Zero Turn Mower Troubleshooting Tips

It doesn’t matter how capable a machine is, sooner or later it’s going to experience some issues. Sometimes these require professional service to fix, while others can be handled in your garage with ease. Zero turn mowers are no different and with a little knowledge, you can easily fix minor issues with the tools you already own.

Four Brothers Outdoor Power is the preferred zero turn mower dealer in Royse City and Terrell, Texas, so we know our way around these machines pretty well. Read through our troubleshooting guide below and if you require expert help, get in touch with our trained technicians at the earliest! We also have a wide selection of zero turn mowers for sale near sale near Garland, Canton or Greenville, TX!

Browse the Owner's Manual

Always consult your owner's manual before you undertake any work on your machine. This handy booklet is full of advice. After all, who knows your zero turn mower better than the company who built it? You may find exactly what you need within the owner's manual pages, so give it a quick consult before starting a project.

The Engine Won't Start

This is a common problem that can wreck your carefully-planned out day! Here are some of the things you should look out for:

• Are the blades engaged? Turn the PTO off.
• Did you forget to engage the parking brake? Engage it now.
• Is the lawn mower's battery dead or low? Give it a charge.
• Is there water or dirt in the fuel system? Drain the fuel tank and refill it with clean fuel.
• Are the spark plugs faulty? Replace them.
• Is the fuel line blocked? Clean it and replace the fuel filter.

The Lawn Mower Is Vibrating Excessively

This is a very common issue with zero turn mowers. A little vibration is normal, but not an excessive level. Ask yourself these questions to see if it solves the issue:

• Are the cutting blades loose or unbalanced? Tighten the blades and spindles.
• Are the cutting blades dull or bent? Sharpen them and replace as needed.
• Are the deck drive belts worn-out or not adjusted properly? Adjust the tension and then replace as needed.

The Lawn Mower Isn't Cutting Evenly

There’s nothing worse than getting an uneven cut! This can be a frustrating problem to troubleshoot, but there are strategies to try before making a service department appointment. Check to see the following:

• Is the deck not properly leveled? Set it to the right operating position using your owner's manual as a guide.
• Are the tires not inflated to the right air pressure? Use a tire pressure gauge to measure each tire and make sure they all match the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Are the cutting blades damaged? Replace them.

The Lawn Mower Isn't Mulching The Grass

A zero turn mower can be used to effectively mulch the grass, which creates nutrient-rich debris for your yard. But sometimes the mower isn't cooperating. You have to look out for:

• Is the grass too high? Mow your yard once at a high cutting height. Then take a second pass at the height you want, which should now allow the grass to to be properly mulched.
• Is the grass too wet? Wait until the grass dries, then mow.
• Is the engine speed not fast enough? Put the throttle control into the fast position.

The Engine Is Overheating

If you notice your lawn mower engine is getting too hot, you should stop it right away. Then ask these questions:

• Is the air filter dirty? Change out the air filter and clean the pre-cleaner.
• Is there built-up debris around the engine restricting air flow? Take a minute to clean out any debris.
• Is the engine oil level too low? Fill up with more oil.

We hope these tips will help you resolve your problem! If you need expert service or are looking for zero turn mowers for sale in Royse City or Terrell, Texas, contact Four Brothers Outdoor Power and have a chat with one of our helpful staff members! We’re proud to be the leading zero turn mower dealer for Garland, Canton and Greenville, TX!