605228 5-1 REV B
TROUBLESHOOTING
The majority of operating problems that occur with a system can be traced to improper adjustments or delayed service. A
consistently applied preventative maintenance program, as outlined in the Maintenance section of this manual, will prevent many
problems. The following chart is designed to help you locate a problem by suggesting probable causes and the recommended
solutions.
SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES
Starting motor does not
crank
Steering control levers not
in park brake position or
switch not adjusted
Place steering control
levers in park brake posi-
tion or re-adjust switch
Deck clutch switch
engaged
Disengage clutch switch
Weak or dead battery Recharge or replace
Electrical connections are
corroded or loose
Check the electrical con-
nections
25 amp fuse is blown Replace the 25 amp
fuse
For additional causes See engine manual
The engine will not start,
starts hard or fails to keep
running
No fuel or line plugged Fill tank or replace line
Fuel valve is turned off Open the fuel valve
There is incorrect fuel in
the fuel system
Drain the tank and replace
the fuel with the proper
type
There is dirt in the fuel fil-
ter
Replace the fuel filter
Dirt, water or stale fuel in
the fuel system
Contact your BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer
The choke is not on Move the choke lever to
ON
Numerous See engine manual
Engine:
Runs with continuous mis-
firing or engine runs
unevenly or erratically
Numerous See engine manual
Loss of power or system
will not operate in either
direction
Restrictions in air cleaner Service air cleaner
Poor compression See your dealer
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Tow valve open Close tow valve
The traction drive belt is
worn, loose or broken
Install a new traction drive
belt
For additional causes See engine manual
Overheating Air intake screen or cowl-
ing fins clogged
Clean screen and fins
For additional causes See engine manual
Low engine oil pressure Low oil level Add oil
Oil diluted or too light Change oil and check for
source of contamination
High oil consumption Numerous See your dealer
Mower jerky when starting
or
operates in one direction
only
Steering control linkage
needs adjustment
Adjust linkage
Loose steering linkage Tighten linkage
Transmission component
faulty
See your dealer
Mower creeps when
steering control levers are
in neutral
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Mower circles or veers in
one direction
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Loose steering linkage Tighten linkage
Tires improperly inflated Adjust air pressure to 8 -
12 psi (55 - 83 KPa)
Transmission component
faulty
See your dealer
There is abnormal vibra-
tion
The engine mounting
bolts are loose
Tighten the engine mount-
ing bolts
The engine pulley, idler
pulley or blade pulley is
loose
Tighten the appropriate
pulley
The engine pulley is dam-
aged
Contact your BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer
The cutting blade(s) is/are
bent or unbalanced
Install new cutting
blade(s)
A blade mounting bolt is
loose
Tighten the blade mount-
ing bolt
Spindle bearing is worn or
loose
Replace or tighten spindle
bearing
A blade spindle is bent
Contact your BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer
Uneven cutting height The blade(s) are not
sharp
Sharpen the blades
A cutting blade(s) is/are
bent
Install new cutting
blade(s)
The deck is not level Level the deck per the
Deck leveling and height
adjustment section of the
parts manual
An anti-scalp wheel is not
set correctly
Adjust the height of the
anti-scalp wheel
The underside of the deck
is dirty
Clean the underside of the
deck
Tires improperly inflated Adjust air pressure to 8 -
12 psi (55 - 83 KPa)
A blade spindle is bent
Contact your BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer
Blades do not rotate The deck drive belt is
worn, loose or broken
Install a new deck drive
belt
The deck drive belt is off
the pulley
Install the deck drive belt
and check for a reason
Electric clutch is not
engaging
Check and/or replace 15
amp fuse.
Contact your BigDog
®
Mowers dealer
SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES
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