A ride-on lawnmower turns what is a long and tedious job of using a push-style mower into a quick and easy way to keep your large lawn in tip-top shape. But you need to know how to use it first, and with a little guidance and practice, you’ll be well on your way. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to drive a ride-on lawnmower.
1. Be prepared
Before jumping into the seat, make sure you are prepared. This firstly means choosing the right attire – always wear long pants, safety goggles and hearing protection to prevent injury. In addition, check the oil and fuel levels of the mower and refill them if you need to. Finally, but probably most importantly, is to check the manual of the mower to ensure you are familiar with its basic functions.
2. Get used to the pedals
You’re all prepared and ready to go, but you can’t set off until you know how to work the pedals. Most modern mowers have a dual-purpose clutch and brake pedal, but you may have two separate pedals. Press in the clutch and brake pedal, insert the key to activate the ignition and test out some gears with the blades up to get used to how your mower works.
3. Choose a gear
Starting in low gear is the wisest idea as it gives you more control as you get used to the mower. Use the throttle to adjust to the right speed. Once you start cutting, you do not need to disengage the blades if you want to change gear.
4. Adjust the height of the blades
Decide how you want your lawn to look and choose your blade height using the height adjustment lever. Put the blades down by flipping the blade engagement switch.
5. Get going
Once you are comfortable with how the machine works, you can use the steering wheel as you would in a car to position yourself on your grass. Next, engage the blades and press the throttle to start moving. Remember that it takes a lawnmower a long time to turn, so take this into account. Also, bear in mind that wet conditions aren’t ideal as they may cause the mower to slide and never let someone else sit on the mower with you.
To put your skills to the best use, Redblade Mowers have a wide range of ride-on lawnmowers suitable for all experience levels.
