June 01, 2016

3 riding lawn mower myths video

Think you need a bigger lawn mower if your grass is really thick?
Think you need a bigger lawn mower if your grass is really thick?

From cutting the grass when it's wet to what mowing pattern you should use, we set the record straight on common riding lawn mower myths.

See our DIY Riding Mower and Tractor Repair page for troubleshooting videos, step-by-step repair guides and tips on how to keep your riding mower running efficiently all summer long.

Don’t let these riding lawn mower myths fool you.

Myth 1: All mowers work well on all types of grass. 

BUSTED! Thick, tough grass? You’ll need a more powerful mower. 

Myth 2: You can’t cut wet grass. 

BUSTED! You can mow the yard when grass is damp if your mower’s blades are sharp. 

Myth 3: Keeping a consistent mowing pattern is a must. 

BUSTED! Mowing in the same pattern can mat down the grass, which is bad for growth.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors

Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.

Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma…

Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator…

Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim…

Main causes: dead battery, stale fuel, bad starter solenoid, ignition system problem, bad ignition interlock switch, clo…

Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly…

Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment…

Main causes: clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key, dirty spark plug, stale fuel, improper valve lash, engine needs a…

Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, …

Main causes: unlevel mower deck, dull or damaged cutting blades, worn mandrel pulleys, bent mower deck, engine needs tun…

Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.

How to replace a mandrel assembly on a riding lawn mower

How to replace a mandrel assembly on a riding lawn mower

Replace the mandrel assembly if the blade shaft vibrates or doesn't spin.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the flywheel key on a riding lawn mower

How to replace the flywheel key on a riding lawn mower

If the engine won't restart after hitting a stump or rock, the problem could be a sheared flywheel key. Follow these ste…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a riding lawn mower ignition coil

How to replace a riding lawn mower ignition coil

If you're not getting spark from a good spark plug, the problem could be the ignition coil. Follow these step-by-step in…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesn't turn over video

Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesn't turn over video

Check the starter solenoid, starter motor, wiring, battery and engine.…