If you have a wide lawn, using a riding lawn mower is much preferred than using a conventional mower. The reason behind this is that it is easier to mow a wide lawn using this type of mower. To get the most out of your riding lawn mower, you need to choose the one that suits your needs and maintain the unit properly.
It is important to note that riding lawn mowers are more expensive compared to traditional mowers because of several advantages that they offer. Even when you are just starting out, there are several options that you can choose from. You can either go for a zero turning mower or the tractor type, both of which have different pros and cons. Regardless of the riding mower type you select, you can ensure that it is a lot better than using a push mower.
Benefits of Riding Lawn Mowers
Riding lawn mowers are recommended to people who have a wide lawn to mow. This type of lawn mower comes with different sets of features. There are models that come with attachments designed to catch grass clippings while others have mulching capabilities. However, there are also models that come with both features.
Another notable thing about riding mowers is that they are capable of storing larger quantities of fuel and features an electric startup. Additionally, this type of mower is also easy to handle when it comes with cutting decks. Therefore, you would be able to adjust the mower based on your specific needs. Also, finding parts in case of replacement is easier with riding mowers compared to traditional ones.
Riding Mower Quick Start Guide
Since most riding mowers come with electric, all you need to do is to turn the key. It is a lot better than traditional mowers in which you need pull a cord in order to crank the mower. This section will discuss the things that you need to check prior to starting the machine.
• Electric Start Troubleshooting
It is imperative that you double-check the battery when using an electric start mower. Along with the mower’s battery, the machine’s ignition system highly relies on a starter and solenoid switch. If you have issues starting the mower and the battery is not the problem, the next possible culprit would be the solenoid switch. In the event that the problem is with the starter, this can be a complex issue as you need to disconnect some of the mower’s wires and take off the started. Preferably, it needs to be done by a profession or an auto parts store.
• Check the machine’s oil level
Although this part is already given, there are some users who forget to check the oil level of the machine before starting it up. Running a driving mower with low oil can damage the machine. You can check the oil level by using a dipstick. This process does not take more than ten seconds to do. Ten seconds is just a short amount of time to endure than spending thousands of dollars replacing your mower’s engines.
• Check if the safety is on
Usually, safety-related issues are the culprit if most mower start-up issues. Similar to walk behind mowers, riding lawn mowers also comes with safety switches. Generally, a riding mower comes with a switch that turns off the engine if you are not sitting firmly on the machine’s seat. This feature ensures the safety of the driver in case he or she should fall off the machine. Also, there are mowers that come with a switch that hinders the mower from cranking of the blades are engaged. This type of feature helps the machine in protecting its engine from wear and tear.
Starting a Riding Mower
Riding lawn mowers are known for their notoriety in cutting wide lawns in a short amount of time. Starting a riding mower can take some time especially if the engine is cold. It will take some extra cranking time to ensure that the machine’s fuel travels to the engine. Riding mowers that are frequently used with start without any issues. When starting a riding mower, make sure that you allow the machine’s starter to crank for more than 15 seconds. Listed below are the steps on how to start a riding mower.
1. Take a seat on the machine and press the clutch/brake lever located on the left side of the riding mower using your left foot. Set the machine’s parking brake using the lever or knob to the right side of the mower.
2. Move the mower’s gear shift lever into “N” or neutral position.
3. Position the mower’s throttle lever between the slow and fast position. Most models feature a turtle icon for slow and a rabbit icon for fast.
4. Insert the machine’s ignition key into the ignition switch. Then, turn the key to the right. This time around, you need to ensure that the starter cranks the engine for at least 15 seconds. If the machine does not start right away, continue cranking the starter until the engine starts up.
5. Gradually push the machine’s choke knob back right after the engine has started. Raise the throttle to faster position and let the engine warm up before installing any mower attachment or driving the mower around your lawn.
