How To Start A Riding Lawn Mower With A Screwdriver

How To Start A Riding Lawn Mower With A Screwdriver? (Step-By-Step Guide)

4 minutes

Everyone wants to cut down the grass of the lawn and give it a certain shape in a very quick time. And there is no alternative to a riding lawn mower to do this.

A riding lawn mower can be used for a long time by repairing it properly. But trouble only occurs when the key to the riding lawn mower is lost or broken. And then, you will never be able to start your lawn mower anymore.

Are you scared? Nothing to scare. We’re here to relieve your fears. Just go through the whole content with a cool mind.  

You know when you have no key, you can also start the lawn mower with a screwdriver. In this article, we will give you a detailed guideline on how to start a riding lawn mower with a screwdriver. 

So, without panicking, let’s dive in. 

The Process To Start A Riding Lawn Mower With A Screwdriver

Start A Riding Lawn Mower With A Screwdriver

There are two most frequently used processes to start a lawn mower using a screwdriver. The first one is the mechanical process and the other one is the general process.

In this article, we will discuss both the processes. It will help you to understand the overall process to start a lawn mower with a screwdriver. And it can take approximately 10-15 minutes. 

Let’s start without wasting time.

1st process:

Tools required: 

Steps to follow:

Step #1: Disconnect Power cable

Wear the hand gloves for your safety. Disconnect the power cable from the battery. It will save you from being electrified. 

Step #2: Disengage The Blade

This time, disconnect the Mower’s cutting blade. Place the mower’s brake on.

Step #3: Find Out The Battery

Pull the lawn mower hood upwards and find the place for the battery and the ignition coil.

Step #4: Locate The Small Box

Notice that a small box is placed on one side of the engine compartment.

Step #5: Prepare Screwdriver

Take the screwdriver and make it prepare to use it as a bridge to launch the lawn mower.

Step #6: Use The Screwdriver

Use the screwdriver as a bridge between the starter and the solenoid.

Step #7: Connect Starter And Solenoid

Now connect the starter and the solenoid by using one end of the two head screwdriver.

Step #8: Connect Power Cable

Connect the power cable with the battery.

Step #9: Hold The Screwdriver

Hold the screwdriver and the lawn mower will turn on shortly.

2nd process: 

Tools required: 

If your lawn mower’s key is lost or broken, you can also activate it using a flat head screwdriver. Follow the steps outlined below. These steps will make your task easier.

Steps to follow:

Step #1: Use Screwdriver Instead Of Key

Take the flat head screwdriver, and use it in lieu of the key.

Step #2: Place Screwdriver In keyhole

Insert the screwdriver carefully inside the keyhole.

Step #3: Rotate Screwdriver

Try to gently rotate the screwdriver. However, be careful not to damage the keyhole.

Step #4: Wait For Start

It will simply start the mower.

Cautions: 

Every work has some precautions that must be followed.

  1. No one should try this except an adult person.
  2. Wear hand gloves before handling anything of a lawn mower.
  3. Always remember to unplug the power cables

Advantages of using screwdrivers:

  1. No need for keys.
  2. Easy to operate.
  3. Affordable and saves time. 

Disadvantages of using screwdrivers:

Since screwdriver metal has some parts of it, there is a possibility of danger when using it.

Important tips: 

To get the best performance of a lawn mower, there are some things to keep in mind.

  1. Always place the lawn mower on a flat surface.
  2. Once used, clean each part of the lawn mower so that it does not become damaged.
  3. Store the mower in an enclosed room or garage to protect the mower from bad weather.
  4. Always try to use manufacturer-approved parts. This ensures the mower’s efficiency.
  5. Be careful in changing parts for riding lawn mowers. If needed, get the help of an expert.
  6. After you are done, remove the key from the keyhole. This will protect the key from being broken or damaged.

Final verdict

Starting a riding lawn mower with a screwdriver is an easy task if you are a skilled person. But if you are an unskilled person, then follow the second process for the first attempt. 

You should definitely follow some cautions if you choose the first process. This is a relatively risky process and a little carelessness can cause major damage.

I hope this article has helped to quench your thirst for how to start a riding lawn mower with a screwdriver. 

Todd L Miles
Lawn Mowers Enthusiast
I started "Landscape and Lawns Care" to provide clients with lawn care with better service, better products and, most importantly, better ethics. My promise to every customer is to give the greenest grass possible while controlling weeds, insects, and diseases! The most important thing is that I strive to always do the right thing for you, your lawn and your wallet!