Not for
Reproduction
Problem: Engine knocks.
Remedy
Cause
Check / Add oil as required.
Low oil level.
See engine manual.
Using wrong grade oil.
Problem: Excessive oil consumption.
Remedy
Cause
Clean engine fins, blower screen, and
air cleaner.
Engine running too hot.
See engine manual.
Using wrong weight oil.
Drain excess oil
Too much oil in crankcase.
Problem: Engine exhaust is black.
Remedy
Cause
Replace air filter. See engine manual.
Dirty air filter.
Move choke control to open position.
Carbureted Models: Engine choke
control is in closed position.
Problem: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (M.I.L.) is flashing
(Fuel Injected Models only).
Remedy
Cause
See your authorized service dealer.
Problem with the fuel injection system.
Problem: Engine runs but mower will not drive.
Remedy
Cause
Engage the transmissions. See
Pushing the Rider by Hand.
Transmissions are not engaged.
See
Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement.
Belt is broken.
See problem and cause below.
Drive belt slips.
See authorized service dealer.
Brake is not fully released.
Problem: Unit drive belt slips.
Remedy
Cause
Clean as required.
Pulleys or belt greasy or oily.
Adjust spring tension. See
Transmission Drive Belt Replacement.
Tension too loose
Replace belt.
Belt stretched or worn
Problem: Brake will not hold.
Remedy
Cause
See
Parking Brake Adjustment.
Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
See authorized dealer.
Braking pads in transmissions worn.
Problem: Unit steers or handles poorly.
Remedy
Cause
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
Steering linkage is loose.
See
Checking Tire Pressures.
Improper tire inflation
Troubleshooting the Mower
Problem: Mower will not raise.
Remedy
Cause
See authorized dealer.
Lift linkage not properly attached or
damaged.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
Remedy
Cause
Set to full throttle.
Engine speed to slow.
Decrease ground speed.
Ground speed too fast.
Increase the cutting height.
Cutting height set too low.
Cut grass with discharge pointing
towards previously cut area.
Discharge chute jamming with cut
grass.
Problem: Excessive mower vibration.
Remedy
Cause
Tighten to 70 ft.lbs (94 Nm)
Blade mounting bolts are loose.
Check and replace as necessary.
Mower blades, arbors, or pulleys are
bent.
Remove, sharpen, and balance blades.
See
Servicing the Mower Blades.
Mower blades are out of balance.
Reinstall belt correctly.
Belt installed incorrectly.
Problem: Excessive belt wear or breakage.
Remedy
Cause
Repair or replace.
Bent or rough pulleys.
Replace with correct belt.
Using incorrect belt.
Adjust to correct tension.
Incorrect belt tension.
Problem: Drive belt slips or fails to drive.
Remedy
Cause
Adjust to correct tension.
Incorrect belt tension.
Replace with new belt.
Drive belt is broken.
Problem: Mower does not engage.
Remedy
Cause
Locate & repair damaged wire.
Electrical wiring damage.
Recharge battery and check alternator.
See
Battery Service.
Battery voltage too low.
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.
Remedy
Cause
Sharpen your blades.
Blades are not sharp.
Replace your blades.
Blades are worn down too far.
Always mow at full throttle.
Engine speed is too slow.
Slow down.
Ground speed is too fast.
Clean out the mower.
Deck is plugged with grass.
Overlap your cutting rows
Not overlapping cutting rows enough.
When turning your effective cutting
width decreases–overlap more when
turning.
Not overlapping enough when turning.
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