How to Use a Riding Lawn Mower
A riding lawn mower is a must for anyone with a large lawn. It offers a faster cutting speed and a wider deck to help you get the job done much more quickly. It also requires substantially less physical effort than a push mower. Riding lawn mowers are now more affordable than ever and have many great new features. Here are a few tips to help you get started, and you should also consult your owner's manual for more information. Prairieland Partners is proud to serve the entire state of Kansas and surrounding areas, and we're always here to help if you have any questions!
Check Your Gas and Engine Oil
Most engine issues start with damaged internal machinery, so you should keep your oil at the proper level and replace it regularly. It's safe to store your lawnmower with fuel in the tank for short periods of time, but you shouldn't leave gas in the tank over the winter. Old gas can create knocks and other engine problems even if you add a fuel stabilizer.
Start Your Engine
If you have a manual transmission, you will need to press down both the brake and clutch or the dual-purpose pedal before turning the key. If your lawnmower has an automatic transmission, you might simply have to press a button or turn on a switch. Your mower will handle similar to most other motor vehicles. A manual transmission is great for people who prefer to roll their own gearbox, but with an automatic transmission, you only have to press the gas pedal and steer.
Engage Your Blades
When you're ready to mow, you can manually set the cutting height adjustment lever and then engage your blades with the lever or switch. Drive your lawnmower in straight lines and make U-turns when you head in the opposite direction. Be sure to slightly overlap your previous path, so you don't miss a spot.
Perform Routine Preventive Maintenance
Your lawn mower will have one to three blades that are flat and sharpened on one side. Lawnmower blades are like any other cutting instrument and can become dull after heavy use. Rocks and roots can really take a toll on your cutting blades, so be sure to sharpen them or replace them as needed. Be sure to also replace your air and oil filters as needed and monitor your fuel and oil levels. Unauthorized repairs will void your manufacturer's warranty, so don't be afraid to take your riding mower into an authorized repair shop for annual service and preventive maintenance.
Prairieland Partners serves the entire state of Kansas and surrounding areas. Visit any of our dealerships to see our current inventory.