How To Drive A Zero Turn Mower
A ride-on mower can be a great innovation
to help you maintain your lawn, especially if you have a larger property. Of
the many lawn mowers available, a zero turn mower is one of the most popular
options, chosen because it’s smaller turning circle gives it higher
manoeuvrability and makes it easier to reach difficult locations. However, many
people can find it hard to figure out how to effectively drive this mower.
Driving The Mower
There are a few important things to consider to be able to drive this lawn mower properly. The biggest difference between a traditional ride-on mower and a zero turn mower is the position of the engine and how it is controlled. The ride-on has the engine in front of it and a steering wheel to control the mower’s movement. Alternatively, the zero-turn mower has its engine behind the driver and two levers that dictate the movements of the machine. You can control whether it moves forwards or backward by controlling the position of these levers. The default is having the levers over your lap, in neutral. You push both the levers forward, will move the mower forward in a straight line. Pulling them towards you will move the mower backward. You can also use the levers to steer. Each lever controls wheels on that side of the machine. For example, to steer left, you would move the left lever forward while moving the right lever backward. Though it seems easy to understand in theory, it can take a little practice to get used to operating a zero-turn mower. This is because the steering tends to be sensitive. Now that we understand some of the basics of driving the mower, let’s look at how you can operate this vehicle safely.
Staying Safe When Mowing
While a zero turn mower has a shorter
turning circle and can mow the lawn faster than a traditional mower you still
need to take care when using this machine. First, you should avoid using it on
steep slopes. Usually anything over 15 degrees is unsuitable for this type of
machine because they have the engine in the back. This means that if the
incline is too steep, you might not be able to steer the machine coming back
down the hill. If you do intend to use a zero turn mower on a slope, you should
make sure that the grass is dry before you begin. This will ensure that you
have maximum grip on the ground.
Another potential safety issue is the speed
at which these mowers can travel. Zero turn mowers can usually move much faster
than traditional ride-on mowers. This can cause problems as you begin to learn
how to operate the machine, as you will have less time to react to hazards. You
should also take care to avoid sharp turns, as this may damage your lawn.
Finally, you should take care to avoid any potential hazards, such as
letterboxes or swing sets. Though you will have more control over the mower,
you can still damage these items if you get too close. In addition, you should
make sure that you regularly maintain the mower to ensure that it is safe to
use.
Maintaining Your Mower
Learning how to maintain your mower will have several important benefits. For example, you will be able to extend the lifespan of the machine and increase its performance. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that it gets stored securely whenever you aren’t using it. It’s best to store mowers in a shed so that they won’t be affected by rain, which can cause rusting. You might also be able to get a covering to put over the machine. You should also regularly clean the mower deck. Grass and dirt will accumulate over time, which will mean that engine has to work harder to keep performance high. You should also keep the air filters clear, especially if you live in an area with a lot of dust.
There are also a few things you should do if you won’t be using the mower over the winter. First, you should use a fuel stabilizer. This will keep the fuel and water from mixing in the fuel tank and causing damage to the engine. In addition, you should make sure that you change the oil and filters before you store it away. Then, when you want to use it again do a thorough check to make sure that it’s ready to work again. Purchasing a zero turn mower can be a great investment, helping you complete your lawns faster and giving you greater control over the machine. We’ve discussed how you can learn to drive this mower safely and the best way to care for it. So, start driving your zero turn mower today and experience the greater maneuver