Last weekend, I was tackling my overgrown lawn and encountered a small branch – a perfect example of the age-old question: can a lawn mower go over sticks? This post will explore that very question, helping you avoid lawn mower damage and potentially dangerous situations. We’ll examine different mower types, stick sizes, and the potential consequences, so you can keep your lawn neat and your mower intact.
Lawn Mower Types and Stick Tolerance
Different lawn mowers are designed for varying terrains and debris. This section will detail how various types of lawn mowers handle sticks and branches, helping you understand the limitations of your own machine.
Rotary Mowers and Sticks
- Blade Design: Rotary mowers use spinning blades to cut grass. These blades are sharp and capable of chopping small twigs, but larger sticks can cause significant damage. The impact of a larger stick can bend, break, or even throw the blade out of balance.
- Mower Deck Height: Adjusting the mower deck height can influence how well the mower handles small debris. A higher setting allows larger pieces to pass underneath, minimizing the risk of damage. Conversely, a lower setting increases the chances of encountering sticks and causing damage.
- Mulching vs. Bagging: Mulching mowers are more likely to experience issues with sticks because the blades must process the debris. Bagging mowers may be a better option if you’re expecting to encounter a lot of small sticks and twigs. They’ll collect it and help protect the blades.
Reel Mowers and Sticks
Reel mowers, known for their quiet operation and fine cut, are generally less tolerant of sticks than rotary mowers. Even small sticks can jam the reels, requiring manual clearing. Regular maintenance and careful lawn preparation are crucial for preventing damage.
- Reel Design: The rotating cylinders of a reel mower aren’t designed for impact and forceful clearing, leading to clogging and possible damage if a stick gets caught.
- Maintenance: Regularly sharpening and cleaning the reel is essential to ensure smooth operation. Any debris lodged in the reel can cause significant damage.
- Suitable Terrain: Reel mowers are best suited for relatively clean and debris-free lawns. They’re best for areas regularly kept clear.
Stick Size and Lawn Mower Damage
The size of the stick is the most critical factor determining whether your lawn mower will survive the encounter. This section explores the correlation between stick diameter and potential mower damage.
Small Sticks and Twigs
Small sticks and twigs (less than 1/4 inch in diameter) are usually manageable for most rotary mowers. They’re typically chopped up and mulched or ejected with minimal risk of damage to the blades. However, even smaller sticks can sometimes cause issues with a clog.
Medium-Sized Sticks
- Potential for Damage: Medium-sized sticks (1/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter) can pose a significant risk. These can jam the blades and cause them to become unbalanced, resulting in vibration and potentially damaging the mower’s deck and other components.
- Impact on Blade Balance: When a blade hits a stick, the unbalanced force can lead to wobbling and vibration, causing further damage to internal components and increasing the risks of the mower itself becoming damaged. This is especially true for rotary mowers.
- Best Practice: Removing larger sticks and debris prior to mowing will eliminate the risk of damaging your mower. Clearing the lawn before mowing prevents damage and improves the evenness of the final cut.
Large Sticks and Branches
Larger sticks and branches (greater than 1 inch in diameter) should always be removed before mowing. They pose an extremely high risk of damaging the mower’s blades, deck, and even the engine. Trying to force a lawn mower over larger debris could cause significant damage.
Preventing Lawn Mower Damage from Sticks
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of damaging your lawn mower with sticks. This section will highlight various preventative techniques.
Pre-Mow Inspection
- Walk the Lawn: Before starting your mower, walk the lawn and remove any sticks, rocks, or other debris that could damage the blades. This simple step can save you significant repair costs.
- Time Commitment: While this may take a few extra minutes, a brief inspection is worthwhile given the potential costs of mower repair or replacement.
- Improved Mowing: By clearing the lawn before mowing, you achieve a better cutting result and reduce the risk of damage from unexpected objects.
Proper Mower Maintenance
- Regular Blade Sharpening: Dull blades are more prone to damage when encountering sticks. Keeping your blades sharp reduces the risk of bending or breaking them.
- Cleaning the Deck: Regularly clean the mower deck to remove grass clippings and debris. A clean deck is crucial for both the health of the mower and its ability to operate efficiently.
- Annual Servicing: Have your mower serviced annually by a professional to check for wear and tear and make any necessary repairs.
Choosing the Right Mower
Consider the type of lawn and the amount of debris present when selecting a lawn mower. A mulching mower is better suited for small twigs, while a bagging mower might be safer with more debris. For exceptionally cluttered lawns, a string trimmer might be necessary to clear the larger debris before using a mower.
Debunking Common Myths About Lawn Mowers and Sticks
Myth 1: All Lawn Mowers Can Handle Small Sticks
This is false. While some rotary mowers can handle small sticks, reel mowers and even some rotary mowers can be damaged by even small twigs, especially if the blades are dull or the stick is caught between the blade and the deck.
Myth 2: It’s Fine to Force the Mower Over Sticks
This is extremely dangerous. Forcing your mower over sticks, especially larger ones, can severely damage the blades, deck, and other components. It can lead to costly repairs or complete mower failure.
Myth 3: Only Large Sticks Cause Problems
This is incorrect. Even small sticks can cause issues like clogging, blade damage, or uneven cutting. While larger sticks pose a greater threat, smaller ones can still contribute to issues and reduced efficiency.
FAQ
Can a lawnmower run over small twigs?
Small twigs, usually less than 1/4 inch in diameter, can often be handled by rotary mowers. However, it’s still recommended to remove them if possible to prevent clogging or damage to the blades.
What happens if a lawn mower hits a large stick?
Hitting a large stick can bend or break the mower blades, damage the mower deck, or even cause more extensive damage. In some cases, the stick can throw the blade out of balance.
Should I remove sticks before mowing?
Yes, it’s always best to remove sticks and other debris before mowing to prevent damage to your lawn mower. This also creates a safer working environment.
How do I prevent my lawn mower from hitting sticks?
Regularly inspect your lawn for debris, remove any large sticks or branches, and keep your mower blades sharp. Consider adjusting your mower’s deck height for better clearance.
What type of lawn mower is best for lawns with lots of sticks?
A bagging rotary mower might be a slightly better choice, as it will collect the smaller sticks, which could otherwise damage the blades of a mulching mower.
Can a riding lawn mower go over sticks?
Riding lawn mowers are even more susceptible to damage from sticks than smaller mowers. Larger sticks can cause significant damage to the deck, blades, and even the engine. Removal of debris prior to mowing is paramount for riding mowers.
My lawn mower hit a stick, what should I do?
Inspect the mower for any damage. If you see bent or broken blades, or damage to the deck, it’s best to take it to a repair shop. Do not attempt to operate a damaged lawn mower.
Final Thoughts
Determining whether a lawn mower can go over sticks depends largely on the size of the stick and the type of mower. While small twigs might be manageable, larger debris should always be removed before mowing. Regular maintenance, pre-mowing inspections, and choosing the right mower for your lawn will significantly reduce the risk of damage and extend the life of your valuable equipment. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way!
