Even if you have an electric lawn mower that you can sit on, you may want to switch to a sulky. This way, you have more control of the lawn mower and you can get off easily when you need to. If you want to get a sulky for your lawn mower, then spend some time looking at these tips to make sure that your lawn mower can use one and that you attach it correctly.

1. Type of Lawn Mower

Before you purchase a sulky, you should check that you own the right type of lawn mower for it to work. For example, many of the sulkies that you will come across require you to attach a plate on the lawn mower, usually on a back bar. This means that it needs a place to make a stable point so that you can maintain a connection between the mower and the sulky.

On top of this, you also need an electric lawn mower for it to work properly. After all, the lawn mower needs to carry your weight and the sulky forward as it mows, so if it isn't powerful enough to do that, then it won't get the job done. Look at your lawn mower so that you can find a sulky compatible with your lawn mower.

2. Attaching It Safely

Attaching the sulky can be difficult, but you should always take your time and do it correctly to avoid any damages or personal injuries. Above all else, you should look through the equipment to set it up, see that you have everything and that you have the instructions with you. Even if you think you know how to do it, you should still review the instructions.

Go through your tools and grab the right ones to help you put on and secure the sulky. For example, you will need wrenches to get the bolts on once you put them into place. After doing so, make sure that you tighten all of them so that the sulky won't fall apart after you put on the plate and attach it.

3. Maintenance After Attaching

Once you have the sulky attached to your lawn mower, you need to do some maintenance to ensure that it works properly. For example, you can grease all of the joints so that they will bend and turn properly when you begin mowing your lawn. You should also check the tire pressure and refill or replace them as needed.

Remember that attaching the sulky goes beyond just following the instructions and throwing it onto your lawn mower. You can avoid problems by checking that you have your tools and pieces ready, that you put it on tightly and that you check it for maintenance purposes. After all, you will need to spend time preparing and maintaining your sulky to put it on correctly.

As a homeowner, you take pride in your lawn. A healthy, verdant lawn provides curb appeal and a sense of accomplishment. If you notice a yellow or brown area in your lawn, this is a sign for concern. Here are some of the reasons why your grass may be discolored in a localized area.

Gas Line Leak

A gas line leak will cause grass to turn yellow or brown above the gas pipe. If you know where your gas line is located, and this coincides with the discolored area of your lawn, call the gas company. If you also smell gas, call the local emergency response number and the utility company. Avoid any sources of sparks or ignition, including lighting your grill or working on your car.

Dog or Other Animal Urine

Dogs tend to urinate in the same place every day. If neighbors walk their dogs past your property, their dogs may also urinate in the same place. A few dogs urinating on the same area of your lawn for days on end poisons the grass with the concentrated ammonia. A large roost of birds in a nearby tree or a colony of feral cats may also leave urine behind, causing discoloration to your lawn.

Lawn Pests

Pests living in your lawn can damage the grass, leading to a loss of photosynthesis. Grubs are well-known for damaging small areas of grass at a time. A burrowing animal, such as a mole or vole, may damage the roots of the grass, resulting in discoloration. Other pests, including masked chafers and Japanese beetles, are known to cause brown patches in lawns.

Fungi or Plant Diseases

Poorly drained soil or prolonged rain may cause fungi to take hold of your lawn. You may notice the mushroom caps, but some fungi are more difficult to see. Magnaporthe poae causes yellow areas in the late summer, and Rhizoctonia large patch and Pythium blight cause circular yellow or brown patches in lawns during the end of the growing season.

Wrong Type of Grass

Planting the wrong type of grass for your climate, soil conditions or amount of sunlight could cause large areas of your lawn to turn yellow or brown. Some grasses, such as fescue and rye, need mostly shade. If you plant them in an area that gets direct sunlight all day, it may turn yellow after it matures. Planting a cool-season grass in a warm climate could also cause brown or yellow discoloration. 

Too much water or rainfall for your type of grass can also lead to yellowing. This happens because the excess moisture washes away the nutrients required for growth. Grass may also turn yellow if you have clay soil that does not drain well after rain. Drought or a lack of water causes grass to turn brittle and brown. Improper fertilizing of the lawn can also cause a yellow or brown discoloration of grass.