Testing A Lawn Mower Striping Kit To See If They REALLY Work (REVEALED!)

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Do you guys run striping kits on your units? Love to hear your thoughts! I will say, after running ours all last week, I do feel like it makes the lawn stripes more distinct and have more contrast. Still trying to decide how I feel with it on.

[@xxcod_killerxx8128]

No the x stripes just fine as is it just has to be decent grass im a young guy in ur airea doing this stuff btw 👍

[@timbohouston]

I'd like to try striping but it would be a total waste for my biz here in Texas.

[@larrypage2089]

I run a striping kit on my 30-inch walk-behind Toro Timemaster. The striping kit on this time Master makes a huge difference due to the fact that the tires are quite narrow and do not bend the grass. However on tractors and Zero Turns The Wide rear tires really help define each pass with a stripe. I Don't Run a striping kit on my tractor it already Stripes quite well. Brian as far as the striping kit for your Exmark I can see maybe 5% difference in the contrast of the stripes at best,...minuscule to say the least.

[@mikey69231]

Me and my bud run striping kits on both of our scab cheetahs, makes a great distinct path every time

[@flying__penguin9291]

You can tell when the kit starts from the drone footage really clearly noticed darker and lighter stripes

[@treverleigh5692]

Hey Brian I’m Trever from new edge lawn care I just wanted to say thank you so much for inspiring me to grow my business I’m 16 years old and so far this year I have bought a 2020 exmark radius, a stihl stick edger, stihl hedge trimmer and a stihl 271 chainsaw, 5/1/2 - 10 foot trailer and a truck I started this business with a $75 dollar push mower and have grown to this from the age of 10-16 now doing 16 lawns a week and getting landscaping jobs regularly thank you so much for the advice to help me grow my business I wish the best to all of you god bless.

[@Sh1ftn]

You should start a KZbin channel as well lol! Would love to see your equipment and how you mow

[@treverleigh5692]

F7 Shift Thank you so much I will hopefully be starting one this winter

[@jandblawncare8570]

Years ago we had a 36" Exmark TT and had a Big League Lawns kit on it and it was like night and day with the stripes. I think our Lazers leave a great finish without any kits. There's many factors that make stripes look better than others...Type of grass, angle of the sun (when your looking at them), height of cutting. I think one of the biggest things for a great looking lawn is straight lines.

[@andyostertag]

For the straightest lines, keep focused upon your ending point, don't watch the mower.. Riding horses taught me that it's all the same. Focus and feel is key in most matters

[@gabrielfernandez566]

Hard to tell on that field both look the same for the most part , slightly deeper with the roller but for the money I don’t think it’s worth it

[@ricepadi29]

Your property is looking better every time you mow. I could see a bit of a difference. We had a flap type kit on our first mower. It worked pretty good. I jacked up the back of the mower and took off the wheels when adjusting it. Much easier to get to the backside of the deck. Just a little tip for anyone else that might try to install one. Tight squeeze working in your trailer but you got it done.

[@TT-dz8zf]

Man….the drone view is very nice. Thanks for sharing with us these beautiful stripes at different angles!

[@bladesofglorylawnmaintenan6354]

Definitely see the bolder stripes “with” the kit.. I noticed it immediately. Also outstanding camera shots brother!! Those different angles on the mower showing the kit in action was pretty sweet.. ( even the one under the deck till the screen got covered lol ). Keep up the great work @Brian.. love watching you all grow!! Stay blessed brother!!

[@BensFirewood]

I run a Harrison Specialties striping roller on my Z-Trak. It definitely leaves a more pronounced stripes in the lawn, but it will depend on how you have it adjusted. If the roller is lightly rolling along the grass, you might not notice a big difference. Running the roller lower and "pushing" down the grass further will leave a better stripe, but also lead to more wear & tear on your machine as the roller/deck will be jostled around when hitting bumps in the lawn. If I was mowing for money like I used to, I would not want to run a rigid roller like this as it makes for a bumpier ride and excess wear on your machine when going fast. If you raise the roller enough to avoid this issue, you probably won't see much difference in results as seen in the video here. Just my two cents... Nice video Brian

[@jeffstrains4014]

The kit you have use to be what exmark had, I am guessing they cheapened them up some. I have had one in place since 05 and its bouncing off rocks all the time. I do not still have a business but I do still have my 05 liquid cooled 60' and a Kubota ZD21. I am just at a point where I want a new mower so have been comparing the two in new versions.

[@Mrmac79]

Wow! Nice! I have been watching you channel throughout the spring and the summer and you have really helped me out a lot with several tips. Without the striping kit you do a really really great job! Thank you so much for sharing. It's my first season trying start and do lawn care and hopefully next year will be twice as good. May The Most High continue to bless you and your family!

[@shawndubay4050]

Absolutely more bold with the stripe kit. They really do make your stripes POP. I do agree with you on the top end grasses like Kentucky blue, tall fescue and perennial rye grass having much more brighter stripes going out and much more darker green coming back especially if you drop the roller/striper as low as it will possibly go without causing problems. You made a great move equipping that Lazer with that kit. Once people see this you are going to be really busy and will need a big crew. If I was you I would equip all your mowers with a stripe kit. Believe me you will have lots of business.

[@mikewoodbury7248]

I added a stripping kit to my push mower by big league lawns and use it on small lawns and i must say it looks awesome customers love it!

[@rickyrodriguez6476]

Nice job on the different angles, I really enjoyed that. I did see the bolder difference. I would like to see some footage on some other properties, primarily residential if possible. Thanks for the content.

[@hemiharden83]

I have a harrison specialties stripe kit on my 60 lazer E series and on my older 2002 60 lazer. They definitely help lay bolder stripes. On some properties, after I cut once, I lower the deck and let the roller rest on the ground and then go over the lawn again (without the blades engaged). Just make sure to raise the deck when making sharp turns.. Doing that was a game changer for me. I wish I could post pictures.

[@davelee6540]

The dark stripes seem a little darker with the stripping kit. The light ones about the same. Like you said probably notice more on nice turf grass. Weeds don't stripe very well.

[@jeremy5246]

Weeds don't stripe well... guess I'll save the time and NOT do this for my lawn. Lol.

[@mikewoodbury7248]

Thanks Brian, I own a landscaping company in Massachusetts. People here are insane about how there lawns look! Anything to make there yard better than the neighbors. So i added striping kits. Here on the south shore it’s all about them stripes. And yes your stripes were definitely noticeable different. Keep up the great posts! Btw I as well tried the 18hp billy goat leaf loader not bad.

[@terryw848]

I just saw this for the first time. I just bought a new zero turn and was wanting to add a striping kit. I can tell the difference on the field you mowed with and without the kit. It looks really good.

[@joeibarra4869]

Very small difference!! Great video!! God Bless!! Beautiful weather!!!🙌🏼

[@cioch84]

Def striping kit. The stripes pop more

[@kevina4386]

Hey brian.can you do a segment on how you get grass out of your socks

[@Saltysteele]

i can see the difference. the center section is solid and smooth looking. Looks dope

[@ynot0714]

My Kubota zd 326 stripes great with no stripping kit, my 2 wright 52 in stripes great also they do have the kit. Yes it depends on how your looking at the lawn and where the sun is. Don't like high lift blades as they bring up everything , just don't need them. Your property looks great Brian !

[@vburke9232]

brian! thinking about purchasing a coaching call! also gonna buy keith’s book. grateful for a nice pick of entrepreneurs to lead this community in whatever way we’re going. either way, it’s the green way😎

[@alexschaaf7521]

Honestly exmarks lay nice stripes with or without the striping kit. Interested to see how it does in some nice fertilized lawns. The stripes with the kit does look a little bolder tho like you said. Great video as always!

[@GregVanGorp]

I’m looking at getting an Exmark Radius soon but this impressed me with the “out of the box” striping. Very excited for an increase in quality of cut!

[@steelrunner83ify]

I just used an old conveyor belt and a peice of angle iron and sandwiched the belt between the angle iron and deck. Used some grade 8 lock nuts and bolts in pre-existing holes. Got about 12 bucks in it.

[@A.P.I.-2bon2b]

Thank you 😂 I will go the basement and find my silk screen squeegee drill a hole in each top corner of the wooden handle and run that parachute chord through to attach to the 21 inch electric push mower. And experiment 🥼 ❤ God Bless America and our Great President Donald J. Trump 💜 2024 I'll put hanger hooks to keep it of the floor while pushing it down the sidewalk from home to the church ❤ It's going to look brand new. That Church!! AL :) Pomona, California U.S.Army Veteran

[@Pressure83.]

Very professional and nice setup! Good video 😊

[@thelifeofd3811]

Seeing frustrated Brian makes me feel way better about all the times that I attempt to do something I do it wrong and then just get really pissed off.. Just nice to see we're really all in this together

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hahah we've all been there!

[@slowb4lls1]

I run a stripe kit just like the exmark one on my radius 48”x series and it makes a giant difference on nice turf, plus on the video the sun wasn’t really hitting the grass right looking from your trailer but the drone footage shows yes clearly the lines are way sharper and more defined on the stripe kit right side if you ask me. Harrison specialties makes a exmark stripe clone basically that’s legit well built with grease fittings and all and unlike the exmark kit you don’t have to skip a mortgage payment or 2 to buy it. Look it up for your mower and see if they make one for specific model, best kept secret

[@JamesZ1025]

I’m currently running the same striping kit. Going to get a Harrison striping kit, it’s one solid steel roller. Have issues with the small end rollers popping off. I just got some Oregon 3” wide hi lift blades. Man those things discharge amazingly. It would’ve been a lot easier if you’d have jacked up the Z and removed the rear tires for installation. I’m fortunate to have a hoist I got at harbor freight

[@pjroo]

You’re such a happy chap! 😄 Gr8 vid too, thanks mate 👍🏻 I’ll pass on this particular kit.

[@davidwhite5858]

I live in Lincoln Nebraska and ended up with the President of the eXmark company’s Front Runner. 100 hours on in full 3 year warranty 54” deck. All the extra accessories. Beautiful machine and no issues. I like your channel and will keep watching. Should I get the striping kit? I have about 5 acres of my own to mow. Thank you keep up the info. 👍

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I personally don't feel it makes a TON of difference, but it does help a little bit.

[@jackmcmurtrie1279]

Hi there well for what I can see the right side definitely does looks better then the left I think the stripping kit you put on makes the strips look brighter I can say love ur mowing vids keep them coming I really like striping lawns too looks so much better and more professional look too!! Ty my friend for sharing!!

[@sparkymcspark8446]

I notice that is a pretty bumpy yard you have there. All those bumps are absorbed by your spine. You may not notice it while you're young, but later you'll feel it. I ride with a large cushion that covers the seat and the back rest. My back hasn't hurt since I started using it. Take care of yourself.

[@bigdog3495]

Rollers are the best for stripes. It takes a few cuts to "burn them in " We run them on all our mowers they do make a difference and most clients love striped lawns. Once the lines are burned in after 5 or 6 weeks you can mow without roller and the lines are just as defined.

[@bentullett6068]

Us British know a thing or two about mowers with striping capabilities as we have pedestrian mowers and ride on tractor mowers with steel or plastic rear rollers fitted to create decent stripes. We are one of the only markets in the world that a majority of people want stripes on the lawn. The two brands of riding lawn mowers sold in the UK that are great at striping are Countax and Westwood which are both owned by Ariens.

[@tommys.9606]

The stock Ferris stripe kit works great, all it is, is a piece of rubber that bolts to the back of the deck and hangs down 2". I made one for my Z2 by just using a roll of 1/8" thick rubber sheeting I ordered from Amazon instead of spending $100 for the accessory.

[@gemmcnutt]

I mow at 2.75 because that's what my neighbors like. I have a simplicity zero turn and it has the rollers built in on the back of the deck and it stripes the lawns extremely well

[@consanna]

We tried a Big League Laws Striper and we are now running them on all our mowers. Brian they are on line and are a Lansing, Michigan Company

[@letsgofindit.7417]

I think the tire tracks are less pronounced with the striping kit. Giving an even(er) apperance IMHO. love your videos keep them coming.

[@ccjurgs1457]

I'm in the same boat where my trailer is my shop. One day Brian we will all have a garage, lol. Awesome video footage. I dont see much difference but ive always thought Exmarks leave the best stripes. I used to have one, now ive got a scag but I'm trying to go back to exmark

[@jakelauer2599]

Before installing a stripe kit on my exmark radius e series I really wasn't too impressed with the striping. I ended up getting a stripe kit from harrison specialties and it makes a huge difference. It was also a pretty big pain to install though, probably worse considering I had to drill some holes and the bolt locations were in awkward hard to reach areas. Another drawback I have found is that having a heavy steel roller attached to the mower deck can create extra deck bouncing when going over uneven terrain but all in all it's worth having

[@genejackson8815]

When the kit is mounted to the deck, it doesn’t allow the full weight of the roller to bend the grass. Roller needs to float independent of the deck height. I stripe with a Honda 21” and have very distinct stripes. Consider making a V bracket and connect the stripe roller to the hitch and see what difference it makes.

[@pangst19]

I have one on my scage cheetah and it mounts on the back on the mower behind the wheels and comes off woth two pins if you need to take it off it also raises and lowers with two pins for transporting. Actually there it saved me from a roll over on a hill being behind the wheels. Nice video mounting the things can be a pain but like the scag setup i have for sure. Cant pop the two pins off and dismount if you need to life the mower.

[@caseymoore8500]

I do believe it’s all Preference depending on the mower you have and what you cut at. You may not need one as you said you couldn’t tell a difference. But then again on a treated yard it could more brightened strips off the sun light like some other videos I’ve seen but great content and keep up the good work

[@TheLawnFellas]

Wow those were some long straight stripes awesome job. I do not see much of a difference but I agree the smaller lawns it will show up.

[@sparkymcspark8446]

There's no way I could make my stripes that straight and long. I like contour mowing. It doesn't have to be as exact.

[@trone870]

Bro your awesome. I love the real footage. Just like yea let me figure this out

[@byronn.2885]

Feel your pain on needing a shop. Moved from Macomb county to northern Michigan almost 7 years ago and have been trying to get a shop built the entire time. This year I was finally ready only to have material prices skyrocket this year due to “rona”. I use a stripe kit on my 30” toro time master and it makes a huge difference, it is a floating roller though so it lays on the ground. I think the fact that the roller is suspended with the deck and doesn’t make contact with the ground it doesn’t bend the grass blades over enough to make it more of a pronounced stripe. The roller on mine also has a rubber rake at the leading edge to help align the grass blades. I mow at 3.75”-4”. My lawn is a blend of Fescue and Kentucky Blue and is irrigated and fertilized regularly. My ditch is more crabgrass and weeds and does not stripe good at all so your theory of lawn quality effecting stripes should be correct. Love the channel, you have been a good source of motivation in my pursuit of lawn care. God bless you and the wife.

[@csresidentiallawnmowinglan7244]

This -is- coming from a guy who put his lug nuts on backwards... LOL! Just kidding Brian! Nice vid!

[@geridrh]

😂

[@robertscottdunn]

Hey, the first install always takes longer. The next time you install one it'll take half the time! I like the difference of the stripe kit. It's not just the tire marks that stand out, the whole cut looks more consistent.

[@williamgleeson5559]

I don’t see much of a difference

[@kennyplay5982]

If you run over the same lines 2-3 times, anyone is gonna get better looking stripes.

[@jeffreyMagnum460]

I made my own stripping kit with a stiff bristle 24" push broom head bolted to the back of the deck.

[@williamjanik7743]

I've got the OEM Ferris striping kit on my Z3x. Meh, I'm indifferent about it. The Ferris stripes well to begin with. I think sharp blades and a clean deck help just as well

[@andyostertag]

For starters.. open your trailer side door for a little cross draft action.. glad you bucked up, and did it yourself. You are smarter, and saved the shop cost.. Be well

[@Hitm8kr]

I run stripe kits. It what allows me to charge more per cut

[@NorthernChev]

Inconclusive, I agree.

[@CORNSTARCH21]

Great video! I think there's not a whole lot of difference, except that like you said the side done with the kit seems a little bolder. I enjoy working on our mowers and figuring out how to install things and make repairs. Keep up the videos!👊

[@popvultureinc5007]

14:33 just having fun, guys. Chill!

[@dawnlark6161]

Haven't even watched it and i already know it's gonna be a BANGER.

[@gabrieljackson1524]

I really love the positivity

[@markschmaus5580]

Agreed ! Bolder on the right👍

[@brandonc5965]

They also have a deck spray for the clumps too

[@anthonyc178]

I believe GCI Turf runs a striper on his wrights. Keep up the good work!

[@cfrayre6572]

Wow looks great

[@bozwell1165]

I have a Wright with a stripe kit and it’s awesome

[@tedramai5137]

I run a Walker Mower it stripes great but I have a kit on my CC28 push mower

[@Dale.Nienow]

Great video Brian, I don't use a stripe kit! Most professional mowers already stripe awesome! My Toro mowers stripes awesome with no kit!

[@Dale.Nienow]

Blaze Mane very true!

[@beardedandwinning1390]

Very cool video. Thanks for sharing..

[@rossflorence7392]

Ferris comes with a striper. Just a rubber piece that can be adjusted to really comb the grass or slightly

[@tonycritcher3419]

Some good views of the roller in action. Had you not mentioned using a roller I don't think I would have noticed, being honest. Maybe on another property!

[@revfred2008]

I run striping kit on my CC 28" walk behind and my 48" zero turn.

[@ME-lq7mf]

First hey brain how’s business my man keep up the hustle stay safe brother

[@SlyThePumpkinGuy]

Just started watching this channel…. My two cents… Stripping is finding the right side of the blade of grass, and making them all the same (per strips) Try this. Drag gentle bristles floor broom (aka 36, 48” brooms) in front of the roller… broom will reorient the blade of grass before rolling. Mistake I have seen… too much weight on roller. Depending on speed of mower, weight adjusted for gentle broom combing of grass blades. The roller “I call it the polisher”. One last thing, if you put it behind your wheels… tire tracks disappear 🫥. For me it’s fun to “cut/designed/do a makeover” lawns. Have fun!

[@sunsetmowing]

After market roller for exmark much better. Does make it tough to bag in the fall at 2.0. Be careful when turning to raise your deck.

[@davidcooper6196]

What I don't like is you have to adjust the height of the roller for the height of the grass you're cutting you may have to lower your roller a little to get the darker strip trie lowering your deck and see if it helps.

[@ralphexcellent3114]

The striping kit side looks a little better, but can’t wait to see the results on treated grass.

[@chrissmith5911]

This looks like the same kit on the toro ztr I hope it works better. I took a peace of rubber like on the mud guards on semis and bolted to the deck. It works so much better

[@closecorners117]

Informative video thanks for sharing!!

[@dancannon5158]

Hard to tell the difference. We don't run striping kits but both our Hustler & Ferris stripe really well. We power wash underside of decks every week when we change blades.. sharp blades and good clean airflow for max uplift seems to work for most of our yards.. Kentucky Blue grass at 3.25"..

[@leobrown9297]

Have had a xmark striping kit on my 48" lazer z for several years. Retired here in Texas from central Ohio 2 years ago. Down here on bermuda and st Augustine customers love it. No one stripes down here. Enjoy your videos! My style striper has bearings and much easier to adjust and put on and remove.

[@168meister]

I do notice the lines are more defined with the striping kit. I have the big league striping kit on both of my Wright standers. They are approximately 50lbs in weight laying down the grass. Also great vids, keep them coming😃🤙

[@martinmowinllclawnmaintena9689]

They are a little more bold like you said but it all looks really good

[@t.j.cheslik4337]

Ya know Brian, I just don't personally notice a difference. I agree with you though, your mower already lays stripes very nicely.

[@topnotchrocker2618]

As usual, Brian, you knocked it out of the park, I've had my striping kit on my Exmark since the day I brought it back in 2002, and it is still striping to this day.

[@joshuanever6641]

Right side more tests good work bro big inspiration

[@revfred2008]

Definitely you see the line definition in the striping kit side.

[@revfred2008]

I love my Cub Cadet striping kits.

[@mattd8411]

Dude love your videos man I'm really wanting try get a mini x and a turf tiger or lazer z next spring. You need try a shindaiwa weedeater man i live my echos but they are a little better in my opinion. Have a great day stay safe.

[@Fencearmor]

Nicely done, Brian! Striping kit or not, they look great!

[@JKZ103]

I just rake my deck 1/2" to the front and it stripes like a madman... lays the grass over and still cuts even. 2019 hustler x one

[@doug0823]

Great job. Love the different footage. What type drone do you have and also what kind of bluetooth earbuds are you using? i assume they are noise cancelling?

[@spencerbird1273]

Great vid Brian! Not every day goes to plan, your positive attitude is extremely motivating! Keep it real!

[@Relentless1224]

I own a landscaping business in VA, I am just getting started. I run a striping kit on my John Deere, mine is a brush and I love it. Curious what you charge for a lawn of that size? I’m still figuring out how to price. Thanks!

[@BIGJAFFORDABLELAWNCARE]

Just purchase the eXmark Radius and love it👍

[@matthewsmowing]

I’ve never put a striping kit on mine. The stripe kit is the entire width of the deck, which makes no sense. I like to see the wheel marks between light and dark. I have people ask me all the time if I have a stripe kit on my mower because it stripes that good without it (Hustler Fastrak). I feel like stripe kits are a lot for homeowners who want that grass bend because the homeowner mowers don’t have as much vacuum and bend as the commercial decks.

[@H0kieJoe]

Floor jack/jack stands/remove rear wheels/install kit/reassemble/profit.

[@robertrichardsr.6177]

Hey man great lines love you’re knowledge, to me it looks the same and I wouldn’t run a striping kit for me.

[@altoncraven3588]

Right side looks the best .

[@simonmorris8651]

Great video Brian, many thanks. Not that much of a difference to warrant the cost and extra maintenance (greasing points) but I agree that with finer grade grass it may show more. Great shots of it in action and I like that your machine is so clean underneath (our wetter UK climate means our kit is much harder to keep looking good )👍. Couldn’t help noticing the inside walls if your tyres - what on earth are they? Are they airless/solid? Thanks again, mega sharp looking outfit you run 👏👏👏.

[@adamdeutchman138]

I think the non-striped side has wider stripes and with the stripe kit

[@kreed2551]

When you say line what exactly are you looking at? I can definitely see a difference

[@beardedguardian71]

Not sure if its 3 or 4 hundred worth of a difference. Like you said the ultra cut deck does a great job but when you get on them carpet lawns it may make a diff. Thats different than the older style roller xmark used before which actually measured 60 inches in lenth.

[@killoquintana5120]

It's hard to see when you cut over the same stripe pattern. I say to definitely try in a different direction, maybe it'll make a difference. Also, most of our Scags already come with rollers on the decks ;)

[@mikey69231]

Yeah when my partner and I got the new cheetah this year we optioned the roller and LED lights