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.
In this content you’ll learn:
The Process To 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.
- No one should try this except an adult person.
- Wear hand gloves before handling anything of a lawn mower.
- Always remember to unplug the power cables.
Advantages of using screwdrivers:
- No need for keys.
- Easy to operate.
- 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.
- Always place the lawn mower on a flat surface.
- Once used, clean each part of the lawn mower so that it does not become damaged.
- Store the mower in an enclosed room or garage to protect the mower from bad weather.
- Always try to use manufacturer-approved parts. This ensures the mower’s efficiency.
- Be careful in changing parts for riding lawn mowers. If needed, get the help of an expert.
- 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.
Based upon one incredibly lousy experience, I would never purchase or use any Snapper product.
I have the grim misfortune of owning a Snapper lawn mower which my future wife purchased new from a dealer in 2016. The model # is 12ALC3B3707 per a label on the mower chassis and 1696628 per the owner’s manual that came with the mower.
Said product is a total piece of crap. If OSHA and the EPA possessed any level of competence, they would order a recall of this product.
The mower has one good feature – the single lever mechanism to raise and lower the mower deck. This one feature is far outweighed by many its worthless features, among which are:
(1) The design of the grasscatcher attachment to the mower is unacceptably poor. During operation, the grasscatcher frequently falls off and becomes a tripping hazard.
NOTE: I mitigated this defect by installing a chain on the catcher and a knob on the rear discharge door (RDD). This work around is an annoyance to use but is better than the risk of injury.
(2) When “properly” mounted, there is a 1” gap between the catcher and the RDD. During the brief period that the grasscatcher remains attached to the mower, the mower throws a continuous stream of clippings and dust into the face of the operator.
NOTE: I mitigated this defect by mounting a shield on the catcher bonnet. Like the chain, this work around is an annoyance to use but is better than the risk of eye or lung injury.
(3) The mower leaves a substantial trail of clippings in its wake even when the grasscatcher bag is empty. The mower leaves more clippings than it collects after the bag is a third to half full. My old Toro is much better.
(4) The automatic start feature is a joke. One must leave it on the charger overnight to get one decent start. If the mower should stall during operation, forget autostart. One must use the pull cord.
(5) The self-propulsion feature is unacceptably poor both in terms of operation and reliability.
a. The various settings appear to regulate torque to the wheels rather than speed – to wit, a higher setting is required to provide any assistance at all on even the gentlest upward slope. On the same setting the mower takes off like a bat out of hell on level ground or on a gentle downward slope.
b. The self-propulsion feature requires frequent servicing. The lower “speed” settings essentially stop working after 3 or 4 lawn mowings.
It is no mystery to me that there are so many lawn equipment dealers in Iowa who formerly sold Snapper products but no longer do so.