Poor Engine Performance

Dirt in fuel system or fuel is old. Replace fuel with fresh stabilized fuel. Obtain fuel from another supplier before suspecting machine problems. Suppliers blend fuels differently and changing suppliers will generally solve any performance problems

Fuel blended with alcohol or ether may contribute to performance problems by causing gum and varnish deposits, especially if fuel is stored for several weeks or more. Obtain fresh fuel.

Engine Will Not Start

Brake pedal not depressed.

PTO is engaged.

Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.

Improper fuel.

Plugged fuel filter.

Defective safety switch.

Electrical problem - See Electrical Troubleshooting Section

Engine Is Hard To Start

Stale or improper fuel.

Plugged fuel filter.

Faulty spark plug.

Loose or corroded electrical connections.

Engine oil viscosity.

Carburetor is not adjusted properly or dirty.

Engine Runs Unevenly

Cooling fins plugged.

Loose electrical connections.

Choke or throttle cable sticking.

Fuel line or fuel filter plugged.

Stale or dirty fuel.

Improper fuel.

Air cleaner element plugged.

Engine Misses Under Load

Faulty spark plug.

Stale or dirty fuel.

Plugged fuel filter.

Engine Vapor Locks

Fuel tank vent plugged.

Dirt in fuel filter.

Cooling fins plugged.

Loose hose connection at fuel filter or fuel pump.

Engine Overheats

Engine air intake screen plugged.

Cooling fins plugged.

Engine oil low or too high.

Engine operated too long at a slow idle speed.

Engine Will Not Idle

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Faulty spark plug.

Operator raising off the seat.

Engine Knocks

Stale or low octane fuel.

Engine overloaded.

Low engine speed.

Oil level low.

Engine Stops Or Misses When Operating On Hillsides

Fuel tank less than half full of fuel.

Operator raising off of the seat.

Engine Backfires

Faulty spark plug.

Operator raising off of the seat.

Engine Loses Power

Engine overheating.

Too much oil in engine.

Dirty air cleaner.

Faulty spark plug.

Travel speed is too fast for conditions.

Improper fuel.

Excessive Fuel Consumption

Choke is not fully open.

Black Exhaust Smoke

Air filter is dirty or oil soaked.

Engine Stops When REVERSE Foot Pedal Is Depressed And Attachment Is Engaged

Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Option in the OPERATING section.)

Starter Does Not Work Or Will Not Turn Engine

Brake pedal is not depressed.

PTO is engaged.

Battery terminals are corroded.

Battery not charged.

Blown fuse.

Fusible Link in starting circuit is blown - See your authorized dealer

Battery Will Not Charge

Dead cell in the battery.

Battery cables and terminals are dirty.

Low engine speed or excessive idling.

Lights Do Not Work

Light plug disconnected.

Loose or burned out bulb.

Machine Vibrates Too Much Or Rattles Excessively

Attachment drive belts worn or damaged.

Traction drive belt damaged or worn.

Dirt on drive sheaves.

Machine Will Not Move With Engine Running

Parking brake locked.

Transmission hydraulic oil level low.

Free-wheeling lever is engaged.

Machine Moves With Engine Running And Hydrostatic Control In Neutral

Linkage out of adjustment.

Discharge Chute Plugged

Travel speed too fast.

Grass too long.

Grass too wet.

Engine rpm not at wide open throttle.

Restricted air flow.

Belt installed incorrectly.

Check mower front-to-rear level.

Patches Of Grass Uncut

Travel speed too fast.

Engine rpm not at wide open throttle.

Mower deck needs cleaning.

Belt Slipping

Debris in sheaves.

Worn belt.

Belt tension is incorrect.

Too Much Vibration

Debris on mower deck or in sheaves.

Damaged drive belt.

Damaged sheaves or sheaves out of alignment.

Blades out of balance.

Blades Scalping Grass

Cutting too low.

Turning speed too fast.

Ridges in terrain.

Rough or uneven terrain.

Low tire pressure.

Mower wheels not adjusted correctly.

Bent blade(s).

Mower Loads Down Machine

Engine rpm too low.

Travel speed too fast.

Debris wrapped around mower spindles.

Uneven Cut

Mower deck not leveled properly.

Travel speed too fast.

Blades dull.

Mower wheels not adjusted correctly.

Tire pressure unequal.

Requires High Effort To Lift And Latch Lift Handle

Front draft arm on mower is adjusted too short, causing lift system to bind up.

Grass Tips Are Jagged And Turn Grayish Brown After Mowing

Dull mower blades.

Bent blades.

Front-to-rear blade adjustment not set properly.

Mower (Or Other Attachment) Stops When Reverse Foot Pedal Is Depressed And Attachment Is Engaged

Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Option in the OPERATING section.)