Are you looking for a lawn mower that is both powerful and efficient? If so, a zero-turn riding mower might be the perfect fit. However, if you need help with operating a zero-turn mower, fear not! We have all the guidance you need to master your zero-turn mower and easily conquer your yard.
So, what exactly sets zero-turn mowers apart from a traditional riding lawn mower? While both are great options for medium to large-sized yards, the most significant difference is in their steering. Zero-turn mowers use lap bars instead of a traditional steering wheel, giving you greater control and maneuverability around landscaping obstacles like trees, swing sets, and flower beds. Zero-turn mowers also have independently controlled drive wheels, allowing for a tighter turning radius and faster speeds.
Don't worry if you feel a bit nervous about using a zero-turn mower. It’s fun once you get the hang of the lap bar steering! Our guide covers everything you need to know about safely operating your new zero-turn lawn mower, including tips on steering, maneuvering, and more.
Safety Tips for a Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Before firing up your zero-turn mower, it’s essential to follow the golden rule: safety first! You’ve got your favorite pair of shades, the perfect mowing playlist and a refreshing drink in the cupholder—but taking a few minutes to prep your mower and lawn is key to a smooth and safe mowing experience.
1. Check the surrounding area.
Ensure kids, pets and other persons are not nearby while the mower blades are engaged. Always keep the blades in neutral position until you’re on the grass.
2. Remove obstacles from your yard before starting your mower.
Take a few minutes to check your space for any objects that might end up in the path of your mower (large branches, toys, gnomes, etc.). By thoroughly preparing your yard, you'll be able to maximize your mower's runtime and prevent any damage to the blades.
3. Stay at least five feet away from bodies of water.
Play it safe around water and leave at least a five-foot gap between your riding mower and the water’s edge. Zero-turn mowers are impressive, but they don't float.
4. One at a time.
One adult on the zero-turn mower at all times—and children should never sit on your lap while the mower is in motion.
5. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Never wear open-toe shoes while using power equipment (and no, socks and sandals don’t count as closed-toe shoes).
6. Evaluate your yard before you begin mowing.
Depending on what season it is, where you live, and what type of grass you have, the cutting height of your mower deck can heavily dictate the health of your lawn. If cut too short, you can damage your grass – or if you mow it too long, your yard will look (frustratingly!) the same. Generally, keeping grass about 2.5 to 3 inches tall throughout the year is a safe bet.
How to Mow Your Lawn with a Zero-Turn Mower
Start Your Zero-Turn Mower
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: time to power up your zero-turn mower!
- Charge up your batteries. Make sure those batteries are fully charged before first use.
- Load the batteries. For a Greenworks ZTR mower, flip up the seat, load up the six-pack of batteries and you’re all set.
- Set the correct cutting height: Easily adjust the cutting deck height on your ZTR mower’s right side.
- Get comfortable. Settle into the adjustable padded seat and get ready—it’s mowing time.
- Turn it on. How do you start your zero-turn mower? It’s the best part! In your Greenworks battery-powered ZTR mower, simply turn the key to the “on” position and you’re ready to go.
- Engage the blades. Pull up on the red knob to engage the blades when you’re ready to mow. Push the knob back down to disengage.
- Know how to stop safely. Before you start mowing, knowing how to control your zero-turn mower is essential. Come to a stop by pulling the lap bars to their neutral position in the middle. When ready to turn off your mower, come to a complete stop on even ground, disengage the blades if you haven’t already done so, turn the key to power down, and set your parking brake.
If you’re a visual learner, we’ve got you covered! Take a gander at our quick-start video for an in-depth tutorial on how to get started with your zero-turn mower.
How to Drive Your Zero-Turn Mower
A zero-turn riding mower might seem intimidating to use for the first time. After all, how do you drive something that doesn’t have a steering wheel? Though it may take some getting used to, handling a zero-turn mower is highly intuitive and will soon feel like an extension of your arms. Take a few practice runs in your yard to get comfortable with your new zero-turn radius, and you’ll go from beginner to pro-level in no time!
To maneuver:
- Forward: Push both bars forward from their neutral position to start moving ahead.
- Reverse: Pull both bars back to move in reverse.
- Right: Push the left lever bar forward and the right bar back to turn right.
- Left: Push the right lever bar forward and the left bar back to turn left.
We promise this is easier than it sounds—think of it like maneuvering a shopping cart! Since each wheel contains its own brushless motor, the ZTR mower can handle tight corners and sharp turns. Trees, edges, and awkward angles around your lawn are no longer mowing problem areas—they’re fun!
It may be enticing to put the proverbial pedal to the metal, but in the long run, mowing at a steady speed of 5 mph produces a higher-quality cut and can extend the life of your battery. Mowing at full speed creates a lower quality mow and drains the battery more quickly, so remember: consistent speeds are the true winner in everyone’s book.
Driving a Zero-Turn Mower on Hills
Maneuvering a zero-turn mower on hills is different from a traditional riding mower. Vertically mowing is the gold standard for lawn tractor-style mowing, but zero-turn mowers can handle hills more efficiently. The Greenworks ZTR can handle slope inclines up to 15 degrees vertically or horizontally and can easily move around flower beds, fences, and rocks—but as always, be careful on hills!
How to Care for Your Zero Turn Riding Mower
Did you know that electric zero-turn riding mowers require minimal maintenance? That means no more messy fuels, frequent tune-ups, or oil changes to worry about (and zero emissions!).
To maintain peak performance for your ZTR mower, follow a few simple housekeeping guidelines:
- Clean the mower after every use: Remove any visible dirt, debris, or grass clumps (including on the blades) from your mower to help safeguard against wear and tear.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your zero-turn mower (including batteries) in a dry, cool place such as a shed or under a garage overhang.
- Charge batteries after use: To ensure you have fresh batteries for next time, always charge your batteries after each mow—you wouldn’t want to run out of juice with a half-cut lawn! Even if you forget, Greenworks batteries fully charge in just 90 minutes, so you’ll be back on the job in no time.
Level Up Your Lawn Care with Your New ZTR
Now that you’ve gotten an overview of zero-turn mowers, it’s time to take a closer look at the Greenworks ZTR mower. Here are a few highlights of what you can expect with a zero-turn:
- Cuts 14% faster than gas: the Greenworks 60V ZTR features the most advanced power-cutting system in the industry, maintaining a constant blade speed of 17,000 ft/min regardless of grass conditions.
- Maximum Mowing Power: With 24 horsepower equivalent and 2X more torque with Intelligent Power™, you’ll have more than enough mowing might for any lawn job.
- Unmatched Maneuverability and Zero-Turn Radius: A brushless motor in each wheel gives you complete control, allowing you to navigate any lawn obstacle with precision and ease. This mower can literally turn on a dime!
- Better Batteries: Battery power isn’t what it used to be. Over the past 20+ years, Greenworks has meticulously developed rechargeable batteries to exceed the power and performance of gas. Our new batteries allow up to 2.5 acres of mowing on a single charge—the industry’s longest cut time.
- No More Gas: No maintenance, no trips to the pump, no mixing fuels, no messy spills, no gas smell, no harmful emissions, and no noisy gas motor! Greenworks batteries make lawn mowing faster, more efficient, and less expensive. That’s a win-win-win.
- Lasting Durability: With a heavy-duty, reinforced 12-gauge steel 42-inch mower deck, the ZTR mower is built for the long haul. Plus, with a waterproof IPX4 rating, you can mow through any weather to get the job done.
What’s in the Greenworks CrossoverZ Box?
If you’re ready to purchase your new Greenworks CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Riding Mower, congrats! Here’s what to expect once your new zero-turn mower is delivered.
Don’t be intimidated by the assembly—it’s pretty simple! Review the operator’s manual for tips, tricks, and important safety information. You can also follow along with our official unboxing and assembly video for a detailed step-by-step tutorial and you’ll be out on the lawn in no time.
All in all, your Greenworks ZTR mower delivery should contain the following:
- One (1) Pro 60V or 80V 42" CrossoverZ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
- One (1) Owner's Manual
- Six (6) 8.0 Ah Batteries for 60V or six (6) 5.0 Ah Batteries for 80V
- Three (3) Dual-Port Battery Chargers
- Seat Assembly
- Two (2) steering levers
- One (1) mulching cover
- Two (2) keys
- One (1) 13mm wrench
- One (1) 10mm wrench
Before you start using your mower, register it by scanning the QR code that comes with it and reading through the provided documentation. As always, check out the Greenworks website for more in-depth zero-turn information, tutorials and more. Happy mowing!
