How to Manually Push a Zero Turn Lawn Mower?
If your Zero Turn Mower isn’t starting, you may need the answer on how to manually push a zero turn lawn mower. Pushing the big and heavy zero-turn lawn mower isn’t an easy peasy task, but you can do this by following our step-by-step guide.
To manually push a zero-turn mower, you need to understand your mower is in operating position. You have to disengage it by pulling the hydrostatic drive transmission lever. Then close the drive arms and turn off the parking brake.
To understand the entire process in detail, check out our blog post. Below we’ll show you how to manually push your awesome machine in no time, so you can get back to enjoying your lawn care with ease!
Why Can’t You Manually Push a Zero Turn Lawn Mower?
Zero-turn mowers work differently compared to other types of lawnmowers. They have a different system; your mower wheels can’t move because of the Hydraulic pressure. But no worry, the solution is simple: you can disengage this system.
To disengage it, find the hydrostatic drive transmission lever and pull or push it. Once you disengage the hydrostatic transmission correctly, the zero-turn lawn mower will be ready to push or tow around the lawn.
The issue is how you can find the lever of the hydrostatic drive transmission because it’s not available in the same place in all mowers. That’s the point where the video below will help.
In this video, you can see the parts on the mower where the hydrostatic transmission lever may be available.
Step By Step Guide to Manually Push the Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Let’s get into the detailed step-by-step guide to manually push the zero-turn lawn mower.
Find the Hydrostatic Transmission
This is a difficult task; you need to find the hydrostatic drive transmission lever on the zero-turn mower. It might be on the back side, besides the wheel, or anywhere else. You can watch the video above to understand the possible place of the lever.
After finding the place, check the manual because, in some zero-turn mowers, you may have to pull the lever, while in some, you have to push it all the way inside. So it depends on the mower.
For example, in the video below, the owner pushes the lever all the way inside.
Parking Brake Off
This is the second step, and there are chances that your zero-turn mower parking brake isn’t on. If that’s the case, you can skip this step as it’s not for you.
However, in case the parking brake is on, then turn it off. Go to the front side, and there will be a lever beside the seat; turn it off and move towards the third and the last step.
Close the Drive Arm
Here comes the last step to closing the drive arms. If you’ve been using the zero-turn mower for years, you must have the idea that if the drive arms are open, it means the zero-turn mower is locked.
You can’t start your zero-turn mower and move front, back, or any side if the drive arms are set in the open position. Therefore, set them in the neutral position, which means closing both arms, then you can easily push the zero-turn mower manually.
Also Read: Zero Turn Mower Pulls to One Side Problem [Fixed]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you move a dead zero-turn lawn mower?
If your zero-turn lawn mower is dead and you’re unable to move it manually, then follow these three steps.
- Find the hydrostatic drive transmission and pull or push it according to the instructions in the manual.
- The second step is to check the lawn mower brake and take it in an off position.
- Lastly, check the drive arms of the zero-turn mowers if they are open, then close both sides. Now you can move the dead zero-turn lawn mower easily.
Why does the zero-turn mower stop suddenly?
There are many reasons why a zero-turn mower stops suddenly. In most cases, this happens because of engine issues, bad quality fuel or oil, dirty air filter, clogged carburetor, or wiring problems.
Why is it important to put the zero-turn mower drive arms in a neutral position?
Zero-turn lawn mowers don’t come with a steering wheel. To drive the mower, you must understand how its drive arms work. If the drive arms aren’t set in the neutral position (closed arms), the mower won’t move even an inch on any side.
Conclusion
Everyone thinks that moving a heavy and big mower like a zero-turn is a daunting task, and in a way, it’s. However, it’s not impossible, and we’ve proved it by answering the question of how to manually push a zero turn lawn mower.
If we summarize it, there are only three simple steps. Pull the lever of the hydrostatic drive transmission, turn off the parking brake (if they’re on), then close the drive arms (if they’re open), and that’s it. Now you can move any type of zero-turn lawn mower.
