Types of Mowers and Maintenance Guide

Mower Types and Maintenance

Mowers come in various shapes, sizes, and designs suitable for different environments and applications. They can be categorized into several types based on their design or operation. Understanding these categories is essential for selecting the right mower for your lawn care needs.

Standard Lawn Mowers

The most common type of mower is the standard lawn mower, which includes both manual reel mowers and motorized rotary mowers. These mowers operate by cutting grass with sharp blades spinning against stationary ones.

Reel Mowers

Manually pushed reel mowers are often used for small residential lawns due to their low cost, ease of use, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance requirements. However, they require more effort compared to powered mowers and may need frequent sharpening of the blades.

Rotary Mowers

Powered rotary mowers, including walk-behind models, utilize internal combustion engines or electric batteries to power a set of rapidly rotating blades under a deck. These machines offer higher cutting efficiency and versatility in terms of lawn size, terrain, and additional features like mulching and bagging capabilities.

Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

Zero turn mowers, also known as ZTR mowers, have steering systems that allow the operator to easily turn around without stopping the engine, increasing productivity and maneuverability. They typically feature hydrostatic transmissions and are designed for larger commercial or professional landscaping operations.

Riding Mowers

Riding mowers allow operators to sit while operating the machine, making them ideal for large lawns or uneven terrain where pushing a traditional mower would be challenging. They vary from zero-turn riding mowers with high maneuverability to commercial tractors capable of performing various tasks beyond just mowing.

Tractor Attachments

Tractor attachments, such as mowers, mulchers, or snow blowers, can be mounted on a tractor to transform it into a versatile machine for multiple tasks. This modular design enables owners to adapt their machines to different seasons and landscaping needs.

Electric Mowers

Electric mowers, which can be corded or cordless, are powered by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are generally quieter, more environmentally friendly, and require less maintenance compared to their gas-powered counterparts.

Robotic Mowers

Robotic mowers are compact, battery-powered units that move around a lawn to mow it, often without the need for user intervention. They are typically quieter, more environmentally friendly, and require minimal maintenance compared to traditional mowers.

Regardless of the type of mower you choose, proper maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the machine. Here are some key maintenance tasks for different types of mowers:

Reel Mower Maintenance

• Sharpen blades regularly, typically every 5 hours of use or before winter storage.
• Check blade clearance during operation to avoid contact with grass blades.
• Clean any dirt buildup on wheels or underneath the deck.

Rotary Mower Maintenance

• Change oil regularly.
• Keep air filter clean.
• Replace or adjust spark plugs as needed.

Zero Turn Mower Maintenance

• Change oil regularly.
• Check and replace drive belt if it shows signs of wear.
• Keep hydrostatic transmission clean by changing old fluid with fresh one every year or two.

Riding Mower Maintenance

• Change engine oil.
• Replace air filter.
• Perform regular tune-ups to keep everything running smoothly.

Tractor Attachment Maintenance

• Inspect mower deck for damage after use.
• Clean the deck when necessary to prevent buildup of grass clippings.
• Ensure that all safety features are functioning properly before operation.

Electric Mower Maintenance

• Store batteries in a cool, dry location when not in use.
• Replace battery after about 5 years of use.

Robotic Mower Maintenance

• Empty collection box when necessary.
• Ensure the boundary wire is secure to prevent damage.
• Check that charging station is working correctly.