Tips to Restore a Zero-Turn Mower

Recycling old machines is an excellent way to give them a new lease of life. If you have an old lawn mower in your garage that you don’t use, you can restore it and make it functional again. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—we can help!

Crownstone Equipment is your lawn care equipment expert in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Our knowledgeable team has gathered a few tips to help you restore an old zero-turn mower and make it functional again. Read on to learn more, and for more information, contact us today.

Gather Essential Tools

First, gather the tools required to restore a zero-turn mower. They include a continuity tester, voltmeter, welder, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, sockets, primer, paint, brushes, sandpaper, and lubricants. You'll also need a jack to raise the mower.

Analyze the Electrical System

Various electrical problems can cause a zero-turn mower to malfunction. So, check the wires and terminals for loose connections or rust and replace the spark plugs if necessary. If the ignition switch is faulty or missing, replace it with a new one without bypassing the safety switches.

Fix the Fuel System

Next, check the fuel system to ensure the gasoline can flow freely from the tank to the engine through the fuel lines. Take pictures of each part as you remove it so you remember where each one goes during reassembly. You may need to replace a defective carburetor and clean out the tank or fuel lines to fix the fuel system.

Check the Cutting Deck

Now it’s time to raise your mower on the jacks and remove the cutting deck. This will enable you to check the drive belt for wear and tear and replace a faulty part if required. You’ll want to sharpen the blade for a clean cut and inspect the metal deck for tears that require welding.

Prepare to Paint

Once the inner components start working, focus on the exterior. Remove any rust with wire brushes or sandpaper, but avoid scrubbing too hard and damaging the metal underneath.

Finally, apply a rust-resistant primer and a temperature-resistant enamel paint, then allow it to dry before using it.

We hope you find these tips handy when restoring your zero-turn mower. If you need more advice or help tuning your machine, visit Crownstone Equipment. We are in Pennsylvania and Maryland, so stop by the location nearest to you!