Tips for Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Maintenance
Serious lawns require serious mowers, and nothing handles big lawns better than zero-turn mowers. They’re fast, powerful, and can easily maneuver around obstacles like flower beds and trees. However, even though these machines are rugged and durable, they can still get clogged with grass and debris, lose sharpness, or break down if you don’t keep up with periodic maintenance. Regular upkeep on your end can help to keep your mower running smoothly, extend its life, and reduce the amount of money you spend on repairs.
Four Brothers Outdoor Power is your premier zero-turn mower dealer with locations in Royse City and Terrell, Texas. We want our customers to have all the information they need to take care of their equipment, which is why we've gathered up some basic zero-turn lawn mower maintenance tasks that even beginners can handle. If you have any questions or need to get your mower serviced, get in touch with us today!
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual will have all the details you need to take care of your zero-turn mower, including any specific maintenance guidelines, as well as information about the service schedule. There are a lot of problems that can be solved with a quick look at the owner’s manual, saving you the time and energy of calling a professional. You can also use the manual to write down whatever maintenance you perform and keep a record of any repairs done, which will be useful if you later choose to sell your mower.
Sharpen the Blades
Dull blades won’t cut the grass as evenly and will increase the time it takes to finish a task. All you need is a file or grinder to get that blade back into shape. Grind off all the dull material so you’re left with a sharp blade ready to effectively cut the grass again. You want to make sure that the blade moves quickly through the air and cuts the grass without shredding it up.
Clean the Deck
Grass clippings, mud, and debris can cling to your zero-turn mower’s deck and cause issues. A clogged undercarriage can face overheating problems, making it less effective at cutting the grass. Drive the mower on a small ramp to get better access to the cutting deck, and then use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to clear away the debris.
Inspect the Air Filter
Perhaps the most common mistake in zero-turn mower maintenance is ignoring the air filter. Air filters can easily become clogged with dirt and debris. This can cause serious problems, like preventing enough air from getting to the engine, which results in low fuel efficiency. The air filter can become so clogged that it creates suction that’ll tear right through it and make way for debris to get into the cylinder. Check the air filters regularly and replace them whenever required to avoid expensive repairs.
Check the Spark Plugs
Your zero-turn mower will face long periods of downtime and then periods of intense uptime. This can put undue stress on your spark plugs. It's best to replace them at least once a year to keep your engine running well. If your spark plugs aren't pre-gapped, then you will need a plug gap tool to get the gap at the ideal width.
Storage
Before you put your zero-turn mower in storage at the end of the season, you will want to perform some preventative maintenance tasks. First, drain out the gasoline. Gasoline can separate and break down during storage, which then leaves behind a corrosive sludge at the bottom of the tank. Removing gasoline helps prevent this. Another option is to add a fuel stabilizer to your tank.
Next, clean your mower thoroughly. This will help prevent the accumulated grime from damaging the exterior. Finally, find a good location to store your mower. Try to pick a spot that will be protected from the elements, such as a garage or shed. If this isn't an option, use a breathable cover to protect your machine.
We hope that our zero-turn mower maintenance guide has been helpful. If you’re looking for zero-turn lawn mowers for sale in Texas, visit Four Brothers Outdoor Power at one of our locations in Royse City or Terrell. Our team of courteous professionals will be happy to help you find a model that suits your budget. We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Garland, Canton, and Greenville.