My 21” self-propelled mower has been performing poorly since I first began to use it this summer, with "strips" of higher grass visible in cut paths and clumps of grass not being vacuumed up into the bag. Tried checking here online for solutions to these issues but found little help and so I have been mowing back over these left-over strips, re-cutting them, which doesn’t give me confidence with EGO. This week a new issue has begun, where mower revs-up at random - it sounds stressed, with higher RPMs. As a result, the mower’s already poor suction is now much worse, failing to vacuum substantial amounts of cut grass into bag, leaving massive amounts of grass on the lawn and not in the bag, which I had to rake up by hand. Not happy about this and have attached a photo. I will call the Customer Support number tomorrow but thought I’d see what other EGO mower owners have discovered about these issues, with perhaps some solutions. Thanks. 
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182 Points
- Disappointed
Posted 5 months ago
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2,766 Points
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11,870 Points
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182 Points
Oregon Mike, Champion
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41,506 Points
Some other thoughts...
The mower speed revs when the mower encounters a thick, high, patch of yard. Usually, in my experience anyway, tall grass in abundance. It speeds up to help get through it. So, that's normal.
Based on your picture, it looks like you are trying to cut too much grass at once. Meaning try and only remove an inch or less each time you mow. Which might require mowing more often during your growing season. (Not necessarily a bad thing with an EGO mower?)
The usual; make sure grass is dry and blade is sharp. I thought mine was pretty sharp out of the box, but once I sharpened it what a difference.
There have been comments about the mower height increasing when the sp function is used. That might be what you are seeing (bagging problem aside). Since your yard looks pretty flat, maybe mow without sp as much as possible?
Bagging... ensure you are keeping the underside of the mower free from buildup. Also be sure to check bag contents from time to time, especially if you are mowing taller grass. It will fill the bag pretty quickly.
Also, you might try applying upward pressure on the handlebar to force the nose of the mower down a bit. Seems that's been a help for some.
And, this one. Only because I did it once. Make sure you don't have the mulching plug installed when you want to bag the clippings. Your picture looks exactly like what I saw when I accidentally left the plug in mine. LOL
The mower speed revs when the mower encounters a thick, high, patch of yard. Usually, in my experience anyway, tall grass in abundance. It speeds up to help get through it. So, that's normal.
Based on your picture, it looks like you are trying to cut too much grass at once. Meaning try and only remove an inch or less each time you mow. Which might require mowing more often during your growing season. (Not necessarily a bad thing with an EGO mower?)
The usual; make sure grass is dry and blade is sharp. I thought mine was pretty sharp out of the box, but once I sharpened it what a difference.
There have been comments about the mower height increasing when the sp function is used. That might be what you are seeing (bagging problem aside). Since your yard looks pretty flat, maybe mow without sp as much as possible?
Bagging... ensure you are keeping the underside of the mower free from buildup. Also be sure to check bag contents from time to time, especially if you are mowing taller grass. It will fill the bag pretty quickly.
Also, you might try applying upward pressure on the handlebar to force the nose of the mower down a bit. Seems that's been a help for some.
And, this one. Only because I did it once. Make sure you don't have the mulching plug installed when you want to bag the clippings. Your picture looks exactly like what I saw when I accidentally left the plug in mine. LOL
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1,010 Points
Also be sure to check bag contents from time to time, especially if you are mowing taller grass. It will fill the bag pretty quickly.I found this to be very true. I was used to a Snapper mower where the discharged grass goes from a chute into the 'top of the bag'. I could mow the whole front yard with the Snapper before having to empty. I find if I empty the EGO bag twice or maybe three times for just the front yard, I'm catching more grass.
(Edited)
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182 Points
Thanks, Oregon Mike & Rick F. You're probably right - I had let the grass get a bit on the longish side this time.
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1,146 Points
All above suggestions sound good.
Also, someone mentioned before that the blade had been installed upside down at the factory in some early shipments. Perhaps it still occurs occasionally?
I have the EGO snow thrower and a regular electric "plug-in" lawn mower that has a steel deck and has operated faithfully for over 2 years now.
I know this is not a useful solution for people with lawns beyond the reach of a 100-foot cord, so I hope EGO shows monumental improvements then I might consider the higher cost of buying a battery powered lawn mower.
Also, someone mentioned before that the blade had been installed upside down at the factory in some early shipments. Perhaps it still occurs occasionally?
I have the EGO snow thrower and a regular electric "plug-in" lawn mower that has a steel deck and has operated faithfully for over 2 years now.
I know this is not a useful solution for people with lawns beyond the reach of a 100-foot cord, so I hope EGO shows monumental improvements then I might consider the higher cost of buying a battery powered lawn mower.
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182 Points
Thanks, Walt. I've ordered the high-lift in any case so will make sure I install it correctly.
Blue Angel, Champion
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172,394 Points
Mark, when was the last time you washed the bag?
I noticed a dramatic increase in airflow through the bag when I started washing it on a regular basis. To do this I spray it with the hose from the outside forcing all the debris back in through the bag fibers.
If your grass bag has never been washed, I would guess there’s a good chance this will help your situation if the above suggestions don’t help.
Also, make sure your blade is good and sharp. A dull blade can really ruin the cutting performance of a mower. Many people sharpen their Ego blades several times a season depending on the size of the yard.
I noticed a dramatic increase in airflow through the bag when I started washing it on a regular basis. To do this I spray it with the hose from the outside forcing all the debris back in through the bag fibers.
If your grass bag has never been washed, I would guess there’s a good chance this will help your situation if the above suggestions don’t help.
Also, make sure your blade is good and sharp. A dull blade can really ruin the cutting performance of a mower. Many people sharpen their Ego blades several times a season depending on the size of the yard.
Oregon Mike, Champion
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41,506 Points
I recently used my leaf blower to clean my mower bag. Held the bag up so it was hanging open and operated the blower from the outside rear of the bag. It did blow out a fair amount of debris and airflow through the bag when I went to mow seemed to be improved. I wasn't really seeing much in the way of reduced airflow before cleaning other than a bit more grass right at the entrance to the bag when I'd check bag fullness while mowing. Definitely keeping the bag clean helps with airflow and clipping collection into the bag.
Blue Angel, Champion
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172,394 Points
Great point Mike! I should have mentioned that I also blow the bag out with the blower after every use. Every 4 to 6 weeks I wash the bag out with the hose because I find there’s some buildup inside the bag that the blower just can’t get out. I have a feeling it’s the wet juicy grass bits that build up over time.
(Edited)
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182 Points
Thanks, Blue Angel. I haven't washed it yet - but will. Your suggestion makes sense. And I'll use my leaf blower like Oregon Mike said.
Mark Cameron Boyd
Amber F., Official EGO Rep
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