Zero turn lawn mowers, with their sheer size and unusual steering design, can look intimidating to an onlooker if they have never used one before. But this doesn’t mean that they are difficult to master once you know what to do. The first lesson with a zero turn is the pre-start checks and starting procedure. So, no matter if we’re talking Cub Cadet, Toro, or Ferris, lesson one remains the same.
What to Do BEFORE You Start Up Your Zero Turn Mower
Before you reach for the ignition key, there are several pre-start checks to review first. First, you need to make sure your environment is safe and that your zero turn is ready. Below I’ll talk through these checks I recommend you do before you think about firing your zero turn up.
Checking the Environment
You need to inspect the area around your zero turn and the path where it’s going. Start by checking where you are going to be cutting. Next, look at the working area and make sure that all obstacles have been removed, like garden hoses and kids’ toys on the lawn.
Next, you are going to want to check the location of the zero turn. Take a look around the mower and make sure nothing has rolled underneath or is leaned up against it.
Checking the Zero Turn
Once you are happy that your path is safe and no dangers are lurking out in the yard, it’s time to check the mower. So before you start up the engine, you’ll want to make sure it’s ready and that nothing obvious is going to cause a problem.
Does the Zero Turn have Enough Gasoline?
First, you’ll want to check the gasoline level in the tank. You’re going to need enough gasoline to start the engine and mow your lawn. If you are using a zero turn mower, then you probably have a larger yard and taking a long walk to fetch more gas is never fun.
Checking the Oil Level
Next, you’ll want to look at the engine’s oil level. Pull out the dipstick, give it a wipe and then pop it back in. Then pull the dipstick back out and make sure the oil is at the correct level.
Inspecting the Blades
Next, you’ll want to take a look under the cutting deck at the blades. You want to be making sure that the blades are nice and secure and that they’re sharp. There’s no point heading out to cut the lawn with dull blades.
Tires Pressure
Look at all the tires and check that they are inflated correctly. If you happen to have a tire pressure gauge at hand, then check to see that they have the correct pressure. The best tire pressure for zero turn mowers can vary from model to model, so check your owner’s manual if you’re not 100% sure.
General Inspection
Finally, take a look around the mower and make sure that everything looks ok. This is just an extra check to make sure nothing has been missed.
How to Start a Zero Turn (Step By Step)
After the environment and mower have been checked, you can move on to how to start your zero turn lawn mower. These steps need to be followed in this particular order as the mower’s safety systems will not allow the engine to be started if they’re not completed correctly.
Hand Brake
The first step is to apply the brake. The brake has a pressure switch that needs to activate to allow the mower to start.
Blades Disengaged
Next, ensure that the blades are disengaged. Again there is a pressure switch that needs to be activated.
Handlebars Open
The handlebars need to be fully open so that the mower knows the mower is not in drive. Again there is a pressure switch telling the mower where the handles are positioned.
Positioned in the Seat
Now you can sit down in the zero turn’s seat. Not surprisingly, there is a pressure switch under the seat. This ensures the mower will only work with an operator in position.
Position Throttle
Next, you’ll want to set the throttle to low. This means only a low amount of fuel will be added to the engine during the starting process, reducing engine flooding potential.
Start Engine
Now you can start the engine. Turn the key until the engine starts, then release it. The ignition is spring loaded so the key will return to the “on” position once the key is released.
Warm the Engine
With the engine started, it is always a good idea to allow the engine to warm up and correctly circulate its fluids.
Increase Throttle
Once the engine has warmed up for a few minutes, you can go ahead and increase the throttle to high speed.
Release Brake
Finally, you can release the brake and move the handlebars into position and be on your way to you mowing your yard.
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