Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems - Ferris IS600Z Series Operator's Manual

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 weight oil.
Too much oil in crankcase.
Engine exhaust is black.
Cause
Dirty air filter.
Engine choke is in closed position.
Problem: Engine runs, but rider will not drive.
Cause
Transmission release lever(s) in
"free-wheel" position
Belt is broken.
Drive belt slips.
Brake is not fully released.
Problem: Rider drive belt slips.
Cause
Pulleys or belt is greasy or oily.
Tension too loose.
Belt stretched or worn.
Problem: Brake will not hold.
Cause
Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
Braking components in transmission
worn.
Problem: Rider steers or handles poorly.
Cause
Steering lever linkages are loose.
Improper tire inflation.
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck
Problem: Mower will not raise.
Cause
Remedy
Clean air filter. Check choke
adjustment.
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.
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.
Replace belt. See Transmission
Drive Belt Replacement.
See problem and cause below.
See authorized dealer.
Remedy
Clean as required.
Adjust the 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
Problem: Mower will not raise.
Lift linkage not properly attached or
damaged.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
Cause
Engine speed too 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 not balanced.
Belt installed incorrectly.
Problem: Excessive belt wear or breakage.
Cause
Bent or rough pulleys.
Using incorrect belt.
Problem: Mower drive belt slips, or fails to drive.
Cause
Idler pulley spring broken, or not
properly attached.
Mower drive belt 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. Overlap your cutting rows
See authorized dealer.
Remedy
Set to full throttle.
Decrease ground speed.
Cut tall grass at maximum cutting
height during first pass.
Cut grass with discharge pointing
towards previously cut area.
Remedy
Tighten to 120 ft-lbs (163 Nm).
Check and replace as necessary.
Remove, sharpen, and balance
blades. See Servicing the Mower
Blades.
Reinstall the belt correctly.
Remedy
Repair or replace.
Replace with correct belt.
Remedy
Repair or replace as needed.
Replace mower drive belt.
Remedy
Locate and repair damaged wire.
Recharge battery and check
alternator. See Battery Maintenance.
Remedy
Sharpen your blades.
Replace your blades.
Always mow at full throttle.
Slow down.
Clean out the mower.
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