Zero-turn mowers can mow large areas of grass quickly with precision and give you the ability to turn on a dime, which is a significant maneuverability and quality-of-cut advantage. Steering a zero-turn with two levers is different than how you operate a traditional lawn tractor steering wheel.
We’ll help you ease the transition. Following is some guidance for driving a Grasshopper zero-turn FrontMount™ or Stand-On Series mower, along with helpful videos, step-by-step instructions and expert tips.
Driving a zero-turn mower
Zero-radius turn capabilities offer the flexibility to pivot while mowing, turn the tightest corners and greatly reduce your mowing time. However, many people are intimidated by the dual levers that control the speed and direction of the mower at the same time. But if you can successfully push a shopping cart, you can easily drive a zero-turn mower with dual-lever steering; that’s because the mechanics of both are exactly the same!
Check out this video tutorial that shows how to operate a zero-turn machine on all of Grasshopper’s sit-down models, which includes the FrontMount and MidMount™ mowers.
Step-by-step: steering a zero-turn, sit-on mower
- If your zero-turn mower has a carbureted engine, locate the choke that is built into the throttle on the right side of the seat. (Neither fuel-injection nor diesel mowers require a choke to start.)
- Release the parking brake (left of the seat).
- Ensure the power take-off (PTO) that activates blades is turned off while starting.
- Turn the key to start the mower.
- Move levers from the resting position to the center (neutral).
- Drive straight forward: Gradually push both levers forward. Speed increases as you push levers forward and decreases as you pull the levers back toward you.
- Turn left: Think opposites. Always lead with the right to turn left. Push the right lever forward more, then follow with the left, moving it slightly less forward. For a tighter left turn, increase the distance between the right and left levers.
- Turn right: Reverse the steps, pushing the left lever forward more than the right lever for a gradual right turn. For a tighter right turn, increase the distance between the left and right levers.
- Execute a true zero turn: Push one lever forward and one lever back. To swing right, lead with the left lever and vice-versa.
- Back Up: Starting from the neutral position, pull the levers back toward you to back up. You can also feather the left or right lever to back up to the right or the left. Always exercise caution when operating your mower in reverse.
Operating a stand-on zero-turn mower
In many ways, operating a stand-on mower is the same as a sit-down zero-turn mower, just that you’re standing instead of sitting and the steering levers are positioned differently. All of the mechanics of driving and maneuvering are the same, though.
Watch this how-to video that shows best practices for driving a stand-on zero-turn mower. Essentially, apply the same rules of “steering opposites” (lead with left lever to turn right and vice-versa).
Step-by-step: steering a zero-turn, stand-on mower
- Stand-on operator panel basics: The hand-operated height-of-cut lever is out front on the right, and the parking brake is out front on the left. The choke is located on the left on the operator console, along with the throttle for easy on and off. Find the key and power take-off (PTO) on the right. Disengage the PTO before activating the choke and turning the key to start the engine.
- Grip the left and right levers and control steering just as you would with a mid-mount or front-mount zero-turn mower. The right lever moves the right wheel, and the left lever moves the left wheel.
- Turn left: Push the right lever forward more than the left, increasing the distance between levers for sharper turns.
- Turn right: Push the left lever forward more than the right, increasing the distance between levers for sharper turns.
- Execute a true zero turn: Push one lever forward while pulling the other back, right or left, depending on the zero-turn direction.
- Back Up: Starting from the neutral position, pull the levers back toward you to back up. You can also feather the left or right lever to back up to the right or the left. Always exercise caution when operating your mower in reverse.
Turf rules — find more expert tips and how-to reels
Reviewing how to properly start, drive, maintain and store your mower is important whether you’re a veteran operator or purchasing your first zero-turn riding mower. Lean on Grasshopper Mowers as a ready resource for mowing tips, maintenance pointers and best practices to improve your performance.
We invite you to test-drive a Grasshopper Mower at one of our servicing dealers, and remember to ask about financing offers. Our library of how-to videos and newsletter provide helpful information. Thinking about a new mower for your fleet? Our team can help you choose the best model for your needs.
