I inherited a well-maintained Yard Machines 6HP self-propelled mower
from my home's pervious owner. It's loaded: electric start, convertible
bagger, all the goodies.

But the self-propelled speed is VERY SLOW. Good for a 75-year old man
shuffling along, but for me at 27 it's kind of taxing. Holding in all
the levers is actually starting to hurt my wrist after 45 minutes! Even
my dad at 57 decided "this thing sucks. Lawn mowing should be fun!" I
agree.

Any way to make these things move faster? Gear changes, etc?

Any way to make these things move faster? Gear changes, etc?

Have you tried pushing it without the self-propel drive engaged?
Always a good option if it is practical.

Have you tried pushing it without the self-propel drive engaged?
Always a good option if it is practical.

It's quite heavy. Much heavier than a regular push mower, especially
with a big 6HP engine and electric start parts.

The problem is, it goes only marginally faster when I push it. I just
can't get this thing around the yard, and I'm a fit guy!

bryanska wrote:
Have you tried pushing it without the self-propel drive engaged?
Always a good option if it is practical.


It's quite heavy. Much heavier than a regular push mower, especially
with a big 6HP engine and electric start parts.

The problem is, it goes only marginally faster when I push it. I just
can't get this thing around the yard, and I'm a fit guy!


Perhaps you've discovered why the previous owner left it behind...

BTW, "Lawn mowing should be fun?!?" ;-)

"bryanska" wrote in news:1128017282.629062.61270
@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:


Have you tried pushing it without the self-propel drive engaged?
Always a good option if it is practical.

It's quite heavy. Much heavier than a regular push mower, especially
with a big 6HP engine and electric start parts.

The problem is, it goes only marginally faster when I push it. I just
can't get this thing around the yard, and I'm a fit guy!


Maybe the belt is slipping (not tight enough)?
Maybe the drive wheels have worn down?

I have the same problem with my self-propelled mower. It has noticably
slowed down over the last 5 years or so. I haven't really gotten into it
yet though.

Have you called Yard Machines yet?

Let us know.

Maybe the belt is slipping (not tight enough)?
Maybe the drive wheels have worn down?

Good questions. I haven't opened the thing up yet. But yeah, I will
definitely poke around, call Yard Machines, and let y'all know.

It'd be a shame to let this mower go. The previous owner went into a
retirement home, and left us all these wonderfully maintained things.
The lawnmower just purrs like a kitten otherwise.