Let’s face it! Today you are going to read the complete How to Setting Up A Riding Mower Without Technician [Essential Information]. As far as riding mowers are concerned, setting them up might just be one of the most difficult things especially if you are using a mower for the first time or are stepping up from your hand-driven lawn mower.
The most difficult part about setting up a riding mower is where you have to go through the trouble of seeking the assistance of a technician. The sad part is that you don’t always have the guarantee that they’ll be doing a good job
Not to worry, however, because, in this section, I’ll draw the curtains and let you in on the major things you should consider when setting up a lawn mower.
Setting up a Riding Mower – Details Guide From Expert
Troubleshoot your lawn mower
Most of the lawn mowers nowadays come with the electric system and rather than pulling a cord in order to start them up, all you need to do is turn a key. Over the years, this has proven to be more convenient.
Since it will be using a battery, it is important that you carefully check the battery. The machine’s ignition system depends on the switch which is composed of the starter and a solenoid. Just in case you have a look at the battery and it happens not to be the issue, then the switch might just be where the problem is.
If the problem is with the starter switch, it may turn out to be a hassle before you can fix it. it mainly involves disconnecting some of the wires on the mower and then taking the starter from the mower completely. Unless you know what you are doing, it is best that you seek the assistance of a professional
Have a look at the oil level
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For anyone who’s handled any kind of oil-driven automobile, this is one thing that they are familiar with. Though some of the mowers will come with a fuel tank that allows you to have a look at the oil levels, there are some users who will forget to check how high the oil is before starting up the mower.
Just like any other vehicle, running the mower with the oil levels low may end up damaging it. This, in turn, results in you spending more time and money on the repairs just because of one simple mistake that you could have avoided in a matter of seconds.
Is the safety on or off?
Just as is the case in the walk-behind mowers, the riding lawn mowers also have got the safety switches. As it turns out, the safety related issues turn out to be the problem when you have issues starting up your riding mower.
In the best mowers, there will be a switch that shuts down the engine if you aren’t sitting firmly on the seat of the mower. With this feature, your safety as a driver is guaranteed since just in case you happen to be thrown off your seat, the mower automatically turns off.
Another safety feature on the best mowers is the switch that prevents the mower from franking off if the blades are engaged. This saves on energy and at the same time doesn’t wear out the engine.
Leveling the deck
If you’re using the riding mower for the first time, don’t be worried if you don’t cut your grass right, most first timers don’t get it right too. With time, however, they get it right and if they could do it, so can you!
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Ensure that the brake is set
When you get ready to level your deck, you first need to ensure the mower is on a level ground. This way, you’ll be using your level ground as a foundation for taking the correct measurements.
If you’re satisfied that the ground is level enough, set the parking brakes on. This should be the case if you need to do any adjustments or repairs on your riding lawn mower. This way, you get to prevent the mower from rolling backward and hurting those who’re working beneath it.
Once the brake is set, have the deck raised to the highest position possible.
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Take the measurements
With the deck raised, measure how high the bottom of the deck is from the ground. Do this on both sides of the deck to see if the leveling is even or know how out-of-level one side is. It is recommended that if they are out-of-level, they be at least within ¼ of an inch with each other
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Does the mower need adjustment?
If it needs an adjustment, you need to locate where the adjustment nut is. In most cases, it is the lower part of the suspension arm of the deck. You may in some cases find two nuts one of which you should adjust.
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Measure once more
After adjusting it, take a second measurement. The adjustment’s you had made should have leveled the deck up already.
One full turn will either raise or lower the deck by 1/8 of an inch. With this in mind, you will need fewer adjustments when the time to adjust it comes again.
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Here’s how to remove an engine from your riding lawn mower
When a complication occurs, you may find the need to remove your riding mower engine and inspect it closely, get a correct diagnosis then repair it appropriately. Here are the steps you should take to remove it.
Drain the oil: using a pair of pliers, disengage the spark plug wire then pull away from the drain plug and allow the oil to drain. It is best to drain it when it is slightly warm as the oil flows much faster than when it is cold.
Drain the gas: before doing this, first, loosen the clamp on the fuel hose. Beginning at the base of the gas tank and proceeding to where the hose is attached to the carburetor, you should be able to trace the path of the hose. Remove the hose from the carburetor then place it in a bucket for about a minute for all the gas to drain.
Know where the throttle linkage is: beneath the carburetor, there’s a cable attached to the throttle. Unscrew the throttle to remove the linkage cable.
Find the starter: this is at the side of the engine and looks like a small can. If it is an electric-start, the mower will have a red battery cable joined to it and you should unfasten it with a wrench.
Take out the nuts and bolts: at the base of the mower engine are nuts holding it to the mower house. Place a wrench on each bold and one should hold the nut below the house then start unscrewing it.
Take out the drive belt: on the crankshaft under the engine is the drive belt. To remove it, tilt the engine forwards then pull it from the pulley.
Pull out the engine: holding it with both hands, you can now lift the engine from the mower house.
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