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Tractor will not move with transmission in
forward or reverse position.
1. Brake is not fully released. See Brake Adjustments.
2. Transmission release lever (hydro models) not fully in
drive position. See Pushing The Tractor By Hand.
TROUBLESHOOTING THE MOWER
Mower cut is uneven.
1. Tractor tires not inflated equally or properly. See
Normal Care.
2. Mower not leveled properly. See Mower Adjustment.
Mower cut is rough looking.
1. Engine speed too slow. Set to full speed.
2. Ground speed too fast.
3. Blades dull and require sharpening. See Servicing
the Mower Blades.
4. Mower drive belt slipping. Belt oily or worn. Clean or
replace belt as necessary.
5. Blades not properly fastened to arbors. See Servicing
the Mower Blades.
Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
1. Engine speed too slow. Set for 3/4 to full throttle.
2. Ground speed too fast.
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
4. Cutting height set too low when mowing tall grass.
Cut tall grass at maximum cutting height during first
pass.
5. Discharge chute jamming with cut grass. Cut grass
with discharge pointing toward previously cut area.
Excessive mower vibration.
1. Blade mounting screws are loose. Torque to 50-70 ft.
lbs. (74 Nm).
2. Mower blades, arbors, or pulleys are bent. Check and
replace as necessary.
3. Mower blades are out of balance. Remove, sharpen
and balance blades. See Servicing the Mower
Blades.
4. Belt installed incorrectly. See Belt Replacement.
Excessive belt breakage.
1. Bent or rough pulleys. Repair or replace.
2. Using incorrect belt. See your dealer.
3. Mower not leveled properly.
Mower drive belt slips or fails to drive.
1. Mower drive belt broken. Replace.
CHECKING THE BATTERY
A voltmeter can be used to determine condition of bat-
tery. When engine is off, the voltmeter shows battery
voltage, which should be 12 volts. When engine is run-
ning, the voltmeter shows voltage of charging circuit
which normally is 13 to 14 volts.
A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine may
not mean the battery needs to be replaced. It may, as an
example, mean that the alternator is not charging the
battery properly. If there is any doubt about the cause of
the problem, see your dealer. If you need to replace the
battery, follow the steps under Cleaning the Battery &
Cables in the Normal Care Section.
CHARGING A COMPLETELY
DISCHARGED BATTERY
1. Be aware of all the safety precautions you should
observe during the charging operation. If you are
unfamiliar with the use of a battery charger and
hydrometer, have the battery serviced by your dealer.
2. Add water sufficient to cover the plate (fill to the prop-
er level near the end of the charge). If the battery is
extremely cold, allow it to warm before adding water
because the water level will rise as it warms. Also, an
extremely cold battery will not accept a normal
charge until it becomes warm.
3. Always unplug or turn the charger off before attach-
ing or removing the clamp connections.
4. Carefully attach the clamps to the battery in proper
polarity (usually red to [+] positive and black to [-]
negative).
5. While charging, periodically measure the temperature
of the electrolyte. If the temperature exceeds 125° F
(51.6° C), or if violent gassing or spewing of elec-
trolyte occurs, the charging rate must be reduced or
temporarily halted to prevent battery damage.
Troubleshooting & Repair
WARNING
Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery. Allow
the battery to warm to 60° F (15.5° C) before plac-
ing on charge.
WARNING
Keep open flames and sparks away from the bat-
tery; the gasses coming from it are highly explo-
sive. Ventilate the battery well during charging.
