Why Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start This Spring (Common Causes and Easy Fixes)
20 March 2026
As the weather improves and gardens start growing again, many homeowners head outside ready for the first mow of spring. Unfortunately, this is often the moment people discover their lawn mower won’t start.
After months of winter storage, it is very common for mowers to develop starting problems. Old fuel, clogged parts or worn components can stop the engine from running properly.
The good news is that many issues are simple to fix. However, if problems keep returning, it may be time for professional servicing or even a replacement mower.
At Taylormade Garden Machinery, the team helps customers every spring with lawn mower repairs, servicing and advice on choosing reliable new machines from trusted brands such as Stihl, Stiga, Mountfield, Kress and Weibang.
In this guide we will explain the most common reasons your lawn mower will not start and how Taylormade Garden Machinery can help get your garden ready for the season.
1. Old or Stale Fuel
One of the most common reasons a petrol lawn mower won’t start after winter is old fuel left in the tank.
Petrol degrades over time and can stop the engine from igniting properly. If the mower has been sitting unused for several months the fuel may simply no longer be effective.
Signs stale fuel could be the problem
- The mower turns over but will not start
- The engine starts briefly then cuts out
- There is a strong petrol smell
What you can do
Draining the old fuel and replacing it with fresh petrol often fixes the problem.
If the mower still refuses to start, the carburettor may also need cleaning. The experienced technicians at Taylormade Garden Machinery regularly service mowers with this issue and can quickly diagnose the cause.
Learn more about mower servicing here:
https://www.taylormademachinery.com/service/
2. Dirty or Blocked Air Filter
Your mower’s air filter prevents dust and grass from entering the engine. Over time it can become blocked which restricts airflow and makes starting difficult.
Common symptoms
- The mower struggles to start
- The engine runs unevenly
- Smoke appears from the engine
Cleaning or replacing the air filter is often a quick solution. If you are unsure how to do this safely, a professional service can ensure everything is running correctly.
3. A Faulty Spark Plug
A spark plug creates the spark needed to ignite the fuel inside the engine. If the spark plug becomes worn or covered in carbon deposits the mower may fail to start.
Signs of spark plug problems
- The engine turns over but does not fire
- The mower starts intermittently
- The engine misfires
Replacing the spark plug can sometimes solve the issue immediately. However if the problem continues it may be a sign that your mower needs a full inspection.
The team at Taylormade Garden Machinery can quickly identify ignition problems and get your mower back to working order.
4. Carburettor Problems
Fuel left sitting in a mower during winter can leave residue that blocks the carburettor. This prevents the correct fuel and air mixture from reaching the engine.
Symptoms of carburettor issues
The mower starts then stalls
The engine will not start at all
The mower smells strongly of petrol
Cleaning a carburettor is often best left to professionals. Taylormade Garden Machinery services many mowers every spring that develop carburettor problems after winter storage.
5. Battery Problems on Cordless Mowers
If you use a cordless mower and it will not start, the battery may be the cause.
Cold winter storage can sometimes affect battery performance and older batteries may lose their ability to hold a charge.
Modern cordless mowers are far more reliable than older models and provide excellent cutting power with very little maintenance.
Taylormade Garden Machinery stocks a range of modern cordless and petrol lawn mowers designed for reliability and ease of use.
Browse available lawn mowers here:
https://www.taylormademachinery.com/product-category/lawn-mowers/
When It Might Be Time to Replace Your Lawn Mower
If your mower frequently struggles to start or requires constant repairs it may be more cost effective to upgrade to a newer machine.
Modern lawn mowers offer
- More reliable starting
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Better cutting performance
- Lower maintenance requirements
At Taylormade Garden Machinery, customers can choose from a wide selection of quality garden machinery suitable for everything from small domestic lawns to large commercial grounds.
The team provides expert advice to help customers select the right mower based on garden size, terrain and usage.
Leading brands available include
Each brand is known for producing durable and reliable equipment designed for long term performance.
Professional Lawn Mower Servicing from Taylormade Garden Machinery
Sometimes a mower that will not start simply needs professional attention.
Taylormade Garden Machinery offers expert servicing and repairs to keep garden machinery running at peak performance. Regular servicing can prevent many common issues and extend the life of your mower.
The team can
Diagnose starting problems
Carry out professional servicing
Replace worn components
Recommend suitable replacement machines if needed
Book a service or speak with the team here:
https://www.taylormademachinery.com/service/
Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring
March and early spring are the ideal time to prepare your lawn mower for the busy mowing season ahead.
If your lawn mower refuses to start, addressing the problem early will help ensure your garden stays well maintained throughout the warmer months.
Whether you need expert repairs, seasonal servicing or a reliable new lawn mower, Taylormade Garden Machinery offers the experience, equipment and advice to help you keep your garden in great condition all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will my lawn mower not start after winter?
The most common reason is old fuel left in the tank over winter. Petrol can break down over time and stop the engine from starting properly. Draining the old fuel and replacing it with fresh petrol often solves the problem.
Why does my lawn mower turn over but not start?
If your mower turns over but will not start, it could be caused by stale fuel, a blocked carburettor, a dirty air filter or a faulty spark plug. A professional service can quickly diagnose the issue.
How often should a lawn mower be serviced?
Most lawn mowers should be serviced once a year, ideally before the start of spring when mowing season begins. Regular servicing helps prevent starting problems and extends the life of your machine.
Is it worth repairing an old lawn mower?
If repairs are minor then fixing the mower is usually worthwhile. However if the mower regularly breaks down or repairs become expensive, replacing it with a modern mower can be the better option.
