Note:
This information is only provided as a general guideline. Be certain to
check the operator's manual supplied with your equipment, or consult with
a servicing dealer for more specific information.
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 |
SOLUTION |
Blades are not sharp |
Sharpen your blades |
Blades are worn down too
far |
Replace your blades |
Engine speed is too slow |
Always mow at full throttle |
Ground speed is too fast |
Slow down |
Deck is plugged with grass |
Clean out the mower |
Not overlapping cutting
rows enough |
Overlap your cutting rows |
Not overlapping enough
when turning |
When turning your effective
cutting width decreases - overlap more. |
Stepped Cutting
Stepped cutting is sharp ridges left in the lawn surface. Stepped cutting
is usually caused by mower deck damage or misadjustment, or mower blade
damage.
| CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
Deck is not leveled correctly |
Level the deck correctly |
Tires are not properly
installed |
Check and inflate tires |
Blades are damaged |
Replace the blades |
Deck shell is damaged |
Repair or replace the
deck |
Mower spindle is bent
or loose |
Repair or replace the
spindle |
Blades are installed incorrectly |
Reinstall the blades correctly |
Uneven Cutting
Uneven cutting is waviness or smooth troughs in the lawn surface. Uneven
cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage or misadjustment.
| CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
Deck is not leveled correctly |
Level the deck correctly |
Blades are dull or worn |
Sharpen or replace the
blades |
Blades are damaged |
Replace the blades |
Deck is clogged with grass
clippings |
Clean out the deck |
Deck shell is damaged |
Repair or replace the
deck |
Mower spindle is bent
or loose |
Repair or replace the
spindle |
Blades are installed incorrectly |
Reinstall the blades correctly |
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 |
SOLUTION |
Lawn in uneven or bumpy |
Roll or level the lawn |
Mower deck cutting height
is set too low |
Raise cutting height |
Ground speed is too fast |
Slow down |
Deck is not leveled correctly |
Correctly level the deck |
Tire pressure is uneven |
Check and inflate the
tires |
Stingers
Stingers are sparse patches of uncut grass left behind the mower. Stingers
are usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
| CAUSE |
SOLUTION |
Blades are not sharp or
are nicked |
Sharpen your blades |
Blades are worn down too
far |
Replace your blades |
Engine speed is too slow |
Always mow at full throttle |
Ground speed is too fast |
Slow down |
Deck is plugged with grass |
Clean out the mower |
|
