It’s preferable to use a riding lawn mower than the conventional mower if your lawn is quite wide. Mowing your wide lawn will be easier using a riding lawn mower. Riding lawn mowers are more expensive than conventional mowers.
For people who want to start out in using riding lawn mowers, there are many options available that you can choose from. You don’t have to worry about how to start a riding lawn mower as owner manuals are available.
Manual push mowers are lawn mowers of the past, they take much of your effort.
You can opt for a zero turning mower or go for a tractor type mower. Both offer different pros and cons. But regardless of the type of riding lawn mower you choose, you are ensured that it’s going to be a lot better than a push mower.
Benefits of Riding Lawn Mowers
Tending your garden can be really tedious. But innovations in technology lawn sprinklers, garden hose reel, garden tractor and lawn mowers make it easier for us to take care of our gardens. Riding lawn mowers come with different sets of features.
Ride-on mowers are for people who insist on green lawns for their kids to play on
Some models come with additional attachments that are designed to catch grass clippings, and some models have mulching capabilities. The best models are those that come with both features. Specific steps on how to start a riding lawn mower are available for every model.
Riding lawn mowers are very effective in storing large quantities of fuel. Most riding mowers feature an electric start-up. They’re basically easy to handle. Riding mowers that have cutting decks can be adjusted based on your needs. Finding replacement parts is also easier with riding lawn mowers.
Riding Lawn Mower Quick Start Guide
Most riding mowers come with electric start; you can start it by just turning the key. This is so much better than conventional mowers in which pulling a cord is necessary to crank the mower. In this section, we’ll tell you how to start a riding lawn mower and the things that you need to know before starting the machine.
Riding lawn mowers can be used for a lot of purposes with additional attachment
-
Troubleshooting of Electric Start
It’s very important to double check the battery of an electric start riding mower. Along with its battery, its ignition system relies on a solenoid and starter switch. If you ever get issues in starting your riding mower and the battery is not the cause of the problem, the culprit is possibly the solenoid/starter switch. If this is the case, some of the mower’s wires need to be disconnected to get rid of the starter. This should be done by a professional.
-
Always Check The Oil Level
Some users fail to check their oil level before starting the machine. Running your riding lawn mower with very low oil level can damage the machine. Use a dipstick to check the oil level. This process is quickly done in seconds. Never neglect doing this, or else you will be spending a lot on replacing the mower’s engines.
-
Safety Should Be On
Safety-related problems are usually the culprit of most lawn mower start-up issues. Just like walk-behind mowers, riding mowers also come with safety switches. Riding lawn mowers generally come with a switch that will turn off the engine if you’re not firmly seated. This safety feature ensures that you are safely seated as the driver and you won’t fall off the machine. I highly recommend you should wear a pair safety boots or work boots to keep you safe when working in your garden.
Riding lawn mowers are best for those who have to mow a large area
Steps on How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower
Riding mowers cut wide lawns in just a short amount of time. Note that starting a riding lawn mower might take some time, especially if its engine is cold. Some extra cranking time will be needed to ensure that the mower’s fuel goes to the engine. Make sure to let the machine’s starter to crank for about 15 seconds when starting your riding mower. Below are the steps on how to start a riding lawn mower:
- Take your seat on the machine. Make sure you are firmly and safely seated. Then, using your left foot, press the brake/clutch lever which is on the left side of the riding mower. Set the machine’s parking brake by using its knob or lever on the right side of the mower.
- Move your mower’s gear shift lever to its neutral position or “N”.
- Position your mower’s throttle lever right between slow and fast. Most riding mowers have a turtle icon for slow and a rabbit icon for fast.
- Insert the ignition key into the machine’s ignition switch. This is how to start a riding lawn mower. Turn the ignition key to the right, and make sure to let the starter crank the engine for about 15 seconds. If the engine does not start right away, just continue cranking the starter until it starts up.
- Slowly push the machine’s choke knob back when the engine has started. Adjust the throttle to a faster position and warm up the engine before putting any mower attachment or before driving your mower around.
Consider the size of your yard when choosing the right lawn equipment.
Proper Maintenance And Storage
Your riding lawn mower needs proper maintenance and storage to keep it running efficiently and to prolong its life. Since you now know how to start a riding lawn mower, you should also learn how to keep it in top operating condition.
Depending on your riding mower model, maintenance may differ. We’ve listed general steps below, but make sure to read your model’s documentation or manual and take note of the instructions for use, safety, and maintenance.
There are several benefits of having a ride-on lawn mower, from attachments to ease of use
-
Replacing Parts
Should you need to replace some parts of your mower, only use manufacturer-approved replacement parts. Take note of your mower make and its model number, so you can give this information to the attendant when you shop for replacement parts.
-
Storage
Don’t leave your machine in the outdoors. Store your riding lawn mower safely in a shed and use a lawn mower cover (better if it’s water and mildew resistant) to protect it from the worst weather.
-
Cleaning or Inspections
Do the maintenance check in a well-ventilated location. Make sure the mower is parked on a hard and flat surface, with its parking brake on. Turn the machine off and remove the ignition key before cleaning or inspecting your riding mower.
Leaving your lawn mowers outside is just not a good idea
It’s recommended that you disconnect the battery and unplug the spark plug wires. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in doing these steps. Also, check for any pre-maintenance procedure the manual specifies.
Conclusion
You now have a guide on how to start a riding lawn mower. If you plan to buy a new riding mower, always check the user manual for specific tips about the model. You won’t likely get the manual if you buy a used mower, but you can find most manuals online through the manufacturer’s website.
Pin it!
Riding Lawn Mower