Mowing damp/wet grass

[Mosey]

When mowing the lawn with my finish mower, like most of the folks here, I've always tried to mow grass when it's dry. It does a better job, less clumping, etc. It also seems to me it would be better on the mower, since I'm afraid moisture can get into the bearings if the grass is damp/wet. There are a lot of times it would make better use of my time if I could mow in the morning so I could do other things later on. But, since I live in a humid climate where there's always a heavy dew, it doesn't dry off until after 10am. I've seen professional lawn services mow first thing in the morning when the grass is still wet with dew. Will damp/wet grass really noticeably shorten the life of my mower bearings?

 

[prosperity]

I also end up mowing wet a lot. Most of my lawn area will dry after 11:00am, but some will always be damp in the shade near the springs. Also, I'd rather be out in the morning mowing when its not so hot.
I don't really see where this will affect your bearings, but I must ask a question - do you have grease-able bearings? If so, if you keep them greased, there should be no problem. If your bearings are not grease-able, then they are supposed to be sealed where no moisture should get in.

I've been mowing wet for years and years and never had a problem myself.

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> I've seen professional lawn services mow first thing in the morning when the grass is still wet with dew. </font>

That is because they don't really care much about the health of the grass. It isn't good to mow when wet for a number of reasons. If you can't help it, it isn't like it is one of the 10 deadly sins, but you should avoid it.

The clippings don't get circulated properly in your mower deck and if you have a mulcher then you really aren't mulching. It isn't going to harm your mower, except that you'll have to spend more time cleaning it (keep it greased, as mentioned). If you have to do it, don't beat yourself up about it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif, but if you can mow "dry" that is the best way.

 

[Soundguy]

I would imagine you have shaft seals and grease fittings and/or sealed bearings. Until the seal wears or the zerk dies.. doub't you have much to worry about.

Soundguy