Does your lawnmower make a loud clicking noise whenever you turn it on? In most cases, this sound is a sign of an internal problem in the machine itself, and its severity can vary.
In the following sections, we’ll go over some of the most common causes of clicking sounds in lawnmowers and give you tips on how to identify them and resolve any underlying issues. Follow along!
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1. Low Battery Voltage
Before you suspect the worst, it’s important to check the most basic possibilities first. With most types of lawnmower noise — including thumping and clicking — low battery voltage is the main culprit.
Namely, if the voltage is low, the battery cannot supply the motor with enough power. As a result, the mower won’t work properly, which can result in loud clicking, rumbling, and thumping sounds.
The two possible solutions to this issue are recharging the battery and getting a new one. In most cases, a new charge will do nicely and ensure the mower is quiet once more.
However, with older batteries, sometimes a replacement is the only way out. If that’s the case, you should consider whether a new mower or a new battery is the more affordable choice for you.
If you’re thinking about replacing your current lawnmower with a newer, quieter model, don’t miss our article discussing the top quiet electric and gas mowers on the market.
2. A Loose Clutch
When you mow, the clutch helps you control the blades and disengage them for extra safety. With time and regular use, the clutch can become loose, generating rattling and clicking sounds as you use the mower.
Luckily, the clutch is quite easy and affordable to replace. You can do it on your own, and your mower will be back to its regular sound. Even more importantly, you’ll be able to mow safely once again.
3. Jammed Blades
Sometimes, when you mow over uneven surfaces, the blades can become jammed with thick grass, smaller rocks, or other foreign objects. If that happens, the blades will click to let you know something is amiss and they have trouble moving. In case you keep mowing, the blades could stop moving altogether.
So, when you hear clicking and notice you’ve hit something, it’s crucial to stop mowing immediately. Then, check underneath the unit and take a peek at the blades. If you notice something is lodged between them, carefully remove it.
During this process, make sure you are protecting your hands. The blades can be quite sharp, so it’s smart to use gloves. Once you locate and take out whatever is causing the noise, the mower will be good to go.
4. Damaged Starter Solenoid
As its name suggests, the starter solenoid is located in the starter motor. Its main function is allowing a large electrical current to reach the motor, thus powering the entire mower when you turn it on.
In case of a defective solenoid, the mower can make all types of noises, including clicking. Moreover, it might turn off immediately after you start it or work for a minute or two before stopping.
Now, you have to open up the mower to get a good look at the solenoid. Check it for obvious damage, and pay special attention to the wiring. If you’re unsure what to look for or you’ve never done it before, it is also a good idea to take it to a professional.
Either way, replacing a solenoid is usually enough to solve any noise issues. Just make sure you know what you’re doing, not to damage the wiring accidentally. Again, letting someone well-versed in mowers take over might be the best plan.
5. Defective Starter
Besides the solenoid, a faulty starter can also cause loud clicking sounds. It makes sense, as a defective starter means that the mower isn’t getting enough power to operate normally.
To fix this problem, you can try replacing the starter with a new one. If that doesn’t work, you’re probably dealing with a different problem altogether.
6. Flywheel Problems
Your mower’s flywheel is another integral part that helps the starter and solenoid turn the engine. It can become stuck due to dirt and debris, in which case the mower starts clicking loudly as soon as you turn it on.
Generally, just cleaning the flywheel from time to time can solve and prevent these problems. By doing so, you will prolong your mower’s lifespan and ensure it runs smoothly every time.
7. Faulty Bearings
The bearings ensure that the blades move smoothly and without a hitch. If they get damaged or bend due to heat or moisture, the machine will start making clicking sounds. With time, the clicking will turn into rattling.
In most cases, bearing damage occurs when you store your mower in a moist and humid area. The same is true if you accidentally leave it out in the rain or under intense sunlight.
Fortunately, replacing the bearings is one of the easiest and most inexpensive fixes on this list. You can definitely do it on your own, so you can save up extra money and avoid taking it to a pro.
8. Loose Head Bolts
Another potential reason behind clicking sounds in a lawnmower are loose head bolts on the engine. They keep the engine’s head cylinder firmly in place, so any damage to them causes all sorts of clicking, rustling, and thumping in the motor.
This particular problem is most common in older mowers that have been fixed or rebuilt in the past. In other words, if you have already upgraded or replaced some parts of the engine, chances are that the head bolts will become loose with time.
Usually, just tightening the bolts will solve all issues. However, if the bolts are also defective, you might have to replace them altogether. Still, doing so won’t break your budget at all, as it is a pretty affordable fix.
Preventing Lawnmower Noise 101: Maintenance Is Key
Before I let you go, I’d just like to reiterate something that you probably already know. Namely, the secret to a quiet and long-lasting lawnmower is adequate storage, as well as proper and regular maintenance.
That includes regular cleaning, checking the engine, as well as being mindful of the battery voltage. The parts we mentioned above are the main points you should focus on, as they are the ones that usually cause noise.
In case you are experiencing an issue that you can’t pinpoint or find a solution to, it is always best to contact a professional. They have the equipment and experience necessary to get to the bottom of any problem, so your machine will surely be in good hands.
Besides maintenance, you should also ensure that you are storing the mower properly. That includes keeping it in a dark and dry place, away from the elements. Extreme heat or heavy rain can do a lot of damage and cost you tons of money, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts on Clicking Lawnmowers
If your lawnmower is making clicking sounds when you turn it on, you are likely dealing with some internal issues. In most cases, this sound is connected to loose bolts, faulty bearings, or issues with the solenoid, starter, or flywheel.
Hopefully, this guide helps you pinpoint the exact problem you’re dealing with and solve it promptly. And remember — if you get stuck, asking for help from a pro is always a good idea.
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