Lawn Mower Repair Checklist

Here’s a Quick Bobcat Lawn Mower Repair Checklist

Any lawn mower is going to need repairs every now and then. If you’re in the middle of peak mowing season and your Bobcat® zero-turn mower needs some attention, this is a great resource. Check out our tips for Bobcat lawn mower repair! 

Common Repair Issues and Fixes

Uneven Cuts: Your mower isn’t cutting evenly? Check the blades for dullness or damage. Sharpen or replace them if you need to. Make sure the deck height settings are even on both sides, and check the belts and pulleys for looseness or wear. 

Engine Starting Problems: Your mower won’t start. It could be caused by anything from a dirty air filter or a clogged fuel filter to a dead battery or faulty spark plugs. Cleaning or replacing these components should solve the problem. If they don’t, give us a call. 

Unusual Noises: Strange sounds? Check for loose bolts, damaged belts, debris stuck in the blades, or dry lubrication points. Grease the deck lift rock shaft, idler pivots, and caster wheel pivots to avoid squeaking or grinding noises. 

Clogged Discharge Chute: If grass isn’t spreading the way it should, clear the discharge chute of clippings and debris. You should see a better cut once it’s clean. 

Tools and Supplies for DIY Lawn Mower Repair

Spark Plug Tester: Helps you see if your spark plug is firing correctly. With this, you can diagnose and replace faulty plugs. 

Socket Wrenches: Essential for loosening bolts and removing components like spark plugs or blades. 

Air Compressor: Cleans debris from the deck, discharge chute, and other areas that are hard to reach. 

Blade Sharpener: This one speaks for itself. 

Grease Gun: Makes a big difference when you’re greasing deck lift rock shafts, pivots, idler pivots, and caster wheel pivots. 

Oil Filter Wrench: Helps remove and replace the oil filter easily during routine maintenance. 

Tire Pressure Gauge: Makes sure that your tires are inflated to the correct PSI. 

Replacement Parts: Keep your replacement parts close by. 

Lawn Mower Repair Checklist

1. Change Engine Oil and Filter

Regularly check and replace your mower’s engine oil and filter. This will keep the engine running like it should. We suggest doing this every 100 hours of operation (or once a year). 

2. Inspect and Replace the Fuel Filter

Check that your inline fuel filter is clean and functioning like it should. Replace it if you need to. 

3. Clean Air Intake and Cooling Areas

Clean the air intake screens, cleaner elements, and cooling fins. This will keep your mower from overheating. 

4. Grease Lubrication Points

Grease the key points we talked about (deck lift rock shaft, pivots, idler pivot, and caster wheel pivots). This should reduce wear on your mower. 

5. Check Tire Inflation

On a ZT7000, the rear tires should be inflated to 12 PSI and the front tires to 15 PSI. If you need more tire pressure, you should find the max PSI in your mower’s manual. 

6. Inspect and Sharpen Mower Blades

Inspect your mower blades for dullness, nicks, or bends. Sharpen or replace blades as needed. 

7. Tighten Belts and Pulleys

Are your belts and pulleys worn? This could cause slipping (and overall problems with your mower). Adjust or replace them if you see problems. 

Ready for a Helping Hand?

If your mower still needs a little extra TLC, our Service department can help. Our team wants to see your mower running like it should. Stop by or give us a call today. We’re ready to get your mower back on the job.