COMMON PROBLEMS IN ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWERs

Today, the lawnmower is the mandatory lawn machine almost every lawn owner uses it to reshape their lawn. People use lawnmowers in their homes, and office yards, and additional large sector is using lawnmowers for commercial purposes. If you are mowing your lawn where many sharp edges are present and you need to maneuver quickly then your perfect choice is Zero Turn Lawn Mower. As its name indicates, a zero-turn lawn mower comes up with zero turning angle which means you can maneuver easily on sharp edges and corners without facing any problems.

A lot of people are curious to know about the day-to-day common problems in zero-turn lawn mowers. These common questions are:

I received a lot of emails regarding all these mentioned questions so I decided to answer all these questions with a practical approach so that you can address your issues at home without any hurdles.

MY ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWER CUTTING UNEVENLY / NOT CUTTING THE GRASS PROPERLY

People are frustrated about the zero-turn lawn mower cutting issues, and many lawn mowers owner are asking about the solution to the uneven cutting of grass. Similarly, a few of them also want to know about the zero-turn lawn mower cutting issues while working on the lawns. The common reasons which are responsible for an uneven cut in zero-turn lawn mowers:

PRESSURE OF LAWNMOWER TYRES

The first reason behind the uneven cutting issue in zero-turn lawn mowers is the low air pressure in tyres. Normally, people do not care about the tire pressure in lawn mowers, resulting in uneven and improper grass-cutting.

Therefore,

When you are planning to trim your lawn grass then you must check the air pressure in the tyres before starting the work. The air pressure for both tires (rear and front) is mentioned in the instruction manual.

So,

Always check the air pressure of your zero-turn lawn mower before starting work it will address your uneven cutting problem.

DULL BLADES OF ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWER

The second common reason, behind an uneven cut in zero-turn lawn mowers, is unsharpened blades. Lawn mower users used lawn mowers for years without checking the blade conditions.

Similarly,

A lot number of lawn mower users don’t know how to sharpen the blades of lawn mowers at home. They do have not enough money to hire a technician who removes the blade of the lawn mower and sharpens the blades.

Resultantly,

Zero-turn lawnmowers cut the grass unevenly and people face problems. To address this issue, always check the blades for any damage, if the blades are dull you have to sharpen the blades without waiting for any severe. I explained in another article how to sharpen the blade at home you can read that article it surely helps you and you can sharpen blades on your own and save money and time.

LOOSE OR UNBALANCED BLADES

The third major reason behind the uneven cut of zero-turn mowers is loose blades in the shaft of lawnmowers. After passing time the bolts and nuts of the blades are loose and when you start cutting due to movement your mower cuts unevenly.

In this case,

Inspect your machine before working and check the blades by moving it with your hand if you find any loose movement or unbalanced blades, tighten the bolts and nuts, and the problem is solved within a minute.

ZERO TURN LAWNMOWER DECK IS FULL OF GRASS CLIPPINGS

Another common reason for the uneven cut in zero-turns is not cleaning of lawn mower deck, generally, people are very lazy to empty the deck and clean the deck after completion of work which resulted in the uneven cut. The grass clipping blocks the airflow which is required essential for mowing therefore the mower start cutting the grass unevenly.

To Avoid,

Therefore, always clean the deck of your lawnmower after working and empty all the clipping inside the deck, and clean it thoroughly especially wet grass sticks into the deck which create more trouble for you if you do not clean it.

ZERO TURN LAWNMOWER ENGINE ISSUE

Sometimes your machine has engine issues and loses power during work and cut unevenly. Similarly, a lawnmower is surging and does not cut the grass properly. All these issues are responsible for an uneven cut.

Moreover,

If you face this kind of issue with your lawnmower you need to service the mower at home or go to a company workshop. After service, your problem gets resolved and your uneven cutting problem is also solved.

METHOD OF CUTTING

Some people cut the grass casually, you need to follow one pattern while cutting the grass and follow this pattern in the whole lawn. You change the pattern once you start overlapping all these techniques while cutting the grass. If you are new you may face uneven cuts and gradually this problem is solved. In this case, you need to practice more and more to avoid improper cutting of grass.

I hope you are facing an uneven cutting problem due to the above-mentioned issues. These issues are common and easily solvable; you do not need any special tools or equipment. Additionally, you do not need to hire a technician for these issues and by following these instructions I don’t think you face this problem again and you can solve it at home.

OPERATING OF ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWER

Many people are asking about the operating / driving of zero-turn lawn mowers. If you recently buy the zero turn then you are excited, but there are a few precautions while driving the zero turn lawn mowers because these mowers are faster than ordinary lawn mowers and the maneuverability is very fast, you are more careful while driving the zero turn mowers. Especially these mowers come up with levers instead of steering therefore, you need to understand and read the operating manual before starting the work.

While driving zero turn lawnmower there are a few precautions to follow:

HOW DOES ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWER WORK?

Many people are asking questions about the working of zero-turn lawnmowers.

The working of zero-turn lawn mowers is similar to other mowers but the difference is zero-turn capability, the mowers are designed to move in steep and slopes, corners very fast due to easy maneuverability.

The mowers use two motors. The wheels are controlled by the levers and depend upon the operator where he wants to move. As these mowers are designed to maneuver fast, therefore it is very important to drive carefully on slopes and wet grass to avoid any accidents

These mowers are used to mow the grass up to 15 Degrees. Another big benefit of using zero turns is the availability of attachments. If you want to add any attachment like mulch kit etc you can easily buy from any online store.

RELIABILITY OF ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWERS

When you buy this kind of machine it is a very handsome investment and these machines are very expensive. The company promises its reliability and provides a warranty/guarantee for its product.

But,

The life of any mower depends upon the usage and look after of the machine. If you are a person who never cares about the servicing and maintenance of the machine of course after some time you face problems. If you do the maintenance and servicing on time I noticed that these machines are working for years without any big issue. Always do maintenance and service on time and it will be worth buying for you for the next four=five years. I know many people who are using their mowers for 5 to 6 years without any issues and they are still happy with the performance of their lawnmowers.

MY LAWNMOWER BLADE WON’T ENGAGE

People are facing this problem very frequently that mower blades are not working even in every type of lawnmower. The main causes are:

These are the main reasons behind the failure of blades moving in lawnmowers. You can inspect the machine and change the belt on your own but for the clutch and PTO problem, you need to go to a workshop or hire a technician who properly checks these parts to avoid any other inconvenience.

ARE ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWER ENGINES INTERCHANGEABLE?

People are restoring old machines and asking a question about the engines of different lawn mowers. The engine of any riding lawn mower is similar you can interchange it with another mower but the deck specifications are different. If you are restoring some older machines then you might be careful about the dimensions and precisely do the deck measurements and other specifications so that you do not face any hurdles during the restoration.

USE OF ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWERs IN ROUGH TERRAINS

Zero-turn lawn mowers are designed for every kind of terrain. YES, you can use the mower in rough terrains it works accurately but you must be careful while driving the zero turn because of its speed as i mentioned earlier in this article. You must be careful while driving on steep, and slopes and try not to exceed 15 degrees.

7 USEFUL TIPS TO UP-KEEP YOUR ZERO-TURN LAWNMOWER

1: Cleaning of Mower

The first and most important tip to avoid any issue with your mower, is to clean it after completion of the mowing activity. It is very important because the grass clippings, debris, and water drops are responsible for rust and corrosion, which ultimately create trouble in the long term.

2: Checking of Oil

Another important tip is to check the level of oil in your mower frequently. Some people never checked the oil level, and which is very harmful to your combustion engine. Even in some cases the engine got seized. So, always check the oil level prior to starting to mow your grass.

3: Checking of Air and Oil filter

Similarly, proper oil and air filter is also a lifeline for lawnmowers. Always check the filters and if found any anomaly immediately change it. Otherwise, power lagging started in your mower.

4: Inspection of blades

Generally, people avoid inspection of blades. Sometimes your mower blades are dull and they need to be sharp for better performance. If you want that your mower perform better it is mandatory to inspect the blades properly.

5: Tire Pressure

In addition, tire pressure also play important role in the performance of your mower. When you use it after a long time, it is obvious that the tire pressure is low. So, always check the tire pressure when you start working in your garden.

6: Lubrication

Lubrication of your mower is also very important. Always lubricate the moving parts like the steering and cables. Lubrication reduces friction and it will decrease the vibration level in your machine.

7: Storing

Last but not least, the place where you store your mower is crucial. Always store it in a dry place. It will save your mower from rust and corrosion. Similarly, your mower performance is the same as the new one.

If you follow these tips vigorously, I don’t think your mower is defective early, and even after years, your machine is working the same as the new one. These are the tips that I follow and I never faced any trouble while working in my garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems in zero-turn lawnmowers?

The most common problems in zero-turn lawn mowers are related to the engine, cutting blades, and electrical components.

How can I prevent common problems in zero-turn lawnmowers?

You can prevent common problems by regularly maintaining and servicing your zero-turn lawn mower, including changing the oil, replacing air filters, and inspecting the cutting blades.

What type of maintenance checks should I perform on my zero-turn lawn mower?

Regular maintenance checks should include inspecting the belts, lubricating moving parts, checking tire pressure, and ensuring all electrical connections are secure.

What should I consider when choosing a zero-turn lawn mower for a residential property?

When choosing a zero-turn lawn mower for a residential property, consider the size of the lawn, the terrain (flat or hilly), and the maneuverability of the mower.

What are some common components that may require replacement in zero-turn lawnmowers?

Common components that may require replacement include spark plugs, air filters, cutting blades, and drive belts.

What should I do if my zero-turn lawn mower encounters a difficult problem that I cannot repair on my own?

If you encounter a difficult problem that you cannot repair on your own, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from a repair shop or a qualified technician.

Are zero-turn lawnmowers more efficient than traditional lawn tractors?

Yes, zero-turn lawn mowers are typically more efficient than traditional lawn tractors, especially for mowing large, open areas.

What are some important tips for maintaining a zero-turn lawn mower?

Important tips for maintaining a zero-turn lawn mower include keeping the cutting blades sharp, cleaning the cutting deck regularly, and following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

What should I examine if my zero-turn mower is not performing as expected?

If your zero-turn mower is not performing as expected, you should examine the fuel system, spark plugs, and air filters for any obstructions or damage.

What are some common challenges associated with using zero-turn lawnmowers?

Some common challenges associated with using zero-turn mowers include learning to maneuver the machine effectively, especially on hilly terrain, and ensuring proper maintenance to avoid costly repairs in the future.

CONCLUSION

Machines are invented to provide ease to human beings instead of making them troublesome. Same like this lawn mowers are invented to help you in reshaping your lawn but due to human error, these machines are making trouble in day-to-day work. I tried to solve all your daily issues related to zero-turn lawn mowers. I hope you find this article helpful in maintaining your lawnmower.