Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems - Ferris 500S Series Operator's Manual

Problem: Engine will not turn over or start.
Engine flooded.
Battery terminals require cleaning.
Battery discharged or dead.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled, or
incorrectly gapped.
Problem: Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
Cause
Fuel mixture too rich.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled, or
incorrectly gapped.
Problem: Engine knocks.
Cause
Low oil level.
Using wrong grade oil.
Problem: Excessive oil consumption.
Cause
Engine running too hot.
Using wrong grade oil.
Too much oil in crankcase.
Problem: Engine exhaust is black.
Cause
Dirty air filter.
Engine choke is in closed position.
Problem: Engine runs, but rider will
not drive or drives and handles poorly.
Cause
Transmission release lever(s) in
"bypass" position.
Transmission drive belt or pulleys is
greasy or oily.
Steering lever linkages are loose.
Improper tire inflation.
For all other issues, see authorized dealer.
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck
Problem: Mower will not raise.
Cause
Mower will not raise.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
Cause
Engine speed too slow.
Ground speed is too fast.
Cutting height set too low.
Move choke control to the closed
position.
Clean the battery terminals.
Recharge or replace.
Clean and gap, or replace. See
engine operator's manual.
Remedy
Clean air filter. Check choke
adjustment. See engine operator's
manual.
Clean and gap, or replace. See
engine operator's manual.
Remedy
Check and add oil as required.
See engine operator's manual.
Remedy
Clean engine fins, blower screen,
and air cleaner. See engine
operator's manual.
See engine operator's manual.
Drain excess oil.
Remedy
Replace air filter. See engine
operator's manual.
Open choke control.
Remedy
Move transmission release lever(s)
to the "drive" position.
Clean as required.
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
See Checking Tire Pressures.
Remedy
See authorized dealer.
Remedy
Set to full throttle.
Decrease ground speed.
Cut tall grass at maximum cutting
height during first pass.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
Discharge chute jamming with cut
grass.
Problem: Excessive mower vibration.
Cause
Blade mounting bolts are loose.
Mower blades, spindles, or pulleys
are bent.
Mower blades are not balanced.
Belt installed incorrectly.
For all other issues, see authorized dealer.
Troubleshooting Common Cutting
Problems
Problem: Streaking
Streaking is when thin strips of uncut grass are left behind the mower.
Streaking is usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
Cause
Blades are not sharp.
Blades are worn down too far.
Engine speed is too slow.
Ground speed is too fast.
Deck is plugged with grass.
Not overlapping cutting rows enough. Overlap your cutting rows
Not overlapping enough when
turning.
Problem: Scalping
Scalping is when the mower deck comes close to or hits the ground.
Scalping can be caused by the mower deck misadjustment, unevenness in
the lawn, or by mower deck bouncing because the ground speed is too fast.
Cause
Lawn is uneven or bumpy.
Mower deck cutting height is set too
low.
Ground speed is too fast.
Deck is not leveled correctly.
Tire pressure is low or uneven.
Problem: Stepped Cutting
Stepped cutting is sharp ridges or uneven levels left in the lawn
surface. Stepped cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage or
misadjustment, or damage to the mower blades.
Cut grass with discharge pointing
toward previously cut grass.
Remedy
Tighten to 50-60 ft-lbs (68-81 Nm).
Check and replace as necessary.
Remove, sharpen, and balance
blades. See Servicing the Mower
Blades.
See authorized dealer.
Remedy
Sharpen your blades.
Replace your blades.
Always mow at full throttle.
Slow down.
Clean out the mower.
When turning your effective cutting
width decreases–overlap more when
turning.
Remedy
Roll or level the lawn.
Raise the cutting height.
Slow down.
Correctly level the deck.
Check and inflate the tires.
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