Find Your Zen in the Art of Mowing

April 15, 2010

We’ve heard it time and time again from both pros and homeowners: there’s just something relaxing about mowing. About getting out in the fresh air with the scent of freshly mowed grass holding the air captive.

There’s also a feeling of pride and a sense of accomplishment that comes with looking at a perfectly cut lawn. And when you take mowing seriously, you naturally move into the ranks of being an artist, because you’re creating something beautiful. Every lawn is your canvas.

We don’t mean to get overly Zen on you, but it is undeniable that there’s a certain Zen-like feeling that can come from mowing.

As calming as mowing can be, there are still mower operators who are less than gentle on their equipment. Not that machines are sensitive by any means, but an aggressive operator who manhandles the mowers will wear the equipment down at a much quicker rate, as well as tear up the turf. This forceful handling causes an enormous amount of strain on the hydraulic system and will also compromise the quality of cut.

Another way to compromise the mower is to try to jump over things. If you need to go up or down a curb–don’t jump it. Take your time in finding another way to move the mower. Jumping off a curb results in free-spinning tires and, upon landing, creates excess weight and pressure on the machine.  It doesn’t matter what type of equipment you have, none of these systems are designed to deal with a force that strong and can cause an immediate failure of the hydraulic system.

So when you get out there, remember to extend the tranquility to your equipment. Not only is it pricey to fix, but a broken machine can shatter the peaceful balance of being outdoors and creating your lawn masterpiece.

Author: David Martin, customer service manager at Exmark