please help. The blade hit a raised metal grate i let go of lever immedeatly, now the cord wont pull out, taken blade off and covering, belt still on but blade is really stiff to turn most of the way round, slackens off a little then tightens back up as you continue to turn it... have I just knocked it off center? thankyou to anyone that helps

solstice, July 2008

thankyou very much for your quick answers. I will have a look at mending it today.

solstice, July 2008

The previous answer is a little unfair - it was YOU that hit an immoveable object, not the mower! ANY crank will bend under these conditions - assumng you have (had) a mountfield with a Chinese engine, a new crank will cost about £20. Briggs or Tecumseh about £30, and a Honda a massive £115. ANY of these can be - and are on a regular basis - bent by a hard object. Top end models are fitted with a clutch that absorbs shock loads and prevents this kind of damage. A replacement Tecumseh engine (which will bolt straight on, regardless of what was fitted before) can be bought for about £50.

Basically, it's a 'put it down to experience' job! (Or pay £600 for a mower with a blade brake clutch).

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, July 2008

Follow-up to my previous e-mail: I did the same as you and had exactly the same symptoms as you. I've now disassembled my engine and can confirm that the main shaft running through the engine to which the blade is connected is bent beyond repair. Although my mower is only 6 months old I'm writing it off and buying a replacement, however, it definitely will not be a Mountfield.

Peter, July 2008

I've done the same, however, I believe that the engine is now a write-off due to a bent crankshaft.

Peter, July 2008