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To cut extensive grass in the garden quickly riding lawnmowers are the first choice among professionals. It is a complex garden machine. But if you take proper care it will serve you for 10 or more years.
The riding lawn mower comes with a key that you use to start the machine. But losing the key is a common human trait – no matter it is a car key, house key, or the key of a riding lawnmower. You may also break the key.
In this post we'll cover:
Method 1: Starting a Riding Lawn Mower with a Two-Headed Screwdriver
Screwdriver head with different shapes mainly distinguishes one type of screwdriver from another. In this operation, all you need is a two-headed screwdriver and knowledge about the location of certain parts of the mower. If you don’t have the first one then purchase it from a nearby retail shop and I am sure you don’t lack the second one.5 Steps to Turn on a Riding Lawn Mower with a Two-Headed Screwdriver
Step 1: Engaging the Parking Brakes
Step 2: Disengaging the Blades
Step 3: Locate the Battery of the Mower
Usually, the battery is positioned under the hood of the mower. So, open the hood and you will find the battery either on the left side or on the right side. It varies from brand to brand also from model to model.
Step 4: Locate the Ignition Coil
You will notice some cables on the battery. The cables are connected to the ignition coil. So, you can quickly locate the ignition coil following the cables.
Step 5: Turn on the Mower
Check the engine compartment and you will find a small box. The box is generally hooked on one side of the compartment.
Method 2: Starting a Riding Lawn Mower with a Flathead Screwdriver
The Flathead screwdriver has a wedge-shaped flat tip. It is generally used to loosen screws with a linear or a straight notch on their heads. If you lose the key of your mower then you can start it using a flat head screwdriver. The size of the screwdriver should be a little bit smaller than the ignition hole of your mower. If its size is bigger than the ignition hole then it won’t come to your help. Keep this information in mind before purchasing a flat-head screwdriver to turn on your mower.4 Steps to Turn on a Riding Lawn Mower with a Flat-Headed Screwdriver
Step 1: Engaging the Parking Brakes
Some lawnmowers come with brake pedals that will allow you to engage the parking brakes by simply pressing those pedals. On the other hand, some lawnmowers don’t have the brake pedal feature rather they come with a lever. You have to pull this lever to engage the parking brakes of the mower. So, based on the feature available to your lawnmower follow the instruction to engage the brake of the lawnmower into the parking position.Step 2: Disengaging the Blades
Disengage the cutting blade so that the brake cannot start all of a sudden and an accident occurs. This step must not be ignored for your safety.Step 3: Place the Flat-head Screwdriver in the Keyhole
Place the screwdriver in the keyhole. It will work as a substitute for the key of your mower. While performing this step be very careful so that you don’t end up damaging the ignition chamber of the mower.Step 4: Turn on the Lawnmower
Now rotate the screwdriver and you will hear the sound of the engine. Keep rotating the screwdriver until the engine starts. Now, you have turned on the lawnmower using a flat-head screwdriver. Like one rotates the key in the ignition chamber, turn the screwdriver alike. The engine will start to roar. Keep it rotated until the engine start. You have now used a flat head screwdriver as a substitute for the key and started your machine.Final Words
There is a possibility of creating a short-circuit in the first method. So, be careful and confident when you are using a two-headed screwdriver to start your mower. And yes, don’t start the work with bare hands rather wear rubber gloves to ensure safety. On the other hand, some lawnmowers come with a highly protected ignition chamber. You cannot open it without the special key manufactured by the company. If yours is such one the second method won’t work for your mower. No matter which method you choose if you feel nervous and cannot understand the steps properly take help from a professional rather trying yourself.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.