If you own a zero turn mower, you know how convenient and efficient it is for mowing your lawn. A zero turn mower can maneuver around obstacles, cut grass faster, and save you time and energy. However, like any other machine, a zero turn mower also needs regular maintenance and repair to keep it in good shape and extend its lifespan. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to maintain and repair your zero turn mower and avoid some common problems that can affect its performance, efficiency, safety, and longevity.
One of the most important things to do for your zero turn mower is to check and change the oil and filter regularly. The oil lubricates the engine and prevents it from overheating and wearing out. The filter removes dirt and debris from the oil and protects the engine from damage. To check the oil level and color, you need to park your mower on a level surface, turn off the engine, and wait for a few minutes. Then, pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth, and insert it back into the oil tank. Pull it out again and see if the oil level is between the marks on the dipstick. If it is too low, you need to add more oil. If it is too high, you need to drain some oil. The oil color should be golden or amber. If it is dark or cloudy, you need to change the oil and filter.
The frequency of changing the oil and filter depends on the type and model of your mower and the hours of use. Generally, you should change the oil and filter every 50 to 100 hours of use or at least once a year. To change the oil and filter, you need to drain the old oil from the oil tank, remove the old filter, install a new filter, and fill the oil tank with fresh oil. Make sure you use the right type and amount of oil and filter for your mower. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Some common problems that can arise from low or dirty oil are overheating, engine damage, and reduced power.
Another important thing to do for your zero turn mower is to clean and sharpen the blades regularly. The blades are responsible for cutting the grass and giving your lawn a neat and even look. To clean and sharpen the blades, you need to turn off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and raise the deck to access the blades. Then, you need to remove the blades, scrape off any dirt, grass, and debris from them, and sharpen them with a file, a grinder, or a sharpening tool. You should sharpen the blades evenly and at the same angle as the original edge. To test the sharpness of the blades, you can try to cut a piece of paper with them. If they cut smoothly and cleanly, they are sharp enough. If they tear or bend the paper, they need more sharpening. After sharpening the blades, you need to reinstall them and make sure they are balanced and aligned.
Another important thing to do for your zero turn mower is to inspect and replace the belts and pulleys regularly. The belts and pulleys are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the blades and the wheels. They also control the speed and direction of your mower. To inspect the belts and pulleys, you need to turn off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and remove the covers or guards that protect them. Then, you need to check the belts and pulleys for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, frays, splits, or looseness. If you find any damage, you need to replace the belts and pulleys with new ones. Make sure you use the right size and type of belts and pulleys for your mower. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Some common problems that can arise from worn or loose belts and pulleys are slipping, squeaking, and reduced steering.
One More important thing to do is to lubricate the bearings and joints regularly. The bearings and joints are responsible for reducing friction and noise and allowing smooth movement of the parts. To lubricate the bearings and joints, you need to turn off the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and locate the grease fittings on your mower. Then, you need to use a grease gun to inject grease into the fittings until you see some excess grease coming out. Make sure you use the right type and amount of grease for your mower. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Some common problems that can arise from insufficient or excessive lubrication are friction, noise, and corrosion.
The deck and body are responsible for housing the blades and the engine and giving your mower a nice appearance. To clean the deck and body, you need to turn off the engine, and lower the deck to the ground. Then, you need to use a hose, a brush, and a mild detergent to wash off any dirt, grass, and debris from the deck and body. You should avoid using a pressure washer or a harsh cleaner as they can damage the paint and the parts. After washing the deck and body, you need to dry them with a cloth and apply a coat of wax or a protective spray to prevent rust and corrosion. Some common problems that can arise from a dirty or damaged deck and body are reduced airflow, clogging, and aesthetic issues.
The air filter is responsible for filtering the air that enters the engine and preventing dust and debris from damaging it. To clean and replace the air filter, you need to turn off the engine, and remove the air filter cover. Then, you need to tap the air filter gently to remove any loose dirt and use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to clean the surface. If the air filter is too dirty or damaged, you need to replace it with a new one. Make sure you use the right size and type of air filter for your mower. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Some common problems that can arise from a dirty or clogged air filter are reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and engine damage.
One last thing is to check and change the hydraulic fluid regularly. The hydraulic fluid is responsible for transmitting power and pressure to the hydraulic system that controls the steering and the movement of the wheels. To check and change the hydraulic fluid, you need to turn off the engine, and locate the hydraulic reservoir on your mower. Then, you need to check the fluid level and color and see if it is between the marks on the reservoir. If it is too low, you need to add more fluid. If it is too high, you need to drain some fluid. The fluid color should be clear or light amber. If it is dark or cloudy, you need to change the fluid and the filter. To change the fluid and the filter, you need to drain the old fluid from the reservoir, remove the old filter, install a new filter, and fill the reservoir with fresh fluid. Make sure you use the right type and amount of fluid and filter for your mower. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Some common problems that can arise from low or dirty hydraulic fluid are reduced steering, leaking, and hydraulic system damage.
Maintaining and repairing your zero turn mower is essential for keeping it in good shape and extending its lifespan. By following the tips and tricks we shared in this article, you can improve the performance, efficiency, safety, and longevity of your mower and enjoy a beautiful and healthy lawn. If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website. We are always happy to help you with your zero turn mower needs.