Improving Zero-Turn Mower Performance

Proper preparation of your zero-turn lawn mower before, during and after the mowing season can help to reduce downtime, increase productivity and ensure a good quality of cut. All of these will lead to increased customer satisfaction, which is a winning combination for all landscape maintenence companies.

''Prior to using your zero-turn this season, be sure to follow the operator's manual,'' says Jeff Shearin, service manager at Clay's Power Equipment in Raleigh, NC (claysequipment.com). ''If you're a contractor with employees who operate your equipment, be sure to train all new hires on the safe and proper operation of a zero-turn. Also, make sure even your experienced operators receive refresher training.''

Pre-season maintenance. Shearin then offers the following pre-season maintenance tips to ensure that your mower runs efficiently with a greatly reduced risk of problems later in the year.

• Charge the battery completely and reconnect.
• Check all tire pressures for proper inflation.
• Grease all fittings and make sure all moving parts are free.
• Check all belt tensions.
• Change the oil and oil filter.
• Change the fuel filter.
• Check the air filters and replace or clean as needed. Do not clean secondary filters; only replace them as required.
• Check to ensure that the deck is level, all spindles and pulleys move freely, and that the blades are sharp and balanced.
• Check all fluids on the machine.
• Check spark plugs. Do not clean dirty plugs; replace them with new ones.
• Adjust the parking brake per operator's manual.
• Add fresh fuel (old fuel should actually be drained at the end of the season)
• Start the engine and check that it is running properly and at the correct rpm.