Not for
Reproduction
Problem: Mower does not engage.
Locate and repair damaged wire.
Electrical wiring damage.
Recharge battery and check alternator.
See Battery Maintenance.
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.
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.
Remedy
Cause
Roll or level the lawn.
Lawn is uneven or bumpy.
Raise the cutting height.
Mower deck cutting height is set too
low.
Slow down.
Ground speed is too fast.
Correctly level the deck.
Deck is not leveled correctly.
Check and inflate the tires.
Tire pressure is low or uneven.
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.
Remedy
Cause
Problem: Stepped Cutting
Level the deck correctly.
Deck is not leveled correctly.
Check and inflate the tires.
Tires are not properly inflated.
Replace the blades.
Blades are damaged.
Repair or replace the deck.
Deck shell is damaged.
Repair or replace the spindle.
Mower spindle is bent or loose.
Reinstall the blades correctly.
Blades are installed incorrectly.
Problem: Uneven Cutting
Uneven cutting is waviness or smooth troughs in the lawn surface. Uneven
cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage or misadjustment.
Remedy
Cause
Level the deck correctly.
Deck is not leveled correctly.
Sharpen or replace the blades.
Blades are dull or worn.
Replace the blades.
Blades are damaged.
Clean out the deck.
Deck is clogged with grass clippings.
Repair or replace the deck.
Deck shell is damaged.
Repair or replace the spindle.
Mower spindle is bent or loose.
Reinstall the blades correctly.
Blades are installed incorrectly.
Check and inflate the tires.
Tires are not properly inflated.
Problem: Stringers
Stringers are sparse patches of uncut grass left behind the mower. Stringers
are usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
Remedy
Cause
Sharpen your blades.
Blades are not sharp or nicked.
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.
Specifications
Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to
change without notice.
ENGINE
For complete engine specifications see the engine
manufacturer's operator's manual included with your unit.
Fits models: 5901702 & 5901703
18.5 HP Kawasaki
Kawasaki
Make
39
