From spring to winter, the basic lawn tractor can make its way from spring mowing to winter lawn maintenance. This residential machine is perhaps one of the most valued among property owners who have a lot of ground to mow. However, just like any other machine, lawn tractors can occasionally have problems. Thankfully, lawn tractor servicing centers can help with most issues you run into. Here is a look at just a few of the most prevailing problems with lawn tractors and likely causes that may call for a professional repair.

Problem: Your lawn tractor is generating a lot of smoke. 

Smoke coming from your lawn tractor can have a few different causes depending on where the smoke is coming from. Smoke coming from under the hood can be a sign of an oil problem, smoke from the exhaust may be a sign of carburetor problems, and smoke from the mowing deck may mean you have belt issues. Pay careful attention to where the smoke is coming from and let the repair technician at the lawn tractor servicing center know what you see. 

Problem: The tractor loses power the longer you mow. 

Lawn tractors that lose power the longer they are in operation obviously have issues, but the issue is most often one that is simple in nature. A clogged air filter can actually lower the amount of oxygen getting to the engine, which will slow down the motor. Clean your air filter regularly, and if you have consistent problems, take your tractor to a repair center for a thorough assessment to make sure there is nothing bigger going on. 

Problem: You have issues with the tractor skipping areas of grass. 

If your lawn tractor is leaving patches of grass, you likely have mowing blades that are getting caught periodically and not spinning as they should. Depending on how the tractor is made, the underlying cause can vary. If you have a belt-driven mowing deck, the belt is likely slipping due to damage. If you have a mechanical deck with bearings and hydrostatic blades, you may have issues with the hydrostatic system. 

Problem: The tractor produces excessive vibrations when in use. 

You may spend quite a long time on your lawn tractor, so if you don't have a comfortable ride, the task of mowing the lawn can be long and frustrating. If the tractor is vibrating more than usual, you may have a problem with the drive system, wheels, or axles on your mower.

For more information, contact a tractor service in your area.