Not for
Reproduction
51
Problem: Engine runs but mower will not drive.
Cause
Remedy
Transmissions are not engaged.
Engage the transmissions. See
Pushing the Rider by Hand
.
Belt is broken.
See
Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement
.
Drive belt slips.
See problem and cause below.
Brake is not fully released.
See authorized service dealer.
Problem: Unit drive belt slips.
Cause
Remedy
Pulleys or belt greasy or oily.
Clean as required.
Tension too loose
Adjust spring tension. See
Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement
.
Belt stretched or worn
Replace belt.
Problem: Brake will not hold.
Cause
Remedy
Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
See
Parking Brake Adjustment
.
Braking pads in transmissions worn. See authorized dealer.
Problem: Unit steers or handles poorly.
Cause
Remedy
Steering linkage is loose.
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
Improper tire inflation
See
Checking Tire Pressures
.
Troubleshooting the Mower
Problem: Mower will not raise.
Cause
Remedy
Lift linkage not properly attached or
damaged.
See authorized dealer.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
Cause
Remedy
Engine speed to slow.
Set to full throttle.
Ground speed too fast.
Decrease ground speed.
Cutting height set too low.
Increase the cutting height.
Discharge chute jamming with cut
grass.
Cut grass with discharge pointing
towards previously cut area.
Problem: Excessive mower vibration.
Cause
Remedy
Blade mounting bolts are loose.
Tighten to 120 ft.lbs (163 Nm).
Mower blades, arbors, or pulleys are
bent.
Check and replace as necessary.
Mower blades are out of balance.
Remove, sharpen, and balance
blades. See
Servicing the Mower
Blades
.
Belt installed incorrectly.
Reinstall belt correctly.
Problem: Excessive belt wear or breakage.
Cause
Remedy
Bent or rough pulleys.
Repair or replace.
Using incorrect belt.
Replace with correct belt.
Incorrect belt tension.
Adjust to correct tension.
Problem: Drive belt slips or fails to drive.
Cause
Remedy
Incorrect belt tension.
Adjust to correct tension.
Drive belt is broken.
Replace with new belt.
Problem: Mower does not engage.
Cause
Remedy
Electrical wiring damage.
Locate & repair damaged wire.
Battery voltage too low.
Recharge battery and check
alternator. See
Battery Service
.
Troubleshooting Common Cutting
Problems
Problem: Streaking
Streaking is when thin strips of uncut grass are left behind the mower.
Streaking is usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
Cause
Remedy
Blades are not sharp.
Sharpen your blades.
Blades are worn down too far.
Replace your blades.
Engine speed is too slow.
Always mow at full throttle.
Ground speed is too fast.
Slow down.
Deck is plugged with grass.
Clean out the mower.
Not overlapping cutting rows enough. Overlap your cutting rows
Not overlapping enough when
turning.
When turning your effective cutting
width decreases–overlap more when
turning.
Problem: Scalping
Scalping is when the mower deck comes close to or hits the ground.
Scalping can be caused by the mower deck misadjustment, unevenness in
the lawn, or by mower deck bouncing because the ground speed is too fast.
Cause
Remedy
Lawn is uneven or bumpy.
Roll or level the lawn.
Mower deck cutting height is set too
low.
Raise the cutting height.
Ground speed is too fast.
Slow down.
Deck is not leveled correctly.
Correctly level the deck.
Tire pressure is low or uneven.
Check and inflate the tires.
Problem: Stepped Cutting
Stepped cutting is sharp ridges or uneven levels left in the lawn
surface. Stepped cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage or
misadjustment, or damage to the mower blades.
