As their name implies, Zero Turn mowers can turn on a dime.
They are very fast too, up to 8 MPH – making them perfect for large areas and also doing detail work.
Read below for more information!
How Do Zero Turn Mowers Work?
By definition, a Zero Turn Mower is a type of ride-on or tractor lawnmower!
The number one distinction from your traditional riding mower is that its wheels are considerably lower.
While riding mowers are usually high-wheeled for capability to grip all types of terrain, it is not desirable for fine work.
This is ideal for mowing any type of rough terrain, however, it is not ideal for fine detail work!
When you get into troubling areas (curbs, edging, etc.), you may find a zero-turn mower to be more of an asset.
You may also have a couple of mowers as a remedy for detail work versus more general mowing!
How Do You Use a Zero Turn Mower?
So, what are the mechanics that keep Zero-Turn Mowers moving forward?
They are designed with a low center of gravity, and are only using the front wheels to propel them.
All you must do is unchoke (if necessary) and push the levers forward to move forward, or pull the levers when moving in reverse.
If you want to move left, all you have to do is push left lever forward, and vice-versa to go right!
It’s all because of the hydraulic motor on each axle—fun fact!
How Do You Not Tear Grass With a Zero Turn?
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers are primarily designed to cut grass closely, and one of the obvious risks of using a ZTR mower is that you could tear the grass.
Likely that the risk of tearing grass occurs while doing this on uneven or rough terrain.
There is an easy trick you can employ to prevent thisfrom happening (and looking bad).
To slow down the Zero Turn Lawn Mower for a nice cut, simply push one lever forward and pull one lever back!
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers are designed for precision, and generally do not tear grass.
See below for further information!
How Do You Crank a Zero Turn? (Get It to Start)
So, how exactly do you start a Zero Turn motor?
Not to worry, it is easy.
Just disengage the choke/brake and push both levers forward.
If you push both levers forward all of the way, Zero Turn Motors can go anywhere from 0-9 MPH.
That is impressive considering a ride on or rotary mower typically only gets somewhere from 3-6 MPH.
Why Won’t My Zero Turn Motor Start?
So your zero-turn mower won’t start all of a sudden? What could be the problem?
Lets take a look!
Clogged Carburetor
If your Zero Turn Motor won’t start, a clogged carburetor is one of the top reasons.
Luckily you can fix this without a whole lot of fuss or a bunch of elbow grease, with some standard commercially available carburetor cleaner!
Bad Starter Solenoid
A broken starter solenoid is not as likely as the previous, but could also prevent the Zero Turn mower from starting adequately.
An indication of a bad starter solenoid would be if you hear a fast-clicking sound, or see the starter attempt to rotate over, but it never does!
As a good thing: you can always purchase a new starter solenoid to fix the issue. If you do not want to, you could take it to a power equipment dealer for them to fix!
Clogged Fuel Filter
A blocked fuel filter is a frequent source of Zero Turn Mower issues. Luckily, it’s probably the easiest fix!
If your Zero Turn Mower has a nylon or paper filter, and it is clogged, you should simply throw it away and buy a new filter!
If the filter is made of metal, and otherwise is in acceptable shape, you may want to try to salvage it!
This can be easily done, with a solvent cleaner!
To salvage a fuel filter, relieve the pressure from the fuel system, careful remove the filter from the fuel lines, and then spray a generous amount of solvent cleaner on the fuel filter!
Wait until it’s dry (about an hour) then you may reinstall it and reconnect your battery!
You’re ready to use your Zero Turn Mower!
Dead Battery
While it might seem apparent, it is always a good idea to think about a dead battery.
Of course, that can take the wind out of your lawnmower’s sails!
However, it’s worth noting that a lawn mower battery will rarely die permanently and more than likely just came unplugged from the motor.
That could be from some jolting and jostling during use since it is safe to say that if there is some vibration from the lawnmower, it is probably reaching both the battery and the motor!
Therefore, it is quite possible that just connecting the battery again might be all it takes to get your Zero Turn Motor going again!
How to Properly Store and Maintain Your Zero Turn Mower
Like any costly lawn equipment, you want to store a Zero Turn Mower correctly to preserve it!
This is especially true during the cold months or inclement weather!
So how do you properly store a Zero Turn Mower?
The best place to store any yard equipment is a place that is dark and cool.
This will reduce that potential for sun bleaching and heat damage.
It is also suggested to leave the tank full of fuel. This will ensure not to have a tank that is dried out or compacted in the cold!
You will also want to ensure that the blades of your Zero Turn mower are sharp so they can cut grass – otherwise, a dull blade will just pill up the grass like any lawn mower.
Check regularly: It is also suggested to check the tires are inflated!
What Type of Gas Should You Put in a Zero Turn Mower Tank
Most zero-turn mowers are fuelled with tried-and-true gasoline.
To get the best mowing performance out of your machine, however, you should always put fresh unleaded gasoline – preferably with an octane rating of 87 or higher – into your gas tank!
While ethanol-blended gasoline can be adequate for use with zero-turn mowers, it is best to avoid using gasoline containing higher than 10% ethanol!
How to Use a Zero Turn Mower on a Hill
Can a zero turn mower be used on a hill?
The answer to this question is multifaceted, primarily depending on how much of a hill we are discussing. For most other factors, a zero turn mower is meant for flat areas, but it can be used when there is up to 15 degrees of incline.
You’ll just have to take it more slowly, and be cognizant of whether or not the blades are going to pull up grass, or get stuck for that matter.
For Example: If you want to take your turns slower, then just pull on the levers less. Also, make sure that your blades are sharp enough to handle that type of incline.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the mechanics behind the Zero Turn Mower, do you think your lawn will require a mower of this type?
Probably, if you have a relative size lawn or a relatively flat area to mow.
If you want great detail, sharp turns, and a different mowing experience, you can get all of that with a Zero Turn Mower.