Tired of your lawn looking like a perfectly manicured golf course? Are you dreaming of a lush, verdant meadow instead? Maybe you simply want to give your grass a little extra height to combat the scorching summer sun. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves wanting to adjust their lawn mower’s cutting height. But figuring out how to do it can be confusing, especially with the variety of mowers available. This guide will walk you through the steps of raising the cutting height on your lawn mower, covering both manual and automatic adjustments, so you can achieve the perfect lawn height for your needs.
Short Overview:
Raising the cutting height on your lawn mower is a simple process that usually involves adjusting a lever or series of levers located on the deck of the mower. The exact procedure can vary depending on the type of mower you own, but this article will cover the most common methods.
Identifying Your Mower Type
Before diving into the specifics of adjusting cutting height, you need to understand the type of mower you have. There are two main categories:
- Rotary mowers: These are the most common type, using a rotating blade to cut grass.
- Reel mowers: These mowers use a set of blades to cut grass like a pair of scissors.
Most modern rotary mowers will feature either a manual or automatic cutting height adjustment system. Reel mowers, on the other hand, typically have a fixed cutting height, though some models may offer limited adjustment.
Adjusting Cutting Height on Manual Mowers
If your rotary mower has a manual cutting height adjustment system, you’ll find a series of levers or wheels on the deck. These control the height of the mower deck, and therefore the cutting height.
1. Locating the Adjustment Levers
- Identifying the levers: Look for a series of levers or wheels positioned near the wheels of your mower. They may be labeled with numbers corresponding to different cutting heights.
2. Adjusting the Cutting Height
- Raising the cutting height: To raise the cutting height, move the levers upward or turn the wheels clockwise. The number of clicks or turns will vary depending on your mower model.
- Lowering the cutting height: To lower the cutting height, move the levers downward or turn the wheels counter-clockwise.
3. Testing the Adjustment
- Verify the new height: After adjusting the levers, check the cutting height using a tape measure or ruler. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the mower deck.
- Repeat if necessary: If the new cutting height doesn’t meet your needs, repeat steps 2 and 3 until you achieve your desired height.
Adjusting Cutting Height on Automatic Mowers
Automatic cutting height adjustment systems are found on more advanced mowers. They offer a more convenient method of changing the cutting height.
1. Identifying the Control Panel
- Location of the control panel: Look for a control panel on the handle or side of the mower. This panel may have buttons, dials, or levers for adjusting the cutting height.
2. Using the Control Panel
- Selecting your desired height: The control panel will typically display the current cutting height and allow you to adjust it using buttons, dials, or levers.
- Digital display: Some automatic mowers have digital displays that show the exact cutting height in inches or centimeters.
3. Checking the Adjustment
- Verify the height: After making changes to the automatic system, check the actual cutting height with a tape measure to ensure accuracy.
Adjusting Cutting Height on Reel Mowers
As mentioned before, most reel mowers have a fixed cutting height, but some models allow for limited adjustment.
1. Adjusting the Cutting Height
- Identifying the adjustment mechanism: Look for a knob or lever that allows you to raise or lower the reel blades.
- Adjusting the blades: Turn the knob or lever to adjust the height of the blades.
- Limited adjustment: Be aware that reel mowers usually offer a very limited range of cutting heights compared to rotary mowers.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your lawn mower is crucial for ensuring optimal cutting height performance and overall longevity.
1. Regularly Clean the Mower Deck
- Removing grass clippings: Clean the underside of the mower deck regularly to prevent grass clippings from accumulating and hindering the adjustment mechanism.
- Using a brush or hose: Use a stiff brush or water hose to remove debris and clippings.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
- Maintaining smooth operation: Lubricate the moving parts of your mower, such as the wheels and cutting height adjustment levers, with a light oil to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
3. Sharpen the Blades
- Achieving a clean cut: Sharpen the blades regularly to ensure a clean cut and prevent tearing or damaging the grass. Dull blades can also hinder the mower’s ability to adjust cutting height effectively.
Additional Tips
- Consult the user manual: Always refer to your mower’s user manual for specific instructions and guidelines on adjusting the cutting height for your particular model.
- Start with a small adjustment: When adjusting the cutting height, start with a small change and gradually increase or decrease the height until you reach your desired level. This allows you to fine-tune the cutting height without making drastic changes.
- Consider the season: The ideal cutting height may vary depending on the season and your grass type. During the warmer months, you may want to keep the grass slightly longer to protect it from scorching sun and reduce water loss.
- Avoid scalping: Scalping refers to cutting the grass too short, which can weaken the grass and make it susceptible to disease and damage. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
- Practice makes perfect: Adjusting your mower’s cutting height may take a few attempts to get it right. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the ideal height for your lawn.
Conclusion
Whether you want to achieve a classic manicured look, encourage a wilder, more natural feel, or simply need to adjust for the changing seasons, understanding how to raise your lawn mower’s cutting height is an essential skill for any homeowner. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily achieve the perfect cutting height for your lawn and enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally!
FAQs
How Do I Know What Cutting Height Is Right For My Grass?
The ideal cutting height for your lawn depends on the type of grass you have and your personal preference. Generally, you should aim for a cutting height of 2-3 inches for most lawns. However, if you have a warm-season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia, you can cut it shorter, to around 1-1.5 inches. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right height is to experiment and see what works best for your lawn.
Can I Adjust The Cutting Height Of All Lawn Mowers?
Most modern lawn mowers, whether they are rotary, reel, or robotic, have a mechanism for adjusting the cutting height. Rotary mowers typically have a lever or a knob that controls the height of the mower deck. Reel mowers usually have a series of pins that you can adjust to change the height of the blades. Robotic mowers often have an app or a control panel that allows you to adjust the cutting height remotely. However, some older or very basic models may not have adjustable cutting heights.
How Often Should I Adjust The Cutting Height Of My Lawn Mower?
You don’t need to adjust your lawn mower’s cutting height every time you mow. It’s best to only adjust it if you notice that your grass is growing too high or too low. For example, you may need to increase the cutting height in the spring and summer when grass grows more quickly. You may also need to adjust the height depending on the type of grass you have and how you want your lawn to look.
What Are The Benefits Of Raising The Cutting Height Of My Lawn Mower?
Raising the cutting height of your lawn mower offers several benefits for your lawn. A taller lawn helps to shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and helping to keep the roots cool. It also provides more surface area for photosynthesis, allowing the grass to grow thicker and healthier. A taller cut can also help to prevent weeds from growing because the taller grass makes it harder for weed seeds to reach the soil and germinate.
How Do I Know When To Lower The Cutting Height Of My Lawn Mower?
You may need to lower the cutting height of your lawn mower if you notice that your grass is growing too tall and becoming uneven or patchy. This can happen during periods of rapid growth in the spring or summer. You should also lower the height if you want to achieve a more manicured look or if you are preparing your lawn for a special event.
Can I Change The Cutting Height While I’m Mowing?
Changing the cutting height of your lawn mower while you are mowing is not recommended. This can lead to an uneven cut, and you may end up with patches of grass that are too short or too long. Always adjust the cutting height before you start mowing and make sure to adjust all of the wheels to the same height.
How Do I Know If The Cutting Height Is Adjusted Correctly?
The best way to check if the cutting height of your lawnmower is adjusted correctly is to simply measure it. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to measure the distance between the bottom of the mower deck and the ground. You should also make sure that all of the wheels are adjusted to the same height. If you notice that the cutting height is uneven, you can adjust the wheels or the deck until the height is consistent across the entire mower.