Hey guys, thanks for watching! Hopefully this tip helped you guys make straight lines as you stripe! If you want to watch another video full of tips with using a zero turn, check out the how to make divot free turns tutorial video here: bit.ly/2kJIZOV
That's how I have always done it lol. I have done lawn Care in the Lansing Michigan area. Now I have a question I don't do lawn care any more but have you run a bad boy lawn mower the problem I have with it is rolling the grass over the blades are new 60in deck I have 3 1/2 acres it takes me 5 hours to mow it. Now it should only take about 2 hours to get it done and I'm using high lift blades any tips till I can get a different mower
Thanks Brian, I used your tip's on straight stripes my customers all gave me compliments and it really turned out nice. I'm gonna stripe all customers. Thanks I digest tip's.
U slackers! U didn't whip the cracks!! SLACKERSSSS, I ONLY WHIP CRAXKS ON OFF EDGE WEEK unless they r super bad like that. Then I can't pass it up, OCD maybe or trying to make the company I work for extra special
Finally someone who knows how to mow a beautiful lawn. There are guys on here that mow every yard into a square. You know what you are doing! I do the same a beautifully striped yard is work well done and to be proud of! Great work!!
Brian, dude, I just wanna thank you for being so down to earth, and not acting like you're better than anyone else! All of your tips, tricks and advice is extremely helpful and just thank you!!
Third generation farmer here and was taught by my dad well before we had gps, you have to pick something farther from the distance youre turning at or your line will curve a little with the earths pull or whatever. I miss those old days, my dad was known to the lay the straightest corn rows in the county and her be 1/4 drunk usually lol. Gps made us lazy, i miss the pride in straightening your lines and keeping a straight line as if the other farmers passing by would have any respect for me even as a 9 year old lol.
In order to get an exact straight line, you need two points. So pick an object at the edge of the lawn, and then find another object further in the distance that is in line with your first object. Keep those 2 points lined up and your mowing line will be exactly straight.
Great videos Brian. I've used Zero turns to mow grass at an airport and for our church property. Both were mowing for time, not so much aesthetics. I just bought my first 54" for home use. I was using your method of looking for a point on the horizon (of the lawn). After watching this I can't wait to mow next time. Your videos are informative and entertaining. I get so sick of boring youtube tutorials! Your on screen persona was a breath of fresh air! LOL. Thanks for the tips.
Just found channel. I learn this trick from a 90 yr old farmer about 20 years ago. That's how he was taught to kept his plow rows straight when he started with mule and plow and still works with modern equipment. Still use it my self. "Stay focused, you'll automatically run straight"
Almost every yard I mow, is damn near impossible to stripe since the lawns aren’t manicured and have a lot of weeds. I do have one yard that I stripe and it has some really big hills. The only way my mower (a Big Dog) is able to handle the hills is if I hit them diagonally. Idk if you have any yards with big hills, but it’s really hard to keep a straight line on them. They always look like they’re super slanted for some reason lol but they still look good when it’s all finished. Happy Memorial Day Brian and thanks for the quality content brother
Practice, practice, practice. I’ve mowed lawns for a long time but only 7 years with zero turn machines. Usually 5 days per week and there are so many little things you pick up with time on the machine, becoming soft with the controls/smooth is a learned skill. I do like Brian says, first run the perimeter then I pick my pattern, which direction this time will I stripe ( I don’t use actual striper ) I don’t do the same direction every week I change it up to cut down on rutting over time. Lucky for all of us lawn mowing is not permanent, it will grow back and you can improve next time!! I try to set straight properly line typically that happens on the perimeter cut.
Got the best tips last year from a guy who's been landscaping for 30 years. 1) the first line is the most important 2) pick a line and trust it your more likely to mess it up if you second guess yourself and 3) you can always do it again if it looks terrible.
Hey Brian, I live in Bismarck North Dakota! I work at UPS, full-time at night and I own and operate my own lawn and snow service. And that’s exactly what I do for mowing lawns, on my bigger lawns, I have three or four trees or posts and that’s how I make my straight lines! And it looks rather nice when I get through! (if I have to say so myself!) 😎 Sincerely , Sam 😏👍
Chicago is only 300 miles north of me. I’d love to work a day with you man. It would be a Ph.D’s worth of knowledge crammed into one or 2 days. Thanks for these tips and tricks videos. Awesome! Helps out a ton!
Many different things you can do to get straight lines trust me I work at a golf course this is what works for me though I do use all of these strategies listed btw you can start at a place where your first pass is super small and then follow the edge of each line you can find something in the distance you can also make a pass and go back and straighten it might have to have a good eye to do the last one though
I find on my long stripes, it usually sways a little bit. The second "cleanup pass" is what really gets me on track for straight lines looking at the lines and seeing where the lines need to be straightened out.
When crossing between your lawn and the lawn over the sidewalk, do you lift your deck a bit with your foot pedal or are the blades fine going across the concrete at 3" ride height?
I go one step further when setting a straight line. I'll pick a marker in the distance, point at it, but also pick 2 details in the grass between me and the marker so I can set a dead straight line instead of curving slightly. Example: I'll aim one front wheel of my (push) mower at a join in the patio, but along the way I'll run over that leaf and that small weed which happen to be in a straight line with the patio join.
Yep, that's just what I was going to say to have two alignment points. In fact I prefer to have both of them beyond my end point like the front and rear sight of a rifle. With a single point you risk not looking straight ahead or sitting square in the seat.As long as the two points line up with the center of your nose and you sit squarely you should be good. I used to farm and plant corn before GPS and was always trying get perfectly straight rows and sometimes it was 1/2 mile rows by sight. I would often put out flags ahead of time to keep myself aligned. Try using two points whenever possible and you won't regret it.
I mowed 10 soccer feilds today in Sacramento haven't used a mower in years due to I'm more on the construction side but best I could say is learn the curve of the mower. Every mower has one bar handle that goes all the way and you use thee other to guide left and right to keep it straight. I used to ride a wolf daily years ago which isn't as big but I'm on pretty much the same thing you have in this video and it's fun as hell. Started at 7::30 today and Finnished ten soccer feilds by 2:20 on my first day at the property. Every ody is gonna have their own way or grove I searched for years for cheats to make it easier and the only one I could say was correct was from Nike!!! Just do it!!!
I have a 6 acre property beautiful tall fescie stripes so mice. The way i teach people is if a beginner. Start on the shortest section or if u line up with a tree or some object. Love the chanel just started my own
This is how I have striped basically from the start. I was actually thinking about it recently and wondering if that was the right way to do it. Good to know that I’m not the only one😂😂😂
You should add some 45s to that back yard, yea it’s a lot more stripes but you’d get a gorgeous diamond cut, and also avoid leaving ruts along the yard. Not sure if you do multiple directions back there, but that’s some nice grass, deserves some diamonds going through it. ;) I love doing S stripes on hills too. Update, I didn’t realize that’s what you did LOL I commented before I watched the whole thing assuming you were gonna just show us the straights! Nice work man
im usually an install guy but just started mowing a bit and my lines are horrible lol luckily we have a few clients that are ok with it not being perfect while i learn.
Brian? What's up man? Can we talk? I think different approaches within video spreads. I mean no harm and congratulate u 4 where u are at. With this being said, I think certain things u bring up could go other ways. I always aim 2 be a humble person and never would want 2 be disrespectful. Thank u 4 yr time
I never had much problem with the first line. I started having major issues keeping my lines straight when I started going tip to tip versus using the wheel for each line. The stripe was way more defined but I looked like I followed a snake down the yard. But it’s getting better
A video on how to get perfect width would be helpful for some, like how to line it up so your using your full deck width with each pass. Thanks for sharing!
2 Questions??? New to the zero turn mower. Does it matter what size the cutting deck is... as far as striping...Just purchased an Exmark Lazer Z series E, 60” Deck. I got the idea about lining up with something in the distance to stay on a line, but what part of the mower do I line up with the previous line mowed. Thanks for taking a minute to answer. Enjoy the site very much. Thanks again!!
I like your channel because you are always giving very helpful tips and information that is true to my knowledge I've been in the industry professionally for 15 years I just started my own company almost 2 years ago I am up to 60 contracted clients and just recently picked up a 22 home h o a neighborhood but the biggest problem is finding help but I've seen a lot of other channels that the information they give to people is just so wrong sure there's many ways to cut grass but there's only a couple ways to properly maintain a lawn I have been trying to find somewhere where I can check out the DeWalt standard I was about to pull the trigger on buying a Wright Stander X but I really want to see what that DeWalt is about first but if I can't locate one I can't see what it's about I don't even know how you have time to film but again that's why I like your channel so much because you make the time I know how busy I am and I'm nowhere near as big as you but all we can do is take it one day at a time
When I was much younger and worked for a local farmer, pointing at a distant object was how we plowed straight lines. Many years later I find out the same principle applies to landing an airplane. I have always used that for mowing as well, and unless I get distracted (squirrel) it always works for me. Here is a question for you. After using my sons Bad Boy Rouge to mow his 7 acres, I decided to take the plunge into the zero turn world and just bought a used Simplicity Citation, 48". Even thought is has four corner suspension, I find I am still bouncing too much for "full forward stop". My manual says best operation is at full throttle, but you mentioned in another video a mid RPM engine speed. Do you run the slower speed to help with the bumps and bounces, by moving a little slower, and does ti affect the quality of the cut? Also, would running a roller over the yard periodically help with the rough terrain?
The problems I have with making straight lines is I have a large yard with a lot of uneven spots so I could be going straight then hit a spot that rocks my riding mower left and right and creates a wiggle line. When the grass is taller and I want to cut lower it's easy to see the lines, but if I am only mowing a tiny bit from the top there are spots where it is hard to see where I made my last pass so I keep going straight and look back and see that I overlapped one of my lines. Then I follow the new line and wind up being at an angle halfway through. I have a neighbor down the street that has razor sharp straight lines in his yard and I see him mowing and he doesn't look like he's doing anything special. Maybe it's an artistic thing since I have always been bad at art. I showed a pic of my lawn to a pro and he said my lines look good but they are uneven to me.
Going slow is the major key for my first passes to make sure they’re extra crispy and straight. Love it when I do a pass and turn around and see a fine straight line from one nice mowing pass. Ensures how good that cuts gonna look for me.
I’m about a hour west of Chicago you can come show me how to stripe and demo my woods mow’n machine. 61” zero turn front mount. I’m guessing you’ve never used a front mount. It stripes great. My family also owns a bbq restaurant just a minute down the road from me. I would treat you to a meal when you’re done mowing. Only 2-1/2 acres shouldn’t take a pro like you long at all to do it
I do it the same way by staring at something in the distance. The trick is not to look down on the 1st past but to keep ur head up looking at your marker in the distance.
I used to mow a 1/10 mile straight stretch with a zero turn. Same philosophy when mowing, pick a point and mow to it. Dad started mowing and the lines started to curve.
Oh and I'm from ST CATHARINES ONTARIO...15 mins from Niagara Falls. I'd absolutely love to work a day with you man. As experienced as I am, I love to learn new stuff or hear peoples views on things I do. And I have implemented some things I've saw on your videos...so I truly feel we could learn alot. I'm 38 and kinda would love to have my own thing. So maybe I could learn a thing or two on that end and I can share with you some things I know. I know there are a tonne of good landscapers out there. But there are only some who are TRUE LANDSCAPERS...THE JOB DIDNT PICK US, WE PICKED IT...WE LIVE, BREATHE, BLEED, SWEAT AND SUFFER ALL THE SAME AND ALL FOR ONE END GOAL...yes to make money...but more than that...TO MAKE OUR MARK AND MAKE OURSELVES PROUD...TO WORK OUR ASSES OF AND FINISH THE DAY AND SAY I DID THAT...IT FEELS FRIGGING GOOD MAN AND FROM UR VIDEOS WE SEE EYE TO EYE...if you are every in this area or come up with any sorta WIN A DAY TO WRK WITH BRIAN lol competitions COUNT ME IN BRO LOL...again sorry for the books for replies lol...I just get excited when it comes to what I love....ttyltr
Training people to walk a straight line when I worked for Trugreen was the hardest part of training someone. I would teach them this method when pushing a spreader. It was so frustrating when they just didn't grasp the concept.
Idk saying to look and focus on something isn't a big help the mowers are so wide that just focusing on something and going toward it isn't enough but hey ist just my opinion
Hey Brian, another great video! I just got my first zero turn. I haven’t taken on properties this big yet. What would I charge or what should be a minimum for this size yard? TIA
Hey Brian hows things? So anyway I'm an 18 year veteran to lanscaping. Started in hardscaping and my crohns made me switch to maintenance (more traveling and options for washrooms rather than same place all day and 90% of the time no washroom lol)...anyway 3 things Myself and EVERYONE WHO WORKS WITH ME would say I'm best at is TRUCK AND TRAILER DRIVING, LINE EDGING AND STRAIGHT LINES...so I do a few things. The best is go off a fence or something already straight...that's the obvious and easiest. Second is same as u said only I pick my furthest point and draw back with my eyes and go with 30 foot intervals...I drive continuously, but the further u look, it's not always as straight as u think. So breaking it into 30 feet works best. Why 30 feet? Not exactly sure lol...but it works lol...so I look ahead, as i get close to my 30 mark i look up 30 more feet...sometimes it ends up nowhere near where I thought was straight at my furthest point. But since I went in shorter distances , it is what I call LASER BEAMS LOL...I also hold my hands with my thumbs out and touching. That way as I'm holding the line i can feel which thumb starts to pull away from the other with the change in terrain. As that happens i adjust which ever hand is pulling away so my thumbs line back up. That way it stays straight. After a few times and the lines set in...i just line up tip to tip or more like a 2 inch overlap which is pretty much tip to tip...i just mount my line and since I've been doing it so long, I just make sure my caster wheels are the same distance from the right to right side of stripe and left to the left side of the stripe, and I can literally hold that line and look away. I used to cut schools so I would practice going fast, furthest straight line competitions, one handed power edging, and crazy stuff u shouldnt do lol... not dangerous just stuff they dont advertise when u buy the machine lol...I would drop the deck an inch lower than my cut height, mount the side walk and hang my deck over each side and my flat trimming was done...lift it up to height and cut the grass...u would never be able to tell it wasnt trimmed. So we would either save time or utilize it where it needs it...I would put 1 wheel on the rd, 1 on the grass and my center scalp wheel on the curb ..that would do my flat trimming on certain terrain all the way around the school by floating the deck with my foot pedal and scalp wheel...I'd only do this cus it was the weekend and noone was around. Anyway I have 10000 tricks. I dont have my own company but I am a foreman at my work. Before I came , most of the guys just "cut grass" I implemented straight lines, pre blowing, WORKING TOGETHER, and not to toot my own horn but am the one foreman who never needs help or the beds crew to come do my beds...it took 3 months for the guys I have to finally see the light....TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT U DO...EVEN IF IT ISNT WHAT U WANT FOR UR FUTURE...YOU ARE HERE NOW SO INSTEAD OF BEING MEDIOCRE, PUT EVERY OUNCE OF EFFORT INTO EVERYTHING YOU DO...NOT FOR THE COMPANY, NOT FOR OTHERS, BUT FOR YOURSELF....make competitions out of it, make it fun and always try to better yourself and be better than everyone else. As long as you do that then nothing else matters. Because you know you did what u could when u could. And when you know and do all that then nothing and noone can ever bring you down...its sad that I had to bring this to the plate but it had to be done. Anyway I'm rambling about random stuff now lol...thanks for the awesome videos...LOVE THE MUSIC IN THE INTRO...I TRULY DO!!!! PEACE MAN AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!! HOPE I CAN HELP AND WILL BE GOING THROUGH MORE OF UR VIDEOS AND SHARING MY KNOWLEDGE....EVEN IF SOME SEEMS A BIT OUT THERE LOL...PEACE
Hey Brian, maybe I missed this from a previous video but do you use a striping kit? I'm adding mowing to my business this season so I'm a little new to the game. I've heard some guys say you need it and some say you don't. What's your preference? Thanks man love the channel! Cheers from Connecticut 🍻
![WHERE TO MAKE YOUR ZERO TURN?! [LET'S SETTLE THE DEBATE!]](/img/n.gif)
Hey guys, thanks for watching! Hopefully this tip helped you guys make straight lines as you stripe!
If you want to watch another video full of tips with using a zero turn, check out the how to make divot free turns tutorial video here: bit.ly/2kJIZOV
Your the man Brian!
That's how I have always done it lol. I have done lawn Care in the Lansing Michigan area. Now I have a question I don't do lawn care any more but have you run a bad boy lawn mower the problem I have with it is rolling the grass over the blades are new 60in deck I have 3 1/2 acres it takes me 5 hours to mow it. Now it should only take about 2 hours to get it done and I'm using high lift blades any tips till I can get a different mower
@@aaronstraw2900 yeah,hire Brian's lawn maintenance lol
Thanks Brian, I used your tip's on straight stripes my customers all gave me compliments and it really turned out nice. I'm gonna stripe all customers. Thanks I digest tip's.
U slackers! U didn't whip the cracks!! SLACKERSSSS, I ONLY WHIP CRAXKS ON OFF EDGE WEEK unless they r super bad like that. Then I can't pass it up, OCD maybe or trying to make the company I work for extra special
Finally someone who knows how to mow a beautiful lawn. There are guys on here that mow every yard into a square. You know what you are doing! I do the same a beautifully striped yard is work well done and to be proud of! Great work!!
Brian, dude, I just wanna thank you for being so down to earth, and not acting like you're better than anyone else! All of your tips, tricks and advice is extremely helpful and just thank you!!
Haha thanks buddy. We’re not better than anyone else that’s for sure. We may work harder though!
I won't argue that, you don't get off the ground by staying on your butt lol
Third generation farmer here and was taught by my dad well before we had gps, you have to pick something farther from the distance youre turning at or your line will curve a little with the earths pull or whatever. I miss those old days, my dad was known to the lay the straightest corn rows in the county and her be 1/4 drunk usually lol. Gps made us lazy, i miss the pride in straightening your lines and keeping a straight line as if the other farmers passing by would have any respect for me even as a 9 year old lol.
In order to get an exact straight line, you need two points. So pick an object at the edge of the lawn, and then find another object further in the distance that is in line with your first object. Keep those 2 points lined up and your mowing line will be exactly straight.
its the micro turns that get me. I Don't understand where they come from. But I always see them when im done.
Thank you for helping us little guys with the great info brother. Have a great trip with the wifey. Nothing but the best wishes to you and yours.
Great videos Brian. I've used Zero turns to mow grass at an airport and for our church property. Both were mowing for time, not so much aesthetics. I just bought my first 54" for home use. I was using your method of looking for a point on the horizon (of the lawn). After watching this I can't wait to mow next time. Your videos are informative and entertaining. I get so sick of boring youtube tutorials! Your on screen persona was a breath of fresh air! LOL. Thanks for the tips.
We always run a perimeter after mowing looks a lot better in my option cause it helps hides all the turning marks.. looks good tho
Thats the way i do it and gets rid of all ths tire marks..
Exactly
Gonna start doing this , still learning stuff as a professional landscaper 5 + years, thanks 🙏
I do this to hide extra mulch on your ends!! Totally agree!!
That’s how you’re supposed to do it this dudes a douche
Just found channel.
I learn this trick from a 90 yr old farmer about 20 years ago. That's how he was taught to kept his plow rows straight when he started with mule and plow and still works with modern equipment. Still use it my self. "Stay focused, you'll automatically run straight"
Almost every yard I mow, is damn near impossible to stripe since the lawns aren’t manicured and have a lot of weeds. I do have one yard that I stripe and it has some really big hills. The only way my mower (a Big Dog) is able to handle the hills is if I hit them diagonally. Idk if you have any yards with big hills, but it’s really hard to keep a straight line on them. They always look like they’re super slanted for some reason lol but they still look good when it’s all finished.
Happy Memorial Day Brian and thanks for the quality content brother
Practice, practice, practice. I’ve mowed lawns for a long time but only 7 years with zero turn machines. Usually 5 days per week and there are so many little things you pick up with time on the machine, becoming soft with the controls/smooth is a learned skill. I do like Brian says, first run the perimeter then I pick my pattern, which direction this time will I stripe ( I don’t use actual striper ) I don’t do the same direction every week I change it up to cut down on rutting over time. Lucky for all of us lawn mowing is not permanent, it will grow back and you can improve next time!! I try to set straight properly line typically that happens on the perimeter cut.
Got the best tips last year from a guy who's been landscaping for 30 years. 1) the first line is the most important 2) pick a line and trust it your more likely to mess it up if you second guess yourself and 3) you can always do it again if it looks terrible.
I just realized it's Saturday night and I'm sitting here watching some guy mow his lawn. :o/
😉
Im doing the same thing
Me too.
Just got a new z turn so I am off to become a TH-cam expert. Or maybe I'm just off.
Doing it too
Love watching your how to videos. Learning a lot. Fixing to start my own Lawn Care and power washing and these tips are sure to help out a lot. Thanks
Hey Brian, I live in Bismarck North Dakota! I work at UPS, full-time at night and I own and operate my own lawn and snow service. And that’s exactly what I do for mowing lawns, on my bigger lawns, I have three or four trees or posts and that’s how I make my straight lines! And it looks rather nice when I get through! (if I have to say so myself!) 😎
Sincerely , Sam 😏👍
Get it bud!
Yep. I pick a point on the horizon, keeping my eyes fixed on it and mow to it
thanks for the video. i just got a ZTR and its been a learning curve but im finally getting results. your tip to tip advice really helped!
Chicago is only 300 miles north of me. I’d love to work a day with you man. It would be a Ph.D’s worth of knowledge crammed into one or 2 days. Thanks for these tips and tricks videos. Awesome! Helps out a ton!
Many different things you can do to get straight lines trust me I work at a golf course this is what works for me though I do use all of these strategies listed btw you can start at a place where your first pass is super small and then follow the edge of each line you can find something in the distance you can also make a pass and go back and straighten it might have to have a good eye to do the last one though
I find on my long stripes, it usually sways a little bit. The second "cleanup pass" is what really gets me on track for straight lines looking at the lines and seeing where the lines need to be straightened out.
We do the same thing, point it between the front casters and DONT LOOK DOWN.. don't take your eyes off the target object
I follow my tire marks after I make my first streight line like you said I find the point in the distance after that I am good
Thank God a mower on TH-cam who does lines and not just squiggles over the lawn to mow it
Me watching my landscaper make video on my lawn 👁👄👁
When crossing between your lawn and the lawn over the sidewalk, do you lift your deck a bit with your foot pedal or are the blades fine going across the concrete at 3" ride height?
Wheel placement always plays a big part and also sun and shade to make them look great
Same thing I do but another tip start at your shortest line if you have one. Alot easier to make a straight line and follow it gradually
Great video, Brian. Nice to see how people do things similarly and differently.
Great tip. You earned a subscriber today.
I go one step further when setting a straight line. I'll pick a marker in the distance, point at it, but also pick 2 details in the grass between me and the marker so I can set a dead straight line instead of curving slightly.
Example: I'll aim one front wheel of my (push) mower at a join in the patio, but along the way I'll run over that leaf and that small weed which happen to be in a straight line with the patio join.
Awesome!
Yep, that's just what I was going to say to have two alignment points. In fact I prefer to have both of them beyond my end point like the front and rear sight of a rifle. With a single point you risk not looking straight ahead or sitting square in the seat.As long as the two points line up with the center of your nose and you sit squarely you should be good. I used to farm and plant corn before GPS and was always trying get perfectly straight rows and sometimes it was 1/2 mile rows by sight. I would often put out flags ahead of time to keep myself aligned. Try using two points whenever possible and you won't regret it.
I mowed 10 soccer feilds today in Sacramento haven't used a mower in years due to I'm more on the construction side but best I could say is learn the curve of the mower. Every mower has one bar handle that goes all the way and you use thee other to guide left and right to keep it straight. I used to ride a wolf daily years ago which isn't as big but I'm on pretty much the same thing you have in this video and it's fun as hell. Started at 7::30 today and Finnished ten soccer feilds by 2:20 on my first day at the property. Every ody is gonna have their own way or grove I searched for years for cheats to make it easier and the only one I could say was correct was from Nike!!! Just do it!!!
man i wish i was this guy i love mowing lawns with turf tracers and lazer z
hey I'm really enjoying listening to your video and the music you have accompanying it. Thanks for all your tips and tricks.
You bet buddy!
You should make a video about laying lines on a large commercial property with trees and obstacles
I have a 6 acre property beautiful tall fescie stripes so mice. The way i teach people is if a beginner. Start on the shortest section or if u line up with a tree or some object. Love the chanel just started my own
This is how I have striped basically from the start. I was actually thinking about it recently and wondering if that was the right way to do it. Good to know that I’m not the only one😂😂😂
You should add some 45s to that back yard, yea it’s a lot more stripes but you’d get a gorgeous diamond cut, and also avoid leaving ruts along the yard. Not sure if you do multiple directions back there, but that’s some nice grass, deserves some diamonds going through it. ;) I love doing S stripes on hills too. Update, I didn’t realize that’s what you did LOL I commented before I watched the whole thing assuming you were gonna just show us the straights! Nice work man
im usually an install guy but just started mowing a bit and my lines are horrible lol luckily we have a few clients that are ok with it not being perfect while i learn.
Make sure your using the whole deck, not going by the wheels.. you'll get better results.
If you can find two objects that line up, one near and one further away, it works even better especially when going over a slope or down into a swag.
Brian? What's up man? Can we talk? I think different approaches within video spreads. I mean no harm and congratulate u 4 where u are at. With this being said, I think certain things u bring up could go other ways. I always aim 2 be a humble person and never would want 2 be disrespectful. Thank u 4 yr time
You do a really good job from Michigan
Great video that's how I do it and Chicago is fun IAM right down south . Stop by South Haven in mi. When you come to Chicago I love South Haven
As an older tractor guy, I learned to Zamboni. Lol!
I used the same method plowing a field. I used the hood ornament and kept it aimed at my target. With the modern tractors with GPS, it's a snap.
I never had much problem with the first line. I started having major issues keeping my lines straight when I started going tip to tip versus using the wheel for each line. The stripe was way more defined but I looked like I followed a snake down the yard. But it’s getting better
You should be using your whole deck, edge to edge, not your wheels
A video on how to get perfect width would be helpful for some, like how to line it up so your using your full deck width with each pass. Thanks for sharing!
Always overlap
We have a video on that! Search our content “tip to tip”!
Also make sure your tire pressure is the same in both tires
2 Questions??? New to the zero turn mower. Does it matter what size the cutting deck is... as far as striping...Just purchased an Exmark Lazer Z series E, 60” Deck. I got the idea about lining up with something in the distance to stay on a line, but what part of the mower do I line up with the previous line mowed.
Thanks for taking a minute to answer. Enjoy the site very much. Thanks again!!
We share right in this video tip to tip. Where the blade on the last pass cut to. Basically only an inch of overlap from the deck on your return pass.
I like your channel because you are always giving very helpful tips and information that is true to my knowledge I've been in the industry professionally for 15 years I just started my own company almost 2 years ago I am up to 60 contracted clients and just recently picked up a 22 home h o a neighborhood but the biggest problem is finding help but I've seen a lot of other channels that the information they give to people is just so wrong sure there's many ways to cut grass but there's only a couple ways to properly maintain a lawn I have been trying to find somewhere where I can check out the DeWalt standard I was about to pull the trigger on buying a Wright Stander X but I really want to see what that DeWalt is about first but if I can't locate one I can't see what it's about I don't even know how you have time to film but again that's why I like your channel so much because you make the time I know how busy I am and I'm nowhere near as big as you but all we can do is take it one day at a time
Home Depot buddy! They have them at certain stores. Wright makes a great mower too.
Brian you have awesome information. Thanks so much.
Grandview Lawn Care you bet champ
I always start my first stripe in the middle so if I get a bobble I just jack half of it up😂
Thanks Brian!
Ever thought about weedeating the grass in the cracks of concrete.
That's the only way to get straight lines. Find something ahead and stare at it till you get to it.
False not the only way you can also make 1 pass and go back and fix it but yes finding something in the distance is better
Simple yet effective.
I always use the house, get perfect 90 degree straight stripes and 45 degree diagonal stripes
Good diaganal lines thanks for the tips 😊👍
When I was much younger and worked for a local farmer, pointing at a distant object was how we plowed straight lines. Many years later I find out the same principle applies to landing an airplane. I have always used that for mowing as well, and unless I get distracted (squirrel) it always works for me. Here is a question for you. After using my sons Bad Boy Rouge to mow his 7 acres, I decided to take the plunge into the zero turn world and just bought a used Simplicity Citation, 48". Even thought is has four corner suspension, I find I am still bouncing too much for "full forward stop". My manual says best operation is at full throttle, but you mentioned in another video a mid RPM engine speed. Do you run the slower speed to help with the bumps and bounces, by moving a little slower, and does ti affect the quality of the cut? Also, would running a roller over the yard periodically help with the rough terrain?
The problems I have with making straight lines is I have a large yard with a lot of uneven spots so I could be going straight then hit a spot that rocks my riding mower left and right and creates a wiggle line. When the grass is taller and I want to cut lower it's easy to see the lines, but if I am only mowing a tiny bit from the top there are spots where it is hard to see where I made my last pass so I keep going straight and look back and see that I overlapped one of my lines. Then I follow the new line and wind up being at an angle halfway through. I have a neighbor down the street that has razor sharp straight lines in his yard and I see him mowing and he doesn't look like he's doing anything special. Maybe it's an artistic thing since I have always been bad at art. I showed a pic of my lawn to a pro and he said my lines look good but they are uneven to me.
Thats exactly how I do it. Pick something in the distance and just look at it the whole way. And go a little slower.
Going slow is the major key for my first passes to make sure they’re extra crispy and straight. Love it when I do a pass and turn around and see a fine straight line from one nice mowing pass. Ensures how good that cuts gonna look for me.
learned that from the golf course 10 years ago
I’m about a hour west of Chicago you can come show me how to stripe and demo my woods mow’n machine. 61” zero turn front mount. I’m guessing you’ve never used a front mount. It stripes great. My family also owns a bbq restaurant just a minute down the road from me. I would treat you to a meal when you’re done mowing. Only 2-1/2 acres shouldn’t take a pro like you long at all to do it
And you could bring the blade sharpener from the giveaway to show me how to use it first hand
I do it the same way by staring at something in the distance. The trick is not to look down on the 1st past but to keep ur head up looking at your marker in the distance.
Keep your eyes on the prize and never ever look back. Works every time.
I used to mow a 1/10 mile straight stretch with a zero turn. Same philosophy when mowing, pick a point and mow to it. Dad started mowing and the lines started to curve.
Thank you for the info buddy 👍 great video 💪
Best tip my grandpa ever gave👍
Doesn't it drive you nuts when your mowing an area that isn't quite wide enough to make a full pass. Like the strip between the sidewalk and street!
yes. And it's about 5in on most of my properties.
On my 2nd season of my solo lawn maintenance business your videos help out alot greatly appreciated! May I ask what size that mower?
Awesome! Our mowers are 60”’s
Mount a compass on your mower, follow a set course, Easy!
You always did do good work bro good shit👍. Only thing i don't see you do to many three point turns. 🤔 lol
i have two suggestions i've never tried.. stick a compass on the dash.. and use high lift blades to pull the grass up.. to make more distinct lines..
thanks for this great video, very helpful. nice mower, please say where can we get one?
Any Exmark dealer
Wow. I will try this week. To see how goes! 😂.
Oh and I'm from ST CATHARINES ONTARIO...15 mins from Niagara Falls. I'd absolutely love to work a day with you man. As experienced as I am, I love to learn new stuff or hear peoples views on things I do. And I have implemented some things I've saw on your videos...so I truly feel we could learn alot. I'm 38 and kinda would love to have my own thing. So maybe I could learn a thing or two on that end and I can share with you some things I know. I know there are a tonne of good landscapers out there. But there are only some who are TRUE LANDSCAPERS...THE JOB DIDNT PICK US, WE PICKED IT...WE LIVE, BREATHE, BLEED, SWEAT AND SUFFER ALL THE SAME AND ALL FOR ONE END GOAL...yes to make money...but more than that...TO MAKE OUR MARK AND MAKE OURSELVES PROUD...TO WORK OUR ASSES OF AND FINISH THE DAY AND SAY I DID THAT...IT FEELS FRIGGING GOOD MAN AND FROM UR VIDEOS WE SEE EYE TO EYE...if you are every in this area or come up with any sorta WIN A DAY TO WRK WITH BRIAN lol competitions COUNT ME IN BRO LOL...again sorry for the books for replies lol...I just get excited when it comes to what I love....ttyltr
Haha thanks for the support champ! 💯
How much do you charge for this lawn? I’m guessing $60 but I could be way off. Love the videos Brian!
Love the viedos man 👍🏼💪🏼👊🏼 keep it up 💯
Training people to walk a straight line when I worked for Trugreen was the hardest part of training someone. I would teach them this method when pushing a spreader. It was so frustrating when they just didn't grasp the concept.
Idk saying to look and focus on something isn't a big help the mowers are so wide that just focusing on something and going toward it isn't enough but hey ist just my opinion
Awesome brother
Proving to flat earthers. Had to give that a big thumbs up. 😂
Lol
When I turn I come to the end of a lane and turn toward the uncut like and back up with a 180 mixed this allows no tire marks after some practice
Thanks great video!🇺🇸
Great video.
Hey Brian, another great video! I just got my first zero turn. I haven’t taken on properties this big yet. What would I charge or what should be a minimum for this size yard? TIA
I’d say 100-125 for this yard EZ
Great job 👍
Great video Brian, love the mowing footage! That is how I do my stripes! Where is the Exmark Staris?
Dale Nienow We only use it once a week or so! I don’t pick favorites for mowers so I try to switch it up lol
Gracias.👍👍👍👍😁
Hey Brian hows things? So anyway I'm an 18 year veteran to lanscaping. Started in hardscaping and my crohns made me switch to maintenance (more traveling and options for washrooms rather than same place all day and 90% of the time no washroom lol)...anyway 3 things Myself and EVERYONE WHO WORKS WITH ME would say I'm best at is TRUCK AND TRAILER DRIVING, LINE EDGING AND STRAIGHT LINES...so I do a few things. The best is go off a fence or something already straight...that's the obvious and easiest. Second is same as u said only I pick my furthest point and draw back with my eyes and go with 30 foot intervals...I drive continuously, but the further u look, it's not always as straight as u think. So breaking it into 30 feet works best. Why 30 feet? Not exactly sure lol...but it works lol...so I look ahead, as i get close to my 30 mark i look up 30 more feet...sometimes it ends up nowhere near where I thought was straight at my furthest point. But since I went in shorter distances , it is what I call LASER BEAMS LOL...I also hold my hands with my thumbs out and touching. That way as I'm holding the line i can feel which thumb starts to pull away from the other with the change in terrain. As that happens i adjust which ever hand is pulling away so my thumbs line back up. That way it stays straight. After a few times and the lines set in...i just line up tip to tip or more like a 2 inch overlap which is pretty much tip to tip...i just mount my line and since I've been doing it so long, I just make sure my caster wheels are the same distance from the right to right side of stripe and left to the left side of the stripe, and I can literally hold that line and look away. I used to cut schools so I would practice going fast, furthest straight line competitions, one handed power edging, and crazy stuff u shouldnt do lol... not dangerous just stuff they dont advertise when u buy the machine lol...I would drop the deck an inch lower than my cut height, mount the side walk and hang my deck over each side and my flat trimming was done...lift it up to height and cut the grass...u would never be able to tell it wasnt trimmed. So we would either save time or utilize it where it needs it...I would put 1 wheel on the rd, 1 on the grass and my center scalp wheel on the curb
..that would do my flat trimming on certain terrain all the way around the school by floating the deck with my foot pedal and scalp wheel...I'd only do this cus it was the weekend and noone was around.
Anyway I have 10000 tricks. I dont have my own company but I am a foreman at my work. Before I came , most of the guys just "cut grass" I implemented straight lines, pre blowing, WORKING TOGETHER, and not to toot my own horn but am the one foreman who never needs help or the beds crew to come do my beds...it took 3 months for the guys I have to finally see the light....TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT U DO...EVEN IF IT ISNT WHAT U WANT FOR UR FUTURE...YOU ARE HERE NOW SO INSTEAD OF BEING MEDIOCRE, PUT EVERY OUNCE OF EFFORT INTO EVERYTHING YOU DO...NOT FOR THE COMPANY, NOT FOR OTHERS, BUT FOR YOURSELF....make competitions out of it, make it fun and always try to better yourself and be better than everyone else. As long as you do that then nothing else matters. Because you know you did what u could when u could. And when you know and do all that then nothing and noone can ever bring you down...its sad that I had to bring this to the plate but it had to be done. Anyway I'm rambling about random stuff now lol...thanks for the awesome videos...LOVE THE MUSIC IN THE INTRO...I TRULY DO!!!! PEACE MAN AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!! HOPE I CAN HELP AND WILL BE GOING THROUGH MORE OF UR VIDEOS AND SHARING MY KNOWLEDGE....EVEN IF SOME SEEMS A BIT OUT THERE LOL...PEACE
Keep up the hustle man!! thanks for saying hey and thanks for the encouragement!!
Catch a game at Wrigley, great time
I would like to know what your opinion is on reel mowers
michigan!! go blue
Great video I do the same thing your lines are nice.
Monroe mi 🤪
Hey man sorry if this seems kinda self explanatory but for the tighter spots you can’t get do you just get those with the weed eater?
Me: first timer here
You: tongue pops 8:35
Me: 8:36
👍? *🥊
🤳? *✔
🔔? *💯
Nice job 👍🏻
Nice video!
Hi. I’m 15 right now and I was looking into starting a landscaping bis. I was wondering how to start this thing out the right way.
Check out our book on Amazon Zero To $100k! That is a fantastic little read and can really help you lay the foundation. amzn.to/3IyRaog
Nice great videos keep it up
I thought earth was round cause my stripes are never straight, but you with your straight lines just proved me wrong, *earth is actually flat*
What highth do you normally cut grass or are different yards different highths ? Keep up the good work enjoying your videos
Hey Brian, maybe I missed this from a previous video but do you use a striping kit? I'm adding mowing to my business this season so I'm a little new to the game. I've heard some guys say you need it and some say you don't. What's your preference? Thanks man love the channel! Cheers from Connecticut 🍻