How Do You Put An Engine of a Zero Turn Lawn Mower into Neutral

Before starting the engine, putting the zero turn mower into neutral is very crucial. The neutral process has some easy steps. Why is it important?  Because it prevents sudden movement of your mower while you turn it on. Also the neutral process helps you to control the mower smoothly like you can turn the blades and change the direction of it etc. So in this guide we have covered all the necessary steps which will guide you how to put your mower engine into neutral. Let’s discuss.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put a zero turn mower engine into neutral:

How to Put Zero Turn Lawn Mower Engine into Neutral: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Park on Flat Ground

• Put your mower on a flat surface and then turn off the engine. For extra stability you can engage the parking brake.

Step 2: Jack up The Wheels

• Lift the Back of the Mower:
  • Use a jack to lift the back of the mower.
  • This helps raise both rear wheels off the ground.
• Secure the Wheels:
  • Put wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels.
  • This keeps the mower steady and safe.
• Add Support with Jack Stands:
  • Slide jack stands under both sides of the back of the mower.
  • These stands support the mower and keep it lifted while you work.

Step 3: Move Levers to Neutral:

• Find the control lever and set them to center or neutral position where your mower can not move forward and backward.

Tip: Some models have latch buttons to lock the levers manually, so press the lock button following your manual book.

Step 4: Verify Neutral Setting

• Make sure the mower’s wheels do not spin. If they spin then your drive system is not correctly locked. 
• Double check and confirm the mower’s engine is in neutral position.

Step 5: Lower the mower to the ground.

• Jack up the back of the mower and take away the jack stands.
• Lower the rear of the mower to the ground.
• Remove the chocks from the front wheels.

Step 6: Re-engage When Mowing Again

• To start again remember to unlock and reposition the control levers before mowing.

When To Put an Engine of a Zero Turn Lawn Mower into Neutral 

There are the essential conditions when you should put your zero-turn mower engine into neutral:

• During any maintenance like changing blades or sharpening blades, tightening the bolts and nuts, replacing spark plugs required the mower should be in neutral position otherwise you will face some potential injuries
• When parking the mower, engaging neutral is an essential parking step
• When cleaning the debris from the deck
• While grease fittings and changing any moving parts
• When Changing the air filter
• While checking the tire pressure
• When changing the engine oils
• While storing your mower or covering from cold or any weather condition

Now that you know how to put the engine of your zero turn lawn mower into neutral, you may also like to read read our comprehensive buyer’s guide for zero turn lawn mower.

Bottom Line

Now you got to know completely how to put your mower’s engine into neutral and why it is important. Also we got to know when it should keep neutral. So safety is our first priority then whatever the work is. So we hope the above stated steps will help you effortlessly neutralize the engine of the mower.

FAQs

Why is it essential to put the Zero Turn Lawn Mower engine in neutral?

Putting the engine into neutral is crucial for safety and ease of manoeuvring. It allows you to move the mower manually without the blades engaged, facilitating pushing or towing when needed. Additionally, it ensures safe maintenance tasks, as the mower won’t unexpectedly engage while you’re working on it.

Can I put my Zero Turn Lawn Mower in neutral while the engine is running?

Putting the Zero Turn Lawn Mower in neutral while the engine runs is not advisable. Always disengage the mower blades, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine before attempting to shift into neutral. This ensures your safety and prevents potential damage to the mower’s transmission. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines outlined in the user manual.