Taking on a different type of lawn mower can be a daunting idea. Stepping away from your trusted walk-behind and onto a zero-turn is a big step and also comes with its own set of problems. But hey, this could be your first lawn mower. So rather than taking a leap of faith and picking out a zero-turn lawn mower blindly, let’s discover what issues you might encounter and what you can do to prevent them.
Zero Turn Problems (The Short Answer)
Since they share the same components, zero-turns will encounter many of the same problems as walk-behind and ride-on lawn mowers. On the other hand, components like caster wheels and bar steering are specific to zero-turn mowers and require special attention. Additionally, there will be items you don’t need to worry about with zero-turns, like a brake and steering rack, as they are not used.
A Closer Look at Common Problems with Zero Turn Mowers
Zero-turn lawn mowers are designed with a specific task and environment in mind. Unfortunately, these designs can generate constraints and repairs, making cutting your yard difficult at times. Here are the common problems I’ve heard people talk about with zero-turn mowers that have stuck out to me and are worth mentioning.
Problems with Traction
Zero-turn lawn mowers use rear turf tires and front caster tires with minimal tread and even less grip. As a result, approaching a damp hill on a zero-turn is sometimes a non-starter. Success in conquering the hill will be out of the question with limited traction.
Delicate Caster Wheels
The front wheels of a zero-tun lawn mower are caster wheels, the same design you would find on the bottom of an office chair. These front wheels take the brunt of uneven surfaces and apply great force against the wheel bearings and wheel yoke bearings. Collapsed bearings are a problem you’ll face more often than not if you’re not careful.
Not Driving Straight
With the lack of a steering wheel, driving straight requires the operator to apply even pressure to both drive bars. As a result, the mower will drive straight by moving the bars forward or backward at an even distance. The problem lies when the drive bars are out of alignment. Applying even pressure to misaligned bars will cause the mower to go in circles.
Punctured Tires
Punctures in the caster wheels are probably my biggest complaint when it comes to zero-turn mowers. The caster tires are very unforgiving when it comes to punctures. With the lack of tread and high inflation pressure, they seem to love picking up every thorn and screw.
Maintaining the Mower Deck
Zero-turns have significantly large cutting decks and can cut a far wider strip than a conventional walk-behind. One downside to this is that much more needs to be maintained. Additional blades, a bigger belt, and extra pulleys are just a few parts that need individual attention.
You will no longer be able to simply look at the grass to tell when your blade needs sharpening. Instead, you will need to be looking to see which one of the multiple blades needs sharpening.
Weak Hydrostatic Drives
A common problem with a zero-turn mower is a weak hydrostatic drive. The hydro is the system that is able to give the mower its ability to turn on the spot and get in and out of tight spaces. Unfortunately, with all the benefits, there are operational problems. Unless a hydrostatic drive is running close to perfect, it is going to cause issues like lack of power and drive, just to name a few.
How to Avoid Experiencing These Problems
Like every problem, there’s always a solution. Here’s how I managed to get over zero-turn problems and have a much more pleasant experience.
Getting a Grip on Things
This one is easy. Just don’t use the mower when it’s wet or damp, and don’t drive straight up hills. Turf tires will quickly turn into slicks with wet grass clippings and dirt. Simply staying out of the wet will avoid this problem altogether.
As for struggling to get up a hill, drive the mower at an angle instead of straight up. You can reduce the burdens of the hill’s steepness by changing the angle you approach it. For example, I always cut the bank in my yard from side to side, not up and down.
Another tip is if you need to make a turn on the hill, do it in reverse. With all of the weight on the rear tires, you’ll have much more grip.
Protect the Casters
To protect the casters, you just need to slow down. Now I know zero-turn mowers are fast, too fast sometimes, and we are tempted to go flat out. But a slow speed is the solution unless you want to replace bearings regularly. You could look to buy a zero-turn with front suspension if you happen to have a naturally bumpy yard and money burning a hole in your pocket.
Driving Straight
You need to reach for the tools and repair the damage to get your mower driving straight again. Likely the problem is because of a bent lever or loose bolts. While this isn’t a big problem and a pretty easy fix, it’s just one of those things to be aware of that is specific to zero-turns.
Avoiding Punctured Tires
Punctures are inevitable, but what can you do about them? Well, having a solid front tire is going to stop any puncture as there’s no longer air in the tires. Alternatively, use a tire sealant inside the tire before you even get a puncture. This stuff is great; as soon as there is a hole in the tire, the sealant squirts out and fixes the puncture for you. All you need to do is keep an eye on your tire pressure.
Mower Deck and Maintenance
If you decide to go big and have a zero-turn, in my opinion, the only sacrifice you have to make is some extra maintenance. For example, I like to set aside some extra time before and after cutting my lawn to check over everything. Catching a problem early on can save a lot of time and money in the long run.
Powering Up Hydrostatic Drives
Again, this is another maintenance topic you need to stay on top of to avoid any additional damage. It can be as quick as topping off fluids and bleeding the hydro system. Even with the complex-sounding name, it’s all pretty simple and nothing to be put off by.
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