Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems - Ferris IS700Z series Operator's Manual

Problem: Engine knocks.
Cause
Low oil level.
Using wrong grade oil.
Problem: Excessive oil consumption.
Cause
Engine running too hot.
Using wrong weight oil.
Too much oil in crankcase.
Problem: Engine exhaust is black.
Cause
Dirty air filter.
Carbureted Models: Engine choke
control is in closed position.
Problem: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (M.I.L.) is flashing
(Fuel Injected Models only).
Cause
Problem with the fuel injection system.
Problem: Engine runs but mower will not drive.
Cause
Transmissions are not engaged.
Belt is broken.
Drive belt slips.
Brake is not fully released.
Problem: Unit drive belt slips.
Cause
Pulleys or belt greasy or oily.
Tension too loose
Belt stretched or worn
Problem: Brake will not hold.
Cause
Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
Braking pads in transmissions worn.
Problem: Unit steers or handles poorly.
Cause
Steering linkage is loose.
Improper tire inflation
Troubleshooting the Mower
Problem: Mower will not raise.
Cause
Lift linkage not properly attached or
damaged.
40
Remedy
Check / Add oil as required.
See engine manual.
Remedy
Clean engine fins, blower screen, and
air cleaner.
See engine manual.
Drain excess oil
Remedy
Replace air filter. See engine manual.
Move choke control to open position.
Remedy
See your authorized service dealer.
Remedy
Engage the transmissions. See
Pushing the Rider by Hand .
See Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement .
See problem and cause below.
See authorized service dealer.
Remedy
Clean as required.
Adjust spring tension. See
Transmission Drive Belt Replacement .
Replace belt.
Remedy
See Parking Brake Adjustment .
See authorized dealer.
Remedy
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
See Checking Tire Pressures .
Remedy
See authorized dealer.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
Cause
Engine speed to slow.
Ground speed too fast.
Cutting height set too low.
Discharge chute jamming with cut
grass.
Problem: Excessive mower vibration.
Cause
Blade mounting bolts are loose.
Mower blades, arbors, or pulleys are
bent.
Mower blades are out of balance.
Belt installed incorrectly.
Problem: Excessive belt wear or breakage.
Cause
Bent or rough pulleys.
Using incorrect belt.
Incorrect belt tension.
Problem: Drive belt slips or fails to drive.
Cause
Incorrect belt tension.
Drive belt is broken.
Problem: Mower does not engage.
Cause
Electrical wiring damage.
Battery voltage too low.
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.
Not overlapping enough when turning.
Remedy
Set to full throttle.
Decrease ground speed.
Increase the cutting height.
Cut grass with discharge pointing
towards previously cut area.
Remedy
Tighten to 70 ft.lbs (94 Nm)
Check and replace as necessary.
Remove, sharpen, and balance blades.
See Servicing the Mower Blades .
Reinstall belt correctly.
Remedy
Repair or replace.
Replace with correct belt.
Adjust to correct tension.
Remedy
Adjust to correct tension.
Replace with new belt.
Remedy
Locate & repair damaged wire.
Recharge battery and check alternator.
See Battery Service .
Remedy
Sharpen your blades.
Replace your blades.
Always mow at full throttle.
Slow down.
Clean out the mower.
Overlap your cutting rows
When turning your effective cutting
width decreases–overlap more when
turning.
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