restricted space, grass may become compacted and stifled under the deck.
- One of the most common mistakes people make when using a lawn mower is cutting grass when it is too wet.
- When it rains, the grass clippings and the underside of the mower deck will stick to each other.
- Dull blades on a lawn mower can prevent grass clippings from being collected on the deck.
- The deck of your lawn mower is more likely to become clogged if you mow incorrectly.
- Grass accumulation under the mower deck could result from the factors mentioned above.
- Here are some ways to prevent grass from getting stuck underneath a lawn mower.
- Changing the blades on your lawn mower will significantly affect its performance.
- Mower decks often have a graphite coating applied to the underside as a lubricant to prevent grass buildup.
- If you mow your lawn when the grass is dry, you can reduce the amount of clumping and sticking that occurs.
- Mowing wet grass can also cause the deck to become slippery, making it more likely that grass clippings will get stuck to the underside of the lawn mower.
- Wait for the grass to dry out so the clippings are lighter and drier to prevent excessive grass buildup.
- When you’re done using the mower for the day, give it a good scrub down with the wire brush.
- Instead, use a wire brush to clean the entire area after mowing.
- Additionally, you should mow the grass regularly because it will keep the grass from getting too tall.
- Grass that sticks to the deck of your lawn mower can be easily avoided by ensuring that the cutting height of your machine is correctly adjusted.
- Therefore, reduce the speed at which you cut the grass, and try to avoid getting grass stuck on the lawn mower’s deck.
- Then, for your convenience, we have compiled this comprehensive manual on lawn mower maintenance.
- The use of an air hose to remove the grass is another option.
- Start by giving it a good cleaning with an air hose.
- Rinse the filter in a sink full of dish soap and soak it to remove any remaining grime.
- If you want to know if the air filter can be cleaned by submerging it in a tub of water, you should read the instructions.
- You can clean the grass debris off the mower deck when you’re done with a pressure washer.
- Applying a grass treatment product to the mower deck’s underside can help create a non-stick surface, decreasing grass buildup.
- As a slippery barrier, these products keep grass clippings from sticking to your deck.
- Mowing can be interrupted to remove grass clippings under the mower deck if necessary.
- The mower can be turned off, and the deck can be cleaned with a brush or scraper afterwards.
- Maintaining a clean deck at regular intervals ensures that grass can be cut effectively and that more extensive cleaning is avoided in the future.
- When they first started working as a lawn technician, they noticed three types of lawnmowers had the most difficulty cutting grass without the grass sticking to the blades.
- Wider cutting decks, however, might increase grass buildup, particularly if your grass is moist or damp.
- Initially, the grass clippings will begin to collect on the discharge chute, and once it becomes obstructed, they will begin to collect on the deck of the grass trimmer.
- This is irrelevant if other types of lawnmowers are immune to deck clogging issues.
- The mower deck and the chute may become clogged with grass if it is moist or if the grass is too long and begins to clump together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Clean The Mower Deck?
It’s recommended to clean the mower deck after each mowing session. Regular cleaning prevents grass build-up and ensures optimal performance.
How Often Should I Sharpen The Mower Blades?
It’s recommended to sharpen the mower blades at least once a year or more frequently if you notice a decrease in cutting performance. Sharp blades ensure cleaner cuts and reduce grass sticking.
Can Using A Grass Catcher Attachment Help Prevent Grass Clippings From Sticking?
Attaching a grass catcher to the mower collects the clippings as you mow, preventing them from sticking to the deck and leaving a cleaner-looking lawn.
Is Bagging An Effective Way To Prevent Grass Clippings From Sticking?
Yes, using a bagging attachment collects the grass clippings in a bag as you mow, preventing them from sticking to the deck. However, you’ll need to empty the bag periodically.
What Lubricant Can I Use To Prevent Grass From Sticking?
Non-stick cooking spray or silicone-based lubricants are commonly used to reduce grass clippings’ sticking. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the lubricant.
