As with any lawn mower, take a zero turn mower for a test spin. If your TimeCutter has a different engine be sure to follow the instructions in your operator’s manual … How to Use & Operate a Commercial Zero Turn Gas Lawn Mower | Husqvarna - YouTube. This will require you to work with the mounting hardware, put the steering control into the upright position, and secure the levers. Finally, wider tires spread the load over a greater area, which will help. After all, if you don’t get the job done right the first time, you’ll have to hire a technician or mechanic to come over and find and fix your mistake. Push both of the levelers forward, to move the power forward in a straight line. You’ll also want to make sure that you take the time to clean the build up grass clippings on the device. Since the number of hours … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 127,323 times. Pushing one control lever farther forward than the other will cause you to … Once the new lawn mower battery is in place, simply prepare the engine (look for abnormalities, check the oil level, if necessary add oil), make sure the tire pressure is accurate, and put fuel into the engine of the mower. Consider practicing without the blades engaged when you first get your lawn mower to ensure you retain proper control. Is it different from the engine oil? But don’t hold the starting key more than 10 seconds in the start position. This will help to ensure that you’ll get the most accurate cut while working with your blades and can get the most use out of your blades as well. Practice using and steering a Zero Turn mower in a slow speed without the blades engaged, and then raise the speed when you are comfortable with it. This will mean you’ll have wasted both your time and your money. It will cost extra, but if you have a little bit of extra money to spend this will likely be the easiest option for you. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to remove the blades from the bottom of the mower and take them to your work bench. ZTR mowers have their engines mounted at the back of the seat. Accelerating & Braking. Ignition switch, for cranking your mower. The highest ticket ZTRs are geared toward professionals mowing dozens of properties a day. Guideline On Operating Of Zero Turn Lawn Mower. By using our site, you agree to our. Zero-turn riding mowers or ZTR mowers come with two opposing handlebars or levers. Once you feel that you’ve found the best positioning for the levers, you’ll be able to tighten them into position by adjusting the mounting bolts. You’ll be able to get the most out of your investments as long as you follow a few simple steps. And this basic information about the zero turn lawn mower will help you to learn the operating system quickly. You can do this with a blade balancer and magnet. How can I keep from making grooves in the lawn? Pushing both of the control levers will move your zero turn mower in a straight line. Do not let inexperienced people or children operate a ZTR mower. You’ll need to be confident that you can do this on your own. If you don’t find any imperfections, you can move on to sharpening the blades. For most homeowners, the sweet spot between features and price will be closer to $2,500 to $3,000. Because the mower’s engine won’t start until it’s getting warm. If the blade starts to get too hot, apply soapy water to cool it down again. Set the parking brake and raise the operator's seat. If you start to notice tears in your grass (often in the form of white streaks) you’ll need to sharpen your mower blades. Once these are in place, you can turn your key to the start position which will start the engine. Take Practice Laps Around Your Lawn Begin by making two to three laps around the perimeter of your lawn. You’ll want to hold them at a steady 30 degree angle for the best results. Putting a machine like this together will take a lot of time and precise work. In fact, driving a zero turn mower can be compared to driving a shopping cart. However, there is still some confusion when it comes to operating these devices and understanding how they work in general. How do I get the deck to raise up so it will crank? There are a lot of different parts and systems that you’ll have to put together in order to have a working mower. These levers are each connected to a motor in the back of the device and the motors are connected to the rear wheels. At Best of Machinery, we deliver tips, tricks and helpful guides for your everyday DIY and gardening needs. If you’re working with a hand grinder, you’ll want to secure the blade down to a vice and make sure that the edge is facing up in an area that gives you plenty of space to work with. A zero-turn mower steers by the use of two independent Wheel Motors and lap bars, and unlike riding lawnmowers – which use a traditional steering wheel. Zero Turn Mower Costs and Financing. Disengage the PTO, put the steering levers in the neutral position, and engage the parking brake before attempting to start the engine. The correct starting position for your drive handles requires you to have them wide apart. Learn to operate yours in an open, level area. Check your machine before starting it. Here are some general steering instructions to operate a zero-turn mower: To move your mower forward, push both bars away from yourself in an even motion. Engine replacements are expensive and often avoidable if you take the extra initiative to care for your machine early on. While many people can appreciate the physical design of a zero turn mower, they don’t understand how it differs from a traditional riding mower. Instead of having a steering wheel, zero turn mowers tend to have two different levers. Let them grind against the wheel grinder one to two times. Next, find the choke knob and pull it out. Now, rotate the key in the ignition switch to turn on the power of the mower. Put the key into the ignition. If you’re on a very tight budget or have experience with these types of things, you’ll likely do fine with this. To get the best results with a wheel grinder, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space to work with. They’ll need to be centered into a neutral operating position. If you have a friend that can cut you a good deal, or you prefer to have the machine assembled by a professional you trust, this might be the best option for you. Adjust the Handles or Secure the Steering Wheel. Keep your lawn mower clean and it will stay in peak performance working condition for years to come. Using a three point turn at the end of each row instead of one single turn will prevent the inside wheel from spinning and creating divots. Now you’re ready to focus on sharpening the blades. Here is a brief checklist to go over every time you use your machine. If you move the levelers in the opposite direction, the mower will turn. If your riding mower is a zero turn lawn mower, its … First go get it checked out. Parking brake, usually has to be engaged to start … This will help to ensure that you won’t have to replace the engine too early. One of the best things you can do to make sure your engine remains in working condition is to make sure you’re using the right type of gasoline or oil to fuel ratio. This may be difficult if you don’t have a background in working with machinery or tend to be impatient. After you’ve done this, you’ll be ready to put the blades back on your mower and start working again. One of the most simple, but most often forgotten steps you can take to keep your mower in top working condition is to make sure that all of the fittings and moving parts are properly greased. To start your zero-turn mower, locate and engage the parking brake. You’ll need to compare rates to see if you’ll be able to save any money by going this route, but it could be worth the savings or peace of mind. As far as the rest of the process to work a zero turn mower goes, there isn’t much difficulty. What kind of oil is required for the small container under the seat? The first part of the machine you’ll need to start with when you get the parts is the steering control system. The deck was accidentally lowered before the mower was turned off, now we can't get it to crank. This can be done with either a wheel grinder or a hand grinder. The next thing you’ll need to look for is the clutch. Once you’ve engaged the parking brake, you can move on to starting the device. If you have a friend that can cut you a good deal, or you prefer to have the machine assembled by a professional you trust, this might be the best option for you. It will be easier and more accurate to work with a wheel grinder, but it isn’t impossible to use a hand grinder instead. These are the devices that replace your steering wheel to make your mower go forward, reverse, and turn. You need to be able to give your clients a clean, beautiful lawn in a … The Zero-Turn Mowers Are Durable. Start up the machine and hold the blades to the wheel grinder. However, if you still have befuddlement in using your commercial zero-turn mower, spending time in the mower’s seat while learning the basic operation is an excellent way to start. Also, how do you start a Bad Boy lawn mower? The steering wheel is connected to the front wheels of the device. Though subtle, this is actually a very important difference. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. When you hear the engine start, push the choke knob back in and pull the throttle lever back until it reaches a fast idle. It will help to ensure that you’ll be able to use the machine for many years to come. The latest trend in lawn mowing technology is Zero Turn Radius, or ZTR lawnmowers. I hope this article removed all of your confusion on how to start a craftsman lawnmower. Deck height adjustment, to raise or lower the blade, depending on how high you want to cut your grass. Last but not least, don’t forget to take care of the engine. This will prepare you for the next step. And if you want to turn on the mower in the winter season, you will need to try the whole process 2 or 3 times. Another option for setting up your zero turn mower is to have a technician or mechanic assemble the device for you. 7.1 Ignition Switch—Bad Boy Mowers have a three position ignition switch: off, run, and start.With key inserted, rotate it clockwise to START position and release key when engine starts, and switch will automatically return to he RUN position.. Don’t let them drop too low – this will put too much pressure on your engine and leave you with poor results. When purchasing a zero-turn mower, make sure that it is clean, and the blades are too sharp. After you get these things finished, the rest is relatively light work. Try to avoid sudden severe movements because zero-turn lawn mowers are quite sensitive. If shopping for a ZTR mower, look for one with solid rubber front tires. In fact, its basic operation is pretty much like operating a boat. Never operate a ZTR mower on steep terrain. Whether you own a Toro Timecutter or Titan, starting your Toro zero turn mower follows the same steps. Traditional riding mowers don’t have a rear steering system. This article has been viewed 127,323 times. While they look large and bulky, zero-turn mowers can actually achieve high … To take care of this, you’ll need to make sure you’re wearing adequate safety protection gear, especially if you aren’t familiar with battery installation methods. This will save a lot of headache and make it easier for you to start working right away when machine arrives. Traditional lawn tractors have the engine mounted up front, like a car. You’ll probably have to sharpen your blades two to three times per season to make sure that they stay in top working condition. See The Routine Maintenance Schedule These work like a pair of paddles on a boat. When the device is turned on, you’ll be able to use these levers to go forward, backwards, and turn from side to side. After two times, dunk the blades in the soapy water so they don’t overheat. Zero turn mowers are starting to take the market by storm as more and more people begin to realize the immense benefits that come from having these mowing machines. We may earn commission from our brand partners when purchasing products through our links. For those in the professional lawn care industry, time is also money. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the oil levels. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. You’ll want to make sure that you’re keeping the parts in top working condition so you can maximize the amount of time that you have to use the device before you need to order replacement parts or a new device entirely. After all of this has been done, you’ll be ready to take the mower for a test run and see if there are any other adjustments that need to be made before you get to work. Just to set the stage, we’re going to discuss maintenance steps based specifically on the engine made by Toro for the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Lawn mower. These limits are suggested due to the possibility of the operator being thrown from the machine when turning sharply on steep slopes, as well as the possibility of the machine losing traction in sharp turns and sliding or tipping. Think of the two throttle levers as bicycle handlebars. Another option for setting up your zero turn mower is to have a technician or mechanic assemble the device for you. Push the lawn mower to the desired destination. Before you try to put the device together, take a look at the following overview to see if you think you have the patience and experience to assemble the mower. Keep an eye on your grass to determine when this needs to be done. This is the battery installation. Check the tires. If you use your zero-turn mower as a residential mower, then you probably want to spend the least amount of time it takes to complete your outdoor duties. Last Updated: February 18, 2020 You’ll also want to have a bucket of soapy water to work with nearby. Learning how to operate them is as easy as taking a few test runs to get comfortable with the controls. Another thing you can do is make sure you keep the mower clean. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You’ll want to make sure that you take off as little metal as is possible for you. Turn off the engine and and remove the key form the ignition switch. Then advance the throttle lever forward and you’ll be able to turn your key in the ignition. Before you sharpen your blades, make sure they don’t have any cracks or imperfections that would make them dangerous to continue to use. Note that, If the mower doesn’t start in the first attempt, try again. For more tips on how to operate a zero-turn lawn mower, consult your operator's manual. They operate with a rear wheel steering system. … Steering arms. The sharp turning of the machine can damage turf in very soft, or very dusty, dry conditions. Commercial zero-turn mowers are capable of mowing faster than other regular mower options, making to suitable for large lawns if you wish to save a significant amount of time and energy. You’ll also want to be careful to keep a consistent 30 degree angle if you want the best results. Zero turn lawn mowers can drastically reduce your mowing time. Similarly, what is the best zero turn mower? Zero Turn: Pull both levers back until the mower stops or slows significantly; By alternating one lever slightly into the forward position and the other slightly into the reverse position the mower will complete a zero turn, move the levers back to neutral after completing the turn … Once you’ve let the engine warm up a bit, you can disengage the parking brake and start working. Zero turn mowers make the perfect mower for reverse driving that helps you avoid lawn damage. Zero turn mowers cost more than most other riding lawn mowers, ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 plus accessories. Your Owner's Manual should have a slope chart or maximum slope rating for your mower. Your first option is to have the product come already assembled. Locate the release valves on the inside of each of the drive pumps. Use the type recommended by the manufacturer. The first thing you’ll want to do is engage the parking brake. If the mower is not properly secured then it could have damage and be a risk for vehicles and lives. Check the belts, pulleys, and blades to make sure they are free of debris and in good condition. My ZTM will not crank. Once you’re ready, apply the hand grinder to the blades. The next step requires you to assemble the safety switch and operator’s seat. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Let’s start. The sheer weight of the machine is usually what causes the compaction and can be minimised by not using a bagger, weights or a heavy operator. Continue to do this until you’ve created a sharp edge on the blades again. To create this article, 18 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Now, Start the mower easily and enjoy the mowing! However, if you aren’t experienced and can set aside a bit of extra cash, you’ll have a much better experience if you order the machine already assembled or have a mechanic put it together for you. Borrow or rent a ZTR mower before purchasing one, since they are formidable machines and not suitable for everyone. This system is the foundation of the mower, so it is important that you put it together correctly. It might be something you can't fix; it might be way worse than what you're thinking it is. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Your PTO should be pushed down into the off position. % of people told us that this article helped them. It is hydraulic fluid and has greater temperature demands than regular oil. This will help to prevent the metal parts from rubbing together and causing too much wear and tear damage. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments on the mower without having to worry about it pulling forward before you’re ready. When ordering a zero turn mower, you have a few options about how to go about setting up the device. Run the landscaping machine straight for a few minutes and then perform difficult manoeuvres, such as backing the machine up to a shed. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. On the other hand, pull them back to slow down the mower. The next thing you’ll have to do is adjust the levers into their proper alignment. A zero-turn mower operates at high speed, and it takes less time mowing. As an editor, she has polished and perfected an array of pieces for diverse readerships and audiences. ZTR mowers can turn so quickly, the operator can be thrown from the machine. Driving a zero turn mower is easy. With a zero turn mower, the process for this can be somewhat more difficult than others. Mow your grass when the soil is firm, but not wet. Zero-turn mowers use lap bars to “pivot” the mower up to 180 degrees, by pushing one lap bar forward or backward more than the other. Spend as little as 30 minutes in an open grass area to learn how a zero turn mower functions and you’ll be a pro. Turn the key and the engine starts.With the engine running, put the engine in neutral by pulling both levers together over your lap, and disengage the brake.Push both levers forward together, and the mower moves forward in a straight line. Once you’ve found it, disengage it. If you’re going to invest in a zero turn mower, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re taking the time to maintain the machine properly. Push your lap bars outwards and sit on the rider’s seat. Zero turn mowers are different. Refresh your mental health in just 1 week. Make sure that you are properly seated to disengage the interlock system. When you turn left on a bicycle, your left hand moves in to your body while your right moves forward. To turn the device on, all you’ll need to do is follow a few simple steps. However, there is one very important part that you’ll need to take care of. Here are the main controls common to ZTR mowers: Ignition switch, for cranking your mower. First of all, you need to know what actually zero-turn stands for. After that system is in place, you’ll need to take time to make sure that the seat is adjusted to settings that feel comfortable to you. Anna Ryan is a writer, copywriter and editor. She has a wide range of knowledge and, because of this, has been able to contribute to a variety of different genres, including article and blog writing. From simple checks that should be performed before use, to annual service items, these routine maintenance tasks will ensure your mower will operate for years to come. Mower clutch, to engage the mowing blades. If you want the best lawn care results, you’ll want to make sure that you’re keeping your blades sharp. Once you’ve done this you can work on connecting the seat switch harness to the seat switch. However, if you’re on a budget, or have experience doing these types of things, you might find this to be the best option for your situation. Before you start the engine of your zero-turn mower, it's extremely important to sit on your mower and learn how to move the bars to accelerate, turn, and stop. Keep the deck clean to maximize its service life. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Zero-turn mowers are also faster than most standard riding lawn mowers so be prepared for more power when you get behind the wheel and exercise caution when turning. Make sure you don’t run the starter for more than 10 seconds per minute. Once you’ve finished, repeat this process with the other side. It will be vulnerable to dust build up, moisture damage, rust, and other damage. These are fast, agile mowers that can outmaneuver the lawn mowers that depend on a steering wheel to guide them, cutting mowing time dramatically. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Here’s how it works:To start the mower, put the parking brake on, the gear shift in start or mow position, and the levers in starting position – wide apart to each side. This will leave it exposed to the elements. Before you try to set up the zero turn mower on your own, you should have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. References. Here are some steps to help you understand how to use them. Learn more. Release the starting key when the mower engine starts. Click to see full answer. Here is how to secure zero turn mower We have covered some basic important things you need to know about securing your mower.It is very important to secure a zero-turn mower. This article has been viewed 127,323 times. The same is true on a ZTR. Performing routine maintenance on your Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower is the key to keeping your machine in top condition and mowing with an attitude. While learning to drive a zero turn lawn mower, keep the engine speed at low throttle. The zero-turn mowers type was created to ensure that your lawn is always in good condition. The. Instead, make sure the device is in an enclosed area, or at least covered. The blade speed is also high, and the cut quality is superb. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. As you can see, assembling a zero turn mower is not the easiest process. To create this article, 18 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Read and follow all instructions in the owner's manual for your particular machine. You’ll need to lift the mower up so you can get underneath the machine. Before operating a zero-turn lawn mower, You need to have a clear idea about some basic things. Regardless of which method you use, you’ll want to balance your blades before you decide that you are done with your work. Anyone can learn how to drive a zero turn mower. Parking brake, usually has to be engaged to start the engine. You’ll need to put the levers into a neutral position so you can mount the seat and the seat plate. This is critical with a ZTR mower, since the turning dynamics of this machine place a great deal of stress on the tires. You’ll want to pay special attention to the blade edge and the lift wings. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Operate-a-ZTR-Lawnmower-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Operate-a-ZTR-Lawnmower-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Operate-a-ZTR-Lawnmower-Step-1.jpg\/aid359279-v4-728px-Operate-a-ZTR-Lawnmower-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"