The last time I used a Kohler mower, I wanted to use it again because of how effective it works on my lawn. But I recently visited my mum in Canada, I didn’t want to mow again because of the condition of her mower.
What is a lot of hours for a zero turn mower? In this article, I will talk about hours spent and lawn mowers.
How many hours do riding mowers last? A riding mower that has been maintained and serviced well can last more than 1500 hours. With a meticulously maintained riding mower, you can be sure that the mower will last for more than 20 years.
Some of the things that can be replaced or fixed with a 20-year-old mower include:
- Carburettor
- Head gasket
- Punctures
- Belt
- Battery
- Pulleys
- Starter solenoid
Regardless of all these, as long as your mower is handled with a little tender loving care, it can still work just as effectively as it did the first day you used it for your lawn.
Tips for Lawn Mower Care
- Do not leave your mower out in the rain. Make sure it is properly stored
- When winterising your mower, make sure that the mower deck gets a complete clean down
- Use a Trickle charger
- Keep the blades of your mower sharp
- Check the tire pressures
- Use WD40 on the cables and electrics
- Endeavour to check the oil first before starting and at every refueling
- Allow the engine warm up before moving to full throttle
- Tune-up once a year
- Check the air filter and engine fins for debris or dirt
- Check the gas tank for grit
- Check the riding mower battery cables and terminals for any damage or corrosion.
Corrosion appears as white crusty build-up on the terminal and can cause resistance to the flow of power from the battery to the starter. This will in turn stop the alternator from recharging the battery.
Corrosion buildup can prevent your mower from firing up and is accompanied by a clicking sound.
Mower Maintenance
The life expectancy of your lawn mower is determined to a large extent by how well the lawn mower is cared for. With timely maintenance and the use of quality spare parts, you can keep your mower in great shape for a very long period of time.
Ways you can increase the life of your mower:
Using a sharp blade
With a sharp blade, cutting the grass in your lawn will be much quicker and easier. You can also be guaranteed a cleaner job than when you use a blunt blade.
Using a gas stabilizer
A gas stabilizer helps to prevent any damage related with the use of stale gas. One of the disadvantages of stale gas in your lawn mower is that it can lead to gumming.
Gumming occurs when the stale gas in your lawn mower solidifies in the carburetor over the winter months. This is expensive to repair and can be very nasty. Many people end up replacing their carburetors at the start of every season due to gumming.
However, with a gas stabilizer, this issue can be avoided totally.
Checking the Oil
By using low oil level or poor quality oil, you are shortening the life of your mower. As such, at the start of each season, it is advisable to change the oil in your mower as it can extend the life of your mower to a very large extent.
Few Things To Do Before Starting Your Mower
Here are a few things you should do before starting your mower:
- Check tires
- Check for any gas/oil leaks
- Check for loose components
- Check oil level
- Clean air filter
- Clean the debris from engine cooling fins
Full Engine Tune-up
You should carry out a tune-up once in a year, preferably at the beginning of the season. The advantages of a tune-up include:
- trouble free cutting while making use of the mower
- reduced stress on the mower
Carrying out a tune-up is not difficult and it can even be done by almost anyone who has knowledge about it. It doesn’t have to be a professional.
Things involved in a Tune-up are as follows:
- Deck leveled
- Axle lubed
- Tires check
- Battery check
- Loose component check
- Oil and filter change
- Air filter change
- Fuel filter change
- Plug change
- Belt inspection
- Blades sharpened
Mower Engines Types
The most popular type of engine is the single cylinder, air cooled engine. This engine is affordable, simple and lasts long.
The three main manufacturers of this kind of engine are: Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki although Briggs is the most common manufacturer.
Regardless, all the engines are of very good quality. The diesel engine is another type of engine which is quite popular as well but it is only suitable for use in commercial-grade mowers.
If you can afford it, I recommend choosing a mower with an oil filter. Having an oil filter means that the mower will also include an oil pump, and this can help your engine last for a much longer period of time, especially for people who have hilly yards.
For large hills with more complex and difficult terrains, the twin cylinder air cooled engines are ideal.
Advantages of Twin Cylinder
- more power,
- a smoother running,
- increased life,
- more durable
- More efficient
Disadvantages of Twin Cylinder
- Higher cost of running
- Expensive
- Less horsepower
FAQs
What is a lot of hours for a zero turn mower?
Without any major repairs, you can get about 2000 hours.
Is 500 hours a lot for a riding mower?
A single-cylinder mower with 500-750 hours is considered a high miler. However, as long as it is properly maintained, it can go on for 1000 hours and even more and still work as efficiently as it should.
Is 300 hours a lot for a riding mower?
A lot of residential lawn tractors have been built to last for about 250-300 hours.
Is 1200 hours a lot for a mower?
A single-cylinder mower with 500-750 hours is considered a high miler. Regardless, it can go on for 1000 hours and even more and still work as efficiently as it should as long as it is properly maintained.
Is 1500 hours a lot for a mower?
Once your lawn mower is properly maintained, it is possible for your mower to last for ten to fifteen years. This means that your mower can work for 1000-1500 hours.
On the other hand, lack of maintenance may shorten the hours by half. There is no particular method to determine how many hours are enough on a riding lawn mower.