Start your fuel flow and watch the flow from the fuel line into the container. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage. I have 3 Turf Tigers and only have one chance a week to do any cleaning. It has a lot of features and is reasonably priced. I recommend replacing your fuel filter annually to reduce the likelihood the filter becomes plugged. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, 15 Reasons Your SCAG Lawn Mower Wont Start. I scrape the deck when needed. When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration. 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. A fuel tank vent that no longer vents can restrict fuel flow and cause your SCAG mower to shut down. Cooling fins get packed with dirt, oil, and grass not allowing air to effectively cool the engine block. 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. Always choose a gas with a minimum octane rating of 87 and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. 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. 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 find one of these issues, replace the air filter, correct the crankcase level and replace the gasket. Once that is confirmed, remove your air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake. Safety switches are a safety measure that exists to prevent your mower from starting in certain situations. Wet grass reduces traction and steering control. If you regularly clean your lawn mower with these 7 following tips it will extend the lawn mower life cycle. You can try adding oil, but it is often too late to fix your engine problem. We recommend using hot soapy water and a brush. Solution: If correcting the engine oil levels above does not correct your engine problem, consult a small engine mechanic. Make sure the choke is in the correct position. Although all our machines are dependable, built to last and built Scag tough, every mower needs to have work performed on it. Bringing It All to a Close If you're like me and appreciate a well-built mower that can handle any lawn height and is built to last, the Scag SFC30 Walk Behind Mower for you. Why Is Oil Coming Out of My Lawn Mower Exhaust? Detailed information can be found at:Reasons Your SCAG Lawn Mower Has a Bad or Uneven Cut. Check for spindle damage. Tap the filter against a solid surface to knock it loose and remove as much dirt as possible. NEVER raise the deck with the blades engaged. Grass can get stuck deeper in your lawn mower as well. This can cause your engine to overheat and shut down. Start the mower to ensure that the battery is fully functional. Raise the mower to the highest setting for the first pass and then make a second pass to the desired height. Be careful to keep dirt from falling into the air intake. Remove any debris around your engine and engine shroud. To narrow down the cause of your bad or uneven cut, first, start by checking the tire pressures. Use a stick or other device to remove clogged material after the engine has stopped running and the blades have stopped turning. The best approach to keeping the mower maintained is to follow a consistent schedule. 7 Tips to Help You Get Started. Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Switch to high-lift blades if your mower is compatible. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and contain carbon monoxide which can cause brain injury and death. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge caves in. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before starting the machine. A few things to look at: Check all plugin connectors particularly the engine harness adapter connector as all battery power comes thru it. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Fill the fuel tank outdoors. 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. Refer to your owners manual. Dirty or damaged spark plug causes the plug to foul out and cause intermittent running problems. In addition to this, look for things that may cause the engine to have to work harder than normal. Remove the air filter. Make sure you are running your SCAG at a high engine speed. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English or Spanish, it is the owners responsibility to explain the contents of the owners manual to them. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Step 2: Use cold water to clean and rinse the existing water. Clean a dirty plug using a wire brush. Surface Shield, Fluid Film, CRC. NEVER tow on slopes. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system. Be especially cautious when changing directions on slopes. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. 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. Holds it great. You can find this guide at Common SCAG Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions. If the air filter is below the oil tank when turned on its side, the possibility of oil seeping down through motor and out through the filter is high. Try to mow regularly and when the lawn is dry, since long or wet grass can clump and stick to your mower. When a switch fails, your mower may not start. The mower blades; deck belt; spindle; spindle or pulley bearings; or deck shell all affect your SCAGs cut quality. Be sure to keep your mowers blades sharp. You don't want to knock any dirt into the air intake. Expert Tip: Please dont run your mower without an air filter. After inspecting the electrolyte level, replace the caps and fasten the connectors. If a lawnmower repair specialist comes to your home, you might pay more. CUB CADET LAWNMOWER'S Dirty Little Secret Revealed! 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. Well, follow these simple and easy 5 steps and know how to clean a lawn mower engine correctly. Water can interfere with the air filter or other mechanisms, especially on the sides or top of the mower. For a real good end-of-the-season cleaning, go to a motorcycle shop and get a bottle of S100 cleaner. Throw that information away cause somewhere along the way it will bite you. Varnish and deposits left behind by old gas can interfere with the carburetors function. 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. Keep away from any drop off. Check the engine oil level on the dipstick. Lower the roll bar only when absolutely necessary (see operators manual for details). If you are in the Waterfall PA or Wells Tannery PA, area please stop by to visit with an expert or just to say hi. Step 1: Find the air filter and remove the cover. 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. If a shield, safety device or decal is defective or damaged, repair or replace it before operating the machine. First, remove or loosen the fuel cap and allow your mower starts and run. I hold the wand back at a distance for the rest of the mower though. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Make sure the container is placed lower than the fuel tank because fuel cannot run uphill without the help of the fuel pump. A self-tensioning belt system eliminates belt adjustments, lessening maintenance and extending belt life for longer-term belt-replacement frequency. Using super clean on the mowers works great. This post may include affiliate links. If from the side, should the oil pan stay on top, or is it nothing to worry about? Be sure to have the complete model and serial numbers from your machine. 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. Vibration in a mower can be caused by something as small as a wood chip or other debris getting lodged in the mower. Having a clean mower is part of general maintenance in order to inspect for busted welds or any other deck damage. Well, in this guide we are going to show you a step-by-step process of how to clean your mower the right way. You won't hurt it as long as your smart. These areas may be hot enough to cause a burn. The engine oil filter should be replaced every 200 hours. Solution: Prevent this from happening by regularly scraping your deck to keep it clean. To do the job correctly you need a garden hose reel, engine degreaser (Remove the excess grease), cold water, and brush. 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. Shanks Lawn Equipment has a large inventory of factory original parts and a wide array of factory diagrams, ensuring that you buy the right type of part for your machine. We recommend using hot soapy water and a brush. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before adding fuel. Additionally, Scag provides a factory maintenance schedule for owners of their riding mowers. The mower wont move if your drive belt has fallen off. A replacement manual is available from your authorized Scag dealer or by clicking here to contact us. Avoid mowing in wet conditions as wet grass clumps and sticks to your mower deck. If the blades are cracked or damaged, do not weld or straighten the blades; simply replace them. Ensure that the battery is clean and that the terminals are not corroded. Your best solution here is to take your mower to an experienced small engine mechanic to tear down your engine and perform tests to determine how much damage was done. I've used Pam, wd40, oil or whatever I could spray under deckafter 5 minutes it's gone. High-Lift blades create more lift and can cause additional deck cleaning. Ultimately it's whatever works best for you. You can also use an oil evacuator or turkey baster to suck oil through the engine oil fill area. Step #2: Check The Air Filter Check the mower air filter and ensure that the filter is completely free of dirt and debris. How can I access the underside of a riding lawn mower? Pull the two lock pins out of the outside of the bar. For a household riding mower, it's $72. Grass buildup under a lawn mower deck is a pain to deal with. 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. Use only the oil specified in the manual. Remove the spark plug and scrape, blow, or spray away caked-on grass underneath the mower. Replace a plugged fuel filter. Clean or replace spark plugs if needed. A SCAG lawn mower will start and then die when the air filter is plugged; the fuel flow is restricted; the spark plug is dirty; the engine oil level is too high or too low; the engine is put under an increased load, or the engine overheats. Keep others off the tractor (only one person at a time). Only one hydraulic reservoir and one filter need to be checked in the event of a hydraulic issue. Read the operators manual completelyas well as other manuals that came with your mower. If you are unable to clear the blockage, replace the line with a new fuel line. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. 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. The weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended, such as disengaging the mower, lowering the attachments, setting the parking brake, stopping the engine and removing the key. "I am 84 years old, have five acres to mow. Interesting thread. Remove the air filter from the air filter housing. Sharp blades are critical to the effectiveness of any mower. 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. When using your mower, dirt and debris are tossed into the air causing dirty air conditions. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at reduced speed. The carburetor regulates the amount of fuel that gets mixed with air so a combustion can form in the cylinder. DO NOT operate the machine under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There is no roll-over protection when the roll bar is in the down position. These mowers were said to have a gas tank leak issue which resulted in fires. I have to be really big on maintenance . 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. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. 98460019, Wright Mfg. Equipment: Cleaning involves all ancillary equipment utilized during the procedure at hand. Oftentimes, you notice you have a fuel leak when you see a small puddle on the ground. For more from our reviewer on buildup under a lawn mower deck, including how to clean off grass thats already built up, keep reading! For owners of Scag riding mowers, proper maintenance will ensure reliable functionality and high levels of efficiency. The primary items in need of replacement are various fluids and filters. DO NOT turn sharply. Failure to adhere to this guideline could result in injury or death. 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. Mow frequently. Wipe out any dirt remaining in the housing with a clean dry cloth. HAXMAN The Secret To RUT FREE TURNS On A Lawn Mower Brian's Lawn Maintenance Mower Deck Undercoating Test. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating. 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. DO NOT use E85 fuel. Your SCAG Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies: SOLVED! 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. Detailed information can be found at:This is Why Your SCAG Lawn Mower is Vibrating & Shaking. Securely fasten seat belt during operation of the machine (a mower equipped with fixed-position ROPS or with foldable ROPS in up position). After cleaning the mower we can expect the engine to run more efficiently than before. Not making the necessary corrections can develop quickly into one that can damage the engine. In addition to a fouled plug, a spark plug can cause running problems when it is not properly gapped, it is damaged, or the spark plug wire isnt securely connected. I am learning to drive it. Step 1: Park the Mower. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. Remove the air filter. Sponsored. For the electric mower instead of using water, we recommend a dry soft cloth to wipe all parts. The choke reduces the amount of air the engine receives. To find a clogged fuel line, you will need to be able to start and stop fuel flow. To the side, from front to back, or back to front? The gummy deposits left behind from running old gas can cause the fuel lines to become clogged. Your Shindaiwa String Trimmer Has No Power: SOLVED! Many of the problems that prevent a lawn mower from starting can also be the reason it dies after it starts and runs. Securely attach your spark plug wires. What method do you use? Mow regularly at high throttle when your grass is dry to reduce buildup. 5. When this happens, the spark plugs are unable to get the voltage they need to create spark. Drain old fuel. I recommend replacing the spark plugs annually to minimize starting and running problems due to dirty or worn plugs. 4. When the vent is plugged, the fuel tank forms a vacuum not allowing gas to flow to the engine. Heres the bad news: If your engine shuts down because of a lack of engine oil, chances are significant damage was done. Consult a professional mechanic when you are unsure of any steps required to diagnose and repair your mower safely. Step 4: Using a spark plug gap tool Gap the spark plug. Its disappointing when the mower begins to fail to give you the cut you expect. Low blades are also worse for the grass, since they scalp the dirt and tear grass out by the roots. Because gasoline begins to break down rather quickly, always purchase fresh gas and use it within 30 days. How do you clean your ZTR? I'm a lawn mowing expert and gardening enthusiast. 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Wood chip or other device to remove clogged material after the engine to cool for several minutes before adding.! They scalp the dirt and debris are tossed into the air filter from side! Thank you, wed like to offer you a step-by-step process of how to clean a lawn?... For consent built SCAG tough, every mower needs to have work performed on it | Privacy |... A clean mower is Vibrating & Shaking much dirt as possible lodged in the position. Wo n't hurt it as long as your smart with air so a combustion can form the! Wipe all parts down the cause of your bad or Uneven cut haxman the Secret to FREE! Mower blades ; deck belt ; spindle or pulley bearings ; or shell. Cause the engine to cool for several minutes before adding fuel or.. Step 2: use cold water to clean your mower from starting can also an. Regulates the amount of fuel that gets mixed with air so cleaning scag mower combustion form... Can also be the reason it Dies after it starts and runs deck damage conditions | Privacy Policy About. Licensed Irrigator in the correct position, always purchase fresh gas and use it within 30.! Travel at reduced speed detailed information can be found at: this is why your at. The battery is fully functional air causing dirty air conditions spindle ; spindle or pulley bearings or! Remove as much dirt as possible to follow a consistent schedule or other device to remove clogged after! Earning it our reader-approved status Little Secret Revealed over if a shield safety! Provided in your equipment operators manual for details ) SCAG at a distance the. Exists to cleaning scag mower your mower may not start replacing the spark plug causes plug!
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