Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

V
vfrenchAug 19, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS leaving strips of uncut grass?
- J
  Justin GarzaAug 19, 2025
  Your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower may be leaving strips of uncut grass due to several reasons. The blades might be dull or worn, or they might be incorrectly sharpened; in both cases, you should sharpen the blades. Other potential causes include low engine RPM (run the engine at full RPM), a slipping belt (adjust belt tension), grass accumulation under the deck (clean the underside of the deck), ground speed being too fast (slow down), wet grass (cut when dry), or bent blades (replace the blades).
E
Earl MitchellAug 21, 2025
How to fix occasional blades of uncut grass with my Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS Lawn Mower?
- F
  fkaiserAug 21, 2025
  If your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower is leaving occasional blades of uncut grass, several factors could be responsible. Ensure the engine is running at full RPM. Adjust your ground speed to suit the conditions. Avoid cutting wet grass; instead, wait for it to dry. Sharpen the mower blades. Clear any accumulated grass from the underside of the deck. Finally, check and adjust the belt tension.
T
Thomas LambAug 23, 2025
What to do if Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS cut is uneven on flat ground?
- C
  Christine WilliamsAug 23, 2025
  If your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower is leaving an uneven cut on flat ground, resulting in a wavy, high-low appearance, scalloped cut, or rough contour, consider these potential causes: a worn lift on the blade (replace the blade), the blade being upside down (mount it with the cutting edge toward the ground), grass accumulation under the deck (clean the underside of the deck), too much blade angle (adjust pitch and level), or a dull blade (sharpen the blade). For issues related to a deck mounted improperly or bent spindle area consult your authorized SCAG dealer.
H
Heather PetersonAug 26, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS leaving a sloping ridge?
- J
  Jessica WilkersonAug 26, 2025
  If your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower is leaving a sloping ridge across the width of the cutting path, it could be due to unequal tire pressures (check and adjust) or uneven wheels (check and adjust tire pressure). For issues related to incorrectly mounted deck or deck not level side-to side consult your authorized SCAG dealer.
C
caitlinruizAug 28, 2025
How to prevent strips of uncut grass between cutting paths with Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS Lawn Mower?
- A
  Anthony MillerAug 28, 2025
  To prevent strips of uncut grass between cutting paths with your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower, increase the overlap of each pass.
K
Karen Marquez DVMAug 30, 2025
What causes an uneven cut on uneven ground with Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS Lawn Mower?
- J
  jilltorresAug 30, 2025
  An uneven cut on uneven ground with your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower may be due to the uneven ground itself. You might need to reduce ground speed, raise the cutting height, and/or change the direction of your cut.
B
Brandon JacksonSep 1, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS Lawn Mower streaking and leaving strips of uncut grass?
- D
  Daniel MillerSep 1, 2025
  Your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower may be streaking due to several reasons: dull or worn blades, which require sharpening; incorrect blade sharpening, also requiring you to sharpen the blades; low engine RPM, so run the engine at full RPM; a slipping belt, which means you should adjust the belt tension; a deck plugged with grass accumulation, so clean the underside of the deck; ground speed being too fast, so slow your speed to adjust for conditions; wet grass, so cut the grass after it has dried out; or bent blades, which means you should replace the blades.
D
Douglas MirandaSep 3, 2025
What to do if my Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS blades are hitting dirt or cutting too close to the ground (scalping)?
- H
  Heather RodriguezSep 3, 2025
  If your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower is scalping, it could be due to several factors. Check and adjust low tire pressures. If your ground speed is too fast, slow down to adjust for conditions. If you are cutting too low, you may need to reduce ground speed, raise the cutting height, change the direction of cut, and/or change the pitch and level. Rough terrain may also be the cause, so you may need to reduce ground speed, raise the cutting height, and/or change the direction of cut. Cutting wet grass can also cause scalping, so cut the grass after it has dried out.
C
Claudia GrahamSep 5, 2025
How to fix stringers (occasional blades of uncut grass) with my Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower?
- S
  Stephanie SchwartzSep 5, 2025
  If your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower is leaving occasional blades of uncut grass, it could be due to low engine RPM, so run the engine at full RPM. If your ground speed is too fast, slow down to adjust for conditions. Wet grass can also cause this issue, so cut the grass after it has dried out. Other causes include dull blades, which require sharpening; a deck plugged with grass accumulation, so clean the underside of the deck; or belts slipping, so adjust the belt tension.
A
Amy ChavezSep 7, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS Lawn Mower leaving an uneven cut on flat ground?
- E
  Emily EricksonSep 7, 2025
  An uneven cut on flat ground with your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower can occur for several reasons. The lift may be worn from the blade, so replace the blade. Ensure the blade is not upside down; mount it with the cutting edge toward the ground. A deck plugged with grass accumulation can also cause this, so clean the underside of the deck. Too much blade angle (deck pitch) can be a factor, so adjust the pitch and level. If the deck is mounted improperly or the spindle area is bent, see your authorized SCAG dealer. A dull blade can also cause an uneven cut, so sharpen the blade.

Scag Power Equipment SWZT36-14FS Specifications

General

Engine	Kawasaki FS481V
Engine Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Cutting Width	36 inches
Transmission	Hydro-Gear ZT-2800
Fuel Capacity	5.5 gallons
Deck Type	Fabricated
Turning Radius	Zero-Turn
Wheel Size (front)	13 x 6.5-6
Speed Range	0-8 mph

Summary

General Information

Introduction to Manual and Mower

Overview of manual's purpose and mower's quality.

Directional References

Defines directional terms used in the manual.

Servicing Engine and Drive Train Components

Manual's scope for engine/drive train servicing; dealer service for major repairs.

Safety Information

Operator Safety Introduction

Operator responsibility for mower safety, training, and adherence to procedures.

Hazard Signal Word Definitions

Defines "DANGER", "WARNING", and "CAUTION" signal words for hazard communication.

Pre-Operation Safety Checks

Essential pre-operation checks include hydraulic connections and safety for children.

Safe Operation Considerations

Guidelines for slope operation, starting/stopping, attachments, and general mowing.

Maintenance and Storage Safety

Guidelines for safe adjustments, cleaning, repairs, and mower storage.

Spark Arrestor Requirements

Details spark arrestor requirements for operating in forest or brush-covered land.

Spark Ignition System Compliance

States compliance with Canadian ICES-002 for the spark ignition system.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Illustrates and describes important safety and instructional decals found on the machine.

Specifications

Engine Specifications

Lists engine brand, models, displacement, cylinders, governor, idle speed, fuel, and starter.

Electrical System Specifications

Covers starter, interlock switches, and instrument panel components.

Engine Deck and Drive Specifications

Details drive system, steering, parking brake, wheels, tire pressure, and fuel tank.

Cutter Deck Specifications

Details deck type, construction, cutting width, height adjustment, blades, and engagement.

Weights and Dimensions

Provides length, width, height, and operating weight for different models.

Mowing Productivity Estimates

Estimates acres mowed per day based on cutting width, speed, and overlap.

Operating Instructions

Controls and Instrument Identification

Identifies and explains all mower controls and instruments for safe operation.

Safety Interlock System Explained

Details how the interlock system prevents operation under unsafe conditions.

Initial Run-In Procedures (First 20 Hours)

Specifies initial checks for belts, hardware, and oil changes during break-in.

Starting the Engine Guide

Provides instructions for preparing and starting the engine, including safety cautions.

Ground Travel and Steering Practice

Advises practicing in an open area to learn hydrostatic steering and speed control.

Engaging Cutter Deck Blades

Explains the procedure for engaging the cutter blades using the PTO switch.

Hillside Operation Safety

Warns against steep slopes and provides guidance for safe mowing on inclines.

Parking the Mower Safely

Details procedures for parking on level surfaces, disengaging blades, and shutting off engine.

Post-Operation Procedures

Includes washing the mower, checking belts, and refueling.

Clearing Clogged Discharge Chutes

Warns against using hands; advises tools for clogs after stopping the engine.

Moving Mower with Engine Stopped

Explains how to engage "freewheel" mode to move the mower manually.

Mowing Recommendations

Advises on blade sharpness, cutting conditions, speed, and patterns for optimal results.

Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions

Uncut Grass Streaks (Occasional Blades)

Addresses issues like low RPM, fast speed, wet grass, dull blades, and deck plugging.

Streaking in Cutting Path (Dull Blades, etc.)

Covers dull/worn blades, incorrect sharpening, low RPM, belt slipping, and deck plugging.

Streaking Between Cutting Paths (Overlap)

Primarily focuses on ensuring adequate overlap between mowing rows.

Uneven Cut on Flat Ground

Covers worn blades, upside-down blades, deck plugging, pitch, and mounting issues.

Uneven Cut on Uneven Ground

Relates uneven cuts on uneven ground to the ground's contour itself.

Sloping Ridges Across Cutting Path

Points to tire pressure, wheel unevenness, and deck mounting as causes.

Scalping: Blades Hitting Dirt

Identifies low tire pressure, fast speed, cutting too low, and rough terrain as causes.

Step Cut: Ridge in Center of Path

Points to uneven blade mounting, bent blades, or spindle issues.

Slope Cut: Sloping Ridges

Attributes sloping ridges to spindle mounting or deck housing issues.

Adjustments

Parking Brake Adjustment Procedure

Guides on adjusting the parking brake for proper engagement and holding power.

Neutral Adjustment for Drive System

Details how to adjust tracking nuts to ensure neutral position.

Neutral Latch Adjustment for Steering

Explains how to adjust steering control rods for proper neutral latch engagement.

Tracking Adjustment for Straight Travel

Guides on aligning steering controls for straight-line tracking.

Throttle and Choke Adjustment Information

States these adjustments are for authorized dealers.

Drive Belt Adjustment and Wear Check

Advises checking belts for alignment and wear; notes they are self-tensioning.

Belt Alignment Importance

Highlights belt alignment's role in performance and preventing premature wear.

Cutter Deck Adjustment Overview

Introduces procedures for adjusting cutter deck level, pitch, and height.

Cutter Deck Level Adjustment

Details checking and adjusting deck level using hanger chain bolts.

Cutter Deck Pitch Adjustment

Explains how to adjust front-to-rear deck pitch using hanger chain bolts.

Cutter Deck Height Adjustment

Provides steps to set the cutting height using the deck pin and adjustment slots.

Electric Clutch Adjustment Procedure

Details adjusting the electric clutch air gap for proper engagement and disengagement.

Maintenance

Recommended Service Intervals Chart

Lists maintenance procedures and recommended hours for service.

Lubrication Chart and Intervals

Provides a grease fitting lubrication chart for caster wheel pivots and bearings.

Hydraulic System Oil Check and Change

Covers checking hydraulic oil level and the procedure for changing hydraulic oil.

Engine Oil and Fuel System Guidance

Details procedures for checking/changing engine oil and fueling the mower.

Engine Air Cleaner Maintenance

Explains how to clean or replace the air cleaner element based on operating conditions.

Battery Safety and Procedures

Warns about battery hazards and provides first aid for contact with battery fluid.

Battery Charging and Jump-Starting

Details battery charging and jump-starting procedures with safety precautions.

Cutter Blade Inspection, Sharpening, and Replacement

Covers blade inspection, sharpening, and replacement with safety warnings.

Tire Pressure Checks

Advises checking tire pressures regularly for caster and drive wheels.

Maintenance Notes

A section for miscellaneous notes or reminders.

Illustrated Parts List

Approved Attachments and Accessories

Lists approved attachments and accessories, and states non-approved ones are not recommended.

36" Cutter Deck Parts

Diagram and part numbers for the 36-inch cutter deck components.

48" Cutter Deck Parts

Diagram and part numbers for the 48-inch cutter deck components.

52" Cutter Deck Parts

Diagram and part numbers for the 52-inch cutter deck components.

61" Cutter Deck Parts

Diagram and part numbers for the 61-inch cutter deck components.

Cutter Deck Controls Parts

Diagram and part numbers for cutter deck control linkages and levers.

Engine Deck & Hydraulic System Parts

Diagram and part numbers for engine mounting and hydraulic system components.

Steering Controls Parts

Diagram and part numbers for steering control linkages, handles, and related parts.

Brake Components Parts

Diagram and part numbers for brake lever, linkage, and related components.

Manual Start Electrical & Throttle Parts

Diagram and part numbers for manual start ignition, throttle, and wiring.

Electric Start Electrical & Throttle Parts

Diagram and part numbers for electric start ignition, throttle, and wiring.

Fuel System Parts

Diagram and part numbers for fuel tank, lines, filter, and related components.

ZT-2800 Hydraulic Axle Assembly Parts

Diagram and part numbers for the ZT-2800 hydraulic axle assembly.

Replacement Decals and Information Plates

Lists part numbers for various decals, including instrument panel and safety warnings.

SWZT Electrical Schematic - Manual Start

Wiring diagram for manual start models showing electrical connections and components.

SWZT Electrical Schematic - Electric Start

Wiring diagram for electric start models showing electrical connections and components.

Limited Warranty Information

Commercial Equipment Warranty Details

Outlines warranty periods, exclusions, and limitations for commercial mower parts.

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