What's the secret????

[dtelawncare]

I have been using my Exmark for about 5 months. I have gotten a good grasp on all the handling of the machine, but I can't figure out how to prevent the tear marks on the turkf when turning. I have been using my own lawn as a test field so to speak. I know the weight is a major factor, but there must be a secret to NOT tearing up the turf. Any and all info and tips would greatly be appeciated.

[daveintoledo]

use a K shaped turn, keep both wheels moving...and SLOWDOWN. hahahh :)

[dtelawncare]

Thanks Dave. I have been slowing down and trying different methods. I guess I will have to practice a lot more. I ahve noticed it is almost impossible in a thin lawn.

[topsites]

I usually do the racetrack pattern because it smooths out the turns a lot. That, and I slow down in the turns, my Wb will stand on 2 wheels if I take a turn at full speed. With the racetrack pattern, most of your turns will be in the 90-degree range: this saves a lot of time compared to 180-degree turns and it's a lot easier on the turf, but...

The other thing I do (like when I feel like striping) is do a mushroom-cloud turn. Hard to describe exactly but you turn OUT and then turn around so you're actually making a wider turn. If you were to turn to your right, you would turn a little bit left first, and then make a wide right circle, then turn left a little to straighten out again.

Last but not least, keep the inside tire moving: don't do turns on a dime.

T-bar :rolleyes:

[TURF DOCTOR]

What's a k shaped turn is it a 3 point turn.

[CAG]

just basically turn around half way and then reverse a little so your not on the same spot of grass and complete the turn..

[Freddy_Kruger]

I usually do the racetrack pattern because it smooths out the turns a lot. That, and I slow down in the turns, my Wb will stand on 2 wheels if I take a turn at full speed. With the racetrack pattern, most of your turns will be in the 90-degree range: this saves a lot of time compared to 180-degree turns and it's a lot easier on the turf, but...

The other thing I do (like when I feel like striping) is do a mushroom-cloud turn. Hard to describe exactly but you turn OUT and then turn around so you're actually making a wider turn. If you were to turn to your right, you would turn a little bit left first, and then make a wide right circle, then turn left a little to straighten out again.

Last but not least, keep the inside tire moving: don't do turns on a dime.
Have you ever mowed like a Zamboni?:laugh:

[PMLAWN]

"What's the secret???? "

I could tell you but than-----:laugh:

The secret for tearing is the same as the secret making profit compared to this being a hobby and the same as being able to mow on hills.

Hydro!:hammerhead:

[B&D Lawn Care]

mushroom-cloud turn



Mushroom head turn:hammerhead:

[ALarsh]

I turn like a Y:headphones:

[J&R Landscaping]

Slow down in the corners and keep both wheels moving

[daveintoledo]

thats it.. K Y same thing... (aint it):)

[PMLAWN]

thats it.. K Y same thing... (aint it):)
This also works well if you comb it. The stuff will hold the grass in any wind. (KY isn't that what you put in your hair:laugh: ) just don't walk on it. You will slide right into the next yard!!:laugh:

[Grn Mtn]

...I ahve noticed it is almost impossible in a thin lawn....

Kill the grubs, thin the maples, feed the roots and you'll be able to zoom right around. I do the mushroom thing when I hit delicate turf, and always try to change the mowing pattern from week to week so as not to turn in the same spot.

[wormburner]

It also depends on what tires you have.If you have turf tires it will tear up anything if your not real careful if you have them try changing to a smoother tire.

[greenngrow]

Man I love ROOKIES....:clapping: :clapping:

You have to SLOW down and try not too fight the machine... You may have the lower your tire pressure. .. This will allow you the make the turns and not tear up the grass......

You are spinning your wheels !!!! literally....

[dtelawncare]

I haven't tried lowering my tire pressure. I have thought about changing the tires. They are the turf type.


Thanks again to everyone who has given advice.

[CC Lawncare]

I would stick with the turf tread design.The only other option is ag-tread and I think that may be worse for you. Wormburner mentioned a "smoother tire", I don't know where you would get a smoother tire but that would make you just spin more on wet grass and hills. You need tread in this business.