Equipment Focus
By Mark Meyers
How to Maintain Your Mower
moving parts should be securely in place,
and the parking brake should function
freely. Also, the seat safety switch should
shut the engine off if the operator leaves
the seat while the blades are engaged
and/or the parking brake is disengaged.
Next, check the engine and drive system fluid levels, as well as the tire pressure
and wear. Then inspect belts for wear and
proper tension, and ensure the blades are
sharp and free from damage. Replace any
parts as needed before operating the
mower.
One of the most overlooked maintenance requirements is keeping the underside of the deck clean. The condition of
the turf typically dictates the frequency of
deck cleaning, but it's a good idea to in-
Photos provided by Dixie Chopper
he key to optimal zero-turn mower
performance is maintenance…period. Those mundane tasks that are
often put off until another day,
which never seems to come, will
save time and money in the long run.
Those little things are crucial to mower
maintenance to keep your equipment running its best, and your customers' lawns
looking great.
When it comes to zero-turn mower
maintenance (or any other piece of power
equipment), the first and best piece of advice is to read through the owner's/operator's manual. Although no one ever wants
to read it, this book has all the information
you need to maximize the performance of
your mower. The manual contains general
guidelines that can apply to most mowers
on the turf, but it also includes specific intervals and items that apply to each machine, depending on its intended use. For
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example, a heavy-duty industrial machine,
such as Dixie Chopper's Xcaliber, has different maintenance items and intervals
than a light commercial unit, such as a
Magnum, which is also different than a residential unit, such as a Zee 1.
Despite these differences in maintenance requirements, here are some general
maintenance procedures to follow, regardless of the type of mower.
A deck with heavy
build-up can leave
streaks in the turf,
drop clumps of grass
instead of an even
discharge, and also
cause the deck to
rust faster.
Every day
Before each use, visually inspect your
mower for fluid leaks and loose, damaged
or missing parts. Also, check for build-up
of clippings and/or debris around the engine, muffler and belts. These simple steps
can help prevent a costly breakdown and
avoid serious safety risks.
Speaking of safety, check all safety features to make sure they are in good working order. Guards or screens around hot or
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