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? For more from our reviewer on buildup under a lawn mower deck, including how to clean off grass thats already built up, keep reading! Remove the air filter. Keep mower and discharge chute clean. ), open flames and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container. It could also not move if the belt is worn. Rather than replacing an entire frame in the event of an impact, the front caster extension is replaceable on various models. Once you confirm the bypass valves are not the problem, check for a bad drive belt, broken tensioner spring, or worn tensioner pulley. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 968,483 times. Remove all debris and items wrapped around the blade shaft. Actual product may differ from photos. An air filter is used on a SCAG mower to protect the engine from wear and damage. Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc. The bearing in the tensioner pulley can fail, If the idler arm spring breaks or goes missing, it can no longer place tension on the drive belt, Hot hydraulic fluid can be a sign of damage to your hydrostatic transmission system, Let your hydraulic oil cool. The blades wont turn when the belt is worn or has fallen off the pulleys due to a stretched belt, bad pulley bearing, or worn tensioner parts. We just love our work and share tips with you! 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. DO NOT wear loose-fitting clothing. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be picked up and thrown by the cutter blades. Own a lawn mower long enough, youll start running into problems with it starting, not continuing to run, smoking, leaking gas, giving a bad cut, vibrating, or another issue. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. For More Information Check Out:Reasons a SCAG Mower Runs Rough & Sputters (Coming Soon). Make sure this arrow is pointed in the direction of the mowers fuel flow. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. It's made from 14-gauge, grade 100, Military Grade steel deck shell with 12-gauge spindle reinforcement plate. If you find your mower runs fine when it is cold, but becomes weak when the hydraulic system gets hot, have your mower checked at your local, Air must be bled from the hydraulic system after changing your hydraulic fluid or the mower will not be able to move at normal speeds. Do not travel forward over a curb. DO NOT permit untrained personnel to operate the machine. The weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. After inspecting the electrolyte level, replace the caps and fasten the connectors. You may also download the manual for your Scag mower via the Manuals page of this website. "I am 84 years old, have five acres to mow. It can cause components to fail and create fuel restrictions. Take a look at the new filter and locate the arrow on the side of the housing. Simple oil-drain system features a drain hose for clean, easy oil changes. The heat can be so hot, your internal engine parts will start to melt. Then, I have a little 1700 psi electric pressure washer I use to clean it off about once a week. I've used Pam, wd40, oil or whatever I could spray under deckafter 5 minutes it's gone. MowersLab experts recommend you clean your mower before starting and after ending the mowing season. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Albeit the equipment wasn't powder coated like things are now but still. Cleaning the mower deck its an easy process. Solution: Take caution working around your hot engine. Step 1: Remove the spark plug and set it into the socket Electrode ends up. Also, it helps to better maintain your mower. Solution: If you find the fuel in your SCAG mower is old, drain the fuel tank using a fuel siphon pump. Did you enjoy our step-by-step guide on how to clean your mower? Summer Lawn Dormancy: What Causes it, and How Can You Prevent It? How do you clean your ZTR? Remove any debris around your engine and engine shroud. Refill with a gas and fuel stabilizer mixture. If you are not sure whether the filter can be washed, check the manual. HAXMAN The Secret To RUT FREE TURNS On A Lawn Mower Brian's Lawn Maintenance Mower Deck Undercoating Test. Dual-element filters (Both foam and paper filters with pre-cleaner). If a lawnmower repair specialist comes to your home, you might pay more. I have to be really big on maintenance . This will help you avoid personal injury or additional damage to the mower. When the crankshaft and rod have to push through this extra oil, the engine can overheat and die. 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. Water can interfere with the air filter or other mechanisms, especially on the sides or top of the mower. Running old gas through your mower is a culprit that can cause problems in the fuel system. Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs, etc. Operate the engine at full throttle for best cutting. Keep the machine and attachments in good operating condition. When these valves are bypassed, the mower will free-roll, but will not drive. 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. It is a great mower for residential and commercial use. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Before performing any maintenance or service, stop the machine and remove the spark-plug wire and ignition key. Also cleaning off after each job means you will be taking a close look at your mower so will notice the missing bolt, bent blade, frayed belt, thornin tyre etc, long before it causes a failure. You may have developed a significant engine problem. Smooth operation of the steering levers will produce smooth mower operation. Be sure you start with a clean, dry deck before using these products! I'll scrape and pressure wash the deck once a week. 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. But a study says lots of people dont know how to clean the mower right way. $69.94. Solution: Before you tear your carburetor apart, make sure you have confirmed you are getting fuel to the carburetor. [1]. Perform routine oil changes as required for your SCAG mower. Contact a small engine mechanic when this doesnt correct your problem. It requires the power of the engine to charge your battery. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control. On the other hand, if you provide lawn mowing service then clean it weekly. Use the alternate-stripe pattern for best lawn appearance. Wear heavy gloves while working around the blades; if inspecting the blades will not be a part of the maintenance, sheathe the blades while you work on the machine. 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. Itll take a few bucks on the hardware store. Install a new fuel line when the clog cant be removed. 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. Fuel is flammable; handle it with care. Use a slow travel speed for trimming purposes. 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. 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. The choke reduces the amount of air the engine receives. DO NOT turn sharply. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Replace the paper air filter once per season or after 300 hours of operation. Operate the machine smoothly with no sudden turns, starts or stops on a slope. Test it on a small patch first. DO NOT wear the seat belt when the roll bar is in the down position. Remove a little engine oil through the drain plug or oil filter. A thru-bolt design and top-mounted grease Zerk results in easy blade replacement and greasing. Most gas contains a product called ethanol to make gas more environmentally friendly. 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. To do the job correctly you need a garden hose reel, engine degreaser (Remove the excess grease), cold water, and brush. If you have an air hose, use it again to speed up the drying process. For best results, use an air hose with a nozzle or wand to blow away loose grass after scraping. It will get the grime out of the hard to reach areas, that's why people use it on motorcycles. For a household riding mower, it's $72. Step 1: Find the air filter and remove the cover. 4. Malco is a company that makes car detailing products. Try to mow regularly and when the lawn is dry, since long or wet grass can clump and stick to your mower. On a manual engagement clutch, replace a worn clutch cable, lever, springs, and linkages. Change your hydraulic oil at regular intervals as recommended by SCAG. Solution: Prevent this from happening by regularly scraping your deck to keep it clean. Clean the components making up the carburetor. The best way to prevent and/or greatly minimize potential turf damage is to perform 3-point/Y-turns at the end of a mowing row rather than zero-turns to change direction. Step 3: Inspect the gas tank and if you spot any little hole or damage then dont attempt to repair or clean it. If you run there is a possibility of debris and other hard obstacles going into the engine and fully damaging it. Easy-to-service engine compartment and rear drive area. Step 3: Scrub it with a wire brush or dry soft cloth. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at reduced speed. 5. Lack of oil can increase friction in your engine causing extreme heat. Holds it great. I think the added pictures are important, they clarify the, "Cleaning and spraying the business end of the deck is a good idea. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision. This can cause your engine to overheat and shut down. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Replace if needed. Running with an insufficient engine oil level may have resulted in engine damage like a blown gasket, burnt valve, or damaged internal parts. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Use care when backing up. 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. 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. DO NOT run the engine inside a building or a confined area without proper ventilation. Its not required to have an additional cost and also its not a lengthy process. DO NOT touch the engine or the muffler while the engine is running or immediately after stopping. 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. Gas Tank Leak. 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. Step 1: Park the Mower. In addition to this, look for things that may cause the engine to have to work harder than normal. As described above, owners will eventually require oil filters for the engine and hydraulic system, a fuel filter, and coolant for liquid-cooled machines. 1,850. Cautiously enter a new area. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, This is the Type of Gas SCAG Lawn Mowers Use, Use Sea Foam Fuel Additive in a Lawn Mower to Stabilize Your Fuel, avoid using starter fluid to start a mower here, check the condition of your battery and charging system which I explain this this article, Common SCAG Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions. Bring your SCAG mower to your local small engine repair shop for troubleshooting, A bad drive belt can cause your pump not to work efficiently, When a tensioner pulley fails, it fails to keep tension on the drive belt, Replace the pulley and grease the tensioner arm, Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak. If you are unsure how to perform diagnostics and repairs on your SCAG lawn mower safely, its best to have a professional complete the repairs. A failed or leaking fuel pump will no longer draw fuel from the tank to move it to the carburetor. Point the hose at your drain pan and unscrew the end. ALWAYS wear seat belt when roll bar is in the up position. 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. The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property. To narrow down the cause of your bad or uneven cut, first, start by checking the tire pressures. It can also be due to loose hardware, the ball bearing failing in the clutch, loose engine mounting bolts, or worn mower components. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Slick is good. This post may include affiliate links. Keep others off the tractor (only one person at a time). If the machine was recently running, allow it to cool before performing any maintenance. I buy a commercial degreaser from Malco and it works great. Remove the mower's air filter and check to see if it needs replacing. Tip It will force the small pieces of debris into the inaccessible parts of the engine. Solution: Clean your spark plug tip. Keep hands and feet away from cutter blades and moving parts. On its website, The Mower Shop of Fishers, Indiana, says the minimum fee for repairing a household walk-behind mower at its location is $36. If you are unable to clear the blockage, replace the line with a new fuel line. What method do you use? This article has been viewed 968,483 times. The mower comes with three types of air filters. A fuel leak from your SCAG mower may come from the carburetor due to a failed gasket or stuck float. Cleaning the mower deck it's an easy process. I know he doesnt brush it bc it is too clean in the tight places. Mowers that experience heavy use (several days a week) should be checked once every one or two weeks. The deck is one of the major parts of a lawn mower. If possible, use a dedicated system (scanner and transducers) for COVID-19, positive or suspected, patients. ", "Simplicity of verbiage and pictures helped.". The EVZ gives more people the chance to see why Scag machines are Simply the Best. Just had to clean all the connectors on my 2008 Tiger Cub to include the connectors on the PTO switch and key switch. Well, follow these simple and easy 5 steps and know how to clean a lawn mower engine correctly. Finally, run your mower at full throttle so its most effective at throwing the grass clippings away from the mower. Blow off top of deck and pumps and motor when needed. Your email address will not be published. Mow regularly at high throttle when your grass is dry to reduce buildup. Adjust the speed adjustment bolt to change the rotation speed of the tire. Remove the belt guards at the top of the mower occasionally and blow away grass with a leaf blower or air compressor. While SCAG manufactures top-of-the-line lawn mowers, just like any other brand mower, they will develop problems over time. 7 Tips to Help You Get Started. Keep away from any drop off. When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration. If you find anything, then bring out the air filter and clean it. I love taking care of lawns and gardens, and I'm always looking for new ways to improve my skills. Clean the foam pre-cleaner every 25 operating hours. 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. Other times you will only smell a strong gas odor in the air because the leaked gas has evaporated leaving no other signs behind. I hold the wand back at a distance for the rest of the mower though. Cutter-deck belt cover is easily removed by loosening the thumb screws. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge caves in. All new commercial-warranted Scag zero-turn riding mowers are equipped with standard roll-over protection systems (ROPS)*. I blow mine off at the end of each day. 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. I tried pressure washing 3 times on my two ztr's did clean them but will not do it again. The choke can cause your engine to shut off when it continues to restrict airflow after the engine warms. While ethanol is better for the environment, it is not friendly to the small engine in your SCAG lawn mower. Blades must be balanced before installing. For the normal aspect, you can not see the part. The mower will hang up on the curb. You don't want to knock any dirt into the air intake. Step 2: Use strong jet water to remove the grass finer and other hard obstacles from the blade. Cold galvanization compound is a highly water resistant treatment for unpainted metal surfaces. Use care when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer or truck. Lift the bar straight . Every other year I sandblast and paint the deck. 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. After cleaning the mower we can expect the engine to run more efficiently than before. If you found it is helpful for your friend and other family member dont forget to share. Tap the filter against a solid surface to loosen and remove as much dirt as possible. Even if you choose the right gas for your SCAG mower, you must properly store and use that gas timely. It should be at the bottom of the vent wells. Then, turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from accidentally starting. Step 4: If you do not find anything like this, then start cleaning the fuel system by using an air hose with a nozzle. Excessive oil will cause increased pressure to build in the crankcase. Sponsored. Follow this by blowing compressed air through the line to remove it. Clean all components making up the carburetor. Blow off grass with an air hose. 98460046 Ships in 2-5 days Step #1: Turn Off The Lawn Mower Turn off the power of the mower and wait until the mower is completely cooled down. Be sure to have the complete model and serial numbers from your machine. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! 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. If a mechanism becomes clogged, stop the engine before cleaning. Solution: If you find your SCAG fuel filter is plugged, remove the filter and install a new filter. The process of parking the mower is straightforward. Slow down the ground speed to match the mowing conditions. You must check its condition and clean it several times throughout the season. Your lawn mower may begin smoking white, black or blue smoke. 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. The primary items in need of replacement are various fluids and filters. 1. How do you clean your ZTR? Spark plug helps to start the mower engine. Your email address will not be published. Do not allow adults to operate this machine without proper instructions. Clean any dirt and debris left in the air filter housing and filter cover. 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. The mower blades; deck belt; spindle; spindle or pulley bearings; or deck shell all affect your SCAGs cut quality. Keep all shields and safety devices in place. The cooling fins push air to keep the engine block and cylinder cool. Grease the cutter deck spindle with lithium grease. Make sure every operator is properly trained and thoroughly familiar with all of the controls before operating the mower. 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. Electrical components can get expensive and they most likely cant be returned because they are electrical parts. Just spray it on and let it sit for a couple of minutes and wash it off. While smoke coming from your SCAG mower can indicate you have a significant problem with your mower, it may also not be too bad. Expert Tip: Please dont run your mower without an air filter. A clean and razor-sharp blade is a crucial part of your mower. Place the throttle lever in its highest position when engaging the mower blades. To avoid this, I recommend starting each mowing season off with a new air filter. I hold the wand back at a distance for the rest of the mower though. I started my own lawn care business in college and have been doing it ever since. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage. Once you have ruled out the tire pressures being wrong, youll need to look at your deck. When the vents get plugged, the fuel tank will cause fuel restrictions. References As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). In addition, owners or maintenance personnel should inspect the machine again after servicing it. Make sure you are running your SCAG at a high engine speed. This includes checking for plugged or broken cooling fins. When youre mowing the yard every time some debris is stuck (grass finer) on the inside of the mower deck as well as mower blades which disable the efficient cut. Ultimately it's whatever works best for you. Note: Dont use an air compressor or blower for cleaning the engine. Step 6: Carefully clean the mower throttle, choke, and terminal on the battery. Simply replace it. The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow. Never fuel indoors or in enclosed trailers. Use only Scag-approved attachments and accessories. When a switch fails, your mower may not start. Step 4: Using a spark plug gap tool Gap the spark plug. I recommend replacing the spark plugs annually to minimize starting and running problems due to dirty or worn plugs. Replace a worn or cracked belt. SCAG mower has a weak hydrostatic transmission, SCAG mower wont drive straight or steer correctly. 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. 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. Be sure to keep your mowers blades sharp. Replace a belt that is worn, cracked, or has a shiny glazed appearance. When the vent is plugged, the fuel tank forms a vacuum not allowing gas to flow to the engine. Menu Standard LED Lights Light the Way Equipment: Cleaning involves all ancillary equipment utilized during the procedure at hand. There should be ample space to walk around the machine. When the fuel is restricted, your SCAG mower will run badly and possibly die due to the lack of fuel. Consult a professional mechanic when you are unsure of any steps required to diagnose and repair your mower safely. Stop the fuel flow. Clean or replace spark plugs if needed. 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. Visit our Lawn Striping page to learn more about how to create great-looking lawn-stripe patterns in your lawn. Make sure the container is placed lower than the fuel tank because fuel cannot run uphill without the help of the fuel pump. Heres the bad news: If your engine shuts down because of a lack of engine oil, chances are significant damage was done. How Do You Use a Riding Lawn Mower? You can clean the spark plug quickly by using a wire brush. Grass may have more internal moisture for a day or two after a rain, even if it feels dry. However, selecting the right mower for your needs can get lost in their overflowing product catalog. % of people told us that this article helped them. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Whether the machine needs necessary maintenance or situational repairs, there is no brand out there that is easier to work on than Scag! Before you check anything on your SCAG mower, first check to drive bypass valves are not the cause of your moving problem. Your dealer probably steam cleans yours when he does it. Be alert for hidden hazards. This is used when starting a cold engine to allow more fuel and less air to form combustion in the cylinder.