Want to be able to get off the mower without turning it off? Looking to mow your grass more comfortably? Or just need to make some adjustments, but the safety switch is making it harder?
Whatever your needs, we can help you bypass lawn mower safety switch.
This is not entirely safe, though. And if you’re unfamiliar with how mowers work, you may struggle to do this by yourself.
That’s why we decided to bring this guide. Follow each step and precaution on this article, and you’ll learn how to bypass any safety switch on your riding mower.
How to Bypass a Seat Safety Switch
Unplugging the safety switch so you can start using the mower more freely is an easy endeavor. While it may look like a tough job, it actually takes less time and effort than you may expect.
Still, we recommend being utterly prepared for it to avoid any mistake and get the job done faster. Below, you’ll find everything you need to start.
#1. Prepare the Mower
First, you should prepare the mower for the job. Remember that riding mowers have tons of electrical parts, so getting it ready may prevent damage and accidents:
- Start by getting the key from the switch. Also, set the brake lever and be sure the mower can’t move while you’re working on it.
- Proceed by lifting the seat and cleaning with a brush or duster. This will prevent any dust or debris from slowing you down.
- Finish by disconnecting the battery cables. We recommend getting the negative post from the battery with a socket wrench. This will prevent any unwanted electrical issues.
Now you should be ready to get rid of the bypass switch.
#2. Discover the Switch
While the switch is usually on clear sight once you open the seat, you may still need some help identifying it. Here’s what to do:
- Start by taking the seat off from the sliding mechanism. You can do this by using the socket wrench and looking for the screws that connect it to the seat plate (some mowers don’t have this plate).
- When you get the seat plate off, the seat will stay lifted up, but the grid will stay down. This will give you direct access to where the switch wire and seat connect.
- Now, you should see a cable that starts from the bottom and connects to the seat. It usually starts in the negative post of the battery and has a plastic harness on top.
Once you’ve located the switch, then you’re ready to take it off.
#3. Take the Switch Off
The wire connects to the seat. You will need to unplug the cable from the seat and then remove the pins inside the wire plug.
- This plastic wire (or harness), should go slide off the seat when you pull it out. It might take a little strength, but be careful not to break it. You can use the pliers for this.
- Once you have the wire off the seat, then it’s time to get the pins out. Take a look at the wire plug (the part that connects to the seat) and look for a 3-pin piece.
- Use the pliers once again, but this time to get the pins out of the wire plug. This should deactivate the safety switch, allowing you to turn on the machine without sitting on it.
After getting the pins out of the wire plug, you’re almost finished.
#4. Re-Assemble Everything
Without the pins, the mower should turn on effortlessly. But before you test it out, you should re-assemble everything first.
- First, attach the wire or plug to the underside of the seat plate. You can clamp it with a zip-tie or with a cord. The purpose is to prevent it from staying loose and making sounds afterward.
- Then you’re ready to slide the seat back to the seat plate and connect them. Use the screwdriver and socket wrench as necessary.
- Finish by reconnecting the battery to the post. Lower down the seat, and you should be ready to test it.
- Check everything once last time to see that everything is in place. This may save you time later on.
Everything looks tidy and in place? Then test if the safety switch is off.
#5. Test the Mower
Testing the mower will let you know if the process worked. This will allow you to proceed with whatever modification or activity you want to get done:
- Start the mower by sitting on the mower’s seat and inserting the ignition key into place to turn the mower on.
- Lower the deck and set the brake lever off. Drive the mower for a few feet then stop.
- Set the brake lever once again, so the mower doesn’t move. Then hop off the mower and see if it turns off.
- If it doesn’t, then you’ve successfully bypassed the safety switch. You’re ready to tackle anything you want.
In case the mower doesn’t turn on, then you may want to check our guide on how to start a lawnmower with a bad starter.
For a brief visual guide on how to get the job done, follow this video:
What is the Safety Switch on a Lawn Mower?
Riding mowers and tractors have a safety mechanism that prevents the machine from starting when there’s no one sitting on it.
This safety switch is composed of a set of pins that connect with another set of pins. One of the pins is attached to the seat, and the other set of pins comes from a wire connected to the electric system.
When the user sits on the mower, these pins disconnect. This deactivates the switch, allowing the machine to turn on.
But when there’s no one sitting on the mower, then the pins will stay connected – which will also keep the safety switch activated and prevent the machine from turning on. If the mower is working and the user hops off – then the engine will turn off.
That’s why the solution to bypassing a seat safety switch on a mower is to simulate a person sitting on it. And for that, you will only need to unplug it.
Things to Consider
- Bypassing the safety switch may take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. If you’re inexperienced, don’t rush. Try doing the job properly by following each step to the letter.
- The safety switch is located on the machine for a purpose. So you should be aware of why it is there and the implications of getting it off. From harming yourself to damaging property and even voiding the warranty – these are all possible without a safety switch.
- This process works for Husqvarna mowers as well as Craftsman riding mowers. Other brands may have a different safety switch mechanism, so this guide may not work for them.
Items You’ll Need
- Socket Wrench
- Flat-head / Phillips Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Brush or Duster
Once you’ve gathered every single tool for the job, then you can start bypassing the safety switch.
Bypass Your Lawn Mower Safety Switch Now!
Whether you want to keep the mower working after stepping off the machine or just want a seamless operation – then this guide will not let you down.
Still remember, to bypass lawn mower safety switch can be extra helpful for many things. But you’ll want to do it safely while knowing the dangers of doing so.
Get the job done following our advice, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.