Problems Associated with the Exmark Commercial 30

The Exmark Commercial 30 walk-behind mower is a powerful unit that has some innovative features. It offers twin-blade efficiency for better mowing and a simple maintenance routine to keep it running.

Unfortunately, it’s also had a series of recurring issues for many users. In fact, one of those issues has already led to a recall. There were issues with blades breaking and flying out from under the mower, injuring the user or others nearby. This recall happened years ago, but the mower continues to have issues in other areas.

Below are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the Exmark Commercial 30, along with tips on how to resolve them. Keep in mind that any mower will have issues if it is not properly maintained. The best way to prevent issues is to service your mower at the beginning and end of each mowing season.

Engine won’t start or is slow to start

Very often, the simplest answers are the correct ones. If your engine doesn’t start, check to make sure there is gas in the tank. Another simple explanation is that the throttle is not in the correct start position. Check both of these. If there are no issues with these, move on to other possibilities.

You may need to check the fuel system. Usually starting issue are related to fuel not making it to the engine. There could be a blockage in the fuel line or dirt in the fuel system or the filter. If you’re capable, take out the fuel filter to see if it’s dirty. You also may want to check the spark plug wire to see if it is connected. If none of these are the issue, you may need to take the mower in for service.

The engine operates erratically

Sometimes the engine will start but won’t operate consistently. It may run from high to low throughout the mowing cycle. Some of this could be caused by your grass or by the blades. If the grass is too high when you mow, it can get wrapped around the blades, causing clogs. That can slow the engine.

Similarly, if you haven’t cleaned your blades, there could be clumps of grass blocking their movement. Your engine will automatically slow or even shut off. Look under the mower to see if there are clumps of grass blocking the movement of the blades.

If that’s not the case, the issue is likely with your spark plugs. Check to make sure the spark plug wire is connected tightly. If it is, you may need new spark plugs.

Vibrations from the motor

Does your motor vibrate severely while you mow the lawn? This is a simple issue to fix, but it can have serious consequences if left unattended. Very often, this happens because bolts are loose on the mower deck. The bolts that attach the engine to the deck become loose over time and simply need tightening.

Stop the mower and let it cool down. Then flip it over and check all the bolts and nuts. If any are loose, tighten them before using them again. If any are missing, replace them before the next use.

A rattling or vibrating motor can cause serious problems, especially with the belt. You could have a much more serious and costly problem on your hands if you don’t take care of this issue quickly.

The mowing pattern isn’t even

Do you notice that some grass is higher than other areas of grass after you mow? This shouldn’t be the case. Your grass should be one consistent level throughout your yard.

This usually happens when there are issues with the blade and mowing deck. A simple cause is that the four wheels aren’t aligned to the same height. Perhaps you raised or lowered some of the wheels but forgot to do them all. Check the wheels to make sure they are aligned to the same height.

You also may want to flip the mower over and look at the blades. If there are clumps of grass or dirt on the blades, that can affect the cutting levels. Clumped grass on one blade can make it not as sharp or effective as the others. That blade may be cutting at a different level.

Another possibility is that the spindle is loose. This is the rod that connects the blades to the engine. If it becomes loose, the blades will actually vibrate as you mow. This can create very uneven mowing levels.

Finally, it’s possible that your blades need sharpened. If they haven’t been sharpened in years, they could be dull and that can lead to uneven mowing. Get them sharpened and see if that helps.

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Transmission issues

Does your mower slip into neutral on its own? You probably have transmission issues. This usually stems from the gearbox and the belt that is responsible for making the wheels move when the mower is in drive.

This will be obvious if the motor is running and the belt is moving but the wheels are not. This is a clear cut sign of a transmission and gearbox issue. Transmission problems are incredibly difficult to repair. While you can attempt it yourself, you may actually cause additional problems if you don’t have transmission repair experience.

Your best bet is probably to take it to a professional. That way they can inspect the problem and service it the correct way. Better to pay for a correct repair than to risk additional problems.

Battery issue

Does your mower simply click when you try to start it? That means the battery is dead. There are a few reasons for this. The simplest is just age. Batteries usually only last a few years. If you’ve had yours that long, it may simply be time to replace it.

The other possibility is that the spark plugs are dead. Usually, spark plugs will last for 100 hours of use. If it takes roughly an hour to mow your yard, that’s 100 mows before you need new spark plugs. If you’ve had your mower that long, that could be the case. Fortunately, a spark plug change is an easy fix. You can get new spark plugs at most hardware stores.

Cleaning your mower

The simplest way to keep yoru operating at a high level is to clean it and service it regularly. After each mow, flip the mower over and clean under the deck. Remove grass clippings and dirt. They can clog up your blades and even get into your motor and air filter, which can lead to service issues.

Before and after each mowing season, give your mower a deep clean. Power wash the entire unit, including under the deck. Clean bolts and nuts and remove grease. Also check to make sure all bolts and nuts are tight and that the wires are connected.

Servicing your mower twice per season is also important. Regular service should include an oil change, filter change and new spark plugs if needed. You’ll also want to check the wires and belts to make sure they’re in good shape.

Sharpen the Blades

Sharpen the blades each year to keep them in good cutting shape. Also check the tread on the tires. They usually need changed every few years.  Regular service can help you get extra years out of your mower. It can also prevent major issues that may be more costly to repair.

Most of the service steps are easy to complete. If you’re not sure how to do so, do a simple search online and you’ll find plenty of videos and articles with step-by-step instructions. If you’re not comfortable doing that, it may be worth going to a mower service business and having them service your mower each year. That professional service could be well worth the investment.

The Exmark Commercial 30 is a great mower with good features. However, it can have issues just like any other mower. Most of this issues have simple explanations and can are the result of service or maintenance problems. If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, it may be worth taking the mower to a professional.

Regular service, cleaning, and maintenance can help you keep your mower running for years. Be sure to take care of your unit regularly to prevent more serious issues from arising. Follow the steps above and your mower will likely keep your lawn looking good for years to come.