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: faulty battery, bad alternator...

Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components...

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

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

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

Main causes: engine overfilled with oil, leaky head gasket or sump gasket, damaged carburetor seals, cracked fuel pump, ...

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

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

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

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 the starter motor on a riding lawn mower

How to replace the starter motor on a riding lawn mower

If you hear the solenoid click but don’t hear the starter motor spin when you turn the key, follow these steps to replac...

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to rebuild a riding lawn mower carburetor

How to rebuild a riding lawn mower carburetor

Get your sputtering carburetor running smoothly in 60 minutes....

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire

How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire

Your mower can’t run on a damaged rear tire. Here’s how to install a new one....

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 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....