Not for
Reproduction
Problem: Engine will not turn over or start.
Place in OFF position.
PTO (electric clutch) switch in ON
position.
Move ground speed control levers to
the "NEUTRAL" position.
Ground speed control levers not in
"NEUTRAL" position.
If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then
refill the fuel tank.
Out of fuel.
Move choke control to the closed
position.
Engine flooded.
Replace fuse.
Fuse blown.
Clean the battery terminals.
Battery terminals require cleaning.
Recharge or replace.
Battery discharged or dead.
Visually check wiring and replace
broken or frayed wires. Tighten loose
connections.
Wiring loose or broken.
Repair or replace. See authorized
dealer.
Solenoid or starter motor faulty.
Replace as needed. See authorized
dealer.
Safety interlock switch faulty.
Clean and gap, or replace. See engine
operator's manual.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled, or
incorrectly gapped.
Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.
Water in fuel.
Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.
Gas is old or stale.
Problem: Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
Remedy
Cause
Clean air filter. Check choke
adjustment.
Fuel mixture too rich.
Clean and gap, or replace. See engine
operator's manual.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled, or
incorrectly gapped.
Problem: Engine knocks.
Remedy
Cause
Check and add oil as required.
Low oil level.
See engine operator's 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 operator's manual.
Using wrong weight oil.
Drain excess oil.
Too much oil in crankcase.
Engine exhaust is black.
Remedy
Cause
Replace air filter. See engine
operator's manual.
Dirty air filter.
Open choke control.
Engine choke is in closed position.
Problem: Engine runs, but rider will not drive.
Remedy
Cause
Move transmission release lever(s) to
the "drive" position.
Transmission release lever(s) in
"free-wheel" position
Replace belt. See Transmission Drive
Belt Replacement.
Belt is broken.
See problem and cause below.
Drive belt slips.
See authorized dealer.
Brake is not fully released.
Problem: Rider drive belt slips.
Remedy
Cause
Clean as required.
Pulleys or belt is greasy or oily.
Adjust the 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 components in transmission
worn.
Problem: Rider steers or handles poorly.
Remedy
Cause
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
Steering lever linkages are loose.
See Checking Tire Pressures
Improper tire inflation.
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck
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 too slow.
Decrease ground speed.
Ground speed too fast.
Cut tall grass at maximum cutting
height during first pass.
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 not balanced.
Reinstall the 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.
Problem: Mower drive belt slips, or fails to drive.
Remedy
Cause
Repair or replace as needed.
Idler pulley spring broken, or not
properly attached.
Replace mower drive belt.
Mower drive belt broken.
Problem: Mower does not engage.
Remedy
Cause
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