New Hampshire summers are short—but packed with yardwork. July is when homeowners and landscapers in the Granite State put their mowers, trimmers, blowers, and edgers to the test. And unfortunately, it’s also when the most common lawn equipment issues start to show up.
At Seacoast Power Equipment, we repair hundreds of machines every July—many with the same handful of issues that could have been avoided with simple maintenance or early detection. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top 10 lawn equipment problems we see most often, how to troubleshoot them, and what you can do to keep your lawn tools in peak condition.
Whether you’re maintaining your lawn in Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester, or anywhere along the Seacoast, this is your go-to resource for staying ahead of summer equipment breakdowns.
1. Lawn Mower Won’t Start
Common reasons include:
- Stale fuel
- Dead battery
- Faulty spark plug
- Clogged air filter
Try replacing old gas, inspecting the spark plug, and cleaning or replacing the air filter. If that doesn’t work, schedule a visit to our lawn mower repair service for professional help.
2. Uneven Mowing or Scalping Spots
This issue is often caused by:
- Dull or misaligned blades
- Improper deck height
- Low tire pressure
Our seasonal tune-up services include blade sharpening and deck leveling to ensure a clean, even cut every time.
3. Excessive Vibration During Use
Vibration is often a sign of:
- Bent blades
- Loose hardware
- Engine mount issues
Catch these problems early with a quick visit to our equipment diagnostics and repair shop. We handle all makes and models with same-day turnaround on many repairs.
4. Trimmer Line Keeps Breaking or Jamming
Frequent trimmer line issues stem from:
- The wrong line diameter
- Poor spool winding
- Debris buildup
We carry professional-grade replacement lines and provide fast service for string trimmers. Visit our parts department or swing by for expert help.
5. Leaf Blower Loses Power Mid-Use
Gas-powered and battery blowers both experience power loss due to:
- Incorrect fuel mix
- Dirty spark plugs
- Old or damaged batteries
Our leaf blower repair experts can quickly clean, flush, and replace key components to restore full power.
6. Battery Equipment Won’t Hold a Charge
Battery-powered mowers, trimmers, and blowers can fail due to:
- Aging lithium-ion cells
- Corrosion on terminals
- Improper winter storage
We stock OEM batteries for Kress, Stihl, and Husqvarna equipment and can test yours before you invest in a new one.
7. Starter Rope is Stuck or Retracts Slowly
Recoil starters jam from:
- Rusty or dry springs
- Dirty housings
- Fraying cords
If your pull cord isn’t working smoothly, stop by our shop for a quick inspection. We handle hundreds of small engine repairs every month across all common outdoor tools.
8. Oil Leaks Under Equipment
If you notice oil pooling under your mower or edger, the cause might be:
- Overfilled oil reservoirs
- Worn seals or gaskets
- Incorrect equipment storage
Our seasonal maintenance service includes oil changes, seal inspection, and cleaning to prevent long-term damage.
9. Worn Tires or Poor Traction
You may need to replace tires if:
- The tread is smooth
- You experience slippage on hills
- The tires dry rot from sun exposure
Need new tires for your riding mower or zero-turn? Check out our pickup and delivery service if transporting your equipment is a challenge.
10. Depth Adjustment Issues on Lawn Edgers
If your edger isn’t producing clean, even cuts:
- The blade may be misaligned
- The adjustment knob may be stuck
- The shaft could be bent
These precision issues are best left to our trained service techs, who can recalibrate your edger and get you back to crisp, clean lines.
Prevent Common Lawn Equipment Issues with These Pro Tips
🧰 Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
We recommend:
- Spring: Air filter, plug, oil change
- Mid-summer: Blade sharpening, battery check
- Fall: Clean & winterize
Save time and guesswork with our seasonal tune-up packages, customized for New Hampshire weather and terrain.
🧽 Clean After Use
- Clean under mower decks
- Wipe down trimmer and blower housings
- Store tools in a dry, sheltered space
🛒 Use Certified OEM Parts
We stock original parts and accessories for leading brands like Toro, DR Power, Billy Goat, and Echo.
Quick Chart: Equipment Problems & Seacoast Solutions
| Tool | Common Problem | Solution |
| Mower | Won’t start, uneven cut | Full service or seasonal tune-up |
| Trimmer | Line breaks, hard to start | Head repair or spool replacement |
| Blower | Weak air, noise, won’t start | Battery or fuel system service |
| Edger | Depth issues, uneven edge | Blade calibration |
| Riding mower | Oil leaks, tire wear | Seal replacement, tire mounting |
FAQ: Common Lawn Equipment Issues
What are the most common summer equipment failures?
Starting problems, vibration, and poor cutting due to dull blades are most frequent in July. Our repair team handles these daily.
Why won’t my string trimmer start?
Check the fuel mixture, spark plug, and battery charge. If that doesn’t work, visit our shop for fast diagnostics.
Can I get help choosing replacement parts?
Absolutely. Call or stop by our parts counter—we’ll match you with exactly what you need.
Do you offer pickup and delivery?
Yes! Use our pickup and delivery service to make repairs and tune-ups easy, especially for riding mowers or large property tools.
How often should I get a seasonal tune-up?
At least once per year. Most homeowners in New Hampshire benefit from two: one in spring and one mid-summer. Book yours here: Seasonal Tune-Ups
Keep Your Lawn Healthy All Season—Contact Seacoast Power
Don’t let a broken mower or dull blade derail your summer lawn plans. Whether you’re in Somersworth, Stratham, or Eliot, we’re your trusted local source for reliable, fast, and professional service.
✅ Certified Technicians
✅ Fast Turnaround
✅ OEM Parts & Batteries
✅ Pickup & Delivery Available
✅ Brands We Service: Kress, DR Power, Husqvarna, Toro, Billy Goat & More📞 Call us today or book your service online to get back to a cleaner, greener lawn—without the hassle.