How to Start a Bad Boy Mower? (Complete Guide 2023)
You have spent hundreds of dollars purchasing a zero-turn lawn mower from the bad boy, and it’s not starting, no matter what you do.
It’s indeed a bad situation because you won’t be able to work properly.
Now you are wondering how to start a bad boy mower. Fortunately, this guide is your go-to solution.
Most of the time, mowers don’t start because of common problems like deck or maintenance issues.
However, according to our research, another common reason that is often neglected is that we don’t know the procedure for starting the mower.
We make mistakes because of a lack of knowledge, and as a result, lawnmowers don’t start.
But no worry, we’ll tell you the right way to start a bad boy mower. So let’s get into the details.
Why Your Bad Boy Lawn Mower Isn’t Starting?

As stated, it’s not necessary that your bad boy lawn mower is damaged or has some issues.
Multiple times mowers don’t start because we weren’t starting them properly. According to the mower manual, there are steps that you need to perform then the mower will start.
For example, you have to engage the parking brake, the arms of the zero-turn lawn mower have to be in a certain position, and various other things like this.
If you don’t follow these steps, there’s no way you’ll be able to start the bad boy lawn mower.
The reason behind all these steps is it’s a different type of mower. It’s not like a riding mower that you can control via the steering wheel because its design and functions are different.
How to Start a Bad Boy Mower Perfectly?

Below we’ll share a detailed and also brief guide about how to start the bad boy mower perfectly.
You can read the brief guide if you’re in a hurry. Otherwise, we suggest you read till the end for the best answer.
Here’s how you can start the bad boy mower.
- Engage the parking brake in the up position.
- Set the drive arm in the “open arm” position.
- Turn off the blade engagement switch, and the mower will start.
- Once it’s started, set the parking brake in the down position and close the drive arms to control the mower. That’s it; you can use the mower to mow your lawn.
Also Read: Your Bad Boy Mower Starts Then Dies? [Reasons, Troubleshooting, And Prevention]
Step 1 – Parking Brake In Up Position
Since it’s a zero-turn lawn mower, it won’t start by just using the key or pressing one button.
The first step you need to follow to start the bad boy mower is to ensure that the parking brake is in the up position.
If you don’t know what’s the parking brake, see it at the side of the chair where you’re sitting.
There will be a small handle (brake) in the down position. You only have to set it in the up position, and that’s the first step.
Also Read: Bad Boy Fuel Gauge Not Working (Fixed)
Step 2 – Arm Position (Open Arms)
The main difference between a riding lawn mower and a zero-turn lawn mower is that these mowers don’t come up with steering wheels.
Instead, they have two drive arms that help in controlling the mower.
While starting the bad boy mower, it’s important to set the arm at a certain position.
The position we’re discussing is the “open arm.” You can check the video above to understand what’s the “open arm” position.
Also Read: Who Makes Bad Boy Mowers? A Detailed Guide (2023)
Step 3 – Turn Off the Blade Engagement Switch
Once you’ve positioned the drive arm correctly, it’s time to move towards another step. This step is about the blade engagement switch. It’s one of the most important steps because if the blade engagement switch is on, the mower won’t start.
Therefore, check the side of the seat; there will be an ignition key switch beside it you’ll see a big yellow switch.
If the blade engagement switch is on, just press it, and it will be off. That was the last step afterward; you can start your bad boy mower.
Also Read: 8 Common Bad Boy Mowers Problems (Fixed)
Step 4 – Start Your Bad Boy Lawn Mower
After turning the blade engagement switch off, turn on the ignition switch with the help of the key.
The mower will start, but it is not the last step. Now you have to follow a few steps then you’ll be able to move the lawn mower easily.
- To use the bad boy lawn mower after starting, turn the parking brake again to the down position.
- Then hold the drive arms (both) and set them in the closed-arms position.
Congratulations, your bad-boy mower is ready to work. You can turn it right, left, or anywhere with the help of the drive arms and mow the lawn perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why isn’t your bad boy mower starting?
There’s not any specific reason that we can pinpoint why your bad boy mower isn’t starting.
It might be happening because you’re starting it wrong. Otherwise, there might be serious bad boy mower problems like clogging, bad carburetor, or fuel issues.
How to operate bad boy mowers?
To operate the bad boy mowers it’s important to understand how the drive arms system works.
So first, learn the art of driving through the arms and how you can go to the right side or turn left or backside. This is the only way you’ll be able to operate the bad boy mowers.
What do you need to consider while using the bad boy mower?
Here are a few safety precautions you must consider while starting the bad boy mower.
- Make sure you know the proper way of operating the bad boy mower.
- Use the mower in a clear area (no pets or children).
- Before starting the mower, use your seat belt.
- Don’t carry passengers (friends, family, or any member).
- Before you turn to another direction, ensure to slow down the speed.
- Check the tire and fuel before using the mower.
- Always check the bottom for objects like rocks and protect the mower from them.
- Don’t use the mower at night time or under the influence of alcohol.
Also Read: 8 Common Bad Boy Mowers Problems [Fixed]
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the brief answer to how to start a bad boy mower depends on the three steps.
Turn the parking brake in the down position, open the drive arms, then lastly, turn the blade engagement switch. Afterward, you can easily enjoy mowing on the bad boy mower.
In case this method doesn’t work despite following all steps properly. Then there is a high chance your bad boy mower is facing some issues.
Therefore, you can find out about the bad boy mower problems yourself if you are an expert; otherwise, we suggest you go to an expert.