Lawn mower work stand. 14 Ways To Lift A Lawnmower For Maintenance Safely

Ways To Lift A Lawnmower For Maintenance Safely

In this blog post, I will discuss fourteen different safe methods to lift your lawnmower for the maintenance and replacement of its blades, belt, tires, oil, and other parts beneath the deck. All of these methods must be carried out with great care and attention. Riding lawnmowers are bulky and very huge, so it is impossible to manually push them and turn them over on the side to get access to the parts underneath.

There are several methods to lift your lawnmower safely:

• A compressed-air powered system
• A Drill-turned mechanism
• A scissor-action mechanism
• Air bearings
• Forklift
• Hand truck dolly
• Lifting straps or moving harness
• Jacks
• Lift buddy
• Roller skids
• Skates
• Chain hoist
• Lift
• Ramp

A few safety precautions that must always be observed are the disconnection of your lawnmower’s spark plug, the use of a pair of gloves and safety shoes. If you ignore these safety precautions you will probably damage your lawnmower or hurt yourself. It is necessary to seek the assistance of an expert, or a professional mechanic to lift your lawnmower for its maintenance.

Scroll on to read the details of each of the fourteen methods.

• 1 1. A compressed Air-powered System:
• 2 2. A Drill-turned Mechanism:
• 3 3. Scissor-Action Mechanism:
• 4 4. Air Bearings:
• 5 5. Forklift:
• 6 6. Hand Truck Dolly:
• 7 7. Lifting Straps or Moving Harness:
• 8 8. Jacks:
• 9 9. Lift Buddy:
• 10 10. Roller Skids:
• 11 11. Skates:
• 12 12. Chain Hoist:
• 13 13. Lift:
• 14 14. Ramp:
• 15 Final Remarks

A compressed Air-powered System:

You can make use of the pressurized air or gas to lift your lawnmower to a desirable height. This system uses compressed air or compressed inert gases. An electrically powered and centrally located compressor operates the air motors, cylinders, and pneumatic devices.

This system is very cost-effective, more flexible, and really safe. It is controlled through automatic or manual solenoid valves. It is connected to the workshop’s compressed air system.

A compressed air-powered system in a mechanic’s workshop uses a sustainable supply of atmospheric air. Moisture is removed from the air and some oil is added. Oil helps in lubrication and prevention of corrosion.

The compressed air is completely harmless, but if nitrogen is used, it might present an asphyxiation hazard. Compressed oxygen is a fire hazard, more costly, and offers no better performance than air. When carbon dioxide is used, the phase change between gas and liquid makes it possible to obtain a larger volume of compressed gas from a smaller container than compressed air requires, but it is a freezing hazard.

Hand Truck Dolly:

It is also called a bag barrow, box cart, cart, sack truck, trundler, stack truck, or two-wheeler. It is an L-shaped tool with handles at one end and wheels at the base. It has a small ledge to carry your lawnmower flat against the floor.

When you need to move your lawnmower, it is tilted forward and the ledge is inserted underneath it, then the lawnmower is allowed to tilt back and rest on its ledge. The dolly and your lawnmower are tilted backward until the mass is well-balanced over its wheels. This first-class lever makes lifting and moving heavy lawnmowers much easier.

Lifting Straps or Moving Harness:

Your lawnmower can be lifted and moved by just two people when you use lifting straps or moving harnesses. This simple tool has many different designs but mostly there are two straps with adjustable loops at both ends. These loops are worn over the forearms or shoulders to place the strap underneath your lawnmower.

The benefit of lifting straps or moving harnesses is even weight distribution and better stability. It takes the pressure off your back.

Jacks:

It is also called a screw jack, jackscrew, car jack, floor jack, garage jack, or toe jack. It is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads like lawnmowers. The mechanical jack employs a screw thread for lifting your lawnmower so that important maintenance can be performed.

Jacks are used for lifting the corners of your lawnmower so that the roller skids or skates can be placed beneath it. A jack is more heavy-duty than other tools and it works a little differently. Instead of crowbarring the tool up, a hydraulic lever is used for lifting your lawnmower.

A jack and a jack stand must be part of your lawnmower repair kit especially if you own a riding lawnmower. You must never depend upon a jack alone to hold a riding lawnmower safely. Sometimes its hydraulic locking valve may fail, hurting you or damaging your riding lawnmower.

Lift:

A lawnmower lift has a weight capacity of up to three hundred and fifty pounds. It has a safety lock for safely supporting the load. Its rubber padded platform will prevent scratching and protect your lawnmower.

It has a non-slip hydraulic foot pedal operation that allows the effortless lifting of your lawnmower. The lift itself is easily maneuverable and adjustable for lawnmowers of different sizes. In three simple steps, you can safely lift it for maintenance.

First of all, you will have to drive your riding lawnmower onto the wheel baskets of the lift. Make sure you position the tires of your lawnmower securely into the wheel baskets centering the load on the lift. Secondly, to raise the lift safely, you will turn the release valve clockwise until firm resistance is left.

Now carefully pump the jack until your lawnmower reaches your desired height. The final height will correspond with its locking teeth on the height locking lever. Now slowly turn the release valve counter-clockwise until the lift platform locking levers engages the height locking levers then close the release valve by turning it completely, clockwise until firm resistance is left.

Finally, to lower the lift down, you will have to put it in neutral and raise the lift platform slightly to disengage the height locking levers. You will have to pump the lift pedal several times to disengage the height locking levers. Turn the release valve counter-clockwise, no more than one turn from the closed position.

The lift provides twenty-three inches from the ground to the wheel saddle to give you maximum space. The lift is built with the welded solid stainless steel construction with the four steel wheels. It also features positive dual locking safety latches.

Ramp:

A ramp is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle, its one end is higher than the other. It is used as an aid to lift and lower down your lawnmower. It is also used to move your lawnmower over vertical obstacles, for example, a truck.

Moving your lawnmower up a ramp requires much less force than lifting it straight up, at the cost of an increase in the distance moved. A portable automotive pair of ramps is generally constructed with a rugged and structural design. The pair of ramps provide convenient and reliable access to the underside of your lawnmower as well as storage for maximum space.

A ramp has a non-skid base and tread pattern which helps reduce slippage. Its patented polymer internal support system and wide stance offer maximum strength and unbeatable weight distribution. It has an extra-wide tire width for the safest lifting of your lawnmower.

Final Remarks

To conclude this blog post, I would say that lawnmower maintenance is really important. All the bolts and screws should be checked and tightened before mowing, otherwise, a wheel or the blade can come off while you are mowing. This is very dangerous.

You must check and make sure there is the right amount of oil in your lawnmower before each use. Always wait for the lawnmower to cool down before refueling it.

Mow N’ Stow® Technology

Mow N’ Stow® Technology allows a lawn mower to be stored upright without any fuel or oil leaks. Takes care of big lawn mower jobs and fits in small spaces.

Easy Starting

ReadyStart® Starting system with Our Starting Promise™ for no prime, no choke, no worries. just pull for power.

Stores Upright

Space savings are in relations to the space consumed by a traditional walk mower that is stored with the handle in the standard operating position.

Regular maintenance is still required. To see complete details refer to your Operator’s Manual. Briggs Stratton standard warranty terms and conditions apply.

Just Check Add™ does not extend the warranty period.

Copyright © 2023 Briggs Stratton. All rights reserved.

Pro-Lift T-5501 Lawn Mower Lift

Pro-Lift T5501 Lawn Mower Lift 750/500 lbs. Capacity Air Actuated / Manual Foot PumpSafely perform the required maintenance of your garden tractor or zero turn mower. Tasks such as changing oil, deck repair, cleaning debris, and blade work are now made easy.

This product ships by freight truck. Add 50 Residential Fee if shipping to a residence.

CURRENT LEAD TIME 6-8 WEEKS

Pro-Lift T5501 Lawn Mower Lift 750/500 lbs. Capacity Air Actuated / Manual Foot Pump

Pro-Lift Lawn Mower Lifts are necessary to safely perform the required maintenance of your garden tractor or zero turn mower. Tasks such as changing oil, deck repair, cleaning debris, and blade work are now made easy. Hydraulically powered, the Pro-Lift Lawn Mower Lifts make lifting your mower easy and quick. Available in several sizes, the universally designed Pro-Lift Lawn Mower Lifts can fit the majority of wheel spans and sizes of riding mowers, zero turns, ATV’s, and even push mowers. With safety always in mind, Pro-Lift Lawn Mower Lifts feature dual positive locking mechanisms that engage as you lift. The Lifts are built with durable, thick heavy duty welded steel to support 500/750 lbs of axle weight. These Lifts are very easy to assemble, use, and store. Save money, time, and effort by using a Pro-Lift Lawn Mower Lift today, the innovative and ONLY air powered portable lift on the market.

The line of Lawn Mower Lifts from Pro-Lift continues to grow as we proudly add features and benefits to our unique lifts. No other lift on the market comes close to ours in ease of use, safety, or form.

Features and Specs

• Innovative Lawn Mower Lift not only lifts your riding mower but also serves as a maintenance stand
• Universal design lifts ALL mowers with a 19.5. 55 front wheel span as well as BACK END lifting capability
• Hi-Lift up to 27” of clearance gives more working space than competitive DIY lifts
• 750 lbs. Saddle weight capacity
• 500 lbs. Wheel Bracket weight capacity
• Ideal for routine maintenance jobs and cleaning
• Efficient foot pump operated hydraulic 6 ton bottle jack
• Constructed from welded steel
• Universal, adjustable design fits most lawn mower models
• Air Actuated bottle jack allows for effortless, pump-free, lifting by attaching the 1/4” Quick Connector remote to your air supply, raising it to your desired height
• Locking Casters
• Easy Release
• U.S. Patent #8,469,338
• 172 lbs.

Stand-On Mower vs. Zero-Turn Mower

Your lawn should make a good impression on people. A tidy property often translates to a tidy home and a professional, trustworthy business. Commercial buildings with large lawn areas can attract potential customers or impress prospective clients with a well-manicured outdoor space.

Getting the best lawn requires the right tools, and the most important tool for lawn maintenance is the lawn mower. Stand-on mowers and zero-turn mowers are two good options for keeping the grass and gardens of commercial properties in tip-top shape, but each has its own unique features and benefits. This comparison guide can help you decide if your commercial lawn would benefit most from a stand-on mower or a zero-turn mower.

Comparing Stand-On Mowers vs. Zero-Turn Mowers

While you might think the only difference between these two types of mowers is that one requires you to stand on it to drive it while the other has a seat, there is more to consider than you might expect. The following are six key differences to determine if a zero-turn mower or a stand-on mower is the best choice for your commercial property’s maintenance.

Property Suitability

An influential factor to consider is the size of your commercial property’s lawn area. Stand-on mowers are best suited to cutting large yards with many tightly spaced obstacles that need to be maneuvered around. Commercial stand-on mowers are more durable and have faster blades than residential ones, making them better suited to larger areas that need to be mowed. While stand-on mowers are good at handling obstacles and hills, they are slower than zero-turn mowers by a small percentage.

Zero-turn mowers are the best choice for commercial properties with large, flat lawn areas. They are fast, safe, and reliable choices for commercial properties with simple layouts and few obstacles. If you have a large, level property that needs frequent cuttings during the spring and summer, then a zero-turn mower is the right fit for you.

One of the biggest factors that go into which mower best suits your property are the turf conditions. If you have low ground, high shade, and wet areas, you will more than likely want a stand-on mower used. They are half the weight of their zero-turn counterparts, which helps reduce turn marks in the turf and helps to eliminate tire ruts or black streaks from mud.

Deck Size

Something to keep in mind is a mower’s deck size. Deck size varies depending on the mower’s model and manufacturer. The deck size of a mower determines how fast it can cut your lawn and how tightly it can take corners. Both stand-on and zero-turn mowers have varying deck sizes. Larger ones can speed up the mowing process but may be more challenging to maneuver when mowing tighter corners or around obstacles.

A stand-on mower with a smaller deck size will be the best for a property that is between.5 and five acres in size. A stand-on mower with a bigger deck size might be what you need for large properties with intricate turns and many obstacles.

Functionality

A unique advantage to stand-on mowers is improved visibility and ease of use. By standing on a mower, the driver will get a better view of the area they are mowing and the trim edge of the mower. The crew will be more accepting of having to get off of the mower to pick trash up, move debris out of the way, and clear any other objects that interfere with mowing. Having a greater range of motion to watch for obstacles helps improve accuracy, reduces trimming mistakes, and is an overall time saver. It also makes mowing your lawn safer, especially if you have workers or other pedestrians in the vicinity.

A drawback to the stand-on mower is the fatigue that may happen after a full day of standing on the platform. A stand-on mower is better for people with back problems as all the bumps on a stand-on mower are not felt in your spine compared to a zero-turn mower.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are made for maneuvering and speed. The most significant advantage of a zero-turn mower is the almost nonexistent turning radius. This feature means that riding and stand-on zero-turn mowers have much more to offer than their standard counterparts. You can navigate obstacles easily and deliver a close cut that removes the need for edge trimming. If your commercial property has flat areas between one and ten acres large with infrequent obstacles like plants, trees, and shrubs, then the zero-turn might be just what you need.

The steering mechanism of zero-turn mowers is typically slightly different compared to a stand-on mower. They both have smooth and precise controls for delicate trimming work and maneuvering around ornaments, flowerbeds, and trees. Zero-turn mowers can also be distinguished by their low profile and large rear tires that improve traction, and help spread the weight out of the machine.

Transport and Storage

As previously mentioned, knowing the right size of the mowers you need is essential. When using a professional service for lawn maintenance, the size of the mower affects how they are transported to and from your commercial property. Companies with smaller trailers could transport more stand-on mowers as they are more compact than zero-turn mowers. If you are doing the maintenance yourself, storage space must be considered when choosing a large mower with a big deck size.

Transporting a single zero-turn mower is easy when your commercial property’s mowing area is small and only requires one mower. You may be able to fit two stand-on mowers on a trailer, whereas before, you could only fit one zero-turn.

Comfort

Various factors affect how comfortable it is to use a mower, especially for longer jobs. Stand-on mowers may be more comfortable for your lower back than zero-turn mowers. Standing is better for your lower back than the sitting position adopted to drive a zero-turn mower, and when you stand, your lower back is less affected by the engine’s vibrations. Stand-on mowers are also easier to mount and dismount as no seat or armrest is in the way.

However, during long jobs with big properties, it is more comfortable to sit down rather than stand up. Zero-turn mowers are more accessible for those with limited physical abilities, as stand-on mowers can be more physically demanding. Green Black has switched to all stand-on mowers as of 2018 and has not looked back. Our crews don’t argue over who gets to sit down on the mower. They are more productive, trash gets picked up, and our turn-mark complaints have decreased by 72%.

Perfect Tools for the Perfect Services

Knowing the best maintenance tools is the best way to keep your commercial property in pristine condition. Green Black LLC offers a wide range of commercial property services beyond lawn care and maintenance. We provide excavating services, winter services, lawn renovations, landscape lighting, and any other service that will bring out the best in your commercial property’s lawn and exterior. Get in contact with us for a free quote on any of the services we offer, and rest assured that we have the perfect tools for the job.

What to Know Before Buying a Stand-On Mower

via cubcadet.com

In the market for a riding lawn mower, but don’t want the low back pain that often comes from too much sitting? Then consider a stand-on mower!

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When most people think of lawn mowers, they picture machines of two types: walk behind and riding models. Walk-behind mowers can be push powered or self-propelled, and are best for smaller lawns. Riding lawn mowers are bigger, more powerful and better suited to larger yards.

Trouble is, not everyone with lots of grass to mow wants to sit on a noisy, vibrating machine for hours. Sitting may be comfortable, but studies show that doing it for too long may increase low back pain. That’s where the best stand-on mowers can help.

What Is a Stand-On Mower?

Stand-on mowers come in sizes and power levels similar to many riding machines, with one key feature missing — the seat. Instead, there’s a small foot platform at the back of the machine. Stand-on mowers let you mow your lawn without shortening your hip flexors by sitting.

Most stand-on mowers are zero-turn mowers, which means they can turn on a dime with no extra space needed to round corners. With the easily accessible steering controls, stand-on machines have several advantages over their riding counterparts. However, they’re not for everyone. Here are the best accessible lawn mowers for disabled people.

Most stand-on mowers are twice the price (or more) of an equally large and powerful riding zero-turn machine. This price differential will likely even out in time. But for now, landscaping pros buy and use most stand-on mowers.

Benefits of a Stand-On Mower

Here are seven reasons to consider a stand-on mower:

• Less chance of low back pain and shortened hip flexors from extensive sitting.
• Vibration from the running engine doesn’t radiate into the low back nearly as much while standing.
• Lack of seat and arm rests makes mounting and dismounting a stand-on mower quicker.
• Stand-on mowers are better on uneven terrain, because the operator can shift their body weight from side to side, as needed.
• Much greater power and speed than walk-behind mowers.
• Wider mower deck than almost all walk-behind mowers.
• The higher vantage point gives you a better view of your surroundings as you mow.

Stand-On Mower Considerations

Take these factors into account as you ponder which type of mower is best for you:

Yard size

The size of your yard affects the type of mower you buy. Got a big yard without many tightly spaced obstacles? A stand-on model with a mower deck 54 inches or wider will make quick work of even the largest yards.

Like the idea of a stand-on mower, but don’t have acres of grass to cut? Consider a machine with a 36-inch mower deck. For most medium to small yards, a traditional riding or push mower is often the best choice.

Maneuverability

If you’ve a got a large lawn and lots of trees or other obstacles to mow around, a zero-turn mower is probably your best bet. If you’ve got lots of tightly spaced obstacles, a stand-on model will give slightly better maneuverability than a riding zero-turn machine. The reason is length. Get to know the difference between a zero-turn versus a riding mower.

Riding mowers are longer because of the seat, making them less suited for mowing in tight quarters. Lightweight push and self-propelled walk-behind mowers can get into the tightest corners, but not without a little wrangling.

Sitting vs. standing

Stand-on mower manufactures say that the benefits of owning one of their machines are life changing. I don’t agree. Although your low back will almost certainly be better off with a stand-on model, the other advantages over a sitting model are minor.

Even the low back health point doesn’t apply to everyone. I’ve used a zero-turn riding mower for years without any mowing-related low back pain. Bottom line: There’s no need to overthink things. If you prefer standing, and can afford it, you should buy a stand-on mower. Otherwise, go ahead and purchase a traditional riding machine.

Commercial vs. Residential Stand-On Mowers

Commercial lawn mowers are made to operate 12 hours a day, cutting a dozen or more lawns every day, whereas residential lawn mowers are made to cut the grass once or twice per week. That translates into larger, more durable parts for commercial mowers, including the engines. It’s not unusual to find faster blade speeds on commercial mowers, which helps make cutting faster and prevents clumping. Commercial mowers are typically more expensive too.

Best Stand-On Mower Brands

Though stand-on mowers aren’t as common as other types of riding mowers, you’ll find options available from the larger, more recognizable lawn mower brands and manufacturers. John Deere makes several models, as well as Toro and Cub Cadet.

Robert Maxwell is a writer, videographer, photographer and online strength coach based in Northern Ontario, Canada. He grew up on a rural self-sufficient homestead property where he learned the skills to build his own home from the ground up, do all his own vehicle repairs, and work with wood, stone and metal to find practical DIY solutions to many everyday problems.