Cards on the table: this guide isn’t about how to make a souped-up racing lawn mower out of a regular riding lawn mower. That would be fun, of course, but not all of us are part of the USLMRA.
If your lawn mower is slowing down due to old age or you just want it to go a little faster to save money buying a new model, however, this guide has everything you need to know!
So you’ll be glad to know that there are ways to make a lawn mower faster, which is definitely a good thing if you have a large garden or just hate doing the lawn (and want it to be over quicker). Perhaps it’s both.
And for good measure, this guide includes the need-to-know tips for both push mowers and riding mowers.
The lawn isn’t getting any shorter, though, so let’s get on with it.
How To Make A Riding Lawn Mower Go Faster (10 Ways)
1. Regular Maintenance
We know – stating the obvious. But like all electricals and tools— cars, even—lawn mowers need TLC, too.
This includes cleaning, checking for leaks and damage, and making sure the fuel never fully runs out. Your lawn mower will thank you in the long run!
2. Get Bigger Tires
This one’s simple: get bigger tires, cover more ground. You’ll have to check the owner’s manual to find out what tires you have on and what sizes are compatible, but this is definitely a quick and easy way to make your riding lawn mower faster.
3. Remove The Hood
Here’s another simple way to make your riding lawn mower faster – just remove the hood. Less weight means better speed, after all, plus increased air flow to the engine.
As a bonus, your riding lawn mower will also look awesome.
4. Monitor Fuel Levels
We’re not just talking about not letting the fuel run out. This isn’t good for your car and nor is it good for your riding lawn mower.
But here’s the thing: low fuel in your tank means more air, and with more air, the more fuel fumes fill your tank. So keep it mostly topped up.
5. Check Oil Levels
Just like fuel, your riding lawn mower’s oil levels need monitoring. These keep all the parts lubricated and working in optimum condition, so make it a habit to check!
If you always forget, try to remember each time you check your car’s oil.
6. Replace Dull Blades
Dull blades make it harder, and slower, to cut through grass. So check the sharpness of your blades and replace them with new ones if they look dull. If you’ve had your lawn mower for a few years, this one’s definitely worth doing.
7. Check The Muffler Isn’t Damaged
The muffler is one of the most important parts of any riding lawn mower. And if yours is damaged, your exhaust system isn’t going to be working as well as it should. So check for holes, dents, and other signs of damage!
8. Check The Air Filter Isn’t Clogged
A clogged air filter can mean serious engine and performance problems, like overheating and, as a result, a slow-moving lawn mower. This needs to be cleaned often.
And if it’s too clogged up, we recommend replacing the air filter with a new one.
9. Remove The Governor
The governor part of the engine limits how fast your riding lawn mower goes. So if you’re really looking to increase its speed, the governor needs to go.
It’s a simple enough job to do—all you need is a wrench—but just don’t forget to replace the flywheel housing.
10. Install A Bigger Pulley
Last but not least and our main tip for how to make a riding mower faster: install a larger pulley. The engine pulley drives the belt, so installing a bigger one is one way to easily increase speed.
Check sizing in your owner’s manual first, then go from there.
How To Make A Push Lawn Mower Go Faster (5 Ways)
1. Regular Maintenance
We know, here it is again: regular maintenance. Let’s face it, though, not all of us clean, check, and store our push lawn mowers properly. And this can seriously affect performance.
So if you want yours to cut grass effortlessly, make sure to do regular maintenance.
2. Clean The Air Filter
Push lawn mowers have air filters too, so just like riding lawn mowers, these need to be cleaned regularly to make sure the engine’s getting enough air flow. Give it a clean or replace it if it’s a lost cause.
3. Check Fuel Levels
Low fuel can mean low speed – and also poor performance. So don’t just top it up when fuel is low; regularly check your fuel levels before and after using your push lawn mower to ensure it’s topped up or close to topped up.
4. Monitor Oil Levels
The same thing applies here as it does with riding lawn mowers! Push lawn mowers involve different moving parts, so good oil levels are important for keeping everything lubricated and running optimally.
5. Change Governor Spring
Yep, push lawn mowers can have a governor too, and this spring can be the main reason why you’re not getting the speed you need. Thankfully, the governor spring can be switched for a longer one to increase fuel flow. Once again, remember to reinstall the housing!
Conclusion – Plus One Last Final Tip
To wrap up, our final tip is this: cut your lawn often!
No matter whether you own a riding lawn mower or a push lawn mower, heading out there once every two months to tackle a jungle isn’t going to do you, or your lawn mower, any favors.
And the more you maintain your lawn, the easier it will be, the healthier it will be, and the better it will look. So don’t put it off and try to keep a regular routine!
And that’s it: our simple guide on how to make a lawn mower go fast. Try our tips out today and we guarantee your lawn mower will be moving faster (and cutting the lawn faster) in no time.
