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How to Lift a Lawn Mower by Yourself: 14 Safe Ways To Do It

Are you interested in learning how to lift a lawn mower by yourself? Our guide features 14 safe techniques, giving you the knowledge to handle this task confidently.

There are several methods to lift your lawnmower safely:

To raise a lawn mower safely, use mechanical aids like a hand truck, ramp, chain hoist, or lift straps. Always position and securely fasten the mower first. Follow all safety protocols and get trained on proper lifting if needed. Let the mower cool down completely before attempting to refuel it.

Are you looking to become proficient in lifting your lawnmower? Our guide offers 14 safe methods to make this task straightforward. Don’t let this task intimidate you. Keep going to uncover these techniques!

●1. A compressed Air-powered System:

You can use the pressurized air or gas to lift your lawnmower to a desirable height. This system uses compressed air or compressed inert gases. An electrically powered and centrally located compressor operates the air motors, cylinders, and pneumatic devices.

This system is very cost-effective, more flexible, and safe. It is controlled through automatic or manual solenoid valves. It is connected to the workshop’s compressed air system. A compact air-powered system in a mechanic’s workshop uses a sustainable supply of atmospheric air.

Moisture is removed from the air, and some oil is added. Oil helps in lubrication and prevention of corrosion. The compressed air is entirely harmless, but if nitrogen is used, it might present an asphyxiation hazard.

• Compressed Oxygen: A Fire Hazard

Compressed oxygen is a fire hazard, more costly, and offers no better performance than air. When carbon dioxide is used, the phase change between gas and liquid makes it possible to obtain a larger volume of compressed gas from a smaller container than compressed air requires, but it is a freezing hazard.

This system is designed using the standard cylinders and is easy to use. It is simple to control via a simple on/off button. It is very durable and long-lasting.

Your system will run for a while even if the electric connection is lost, as compressed gas can be stored. These machines are mainly overload-safe to a specific limit. There is a minimum chance of fire. 

●2. A Drill-turned Mechanism:

You can use a hand-operated hoist around a drilling rig to lift your lawnmower safely for maintenance. A cordless drill-driven, hand crank hoist is helpful in areas that lack an electric power supply.

It will help you lift your lawnmower even if you need to maintain it when mowing a far-flung, remote rural farm without access to the electric grid.

This system connects a drill directly to the drive mechanism or the power to the flexible drive shaft. You will have to use the hand crank with the drive mechanism now. You can also connect the hand crank handle to the flexible drive shaft.

A standard device is attached to a power shaft, a bit, and a handle.

●3. Scissor-Action Mechanism:

A scissor-action mechanism uses foldable, linked supports in an “X” pattern. Your lawnmower is lifted through an extension, which is achieved by applying some pressure to the outside of a set of supports at one end of the mechanism, elongating the criss-cross pattern.

Using this mechanism, you can use hydraulic, muscular, mechanical, or pneumatic means to lift your lawnmower. This type of machine can move only vertically, upwards, and downwards, which allows you to pump a lever with one hand.

Depending on the power system employed on this lift, it may need no power to enter descent mode but simply the release of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.

With two decades of experience, I can confidently say that the safest way to lift a lawn mower by yourself is to use a lawn mower lift or jack, ensuring the mower is on a flat, stable surface before lifting.

• Fail-Safe Option of Scissor-Action Lift

These methods are used to lift your lawnmower because they allow a fail-safe option of returning the lift to the ground by simply releasing a manual valve. Observing certain safety precautions while using a scissors-action lift to raise your lawnmower for maintenance is necessary.

A license and insurance are needed to operate the scissors-action lift. Most protocols advocate training every mechanic or technician, whether mandated or not. Most expert professionals also prescribe a session of pre-use checks of the unit.

This machine comes equipped with different tilt sensors. The most commonly used sensor is the overweight sensor, which prevents the lifting of your lawnmower if the maximum operating weight limit is exceeded.

• Counterweight Feature in Latest Scissor-Action Lift Models

The sensors within the scissors-action lift detect that the weight of your lawnmower is off-balance to risk a possible tip-over if it is stolen. Another sensor will refuse to lift if your lawnmower is on a significant incline. Some of the latest scissors-action lift models have additional counterweight features.

Most scissors-action lifts are fitted with an emergency stop button, used in the event of danger or malfunction. Some other safety features include automatic self-checking and a voltmeter that detects if your scissors-action lift has insufficient power to lift your lawnmower.

The voltmeter will prevent operation if the power voltage is insufficient. Some of the latest models also have a manual lowering lever at the base of the scissors-action lift, allowing the user to lower the lift back to the ground level in case of control or power failure.

●4. Air Bearings:

For your lawnmower, with weight in the tons, lifts and movers often enlist the help of air bearings. An air compressor is used to inflate bearing elements that are attached to a platform, which is placed under your lawnmower. Due to the continuous airflow, your lawnmower is lifted and floats across the ground.

Air bearings are also called aerostatic bearings or aerodynamic bearings. This system is ideal for lawnmowers with uneven weight distribution. This system uses a thin film of pressurized gas, where the two surfaces do not touch each other to avoid friction, lubricant handling, particulates, and wear.

●5. Forklift:

A forklift is also called a forklift truck, fork truck, fork hoist, jitney, or truck lift. Its primary purpose is to relocate over a short distance or lift your lawnmower to be loaded into a truck. It is one of the most cost-effective methods to maintain your lawnmower.

There are twenty-five different types of forklifts, including hand pallet trucks, walkie-low lift trucks, rider low lift trucks, towing tractors, walkie stackers, rider stackers, reach trucks, electric counterbalanced trucks, internal combustion engine-powered counterbalanced forklifts, battery electric forklifts, fuel cell forklifts.

Also, side loaders, telescopic handler, walkie order picking truck, rider order picking truck, articulated very narrow aisle counterbalanced truck, guided very thin aisle truck, guided fragile aisle order picking truck, truck-mounted forklift, sod loader, omnidirectional truck, UL 558 safety rated truck.

●6. Hand Truck Dolly:

It is also called a bag barrow, box cart, cart, sack truck, trundler, stack truck, or two-wheeler. It is an L-shaped tool with handles at one end and wheels at the base.

It has a small ledge to carry your lawnmower flat against the floor. When you need to move your lawnmower, it is tilted forward, and the ledge is inserted underneath it; then, the lawnmower can lean back and rest on its ledge.

The dolly and your lawnmower are tilted backward until the mass is well-balanced over its wheels. This first-class lever makes lifting and moving heavy lawnmowers much easier.

●7. Lifting Straps or Moving Harness:

Using lifting straps or moving harnesses, your lawnmower can be stolen and driven by just two people. This simple tool has many different designs, but mostly, there are two straps with adjustable loops at both ends.

These loops are worn over the forearms or shoulders to place the strap underneath your lawnmower. The benefit of lifting straps or moving harnesses is even weight distribution and better stability. It takes the pressure off your back.

Over the years, I’ve seen people make common mistakes when trying to lift a lawn mower, such as lifting with the back instead of the legs, not wearing proper safety gear, and attempting to lift a mower that’s too heavy without assistance.

●8. Jacks:

It is also called a screw jack, jackscrew, car jack, floor jack, garage jack, or toe jack. It is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads like lawnmowers. The mechanical jack employs a screw thread for lifting your lawnmower so that essential maintenance can be performed.

Jacks are used for lifting the corners of your lawnmower so that the roller skids or skates can be placed beneath it. A jack is more heavy-duty than other tools, and it works a little differently. Instead of crowbarring the tool, a hydraulic lever is used to lift your lawnmower.

A jack and a jack stand must be part of your lawnmower repair kit, especially if you own a riding lawnmower. It would be best if you never depended upon a jack alone to hold a riding lawnmower safely. Its hydraulic locking valve may sometimes fail, hurting you or damaging your riding lawnmower.

• Introduction to Jack’s Stands

Jack’s stands are designed to capture your riding lawnmower safely if used correctly. It will prevent the riding lawnmower from slipping, shifting, or moving from its proper place and height while you are repairing it.

Some of the latest models have a swivel feature that allows you to position the tool more precisely. It is ideal for lifting lawnmowers with both low clearance and high clearance. There are nine types of jacks:

  • Scissor jack
  • House jack
  • Hydraulic jack
  • Trolley jack
  • Bottle jack or whiskey jack
  • Air hydraulic jack
  • Inflatable jack, lifting bag, or a pneumatic lifting bag
  • Strand jack
  • Farm jack

●9. Lift Buddy:

A lift buddy will help you lift the corner of your lawnmower. It works similarly to a jack. It will allow you to raise your lawnmower with one hand.

●10. Roller Skids:

A roller skid is a single-deck loading tool that lacks a bottom deck. Low-profile mobile equipment rests on the pedestals attached to its deck. Skids are portable and can be used as a permanent foundation for your lawnmower.

Roller skids are similar to skates, with only one difference. They are designed to be bolted to your heavy lawnmower. Once your lawnmower is lowered back down, the skids are affixed to it so that it can be lifted and moved where you can safely maintain it.

●11. Skates:

Wheels always make the movement of heavy lawnmowers much easier. Skates have a rectangular or square platform with wheels at every corner. Once skates are placed under your lawn mower, you can easily glide and slide them across the ground instead of picking them up and carrying them for maintenance.

The steerable skates offer better and safer transportation. They have a detachable handle. They can be rotated at a three-hundred-sixty-degree angle.

The easily maneuverable steering handle controls the two trailing skates with polyurethane wheels. The wheels will prevent any damage to your lawn. Caterpillar skates are constructed out of highly durable and rustproof stainless steel. 

●12. Chain Hoist:

It is also called buck hoist, builder hoist, man lift, temporary elevator, or winder. It is a simple tool for raising and lowering your lawnmower using a drum or a lift wheel with chains, fiber, synthetic strap, rope, or wire rope. It can be operated electrically, pneumatically, or manually.

Most modern chain hoists carry your lawnmower using a lifting hook. HMI (Hoist Manufacturers Institute) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) promote using chain hoists to safely lift and lower heavy equipment.

●13. Lift:

A lawnmower lift has a weight capacity of up to three hundred and fifty pounds. It has a safety lock to support the load safely. Its rubber-padded platform will prevent scratching and protect your lawnmower.

It has a non-slip hydraulic foot pedal operation that allows the effortless lifting of your lawnmower. The lift itself is easily maneuverable and adjustable for lawnmowers of different sizes. In three simple steps, you can safely lift it for maintenance.

First, you will have to drive your riding lawnmower onto the wheel baskets of the lift. Ensure you securely position your lawnmower’s tires into the wheel baskets, centering the load on the lift. Secondly, to raise the lift safely, you will turn the release valve clockwise until firm resistance is left.

• Pumping the Jack

Now, carefully pump the jack until your lawnmower reaches your desired height. The final height will correspond with its locking teeth on the height locking lever.

Now, slowly turn the release valve counter-clockwise until the lift platform locking levers engage the height locking levers. Then, close the release valve clockwise until firm resistance is left.

Finally, to lower the lift, you must put it in neutral and raise the lift platform slightly to disengage the height-locking levers. It would be best to pump the lift pedal several times to disengage the height-locking levers.

• Operating the Release Valve

Turn the release valve counter-clockwise, no more than one turn from the closed position. The lift provides twenty-three inches from the ground to the wheel saddle for maximum space.

The lift is built with the welded solid stainless steel construction and four steel wheels. It also features positive dual-locking safety latches.

One unique tip I’ve learned from my experience that isn’t commonly found online is to clean the underside of the mower regularly. This not only helps with the mower’s performance but also makes it lighter and easier to lift.

●14. Ramp:

A ramp is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle; one end is higher than the other. It is used as an aid to lift and lower down your lawnmower. It is also used to move your lawnmower over vertical obstacles, for example, a truck.

Moving your lawnmower up a ramp requires much less force than lifting it straight up at the cost of increased distance. A portable automotive pair of ramps is generally constructed with a rugged and structural design.

• Convenient Access to Your Lawnmower

The pair of ramps provide convenient and reliable access to the underside of your lawnmower and storage for maximum space. A ramp has a non-skid base and tread pattern, which helps reduce slippage.

Its patented polymer internal support system and wide stance offer maximum strength and unbeatable weight distribution. It has an extra-wide tire width for the safest lifting of your lawnmower.

Remarks

To conclude this blog post, I would say that lawnmower maintenance is essential. All the bolts and screws should be checked and tightened before lifting the mower for mowing. Otherwise, a wheel or the blade can come off while mowing. This is very dangerous and requires some care.

You must ensure the right amount of oil in your lawnmower before each use. Always wait for the lawnmower to cool down before refueling it. If you plan to transport your lawnmower, remember that lifting the mower onto a car requires some care and planning.

• Choosing a Suitable Method to Lift a Lawn Mower

There are several ways to lift a lawn mower onto a car, including a ramp. You should choose a suitable method that works best for you. For instance, you could use a ramp to roll the lawn mower onto the car.

This method is generally more straightforward and safer, but securing the mower is essential to avoid damage. Naturally, always ensure that the mower is connected to the car properly.

Always use straps or other restraints to keep the mower in place during transport, whether lifting the mower onto a trailer, a truck bed, or a car. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when working with lawnmowers.

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  1. Mitchell Medina says:

    The details provided about each lifting method are very helpful for someone like me who is not familiar with lawnmower maintenance. Thank you for sharing this information.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Mitchell. I’m glad you found the information helpful. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for lawnmower maintenance to ensure safety.

  2. Jar Bradley says:

    I had no idea about the variety of tools and techniques available for lifting lawnmowers. This post is a great resource for beginners like me.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Jar! I’m glad you found the information helpful for beginners like yourself. Happy mowing!

  3. Lesa Barnes says:

    I appreciate the emphasis on safety in this post. It’s important to follow the precautions mentioned to ensure the maintenance process goes smoothly.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Lesa! Safety is our top priority. It’s crucial to follow precautions to ensure a smooth maintenance process for your lawnmower. Appreciate your support.

  4. Michele Jacobs says:

    This post is so informative and helpful for those like me who are not very experienced in lawnmower maintenance. I appreciate the detailed explanations of each lifting method.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Michele! I’m glad you found the post helpful. Make sure to always prioritize safety when maintaining your lawnmower. Happy mowing!

  5. Kelly Ray says:

    After reading this post, I feel more prepared to lift and maintain my lawnmower safely. The step-by-step explanations are very useful for beginners like me.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Kelly Ray! I’m glad you found the step-by-step explanations helpful for lifting your lawnmower safely. Remember to always follow the safety precautions to avoid any accidents. Happy mowing!

  6. Gene Lambert says:

    I found the videos included in the post to be very informative and illustrative of the different lifting methods. It’s great to have visual aids to understand the techniques better.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Gene Lambert! I’m glad you found the videos informative. Safety is key when lifting lawnmowers – glad to provide useful tips.

  7. Dolores Austin says:

    Thank you for sharing these valuable tips on how to safely lift and maintain a lawnmower. These different methods provide great options for those of us with little knowledge on the topic.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Dolores! I’m glad you found the tips helpful for maintaining your lawnmower. Stay safe while working on it!

  8. Ava Holmes says:

    The safety precautions mentioned in this post are crucial for avoiding accidents and damage to the lawnmower. I will definitely keep them in mind next time I need to lift mine.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Ava! I’m glad you found the safety precautions helpful. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with your lawnmower. Stay safe!

  9. Elaine Reyes says:

    The explanation of each lifting method in this post is very clear and easy to understand. I feel more confident now about maintaining my lawnmower properly.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Elaine! I’m glad you found the explanations clear and helpful. Remember to always prioritize safety when maintaining your lawnmower. Happy mowing!

  10. Lois Martin says:

    Thank you for sharing these valuable tips on how to safely lift and maintain a lawnmower. These different methods provide great options for those of us with little knowledge on the topic.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Lois! I’m glad you found the tips helpful. Stay safe and enjoy maintaining your lawnmower.

  11. Judith Coleman says:

    I never knew there were so many different methods to lift a lawnmower safely. This post has opened my eyes to the importance of proper maintenance techniques.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Judith! Proper maintenance techniques are crucial for the longevity of your lawnmower. I’m glad you found the post helpful in understanding the safe lifting methods.

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