Tap the filter against a solid surface to loosen and remove as much dirt as possible. Avoid mowing in wet conditions as wet grass clumps and sticks to your mower deck. Approved. Replace the battery when it wont hold a charge. Step 4: Rinse the water and dry the air filter. I'll scrape and pressure wash the deck once a week. I tried pressure washing 3 times on my two ztr's did clean them but will not do it again. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Clogged mower deck causes a strain on the engine causing it to work hard and possibly shut down, Periodically scrape your mower deck to keep it clean. You may be able to get your SCAG mower to start, but after running for a while, it just quits and shuts down. How To Clean Lawn Mower (Step-by-Step Guide), How to Sharpen a Reel Mower Step-by-Step Guide, Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Review: 2022, 4 Signs that Indicate Your Lawn Mower Is Low on Oil. If the machine was recently running, allow it to cool before performing any maintenance. Use only Scag-approved attachments and accessories. The gas cap seal can fail and no longer seal allowing gas to splash out of the fuel tank around the gas cap. Be sure the interlock switches are functioning correctly. Rubber fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak. Clean or replace spark plugs if needed. Solution: Prevent this from happening by regularly scraping your deck to keep it clean. First, park your mower on a level surface and set the parking brake. 4. I get 5 gallon at a time and just mix in spray bottle either 50/50 or if the mower is really bad I just use it full strength. Here is a quick summary of problems that can develop in your SCAG mower. DO NOT add fuel to a running or hot engine. Lack of oil can increase friction in your engine causing extreme heat. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating. In dusty conditions, more frequent cleaning and replacement may be necessary. Simple oil-drain system features a drain hose for clean, easy oil changes. Be careful to keep dirt from falling into the air intake. Do not mow on wet grass. Apr 25, 2012 / Scag Turf Tiger misfiring/cutting off while mowing. Use a carb cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. I do blow each mower off after every job, but my jobs are on rough properties that take up to 4 or 5 hours so they do collect some dirt. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 968,483 times. Remove these foreign materials. Step 3: Carefully remove the engine screen and detach the blower housing. Know the function of all controls and how to stop quickly. This is an alternative fuel made of corn or other high-starch plants. Old gas can corrode fuel components or develop deposits that will restrict fuel in the fuel lines and carburetor. Replace the clogged vent. Tap the filter against a solid surface to knock it loose and remove as much dirt as possible. Many of the problems that prevent a lawn mower from starting can also be the reason it dies after it starts and runs. Raise the deck and travel backwards over the curb at a 45-degree angle. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Simple oil-drain system features a drain hose for clean, easy oil changes. Wipe out any dirt remaining in the housing with a clean dry cloth. Just had to clean all the connectors on my 2008 Tiger Cub to include the connectors on the PTO switch and key switch. Solution: Replace a plugged fuel tank vent. The deck is housed under the mower and it is enclosed to the mower blade. A self-tensioning belt system eliminates belt adjustments, lessening maintenance and extending belt life for longer-term belt-replacement frequency. If you find anything, then bring out the air filter and clean it. Additionally, Scag provides a factory maintenance schedule for owners of their riding mowers. Clean a dirty plug using a wire brush. When the unit is not tracked correctly, your mower can veer off to one side and not drive straight. In addition to checking the fuel, air, and spark problems addressed earlier, look for a faulty ignition coil; an incorrect engine oil level; dirty or broke cooling fins; or a clogged mower deck. For best results, use an air hose with a nozzle or wand to blow away loose grass after scraping. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Sharp blades are critical to the effectiveness of any mower. Contact your local authorities for regulations and equipment requirements. Expert Tip: Please dont run your mower without an air filter. This will help you avoid personal injury or additional damage to the mower. When the vents get plugged, the fuel tank will cause fuel restrictions. If you have a big compressor then use it to get what can't be blown off with a hand blower. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Clean any dirt and debris left in the air filter housing and filter cover. The heat can be so hot, your internal engine parts will start to melt. Once you have ruled out the tire pressures being wrong, youll need to look at your deck. Remove the air filter. DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Be sure to have the complete model and serial numbers from your machine. There are too many small areas to spend hours with a tooth brush scrubbing them, so Im sure someone has a good degreaser that after letting it sit, a hose can make them look like new. Even products marketed for lawn mowers often due a poor job of long-term protection. Well, MowersLab recommends you every 25 hours of mower usage you have to clean or replace the mower air filter. The engine oil filter should be replaced every 200 hours. Remove the filter and clean it. They can also be punctured by a foreign object or the clamps used on the lines. I hold the wand back at a distance for the rest of the mower though. SCAG mower runs rough To keep your mower running at its best, regularly clean your mower, check the engine oil and hydraulic oil, clean the air filter, sharpen the blades and scrape the deck. Refill with a gas and fuel stabilizer mixture. Vibration can be caused by a bad bearing in the spindle housing. This is Why Your SCAG Lawn Mower is Vibrating & Shaking, Reasons Your SCAG Lawn Mower Has a Bad or Uneven Cut, Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system. DO NOT turn sharply. . I started my own lawn care business in college and have been doing it ever since. A product like Sea Foam Motor Treatment can be added while the fuel is still fresh. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Simply replace it. Check for an air restriction caused by a plugged air filter or incorrect choke setting. A protective coating will slow down the grass buildup, but nothing will eliminate the need for regular cleaning, particularly if cutting damp grass. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Engine the powerhouse of the machine. Keep others off the tractor (only one person at a time). Failure to adhere to this guideline could result in injury or death. And set it at least one hour. My Z weighs roughly 650 lbs, and I can do it myself easily. Check out This is the Type of Gas SCAG Lawn Mowers Use for more information. I have been mowing with a 54 inch lawn tractor. Even if you choose the right gas for your SCAG mower, you must properly store and use that gas timely. This post may include affiliate links. Scag dealers are your best source for obtaining timely sales assistance, reliable technical service, as well as Genuine Scag Parts. This starves the engine of air and can cause it to quit running. A problem in your hydraulic system where the fluid is hot, at a low level, or air is caught in the system can cause your mower to move slowly or not move at all. Blades must be balanced before installing. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If after performing these tests, you find you have a bad battery, replace your battery. Step 7: Refill the fuel tank and connect the spark plug. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be picked up and thrown by the cutter blades. Keep the machine and attachments in good operating condition. Don't use compressed air as it can damage . Having a clean mower is part of general maintenance in order to inspect for busted welds or any other deck damage. [1]. Replace the bearing in the spindle housing or replace the whole spindle housing assembly, Check deck belt and pulleys for wearing of the belt and bearing failure in the pulleys, Replace any damaged or worn belts and pulleys. Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc. The newest mower I've ever owned in my career is 10 years old. I'm a lawn mowing expert and gardening enthusiast. Make sure the belt is securely around the pulleys. Additional parts may be necessary upon inspection, such as new belts or new blades. Solution: Take caution working around your hot engine. 1. If you narrow your problem down to an internal engine problem, its best to have a small engine mechanic diagnose and make the necessary repairs. Read more about why I choose to use Sea Foam in Use Sea Foam Fuel Additive in a Lawn Mower to Stabilize Your Fuel. Hydraulic fluid is under significant pressure and an unexpected release of fluid can perforate skin and enter the body, resulting in serious medical complications if the fluid is not surgically removed quickly. Try to mow regularly and when the lawn is dry, since long or wet grass can clump and stick to your mower. Check over your mower for debris stuck in the deck or mower. Carelessness or operator error may result in serious bodily injury or death. DO NOT touch the engine or the muffler while the engine is running or immediately after stopping. You can usually detach the deck just by removing a few hex bolts or other standard fasteners. Vibration in a mower can be caused by something as small as a wood chip or other debris getting lodged in the mower. Remove any debris stuck in the cooling fins and replace any broken fins. Step 1: Tilt the mower and make it easily accessible to the blades. How do you clean your ZTR? Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. And repeat this process until removing all dirt. For those using degreasers, how does the paint hold up to using it over time? Scag Power Equipment is represented across the globe by a network of authorized dealers. Removing the filter may get your mower to start and run, however, you are taking the risk of getting small particles of dirt and debris in the engine. Frequent and routine maintenance is the best way to keep a machine in top condition and prevent costly issues from arising over the long term. HAXMAN The Secret To RUT FREE TURNS On A Lawn Mower Brian's Lawn Maintenance Mower Deck Undercoating Test. However, selecting the right mower for your needs can get lost in their overflowing product catalog. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Use only the oil specified in the manual. We just love our work and share tips with you! Clean a SCAG mower paper air filter. Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. Ensure that the battery is clean and that the terminals are not corroded. Disengage power to the attachments when transporting or when not in use. Rather than replacing an entire frame in the event of an impact, the front caster extension is replaceable on various models. Only one hydraulic reservoir and one filter need to be checked in the event of a hydraulic issue. A dirty or clogged carburetor decreases the mower performance. Be sure to keep your mowers blades sharp. Dont allow your mower to idle for long periods of time. You don't want to knock any dirt into the air intake. This ethanol and moisture mixture can corrode fuel components and leave behind a gummy substance that results in fuel restrictions. If you find the tip of your spark plug is very dark, has a burnt electrode, or is damaged, replace your spark plug. My orange Scags look brown or green to the point where you cant even tell if there are tiger stripes on the fenders, or even see the logos on the front. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. SCAG mower has a weak hydrostatic transmission, SCAG mower wont drive straight or steer correctly. Slow down the ground speed to match the mowing conditions. Do not operate the machine wearing shorts; always wear adequate protective clothing including long pants. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I've used Pam, wd40, oil or whatever I could spray under deckafter 5 minutes it's gone. Note: Dont use an air compressor or blower for cleaning the engine. Mow frequently. If you are unable to clear the blockage, replace the line with a new fuel line. Replace a plugged fuel filter. I love taking care of lawns and gardens, and I'm always looking for new ways to improve my skills. The EVZ gives more people the chance to see why Scag machines are Simply the Best. I get my guys on a slow day to spend a few hours with scrub brushes soap powder and tooth brushes. Because gasoline begins to break down rather quickly, always purchase fresh gas and use it within 30 days. Owners should change the hydraulic oil, the hydraulic oil filter, and the fuel filter at least once a year or after 500 hours of operation. Step #2: Check The Air Filter Check the mower air filter and ensure that the filter is completely free of dirt and debris. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. JavaScript is disabled. When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration. Follow these steps for cleaning a paper air filter: Carefully remove the air filter from the housing. While ethanol is better for the environment, it is not friendly to the small engine in your SCAG lawn mower. Lift the bar straight . The winding on the ignition coil can separate and short out when your mower is hot. Rebuild or replace it if needed. Your mower will not start when either the ignition switch or coil is bad, Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and engine damage, Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Replace worn or damaged deck parts including a worn idler arm, worn spring or bad pulleys. References Clean a Fuel System of Your Lawn mower. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Stop-Grass-Buildup-Under-Any-Lawn-Mower-Deck-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Grass-Buildup-Under-Any-Lawn-Mower-Deck-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Stop-Grass-Buildup-Under-Any-Lawn-Mower-Deck-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/aid687408-v4-728px-Stop-Grass-Buildup-Under-Any-Lawn-Mower-Deck-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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