How To Make a Lawn Mower Go 30 mph (10 Effective Ways)

Do you know how to make a lawn mower go 30 mph and tackle large lawns in significantly less time? 

Typically, the speed of mowers ranges from 3-8 mph, but that depends on the type and model of your mower. While cutting grass and weeds at this speed is simple, you can accelerate your mower and reduce mowing time. So, how do you increase the speed of your riding mower?

You can make your mower go 30 mph by installing a bigger horsepower engine, using bigger pulleys, removing the speed limiter, installing larger wheels, changing the mowing pattern, cleaning the air filter, using the correct fuel, and sharpening the blades.

In this article, you’ll learn to boost your lawn mower’s speed to mow faster. Let’s get started.

How To Make a Riding Mower Faster

Based on their work, lawn mowers don’t move at high speed. However, if your mower goes slower than it should, you may want to make a few modifications and improve your maintenance strategy.

Below are the tips to make your mower go 30 mph or more:

Install Bigger Pulleys

If your mower features two engine pulleys, you can boost its speed by replacing them with bigger ones. This demanding project requires some technical know-how.

Follow these steps to install larger pulleys on your mower:

  • Remove the first pulley connected to the engine and install a bigger one.
  • Remove the second pulley behind the first one and install a bigger one.
  • Install the belts and ensure they’re secure.

Worn-out belts can also affect your mower’s speed. It’s necessary to replace them if they appear worn or old.

Remember, different mowers require different modifications. Always consult your manual and get the right tools when changing the pulleys. Alternatively, take your mower to a professional to fix the new pulleys effectively.

Install a Bigger Horsepower Motor

Another modification you can do to increase the speed of your riding mower is installing a bigger horsepower motor. This complex and expensive project requires mechanical skills and special tools. So, if you can’t do it yourself, hire a professional to fix the bigger motor on your mower.

A bigger motor has more power, allowing your mower to move faster. The first step to consider is your old motor’s horsepower. Shop for a bigger horsepower motor to replace the old one.

Use the right tools to uninstall the old motor. You’ll need to disconnect the electrical supply and undo some bolts. Next, drill new holes to fit in your new engine.

Lastly, attach the electric supply, install the bolts, and start your mower. Your riding mower may become twice faster with the new motor.

Remove the Governor

The governor system in your riding mower regulates its speed during operations. Removing the governor can be an excellent solution if you’re wondering how to make a lawn mower go 30 mph. Be cautious because this hack turns your machine into a racing mower.

When you remove the mower’s governor, its horsepower increases, allowing your mower to move at full speed. Unscrew the bolts and unfasten the springs attached to the throttle and carburetor. Remember to turn your mower off before removing the governor.

If you don’t want to go through the entire process of removing the governor, you can remove the governor spring. This spring controls the flow of fuel into the engine. When you remove it, the engine receives more fuel, allowing your mower to go faster.

Install Larger Wheels

The size of the wheels impacts the mower’s speed in different applications. Your mower can move slower when tackling rough terrains or overgrown grass. This is especially true if the wheels are too small.

The best solution is installing larger wheels and using high-quality tires. Larger wheels can easily navigate overgrown grass and uneven terrains. As a result, you’ll notice increased mowing speed and excellent tire traction.

Make sure the wheels have the same width and are inflated. Check the manual to understand the recommended tire pressure. Additionally, avoid installing oversized wheels that can compromise your mower’s efficiency.

When installing larger wheels, remember that this modification has its downside. Larger wheels reduce your mower’s torque and can result in poor cuts.

Add or Change Engine Oil Regularly

Regularly adding and changing engine oil allows your mower to run efficiently. If you’re using the mower for commercial purposes, its oil can decrease or degrade faster and damage the engine. This may result in a mower that’s slower than expected.

Begin by checking the oil level and quality before mowing. Place the mower on a level surface to check the oil level. Top up with the recommended oil if it’s lower than the recommended level. Remember not to overfill.

Change the oil with the same oil type if it appears contaminated or degraded. You will want to replace your riding mower’s oil every 100 hours. Check the owner’s manual to understand when to change the engine oil and the oil type.

Sharpen or Replace the Blades

Increasing the mower’s cutting speed can make your riding mower go faster during operations. And to increase the cutting speed, you need to keep the blades sharp. Sharp blades have less friction and can cut with less resistance.

You can use a file or grindstone to sharpen the edges of your blades. Remember to observe safety precautions when sharpening the blades. If your mower blades are old, they’ll quickly go blunt after sharpening. You can mitigate this problem by replacing them.

First, check the condition of the blades to determine if they need replacing. If they appear worn, buy newer blades and install them. Remove the clippings and dust on the blades after mowing to prevent corrosion.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

An air filter allows clean and sufficient air to flow into the engine. When the air filter is in tip-top condition, the engine runs efficiently, allowing your mower to go faster.

However, if the air filter is dirty or clogged, it inhibits airflow into the engine, thus reducing its performance. Your engine may choke out, overheat and run slower than expected. Thankfully, you can fix this problem by cleaning the filter.

Locate the air filter in your mower and inspect it for dirt. Clean it thoroughly to remove dust and debris. If the air filter looks old and worn out, the best solution is to replace it. The owner’s manual will help determine the type of filter to buy.

Use the Correct Fuel

Another hack on how to make a lawn mower go 30 mph is using the correct fuel. If you’re operating a gas-powered ride-on mower, you’ll want to use high-octane gas to improve speed.

To get the best results, use 92-octane gas. You can also check what the owner’s manual recommends to ensure you’re using the correct fuel type.

Using the correct fuel makes the engine more powerful, thus increasing the mower’s speed. If you’re changing the fuel, avoid mixing different fuel types. Empty the tank and run your mower to deplete the fuel in the system.

Gasoline can degrade if it stays in the mower’s tank for an extended period. You can rely on high-octane and premium-grade gasoline when storing your mower until the next mowing season. This fuel will remain in the engine longer without going stale or causing any damage.

Keep the Tank Full

A full tank allows your riding mower to operate at maximum capacity and cover larger areas. The truth is that as the mower’s tank empties, it creates space for air to accumulate. As a result, fuel fumes evaporate into the air, decreasing efficiency.

When fuel efficiency is decreased, your mower won’t run as fast as before. So, keeping the tank filled up reduces the chances of decreased fuel efficiency and allows your mower to operate at top speed. Remember not to overfill the tank.

Change Your Mowing Pattern

Changing your mowing pattern can allow your mower to cut grass more efficiently and move faster. One of the best cutting methods is following a pattern with fewer turns. This is more practical in larger lawns.

Stick to long straight lines if you mow a smaller yard. Simply put, avoid making many U-turns that take longer to move your mower in place. Ultimately, you’ll notice how much this method makes your mowing process faster.

Final Remarks

The above tips help you know how to make a lawn mower go 30 mph. Whether a gas or electric-powered riding mower, you can modify it to boost its speed. 

If your mower’s speed reduces due to an issue, diagnose the problem and fix it promptly. Always consult a professional to help you in areas you can’t fix or modify when boosting your mower’s speed.