Troubleshooting Your Zero Turn Mower

Even the highest quality zero turn mower can experience issues. Some of these problems are best left to the professionals, but there are many that you can safely tackle. We've gathered up common situations and their solutions below. If you have questions or need to visit a zero turn mower service department, chat with the experts at Magnum Power. Our dealership is based in Lawson, Missouri, and we also proudly serve those in Clay County and Kansas City.

Check The Owner's Manual

Before we dive into common situations, a friendly reminder: always consult your owner's manual. 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.

Problem One: The Engine Won't Start

You are all set to give your yard a fresh mowing when...the mower won't start. 

Ask yourself the following questions to see if you can uncover the problem:

• 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.

Problem Two: The Lawn Mower Is Vibrating More Than It Should

This is a common troubleshooting issue. 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.

Problem Three: The Lawn Mower Isn't Cutting The Grass Evenly

No one wants an uneven cut! This can be a frustrating problem to troubleshoot, but there are strategies to try before making a service department appointment.

Ask yourself the below questions:

• 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.

Problem Four: The Lawn Mower Isn't Mulching The Grass

Your lawn mower can be used to effectively mulch the grass, which creates nutrient-rich debris for your yard. But sometimes the mower isn't cooperating. 

Ask these questions to find the root of the issue:

• 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.

Problem Five: The Engine Is Overheating

If you notice your lawn mower engine is getting too hot, 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 you found this zero turn mower troubleshooting guide useful. For more information or to visit a zero turn mower service department, head over to Magnum Power. Our expert staff can help you with whatever you need, from answering questions to repairing your mower. You'll find us in Lawson, Missouri. We also proudly serve those in Clay County and Kansas City, Missouri.