Heading out on your zero turn for the first few times can be daunting in itself, let alone getting nice straight lines as you cut. But with a bit of practice and following a few tips, you’ll be going straight in no time. Unfortunately, my first few weeks using a zero turn were less than perfect and left me wondering if I’d ever achieve straight lines. So, I’d like to share with you how I managed to straighten things up and keep my lawn looking better than ever.
Struggling to Cut in Straight Lines with Your Zero Turn? Here’s Why
I discovered that my problem with mowing straight lines came down to a few things. Firstly, I was looking straight down at the front of the mower. This basically meant that I didn’t really see exactly where I was going.
Secondly, I would be going too fast, so I was way off track before I knew it. The third reason I struggled to get a straight line when mowing with my zero turn was that I wasn’t starting off in an easy spot on the lawn. Having an easier line to start with, without any obstruction, made a real improvement and helped me start off on the right foot.
How to Mow Straight Lines with a Zero Turn Mower (Step By Step)
Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to mow straight lines with a zero turn. This method is the best approach when first starting out with a zero turn lawn mower.
How to Mow Straight Lines with a Zero Turn Overview
- Pick Your Line
- Position Hands
- Look Ahead
- Overlap
- Maintain a Steady Speed
Pick Your Line
First, find a part of your lawn where you can make an unobstructed, long cut. This is going to be the reference point for the rest of your mowing.
Position Hands
Next, position your hands where you think you have the best control of the zero turn mower. This is usually on the tops of the handlebar and not too close together. You want to make sure that you can control the mower without any jerky movement. This may require you to adjust the seat to get the best position.
Look Ahead
When you start cutting, try to look at least 10-15 feet in front of the mower. If you’re looking straight down at the grass, you’ll find yourself wanting to make constant adjustments. It’s similar to riding a bicycle. It’s much easier to have a smooth ride when you’re looking ahead instead of looking straight down.
Overlap
When starting out, it’s best to overlap your cut by several inches. This means that you will not need to make so many corrections in the steering because you are leaving uncut grass between passes. Be patient; as your skills improve, you’ll be able to reduce the overlap.
Maintain a Steady Speed
Try to maintain a nice, steady speed and try not to be jerky. You’ll find that with a little bit of speed, a straight line is much easier. Again, it’s like riding a bike. If you go too slow, you’ll fall off.
My Top Tips for Cutting in Straight Lines
If you follow my step-by-step guide on how to mow straight lines with a zero turn, your skills will improve after just a cut or two. So, next time you’re out with your zero turn, follow these steps and see how you improve. Also, here are a few extra tips that will help straighten things out.
- Practice without the blades running to get more familiar with the mower.
- Vary your speed to see what works best for you.
- Relax and don’t worry about getting it perfect straight away.
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