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Check the springs in the centrifugal clutch...... one/more might be broken causing some "drag" when it's idling. When you say the blades don't move or move slowly, does the engine rev up and the blades stay still? Presumably you've done the obvious and given the blades a good oiling.......... if they haven't been used for a while, they could be sticking.
Check both the fuel line and breather pipe are not kinked or blocked. Does it help if you loosen the fuel cap? Try it before pulling the pipes out!
Also if it's not been for used for s long time the carb could be gummed up with rubbish from stake fuel.
It could even be the gauze on the end of the fuel line in the tank is gummed up.
Is the carb idle screw set right?
Thanks everyone for your tips.
First steps im going to check the hose and breather pipe, then im going to do the fuel filter and carb.
Maybe I have to adjust the carb. I saw a page in the manual about that but ive never done it before.
A bit late to be starting it up now but I will try to sort it tomorrow. I will let everyone know what the problem was.
I hope its not the clutch Geoff as that sounds expensive. Eventually the blades move fine but it takes too long getting there.
Im hoping its something basic like adjusting the carb so I will be doing that tomorrow.
If one of the clutch springs has gone,or they can just be weak with age, they really are cheap and easy to replace. If "eventually" the blades move fine, it does suggest the blades are sticking and as they warm up, they become looser. Try touching the blades (when its not running!!) and see if they feel hot at the base........... a sure indication they're sticking. A while back, I made the mistake of using chain lubricant for the blades....... trouble was that when it dried, it became incredibly sticky with exactly your symptoms. Unfortunately, the carbs are rather tricky to clean out properly as you can't get the mixture screws out without great difficulty.
As everyone suggested and try cleaning the carb out take off carb and clean with carb cleaner also check the idle screw and settings on carb.
also check the exhaust is not carbon up and the gauze. also worth looking in the blade gearbox to see what state the grease is in
when you buy a used machine you have to check every thing before you use it so as not to break anything if its not been looked after
Dirty fuel... does it every time..