Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Safety Bail Cable Froze Up

If you live in a humid environment, the moisture will attach itself to the cable and work its way down inside of the sheath. Rust begins to develop inside the sheath and then the cable will become stuck.

You can try to put some WD-40 or cable lube into the cable sheath and let it soak for a while. This may loosen up the cable slowly. If it is still stuck, it will need to be replaced.

A good small engine repair shop will lubricate all the cables on your self-propelled lawn mower during your spring tune-up. This important item will save money on maintenance and not having to buy new cables. The safety bail cable is not that expensive, but the drive cable and installation is normally much higher depending on where the cable is located.

As with anything, prevention is the key to making your lawn mower work well each time that you need it. Your lawn mower works in a very dusty, dirty and humid environment each time you use it and taking proper care of it is key to not fighting an ill running machine.

If you need help with replacing your Self-Propelled lawn mower safety bail cable, visit our Locations page for help.

My Push Mower Safety Bail Cable is Hard to Pull

If you live in a high humidity area or store your mower outside in the rain, that moisture gets into the cable and begins to rust it. The rust continues to build up inside the cable and then it becomes impossible to move it or it only moves a little. Eventually it will become frayed and break. Then you won’t be able to start the push mower because the flywheel brake will be on and the ignition kill as well.

You can try to lube up the cable and see if it will break free, sometimes it will, but in most cases it is better to buy a new one and replace it. Then find a better way to store your mower and out of the weather. A shed or garage is preferred.

The cable is pretty easy to replace and can be done with only a pair of wide jawed pliers. It takes a few minutes to do if everything goes according to plan.

If you don’t feel like tackling this little project, check out or Locations page for a lawn mower repair shop near you to change your safety bail cable on your push mower.