What You Need to Know About Lawn Mower Jacks
If you own a riding lawn mower and want to do your own maintenance, you most definitely need a lawn mower jack. A mower jack is a great way to save money on maintaining your riding lawn mower. Plus, you'll be able to do more regular maintenance that will help extend the life of your mower.
Safety First
The first consideration before buying or using a lawn mower jack is safety. You'll need a mower jack designed for the weight (load capacity) and shape of the mower you're using. To help determine what size you'll need, consult your owner's manual to determine the weight of your mower. You'll also need to know the measurement between the front wheels of your mower.
Portability is also a factor. You need a jack that's easy to move no matter where you need to work. For example, if your mower breaks down far from your garage, it will probably be easier to take your mower jack and a few tools to your mower.
Ease of Use
You'll want a jack that's easy to use as well. It should go into place and start lifting without much effort on your part. The wheel guides should be easy to drive onto. Mower jacks also come with adjustable wheel pads that can accommodate different axle widths. Look for the option of using a hand crank or drill to lift the mower into the air. Of course, you should be able to lock the jack into place once you have the mower lifted (it's also always a good idea to place a block under the jack to catch it if it should slip).
Buy Online or Retail
You can purchase your mower jack online, but you need to fully understand the size and weight of your mower and the limitations of the jack you are buying. If you have a local retailer who's truly knowledgeable about mower jacks, you can purchase from them. Regardless of whether you buy online or from a local store, be aware of the requirements first.
