Riding Mowers / Tractors - Troubleshooting

General

NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine and disconnect spark plug.
Complaint Possible Causes Correction
The engine stops when the blades are engaged Operator not seated properly Operator must sit all the way back in the seat
Bad connection at the seat switch Make sure the seat switch is firmly connected to the harness
Faulty seat switch Replace the seat switch (See Authorized Service Center)
Damaged wiring harness Replace the wiring harness (See Authorized Service Center)
The grass does not discharge correctly Grass too wet or too tall Do not cut wet or excessively tall grass
Ground speed too fast Reduce ground speed
Debris build up under mower housing Clean underside of mower housing
Worn or dull blades Sharpen or replace blades (See Owner's Manual or Authorized Service Center)
Bent or damaged blades Replace blades (See Owner's Manual)
The mower housing does not cut level Inconsistent tire pressure Make sure tire pressure is correct (See tires for proper pressure)
Unleveled mower housing Level mower housing (See Owner's Manual)
Worn or dull blades Sharpen or replace blades (See Owner's Manual or Authorized Service Center)
Bent or damaged blades Replace blades (See Owner's Manual or Authorized Service Center)

Manual Shift/Gear Drive Riding Mowers

NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine and disconnect spark plug.
Complaint Possible Causes Correction
Mower will not drive Shift lever not in drive selection Make sure shift lever is in drive selection
Axle key missing Replace axle key (See Parts List for illustration)
Shift lever out of adjustment Adjust shift lever (See Owner's Manual)
Clutch out of adjustment Adjust clutch (See Owner's Manual)
Worn or damaged belt Replace belt (See Owner's Manual)

Automatic Drive/Hydrostatic Riding Mowers

NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine and disconnect spark plug.
Complaint Possible Causes Correction
Mower will not drive Automatic drive disconnect lever is in push mode Make sure the automatic drive disconnect lever is in drive mode (See label under seat or Owner's Manual)
Axle key missing Replace axle key (See Parts List for illustration)
Clutch out of adjustment Adjust clutch (See Owner's Manual)
Worn or damaged belt Replace belt (See Owner's Manual)
Noticeable decrease in forward speed Drive pedal out of adjustment Adjust drive pedal (See Owner's Manual)
Clutch out of adjustment Adjust clutch (See Owner's Manual)
Worn or damaged belt Replace belt (See Owner's Manual)
Leakage or decrease in fluid level Take mower to Authorized Service Center

Automatic Drive/Variable Speed Riding Mowers

NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine and disconnect spark plug.
Complaint Possible Causes Correction
Mower will not drive Shift lever not in drive selection Make sure shift lever is in drive selection
Axle key missing Replace axle key (See Parts List for illustration)
Clutch out of adjustment Adjust clutch (See Owner's Manual)
Variable speed pulley is damaged Replace pulley (See Authorized Service Center)
Worn or damaged belt Replace belt (See Owner's Manual)
Noticeable decrease in forward speed Variable speed pulley is damaged Replace pulley (See Authorized Service Center)