Walker lawn mowers are premium commercial-grade mowers known for their dedicated rear discharge decks and patented GHS grass handling system for remarkable grass clippings collection. Built in the USA to strict quality standards, these zero-turn riders deliver exceptional cutting performance across all turf types.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine key features of Walker mowers as well as provide maintenance and usage best practices to maximize productivity.
Overview of Walker Mower Cutting Deck Designs
The Walker cutting deck sits centrally between the front caster wheels and uses an adjustable rear discharge chute to eject clippings. Benefits include:
Dedicated Rear Discharge
Directing clipping outflow to the back keeps discharge path clear for uninterrupted cutting while preventing grass blowout onto sidewalks or flower beds.
Quick Height Adjustment
Convenient lever allows cutting height changes in 1/4” increments from 1.5 to 4 inches without tools. Adapt instantly for seasonal variations.
GHS Grass Handling System
Powerful vacuum airflow directs clippings into catcher hoppers for easy disposal later. Minimizes unpleasant grass buildup while nourishing lawns.
Available Deck Widths
Walker offers mower decks ranging from 42 to 62 inches wide plus options like side discharge or mulching kits. Size appropriately for lawn acreage.
Proper deck configuration and adjustment is key to achieving a pristine cut quality and even dispersal of clippings.
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Standard Maintenance for Peak Performance
Regular preventative maintenance keeps Walker mowers humming:
Change Engine Oil
Swap oil and filters after first 5-8 hours, then every 50 hours (or yearly if less). Use detergent SAE 30-40 weight oil suitable for summer or winter temps.
Inspect & Replace Belts
Check belts for cracking or excessive wear yearly. Look for signs of slipping indicating replacement needed. Tension properly.
Sharpen Mower Blades
Rotate, remove nicks or sharpen mower blades after every 25 hours of use. Balanced blades cut cleaner. Replace bent blades immediately.
Clean Air & Oil Filters
Dirty air filters restrict airflow, overtaxing the engine. Clean pre-filters every 25 hours, replace main filters annually.
Drain Fuel for Storage
For off-season storage, add fuel stabilizer first then run engine for 5 minutes to circulate. Drain fuel tanks and carburetors fully.
Usage Tips and Best Practices
Follow these expert recommendations when using your Walker machine:
Clear Debris First
Inspect lawn for sticks, stones and fallen branches before mowing which could damage blades or deck housing if struck by blades.
Alternate Mowing Path
Changing mowing patterns every other session avoids soil compaction and matting while evenly dispersing clippings. Keep slices small.
Adjust Ground Speed to Conditions
Mow at fuller throttle and slower pace in thick, tall grass. Increase throttle and ground speed when tackling thinner lawn areas to maintain cutting efficiency.
Monitor Component Strain
If engine or cutting deck sound excessively strained, reduce ground speed to lighten the workload. Exceeding mower capacity risks breakdowns.
Mix Fuel Properly
Always use fresh, clean unleaded gas with the factory recommended oil mix ratio for your engine type. Stale fuel causes deposits.
Common Walker Mower FAQs
How long should Walker mower blades last?
Typically mower blades should provide a couple seasons of use if properly maintained. Aggressive mowing decreases lifespan. Have spares ready.
Can you mulch with a Walker?
Certain models accept mulching kits but are better optimized for rear discharge and GHS bagging. For dedicated mulching, consider a front-cut design.
Do Walker mowers require special maintenance skills?
Walkers need similar maintenance to other commercial zero turns. Handling grass catching hoppers takes some practice but overall fairly straightforward for home mechanics.