Ensure spark plug wires are securely attached and the plug is gapped correctly. ", How to Stop Grass Buildup Under Any Lawn Mower Deck, http://gardening.tips.net/T005155_Cleaning_Your_Lawn_Mower.html, http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/lawn-mower-repair/lawn-tractor-maintenance-tips/view-all, http://knowhow.napaonline.com/grass-sticking-mower-deck-try-solutions/, http://www.lawnsite.com/threads/deck-cleaning-fluid-film-love.316179/page-2, https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/non-stick-coating-for-under-mower-deck.422518/, http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=gardent&th=23109, http://blog.ralphhelminc.com/cub-cadet-mulching-blade-vs-high-lift-blades/, , Evitare che l'Erba si Accumuli sotto il Carter di Qualsiasi Tosaerba, arrter l'accumulation d'herbe sous une tondeuse, Voorkomen dat er gras onder je grasmaaier ophoopt, (Stop Grass Buildup Under Any Lawn Mower Deck). Spark plug helps to start the mower engine. Loose clothing, jewelry or long hair could get tangled in moving parts. A dirty spark is annoying and it prevents the mower from starting. Step 2: Use cold water to clean and rinse the existing water. Step 2: Empty the gas/oil tank and disconnect the spark plug to prevent the accidental start. Check for spindle damage. 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. Your Gravely Mower is Blowing Blue, Black or White Smoke: Find Out Why! . 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. Before performing any maintenance or service, stop the machine and remove the spark-plug wire and ignition key. These are low to the ground and most vulnerable to grass buildup, especially on a wet lawn. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you find one of these issues, replace the air filter, correct the crankcase level and replace the gasket. A smoking mower must be addressed right away so minor problems dont develop into large ones. Thanks for all the tips. If you find anything, then bring out the air filter and clean it. Follow the steps in this guide to clean your carburetor. When using your mower, dirt and debris are tossed into the air causing dirty air conditions. First, remove or loosen the fuel cap and allow your mower starts and run. Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. You can clean the spark plug quickly by using a wire brush. Tap the filter against a solid surface to knock it loose and remove as much dirt as possible. You can also use an oil evacuator or turkey baster to suck oil through the engine oil fill area. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Out of all the lawnmower brands in the market, Scag Mowers solidified its place in the industry by manufacturing top-notch lawn care tools since 1983. Lubrication diagrams in the manual clearly point out all grease Zerk locations. It could also not move if the belt is worn. The carburetor can collect a buildup of substances remaining from old gas that can cause blockages or parts failures resulting in a leak, Clean the carburetor and replace any damaged parts, Filter can become soft and degrade from old fuel, The pump can wear and deteriorate over time and may begin leaking at the seams, A poly tank can leak at the seams of the tank, Shut-off valves are prone to leaking with time. I blow mine off every couple of lawns if the grass is still wet and its early in the morning. This might be a good choice in wet climates, but dirt and debris may still wear it down much sooner than the label suggests. Replace a belt that is worn, cracked, or has a shiny glazed appearance. While performing maintenance, do not modify the engines governor; over revving the engine can cause permanent and expensive damage to the engine. Note: Dont use an air compressor or blower for cleaning the engine. To avoid this, I recommend starting each mowing season off with a new air filter. Stop the fuel flow. Then, I have a little 1700 psi electric pressure washer I use to clean it off about once a week. Perform routine oil changes as required for your SCAG mower. 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. 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. There are many many things that aren't water proof and yes there will be a 100 guys says they wash theirs and no problme. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Point the hose at your drain pan and unscrew the end. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Read more about why I choose to use Sea Foam in Use Sea Foam Fuel Additive in a Lawn Mower to Stabilize Your Fuel. Use only Scag-approved attachments and accessories. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. I started my own lawn care business in college and have been doing it ever since. Really want to here from everyone this is an excellent question. They can also be punctured by a foreign object or the clamps used on the lines. Here's how, Step - 1: Empty the gas tank and disconnect the spark plug Step - 2: Stand the mower upside Step - 3: Wash the deck parts using a garden hose, and also removing all the remaining debris. Mow regularly at high throttle when your grass is dry to reduce buildup. 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. Step 3: Use boiling water and liquid soap to cut the grease and dust. Your email address will not be published. Step 3: If you need to pull out any debris by hand, please dont forget to use working hand gloves and carefully remove the debris. DO NOT use E85 fuel. "I am 84 years old, have five acres to mow. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven parts. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Surface Shield, Fluid Film, CRC. First, park your mower on a level surface and set the parking brake. When you find the mower starts to sputter and shut off after a while, you may have a clogged fuel tank vent. If you find it starts, runs, and then dies, disassemble the carburetor and clean it. Tap your filter against a solid surface. I buy a commercial degreaser from Malco and it works great. Perform routine oil changes as required for your SCAG mower. Step 3: Before reassembling dry the carburetor with an air dryer. Follow these steps for cleaning a paper air filter: Carefully remove the air filter from the housing. This can cause your mower to die after its been running for a while. Step 2 Reverse while turning slightly in the opposite direction to align the mower with the next mowing row. To the side, from front to back, or back to front? With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. Although all our machines are dependable, built to last and built Scag tough, every mower needs to have work performed on it. Starting at $140. Remove the air filter. 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. Take a look at the new filter and locate the arrow on the side of the housing. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just had to clean all the connectors on my 2008 Tiger Cub to include the connectors on the PTO switch and key switch. Just spray it on and let it sit for a couple of minutes and wash it off. #4. Why Is Oil Coming Out of My Lawn Mower Exhaust? It is still a fast maneuver and will reduce the potential of turf damage greatly. Securely attach your spark plug wires. Remove the belt guards at the top of the mower occasionally and blow away grass with a leaf blower or air compressor. Although zero-turn mowers can turn in very tight circles, it may not be the best practice to do so on the grass. After the investment you made into purchasing your SCAG mower, its frustrating when it just stops running. Raise the roll bar as soon as clearance permits (see operators manual for details). We recommend using hot soapy water and a brush. A clean and razor-sharp blade is a crucial part of your mower. A dead battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals can cause starting problems. Check for an air restriction caused by a plugged air filter or incorrect choke setting. For more from our reviewer on buildup under a lawn mower deck, including how to clean off grass thats already built up, keep reading! Interesting thread. Replace the clutch. Finally, run your mower at full throttle so its most effective at throwing the grass clippings away from the mower. Replace the fuse with a fuse with the same amperage. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. You may have to change it more often if you are running very dirty fuel. Gas can begin to break down and become less effective as quickly as 30 days after you purchase it. The choke reduces the amount of air the engine receives. Cold galvanization compound is a highly water resistant treatment for unpainted metal surfaces. The deck is one of the major parts of a lawn mower. Make sure every operator is properly trained and thoroughly familiar with all of the controls before operating the mower. I think the added pictures are important, they clarify the, "Cleaning and spraying the business end of the deck is a good idea. Messages. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Brush will remove all grass debris easily. You don't want to knock any dirt into the air intake. DO NOT allow children to ride or play on the machine; it is not a toy. Well, MowersLab recommends you every 25 hours of mower usage you have to clean or replace the mower air filter. Keep away from any drop off. I've thought about trying the Zep degreaser but I'm hesitant because I've seen it strip the paint off of equipment when applied too strong. Water can interfere with the air filter or other mechanisms, especially on the sides or top of the mower. Solution: If correcting the engine oil levels above does not correct your engine problem, consult a small engine mechanic. "I like the easy explanations along with the pictures. Never attempt running your SCAG mower without an air filter. This can cause your engine to overheat and shut down. It is good to check the tracking on your mower. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Use care when backing up. Remove any dirt remaining in the housing with a dry clean cloth. Use the alternate-stripe pattern for best lawn appearance. In dusty conditions, more frequent cleaning and replacement may be necessary. It's made from 14-gauge, grade 100, Military Grade steel deck shell with 12-gauge spindle reinforcement plate. Manage Settings Before performing any maintenance on any machine, ensure that the machine is not running. Keep all shields and safety devices in place. I know he doesnt brush it bc it is too clean in the tight places. If it is below this amount, fill it with distilled water until the battery is at this level. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. 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. Scag zero-turn riding mowers are designed for good traction and stability under normal mowing conditions. Inspecting the battery in a Scag mower requires removing the battery cell cap to inspect the electrolyte level, so this step should be done carefully; wear eye protection and gloves while working on the battery and do not perform this procedure near any open flames. Review and become familiar with the information presented in your owners manual for detailed information on the proper and safe operation of your Scag mower. If you have an air hose, use it again to speed up the drying process. Step 7: Refill the fuel tank and connect the spark plug. Unequal tire pressure can cause your mower to pull to one side. Cleaning the lawn mower is not a hard or annoying task, its tricky work. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge caves in. Never fuel indoors or in enclosed trailers. Required fields are marked *. Wet grass reduces traction and steering control. Other more serious items to look for are a low engine oil level or internal engine problems. NEVER tow on slopes. The best approach to keeping the mower maintained is to follow a consistent schedule. I do paint underside of deck once per season. Even tight turns have the potential to cause turf damage. Refill the tank with fresh fuel and a fuel additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment to stabilize the fuel, clean the fuel system and reduce moisture. Wet the underside of the deck if the grass is difficult to scrape off. Replace the paper air filter once per season or after 300 hours of operation. Step 2: Drain the oil or gas from the gas tank. The process of cleaning the blades is easy and simple by using a strong jet of water. For More Information Check Out:Reasons a SCAG Mower Runs Rough & Sputters (Coming Soon). Step 5:Using an air compressor or a blower with a bristle brush to clean the radiator cooling fans, the flywheel fins. Use a stick or other device to remove clogged material after the engine has stopped running and the blades have stopped turning. Tires on each side of your mower require equal pressure. This will ensure that nothing is overlooked and that all equipment is replaced on time. Keep the machine and attachments in good operating condition. If you regularly clean your lawn mower with these 7 following tips it will extend the lawn mower life cycle. NEVER raise the deck with the blades engaged. Remove any debris around your engine and engine shroud. Your air filter maintenance doesnt stop there. 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. Bring to a small engine repair shop to inspect engine damage. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Approved. The newest mower I've ever owned in my career is 10 years old. It will force the small pieces of debris into the inaccessible parts of the engine. Remove a little engine oil through the drain plug or oil filter. The choke can cause your engine to shut off when it continues to restrict airflow after the engine warms. Cleaning the mower deck its an easy process. However, caution must be used when traveling on slopes, especially when the grass is wet. Also, you can use a jet of water to clean the radiator. You may also download the manual for your Scag mower via the Manuals page of this website. Something as simple as a low tire will give you a bad cut because the deck will no longer sit level. 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. Engine the powerhouse of the machine. Do not allow adults to operate this machine without proper instructions. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I don't really. It really cuts down on the build up. This is Why Your Shindaiwa String Trimmer Runs Rough: SOLVED! Under-Seat Mechanicals Under-the-seat mechanicals are clean, organized and easy to work on, and very easy to service. How do you clean your ZTR? Make sure the choke is in the correct position. When mowing wet or tall grass, mow the grass twice. Contact can injure. When you can get to a store, buy a graphite, silicone, or Teflon spray, and apply it to the underside. The primary items in need of replacement are various fluids and filters. Many of the problems that prevent a lawn mower from starting can also be the reason it dies after it starts and runs. Before cleaning the carburetor inspect it and if you find any sign of corrosion then we highly recommend you replace it instead of cleaning it. Be alert for hidden hazards. Follow this by blowing compressed air through the line to remove it. Don't use compressed air as it can damage . Just be smart and don't directly spray bearing, wiring or engine components. Ensure that the ignition switch is in the Off position and remove the key from its slot to ensure that it is not inadvertently bumped. Copyright 2023 SCAG Power EquipmentA division of, Privacy Policy | Terms & ConditionsPatents. We recommend using hot soapy water and a brush. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. A product like Sea Foam Motor Treatment can be added while the fuel is still fresh. Your local SCAG lawn mower dealership or lawn mower repair shop will be able to help you solve your problem. NEVER leave the machine running unattended. {"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":"