You will have to find a salesman in your area or you may be able to order online. Solution: Clean your spark plug tip. Regular maintenance ensuring the mower longevity. I'll scrape and pressure wash the deck once a week. In addition to LLD cleaning, a cover sheet may be used as a physical barrier between the keyboard/console and the operator. DO NOT run the engine inside a building or a confined area without proper ventilation. Even if you choose the right gas for your SCAG mower, you must properly store and use that gas timely. Point the hose at your drain pan and unscrew the end. Essential replacement parts vary depending upon the maintenance schedule. Learn More Your email address will not be published. If you are not sure whether the filter can be washed, check the manual. Before attempting to start the engine, the operator must be in the seat and must disengage power to the cutter deck, place the steering control levers in the neutral position and engage the parking brake. If you regularly clean your lawn mower with these 7 following tips it will extend the lawn mower life cycle. The engine can be damaged when this mixture runs through the engine as it burns very hot. Back in 2015, Scag had issued a recall for around 4,400 of its Liberty Z zero-turn mowers. Find a buddy and each of you lift on one of the front caster wheels to get the mower in mid air, then slide the tip of sawhorse under it where the board sticks out. A dead battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals can cause starting problems. This can cause significant engine damage resulting in a large repair expense. And repeat this process until removing all dirt. Electrical components can get expensive and they most likely cant be returned because they are electrical parts. But it will be full of benefits to extend the mower longevity. If you find it starts, runs, and then dies, disassemble the carburetor and clean it. Under no circumstances should the machine be operated on slopes greater than 15 degrees (20 degrees for the V-Ride II). 1. Step 1: Remove the spark plug and set it into the socket Electrode ends up. You don't want to knock any dirt into the air intake. It should be at the bottom of the vent wells. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. % of people told us that this article helped them. The most common SCAG zero-turn lawn mower problems are: 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. Correct your engine oil. Check for spindle damage. Vibration can be caused by a bad bearing in the spindle housing. If the blades appear to be fine and if you have not noticed any reduction in the effectiveness of the cut, the blades will not require further attention. Windings on the coil can separate and short out on a bad ignition coil, Check for a break in the continuity using an ohm meter and replace is found bad. If you cannot, you must purchase a new filter. The mower blades wont engage on a SCAG zero turn when the PTO switch is faulty, the battery is weak, a safety switch failed or the clutch is bad. Keep in mind on a Kubota my motor is covered. Failure to adhere to this guideline could result in injury or death. Make sure this arrow is pointed in the direction of the mowers fuel flow. Replace the clogged vent. A thru-bolt design and top-mounted grease Zerk results in easy blade replacement and greasing. i use the backpack blower to clean out any grass build up between the spindles and where ever else it may be, i do that every lawn or every other lawn depends.but i don't wash my mower, and i didn't wash my old mower, and after 7 years it still looked pretty clean, i armor all wipes on the plastic occasionally, in the winter on a warm day, i usually armor all the whole mower, it gives it a nice shine, takes some time, but thats what i've done in the past. Use a slow travel speed for trimming purposes. I blow mine off every couple of lawns if the grass is still wet and its early in the morning. Simple oil-drain system features a drain hose for clean, easy oil changes. Step 5: Before reassembling make sure that the air filter is dry. Step 4: Rinse the water and dry the air filter. Avoiding Bad Mowing Habits that Damage Your Lawn. Step 3: Inspect the gas tank and if you spot any little hole or damage then dont attempt to repair or clean it. Running old gas through your mower is a culprit that can cause problems in the fuel system. Test it on a small patch first. 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. The machine and attachments should be stopped and inspected for damage after striking a foreign object, and damage should be repaired before restarting and operating the machine. Its disappointing when the mower begins to fail to give you the cut you expect. If you are unable to clear the blockage, replace the line with a new fuel line. Last Updated: October 27, 2022 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. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaooqW0GJkc&t, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Car5vamdGzE, Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zjHi30bPu0&t, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOD0xI0qDG8&t, Copyright 2023 SCAG Power EquipmentA division of, Privacy Policy | Terms & ConditionsPatents, A video that outlines the safe and proper operation of your Scag mower is available. You can also remove a little oil from the oil filter or drain plug. The vent in the cap or other type of vent off of your fuel tank can get clogged causing the fuel tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow, Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly, Replace with a new spark plug, secure connections, and ensure it is gapped to manufacturer specifications, Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow, A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow. Make sure the bypass valves are in the operating position. Read why you should avoid using starter fluid to start a mower here. Visit our Lawn Striping page to learn more about how to create great-looking lawn-stripe patterns in your lawn. Remove the belt guards at the top of the mower occasionally and blow away grass with a leaf blower or air compressor. Solution: Identify a bad ignition coil using an ohmmeter to check for a break in continuity. Replace a gas cap that no longer allows the fuel tank to vent. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. If the blades are cracked or damaged, do not weld or straighten the blades; simply replace them. To check a slope, attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down). [1]. If you find anything, then bring out the air filter and clean it. 1,850. I hold the wand back at a distance for the rest of the mower though. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at reduced speed. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. 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. It has a lot of features and is reasonably priced. It can cause components to fail and create fuel restrictions. Rather than replacing an entire frame in the event of an impact, the front caster extension is replaceable on various models. Be sure you start with a clean, dry deck before using these products! Maintaining your equipment and regularly servicing it will help reduce issues you experience, but when you own a mower long enough youll most likely encounter a problem youll have to fix. This is Why Your Shindaiwa String Trimmer Runs Rough: SOLVED! Required fields are marked *. Be sure the interlock switches are functioning correctly. Owners should consult their manual for a diagram of which lubricant to apply to which area. 98460019, Wright Mfg. It is good to check the tracking on your mower. If you continually have to charge your battery and have confirmed the battery and wiring is in good condition and securely attached, you may have a problem with the charging system. Lift the bar straight . Read more about why I choose to use Sea Foam in Use Sea Foam Fuel Additive in a Lawn Mower to Stabilize Your Fuel. Cut grass when it is dry and not too tall. Many of the problems that prevent a lawn mower from starting can also be the reason it dies after it starts and runs. The choke reduces the amount of air the engine receives. Cleaning the lawn mower is not a hard or annoying task, its tricky work. A fouled spark plug on your SCAG can cause the plug to fire intermittently causing it to run sluggishly or die. Replace a stretch mower deck belt. Apr 25, 2012 / Scag Turf Tiger misfiring/cutting off while mowing. These are valves located at the rear of your mower that disengages the hydros so you can manually push the mower. Cleaning or replacing the air filter is simple lawn mower maintenance that will improve performance and extend the life of your mower. Brush will remove all grass debris easily. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating. The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow. 4. But a neat and clean mower deck helps you increase the mower overall performance. In addition to this, look for things that may cause the engine to have to work harder than normal. Consult a professional mechanic when you are unsure of any steps required to diagnose and repair your mower safely. Can I spray the under base with a good metal primer and paint the underbody with a good quality metal paint to make the grass easier to clean off? Install the air filter and reinstall the cap on the filter housing. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge caves in. Before working on the engine, identify which engine your machine utilizes and secure an owners manual for that engine. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Just had to clean all the connectors on my 2008 Tiger Cub to include the connectors on the PTO switch and key switch. Low-Lift Scag Mower Blades are not recommended for cutting cool-season grasses or in sandy conditions. Messages. Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc. When the vents get plugged, the fuel tank will cause fuel restrictions. DO NOT mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. This will help you avoid personal injury or additional damage to the mower. However, if the blades are dull, they will require sharpening. Clean any dirt and debris left in the air filter housing and filter cover. 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. Patriot is one of the four zero turn mower models that come from the Scag brand. Finally, run your mower at full throttle so its most effective at throwing the grass clippings away from the mower. Just spray it on and let it sit for a couple of minutes and wash it off. Your Shindaiwa String Trimmer Has No Power: SOLVED! If possible, use a dedicated system (scanner and transducers) for COVID-19, positive or suspected, patients. DO NOT touch the engine or the muffler while the engine is running or immediately after stopping. Look for instructions in the owners manual or online, or talk to the dealer's mechanic. Step 2: Use cold water to clean and rinse the existing water. I recommend replacing the spark plugs annually to minimize starting and running problems due to dirty or worn plugs. This is an alternative fuel made of corn or other high-starch plants. Loose clothing, jewelry or long hair could get tangled in moving parts. Once you have ruled out the tire pressures being wrong, youll need to look at your deck. Keep all shields and safety devices in place. We recommend using hot soapy water and a brush. So the time gained from quick turning and faster ground speed while mowing is more than lost when it comes to deck cleaning time unfortunately. i'm thinking about just telling the dealer to clean up my new machine, having spent over 15,000 with them this year i'm sure they will clean it up for nothing. Grass can get stuck deeper in your lawn mower as well. For More Information Check Out:Reasons a SCAG Mower Runs Rough & Sputters (Coming Soon). 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. 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. 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. Step 2: Empty the gas/oil tank and disconnect the spark plug to prevent the accidental start. Brush will remove all grass debris easily. Operate the engine at full throttle for best cutting. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and contain carbon monoxide which can cause brain injury and death. Approved. It really cuts down on the build up. When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration. Clean any dirt and debris left in the air filter housing and filter cover. Smooth operation of the steering levers will produce smooth mower operation. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. Step 5: If you find any debris and other obstacles the air hose remove it and use a flashlight and make sure that there is no exiting obstacle and it can easily pass the oil. Engine oil should be checked after every eight hours of operation and replaced as necessary, although no later than after every 100 hours. When using any attachment, never direct the discharge of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while in operation. Swapping out a belt with the mower on the loading ramps is a lot easier than pushing it 600 yards then trying to crawl under it sitting flat on the ground. Actual product may differ from photos. Keep the roll bar in the raised and locked position and the seat belt securely fastened during operation. Scag dealers are your best source for obtaining timely sales assistance, reliable technical service, as well as Genuine Scag Parts. If you find one of these issues, replace the air filter, correct the crankcase level and replace the gasket. Running old gas through your mower can negatively impact its performance. Additionally, Scag provides a factory maintenance schedule for owners of their riding mowers. Engine the powerhouse of the machine. When the vent is plugged, the fuel tank forms a vacuum not allowing gas to flow to the engine. The smallest little things can cause your SCAG to excessively vibrate. A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. Replace the paper air filter once per season or after 300 hours of operation. DO NOT contact any overhead object with the roll bar. Most people know problems can develop when your engine oil becomes too low, but dont know you can also have problems if there is too much oil in the crankcase. When you find the mower starts to sputter and shut off after a while, you may have a clogged fuel tank vent. Replace the battery when it wont hold a charge. I recommend replacing your fuel filter annually to reduce the likelihood the filter becomes plugged. Step 1: Tilt the mower and make it easily accessible to the blades. Solution: Prevent this from happening by regularly scraping your deck to keep it clean. This depends on your particular model. Your air filter maintenance doesnt stop there. This can cause your engine to overheat and shut down. The degreaser sounds alot better of an idea and will probably not get the I want to kill you look from my employees. Wet the underside of the deck if the grass is difficult to scrape off. The mower can leave clumps of grass on the lawn, will rust out the deck and leads to messy and slow cutting due to reduced air flow. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Thanks for the info. Never attempt running your SCAG mower without an air filter. Be careful to keep dirt from falling into the air intake. Each week I jack them up with the mow jack clean under the deck and on top and here's the twenty year old secret my Dad used, I spray the deck with Pam cooking spray after it is clean. After cutting for 4 straight hours passing through 6 foot tall johnsons grass on to a bare dusty lot then to 5 foot tall lespedeza, things tend to stick. It can also be due to loose hardware, the ball bearing failing in the clutch, loose engine mounting bolts, or worn mower components. 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. Raise the mower to the highest setting for the first pass and then make a second pass to the desired height. A reason why your SCAG engine will shut down is when it gets too hot. Mowers that experience heavy use (several days a week) should be checked once every one or two weeks. I bought my first zero. I blow mine off at the end of each day. Damaged and unbalanced blades can send a vibration through your mower. In addition to these negative effects, the ethanol and water mixture will separate from gasoline over time and sink to the bottom of the tank. To stop grass buildup under a lawn mower deck, spray the underside with non-stick cooking spray or rub vegetable oil on it. Make sure the plug is gapped following the engine manufacturers specifications. You can also use pinch-off pliers to crimp the fuel line to stop the flow. DO NOT turn sharply. Other more serious items to look for are a low engine oil level or internal engine problems. Remove the caps and check the electrolyte level. All new commercial-warranted Scag zero-turn riding mowers are equipped with standard roll-over protection systems (ROPS)*. Do not travel forward over a curb. DO NOT mow when children and/or others are present. I pressure wash all of my mowers a few times a year, just don't spray the piss out of the engine/wiring for an extended amount of time and you will be fine. However, selecting the right mower for your needs can get lost in their overflowing product catalog. Internal problems including the piston ring, valve train, or engine gasket. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 968,483 times. There are a number of items to inspect and replace when maintaining a Scag mower and keeping track of all of them can be difficult if only some are done at a time. Blow off grass with an air hose. Gas tanks require vents for air to pass through. Stay away from fuels with higher ethanol contents than this like those sold as E15, E30, or E85. Replace broken fins and clean the cooling fins. It is difficult to not scrap into the paint when cleaning the Scag deck and the areas where the paint is missing, the grass sticks more. Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. There should be ample space to walk around the machine. What Causes Gas to Get in Oil in Lawn Mower? If you purchased more gas than you are able to use within this timeframe, add a fuel additive to stabilize the gas so it lasts a little longer. You can clean the spark plug quickly by using a wire brush. We just love our work and share tips with you! Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. To help you save time and money, I have put together a guide to help you troubleshoot the next problem that develops on your SCAG mower. Any seat-belt system that shows cuts, fraying, extreme or unusual wear, significant discoloration due to UV exposure, dirt or stiffness, abrasion to the seat-belt webbing, or damage to the buckle, latch plate, hardware or any other obvious problem should be replaced immediately. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. When the unit is not tracked correctly, your mower can veer off to one side and not drive straight. It will force the small pieces of debris into the inaccessible parts of the engine. Your mower requires a specific amount of engine oil in the crankcase for the engine to run at its best. {"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":"