Newbie to mower advice

[RandallCooper]

hey Guys,

I just purchased my first riding lawn mower and This will be the first one I have ever rode really.

I got the Ariens 42 in 17 hp from Home Depot
(link) I am wondering if I need to do anything to it besides check the oil and add gas to get it going. The man at home depot said change the oil, I dont know why but I looked at the oil and its a good as day. Never been run before. I read over the manual and it says it can take a few different types of oil depending on temperature. I just got it yesterday and about to get get her running. But want to know if I need to do anything before I start it.

 

[earthworm]

The advice here will be much better than that of HDs...
Check the FAQs....or search...
I'd rig a way that you can inspect everything from the business end (pulleys and blade)..Some of the better units are engineered to be easily serviced.
There are problems with Quality Control - everywhere.. We had to do a PDI on the new cars, and, IMO, this should be done with the mower as well.There is not that much to it.
HD, Lowes, only sell, no PDI - this should be done by a man who knows the product..
Pre-delivery Inspection....

 

[Ric]

hey Guys,

I just purchased my first riding lawn mower and This will be the first one I have ever rode really.

I got the Ariens 42 in 17 hp from Home Depot
(link) I am wondering if I need to do anything to it besides check the oil and add gas to get it going. The man at home depot said change the oil, I dont know why but I looked at the oil and its a good as day. Never been run before. I read over the manual and it says it can take a few different types of oil depending on temperature. I just got it yesterday and about to get get her running. But want to know if I need to do anything before I start it.

Yes you need to change the oil at about 25 hrs because it will help take out any metal shavings and such that may occur during the engine break-in period. Check the oil level before every use and change it as the book or manual says. Do not use a synthetic oil for at least the first 50 hours. To allow the piston rings to properly seat in a new engine a standard petroleum based oil needs to be used for the first 50 after that if you want to spend the extra money on a synthetic oil you can do so but it's not really necessary. You also may want to keep an eye on the tire pressure occasionally. Happy Mowing, Hope you like your new ride.:thumbsup:

 

[possum]

Like the other fellow said, go over it good to make sure nothing is loose or missing. Make sure the fuel tank is clean before fueling, and the oil is full. Get a mental picture of how things look so if something gets out of place you know how it can be put back into place. Read the books that come with it. If the unit has grease zerks on the wheels make sure they have been greased. If your yard is rough, overgrown, or new to you go over it and find all the stumps, roots, toys, trash, etc. Avoid running into or over them. Pay close attention to the discharge of grass from the mower for the first couple cuts so you get an idea of what is to much speed for the deck to handle the load, clean off the deck, engine and muffler areas good before putting it away. If mowing in dusty dirty areas or around cottonwood fluff, flowering plants etc. keep a close eye on the intake screen on top of the engine, those things are prone to clog up and overheat the engine. That cottonwood crap is the worst around here, always clogging up lawnmowers and AC units. Keep an eye out for rodents living in your engine and spiders making lots of webs throughout your mower if you have these pests around. Be a good idea to get some fuel stabilizer.

 

[oldyellr]

Change the oil when the manual tells you to. Hope they gave you the a manual. Read it.

 

[talihinarobert]

Welcome to the forum. Great bunch of people on here to help.
First things I do with a new mower is to make sure the oil is at the right levels. I use a conditioner in all my gas that I use in a riding mower or for that matter any of my equipment for yard care.
Read your manual on how much octane your gas should have as that will also reflect on how it performs. If you can use an ethenol free gas it is better for your system. If you cant find a high enough octane gas for the recommended use there is octane boosters you can add to your gas and it will not harm the machine.
Enjoy your new machine and happy mowing
The ole rural okie.
Robert:thumbsup: