5 Most Common DR Brush Mower Problems and Effective Fixes

DR is a prominent power equipment brand boasting a diverse catalog of field and brush mowers. The brush mower is like a buffed-up lawn mower with a more powerful engine suited for tough and heavy growth. However, like most landscaping utilities, expect some setbacks with this brand’s mowers. The most common DR brush mower problems are blades not turning, overheating, problematic starts, transmission issues, and power loss.

Several of these problems originate from the engine, though you may encounter a failing transmission and issues with the clutch. For your convenience, we present you with a DR brush mower troubleshooting guide, looking at the troubles and their solutions.

Blades Not Turning

You cannot work in your yard if your mower’s blades are not spinning. This is a typical issue affecting mowers that results from various factors. Is the engine running? The motor might be a problem if it is not running.

The cutters may fail to turn due to debris in their assembly. In such cases, the mower may shake, and the engine will overheat due to an overload. It might be a case of bent or incorrect blades, which can touch the deck assembly and fail to move. 

A faulty clutch can be the culprit. The clutch connects the engine to the blades, allowing the motor to run with disengaged cutters. DR brush mower clutch problems affect the power flow, resulting in stationary blades. Talking about connections, you might have a bad belt or damaged pulley components.

The Fix:

Check out the engine to see if it’s not running correctly or not running at all. If everything is alright, you shift focus to the deck. Check for debris and the state of the blades. Remove debris and change bent or oversized blades. 

DR brush mower clutch adjustment will boost its response. Replace the clutch assembly if it is entirely worn out. Change old belts and inspect the pulley system for anomalies. You may need to get new bearings or a new pulley. 

Overheating

The engine is the source of several DR brush mower problems, including overheating. It is a serious complication that can degrade the motor if not attended to promptly. Causes of overheating include:

  • Insufficient engine oil
  • Blocked air vents
  • Unbalanced or damaged blades
  • Debris in deck
  • Wrong deck level 
  • Dirty or old air filters

Telltale signs of this complication are stalling, high engine temperature, black smoke, and burning odors. 

Fixes:

If you suspect a heated-up engine, turn off the mower immediately and allow it to cool before probing for the cause. Regular oil changes will prevent overheating. Ensure you use high-quality oil for effectiveness. 

The mower’s air vents may get blocked by mowing debris, and the lack of air circulation can hike the engine’s temperatures. Clean the vents if they are dirty. Dirty or old air filters also affect airflow. Clean dirty air filters and replace old ones.

You should check the deck for debris, mowing height, and the state of the blades. The presence of debris, an incorrect mowing height, and bad cutters contribute to overloading, which stresses the engine, raising its temperature.

Get rid of debris under the deck and use the correct mowing levels to ease the drag. Frequent maintenance of the blade is advisable for smooth operation.

Engine Loses Power

Power loss is among the exhausting DR brush mower problems, as it affects performance and workflow. Most of the time, the fuel system is to blame. The fuel tank may be empty, or you used contaminated or inferior gas. Other times, you have a faulty pump or a clogged line, which affects fuel flow.

Your engine will also lose power due to bad spark plugs, a defective carburetor, a blocked air vent, or a dirty air filter.

Solution:

Your lawn mowers tank should have sufficient and top-quality gas before you take it for a ride. The issue may be severe if you have adequate gas, but the mower still loses power. 

You can disassemble the fuel system with your eyes on the pump and tubes. Replace the pump if it is old, and flush the lines to unclog them.

You must change your spark plugs each season or after 25 mowing hours. They might be the cause of the problem, especially if the engine misfires or experiences rough idling.

DR brush mower carburetor problems affect the mixing of fuel and air. Dirt can clog the carburetor, leading to insufficient air or gas supply. You must regularly clean the carburetor and fix damaged parts. Unblock the air vents and replace or clean the air filter for adequate air supply.

Transmission Problems

The mower’s transmission can be problematic after prolonged use. Signs of DR brush mower transmission problems include grinding noises, difficulty changing gears, and failure to reverse. 

Probable causes of transmission failure are broken gears and insufficient or contaminated transmission fluid.

How To Fix:

Fixing a problematic brush mower transmission can be quite challenging for novices. Ask for help if necessary to prevent further damage. If you are experienced in lawn mower mechanics, you can check the gear assembly for broken parts and replace them. 

Low transmission oil may result in grinding noises and slow shifting. Check for leaks and seal them if present before changing the oil. Transmission fluid change will sort out contamination and eliminate air bubbles in the system.

The Engine Won’t Start 

A defective electrical system is the primary culprit behind a hard start. There is a high possibility that the battery is low or out of service.

DR brush mower charging problems are common. Either the charger or the charging system is faulty. Cut or loose wires and broken connections may take the blame.

Other explanations for starting failures are insufficient gas, fouled spark plugs, and a burnt-out starter. Cold weather might also affect your brush mower’s ignition. 

The Fix:

You fix this DR brush mower problem by probing the battery for defects. Test it to see if it is functional or needs a replacement. Inspect the charging system of your electric lawn mower and test the charger. The lithium-ion batteries may be past their service years, calling for a new one.

Check the wires and connections and fix them if they are loose or broken. Change fouled spark plugs, as they can’t produce the spark necessary for ignition. 

Replacement is the only logical solution for a defective starter.  Finally, shift the equipment to a warmer place if you determine the hard start is due to freezing weather.

Are DR Brush Mowers Worth It?

Despite a few issues, brush mowers from DR are worth it. Most DR brush mower problems are manageable, particularly if you are good at mower mechanics.

Peruse DR’s catalog to check out its collection. In case of replacements, always go for OEM-standard parts for efficiency.