Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

C
Cheryl WilliamsAug 19, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE leaving strips of uncut grass?
- A
  Ana RiveraAug 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).
M
Marissa JenningsAug 21, 2025
How to fix occasional blades of uncut grass with my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE?
- B
  Benjamin FosterAug 22, 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.
J
Joshua HendersonAug 23, 2025
What to do if Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower cut is uneven on flat ground?
- R
  Robert PerezAug 25, 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.
G
Gary EdwardsAug 26, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower leaving a sloping ridge?
- J
  Joel AndersonAug 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.
F
floresjonathanAug 28, 2025
How to prevent strips of uncut grass between cutting paths with Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower?
- C
  Christine RiggsAug 28, 2025
  To prevent strips of uncut grass between cutting paths with your Scag Power Equipment Lawn Mower, increase the overlap of each pass.
S
Sarah SimonAug 30, 2025
What causes an uneven cut on uneven ground with Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower?
- M
  Maria PerezAug 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.
S
Shawn NelsonSep 1, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower streaking and leaving strips of uncut grass?
- A
  Anthony SnyderSep 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.
A
alison28Sep 3, 2025
What to do if my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower blades are hitting dirt or cutting too close to the ground (scalping)?
- D
  Derek LopezSep 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.
J
johnsonbrandonSep 5, 2025
How to fix stringers (occasional blades of uncut grass) with my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower?
- R
  Ricky CastilloSep 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.
L
leblancericSep 8, 2025
Why is my Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Lawn Mower leaving an uneven cut on flat ground?
- K
  Katherine MartinezSep 8, 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 SWZT52-18FSE Specifications

General

Model	SWZT52-18FSE
Engine Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Engine Model	FS600V
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Fuel Capacity	5.5 gallons
Cutting Width	52 inches
Deck Type	Fabricated
Spindle Material	Cast Iron
Transmission Type	Hydrostatic
Transmission	Hydro-Gear ZT-2800
Drive Wheels	Rear
Horsepower	18 hp
Cutting Height	1.5 - 5 inches
Turning Radius	Zero-Turn

Summary

Section 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Overview of the mower and manual's purpose.

1.2 DIRECTION REFERENCE

Defines machine directions (front, rear, left, right).

1.3 SERVICING THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS

Routine maintenance and general service for engine/drivetrain.

1.4 SYMBOLS

Explains symbols used in the manual and on the mower.

Section 2 SAFETY INFORMATION

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Emphasizes operator safety and manual importance.

2.2 SIGNAL WORDS

Explains DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION signal words.

2.3 BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS

Pre-operation checks and safety advice.

2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS

Guidelines for safe mower operation.

2.5 MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS & STORAGE

Advice on maintenance tasks and storing the mower.

2.6 USING A SPARK ARRESTOR

Information on spark arrestor requirements.

2.7 SPARK IGNITION SYSTEM

Compliance information for the spark ignition system.

2.8 SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS

Identifies and explains key safety decals on the mower.

Section 3 SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 ENGINE

Engine model, displacement, and specifications.

3.2 ELECTRICAL

Electrical system components and features.

3.3 ENGINE DECK

Engine deck features, drive system, and controls.

3.4 CUTTER DECK

Details on cutter deck type, width, and blades.

3.5 WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS

Specifications for mower length, width, height, and weight.

3.6 PRODUCTIVITY

Estimated cutting productivity based on width and speed.

Section 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION

Identifies and explains mower and engine controls.

4.2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM

Explains the safety interlock system and its function.

4.3 INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES

Procedures for the first 20 hours of mower operation.

4.4 STARTING THE ENGINE

Step-by-step guide to starting the mower engine.

4.5 GROUND TRAVEL AND STEERING

Instructions for operating the mower's travel and steering.

4.6 ENGAGING THE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER BLADES)

How to engage and disengage the mower's cutter blades.

4.7 HILLSIDE OPERATION

Safety precautions for operating on slopes.

4.8 PARKING THE MOWER

Steps for safely parking the mower.

4.9 AFTER OPERATION

Post-operation procedures like cleaning and checks.

4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL

Safe methods for clearing clogged discharge chutes.

4.11 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE STOPPED

How to move the mower manually without the engine.

4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING

Tips for optimal mowing performance and lawn appearance.

Section 5 TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONS

STRINGERS: UNCUT GRASS BLADES

Identifies and cures issues with uncut grass blades.

STREAKING: UNCUT GRASS IN PATH

Addresses streaking caused by uncut grass in the path.

STREAKING: GRASS BETWEEN PATHS

Cures for grass streaks between mowing paths.

UNEVEN CUT ON FLAT GROUND

Diagnoses and fixes uneven cuts on flat terrain.

UNEVEN CUT ON UNEVEN GROUND

Addresses uneven cuts on varied terrain.

SLOPING RIDGE ACROSS CUTTING PATH

Troubleshoots ridges across the cutting width.

SCALPING: BLADES HITTING DIRT

Resolves scalping issues from blades hitting dirt.

STEP CUT: CENTER RIDGE

Fixes step cuts and center ridges in the mowing path.

SLOPE CUT: SLOPING RIDGES

Solves issues with sloping ridges across the cutting width.

Section 6 ADJUSTMENTS

6.1 PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Procedure to adjust the parking brake linkage.

6.2 NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT

Steps to adjust the transmission neutral position.

6.3 NEUTRAL LATCH ADJUSTMENT

Adjusts steering controls to avoid engaging reverse.

6.4 TRACKING ADJUSTMENT

Aligns steering for straight mower travel.

6.5 THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHOKE ADJUSTMENTS

Notes that these adjustments require a dealer.

6.6 BELT ADJUSTMENT

Guidance on checking and adjusting drive belts.

6.7 BELT ALIGNMENT

Importance and dealer service for belt alignment.

6.8 CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS

Procedures for setting cutter deck level, pitch, and height.

CUTTER DECK LEVEL

Instructions for ensuring the deck is level side-to-side.

CUTTER DECK PITCH

Steps to set the correct front-to-rear deck pitch.

CUTTER DECK HEIGHT

How to set the cutter deck to the desired cutting height.

6.9 ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT

Adjusting the air gap for the electric clutch.

Section 7 MAINTENANCE

7.1 MAINTENANCE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS

Chart detailing service intervals for various maintenance tasks.

7.2 LUBRICATION

Lubrication chart for grease fittings and intervals.

7.3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Hydraulic system checks and oil changing procedures.

7.4 ENGINE OIL

Procedures for checking and changing engine oil and filter.

7.5 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM

Fueling instructions and safety precautions.

7.6 ENGINE AIR CLEANER

How to clean or replace the air cleaner element.

7.7 BATTERY - ELECTRIC START MODELS

Battery safety, charging, jump starting, and first aid.

7.8 CUTTER BLADES

Blade inspection, sharpening, and replacement procedures.

7.9 TIRES

Checking tire pressure for proper operation.

NOTES

Blank page for user notes.

Section 8 ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST

8.1 SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES.

Lists approved attachments and accessories for the mower.

36" CUTTER DECK

Exploded view and part numbers for the 36" cutter deck.

48" CUTTER DECK

Exploded view and part numbers for the 48" cutter deck.

52" CUTTER DECK

Exploded view and part numbers for the 52" cutter deck.

61" CUTTER DECK

Exploded view and part numbers for the 61" cutter deck.

CUTTER DECK CONTROLS

Exploded view and part numbers for cutter deck control mechanisms.

ENGINE DECK & HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Exploded view and part numbers for engine deck and hydraulic system.

STEERING CONTROLS

Exploded view and part numbers for steering system components.

BRAKE COMPONENTS

Exploded view and part numbers for brake system parts.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THROTTLE CONTROL - MANUAL START

Exploded view and part numbers for manual start electrical system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THROTTLE CONTROL - ELECTRIC START

Exploded view and part numbers for electric start electrical system.

SWZT FUEL SYSTEM

Exploded view and part numbers for the mower's fuel system.

ZT-2800 HYDRAULIC AXLE ASSEMBLY

Exploded view and part numbers for the hydraulic axle assembly.

REPLACEMENT DECALS AND INFORMATION PLATES

Lists available replacement decals for the mower.

SWZT ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC - MANUAL START

Wiring diagram for the manual start electrical system.

SWZT ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC - ELECTRIC START

Wiring diagram for the electric start electrical system.

LIMITED WARRANTY - COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT

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Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Scag Power Equipment SWZT52-18FSE Specifications

Summary

Section 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 DIRECTION REFERENCE

1.3 SERVICING THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS

1.4 SYMBOLS

Section 2 SAFETY INFORMATION

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 SIGNAL WORDS

2.3 BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS

2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS

2.5 MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS & STORAGE

2.6 USING A SPARK ARRESTOR

2.7 SPARK IGNITION SYSTEM

2.8 SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS

Section 3 SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 ENGINE

3.2 ELECTRICAL

3.3 ENGINE DECK

3.4 CUTTER DECK

3.5 WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS

3.6 PRODUCTIVITY

Section 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION

4.2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM

4.3 INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES

4.4 STARTING THE ENGINE

4.5 GROUND TRAVEL AND STEERING

4.6 ENGAGING THE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER BLADES)

4.7 HILLSIDE OPERATION

4.8 PARKING THE MOWER

4.9 AFTER OPERATION

4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL

4.11 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE STOPPED

4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING

Section 5 TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONS

STRINGERS: UNCUT GRASS BLADES

STREAKING: UNCUT GRASS IN PATH

STREAKING: GRASS BETWEEN PATHS

UNEVEN CUT ON FLAT GROUND

UNEVEN CUT ON UNEVEN GROUND

SLOPING RIDGE ACROSS CUTTING PATH

SCALPING: BLADES HITTING DIRT

STEP CUT: CENTER RIDGE

SLOPE CUT: SLOPING RIDGES

Section 6 ADJUSTMENTS

6.1 PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

6.2 NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT

6.3 NEUTRAL LATCH ADJUSTMENT

6.4 TRACKING ADJUSTMENT

6.5 THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHOKE ADJUSTMENTS

6.6 BELT ADJUSTMENT

6.7 BELT ALIGNMENT

6.8 CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS

CUTTER DECK LEVEL

CUTTER DECK PITCH

CUTTER DECK HEIGHT

6.9 ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT

Section 7 MAINTENANCE

7.1 MAINTENANCE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS

7.2 LUBRICATION

7.3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

7.4 ENGINE OIL

7.5 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM

7.6 ENGINE AIR CLEANER

7.7 BATTERY - ELECTRIC START MODELS

7.8 CUTTER BLADES

7.9 TIRES

NOTES

Section 8 ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST

8.1 SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES.

36" CUTTER DECK

48" CUTTER DECK

52" CUTTER DECK

61" CUTTER DECK

CUTTER DECK CONTROLS