Ultimate Guide on How to Properly Maintain a Scag Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Proper maintenance can help to ensure that your mower is operating at peak efficiency, which can speed up and simplify the process of mowing your lawn. Maintenance can also ensure that your SCAG Lawn Mower is operating as efficiently as possible, which can cut down on fuel use and emissions. Staying on top of regular maintenance and service of your Scag Zero-Turn lawn mower will prolong it's usable life, help retain it's value and ensure that your mower is always ready to mow and get the job done quickly and efficiently.
In this article we will go over a number of steps you can take to properly maintain your Scag Zero-Turn lawn mower, which includes: Keeping the blades sharp, Cleaning your mower deck, Checking and Changing Oil, Cleaning the air filter, and checking the tires, belts, and fuel.
Keep the Blades Sharp & Clean your Mower Deck
Maintaining the performance of a Scag zero turn lawn mower requires regular deck cleaning.
① Park your Lawn mower on an even surface, put on the parking break and use a lift or jack to raise the front of your zero-turn lawn mower.
② Get rid of any debris or grass clippings stuck to the deck, use a flat-bladed screwdriver or a putty knife.
③ Rinse the deck thoroughly using a high-pressure nozzle on a garden hose, paying close attention to any crevices and corners where debris might collect.
Scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush, paying close attention to the corners and crevices.
④ Use a high-pressure nozzle to rinse the deck once more to get rid of any last bits of debris.
⑤ Examine the deck and blades for any indications of rust or damage, and take prompt action if necessary.
It's important to keep your Scag Zero-Turn Lawn mowers sharp because dull blades can damage your lawn and make it harder for your mower to cut the grass. There are various signs of dull blades which include: Leaving uneven clumps of grass on the lawn, struggling to cut grass and leaving uncut areas, producing dust and debris while mowing and producing a lot of excessive noise.
As a general rule of thumb it's a great idea to sharpen your blades at least once a year. If you are a landscaper or professional you might have to sharpen your blades more often. If blades are severely damaged or worn down it's a good idea to replace them.
You should also be aware that while the blades on a residential lawn mower can be sharpened a few times before needing to be replaced, on a commercial lawn mower, the blades will need to be replaced or sharpened more often because they wear out so quickly. It's always a good idea to purchase an extra set of blades for your Scag Zero-Turn lawn mower so you can rotate them and always have a backup set.
Check and Change the Oil regularly
This will help to ensure that your mower's engine is running smoothly and efficiently.
The frequency at which you should change the oil in your Scag zero turn lawn mower will depend on the manufacturer's recommendations and the specific model of mower you have.Generally speaking, it's a good idea to check the oil level prior to each use and change the oil at least 50 hours into operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
The owner's manual should always be consulted for the recommended oil change intervals because they can change depending on the model and usage.
It's also crucial to remember that the manufacturer's recommendations should be followed regarding the viscosity and oil type. The engine can suffer damage and lose its warranty if the wrong kind of oil is used.
Additionally, the oil should be changed more frequently if you use the mower in extremely hot or dry conditions, or when carrying heavy loads.
A good idea is to inspect the oil filter and replace it if it is clogged or dirty. The engine will receive clean oil and run more effectively if the oil filter is kept clean.
Depending on the engine manufacturer and availability you can purchase an all-in-one tune up kit, giving you oil, an air filter, oil filter and spark plug. A simple and economic way to tune-up your Scag lawn mower!
Keep the air filter clean
The engine may experience reduced airflow due to a dirty air filter, which will make it work harder and be less efficient. A dirty air filter can cause a number of problems for a zero turn mower. It can decrease performance, increase fuel consumption, reduce engine life and could possibly cause serious engine damage.
By routinely changing the air filter, you can ensure that the mower's engine is operating effectively and efficiently. The air filter should generally be checked and replaced at least once a year or after 100 operating hours, whichever comes first. The recommended replacement intervals for the air filter may vary depending on the model and usage.
Check the Tires
Keep the tires at the correct pressure and check for any signs of wear or damage.
Keep a lookout for Wear and Tear on your Scag Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers tires. By routinely inspecting the tires for wear and tear, you can spot any potential issues before they get serious. To do this, look for any cuts, bulges, or other damage.
Proper Inflation is IMPORTANT!
Check your Scag Zero-Turn Lawn mowers tires for proper inflation. The exact PSI can be found in your owners manual. This is important because under or over inflated tires can have an effect on your mowers cutting efficiency. This can also effect the decks position relative to the grass giving you uneven cuts. It's also good to note that under-inflated tires run the risk of developing a puncture and wearing unevenly. Overinflated tires can worsen the ride and raise the possibility of a blowout.
Check The Belts
Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment carries a large assortment of Scag OEM belts!
A necessary aspect in maintaining the capabilities of your Scag zero turn lawn mower is checking the belts. The steps to inspect the belts are as follows:
① The mower should be parked on a level surface, with the engine off.
Locate the mower's belts. Please refer to the owner's manual for detailed instructions as the location of the belts can vary depending on the model and manufacturer.
② Examine the belts for any wear or damage indications, such as excessive wear, cracking, or fraying.
③ By applying pressure to the belt with your hand, you can determine the proper tension. The belt should be flexible without being too loose.
Look for any wear or damage on the pulleys. Ensure that the pulleys are clean and debris-free.
④ It might be necessary to adjust or replace the belt if it is faulty or loose. It is best to consult the owner's manual or a professional if you are unsure how to adjust or replace the belt.
Regularly inspecting the belts is a good idea to make sure they are in good shape and to prevent unanticipated breakdowns, especially before the start of the mowing season. The mower may run inefficiently or even stop running altogether if the belt is damaged or worn.
Check The Fuel
Fuel can become dirty from dust and debris entering the gas, or slowly deteriorating over time. It's important to check the fuel especially after leaving your Scag Zero-Turn lawn mower in storage for a long period of time.
Two important products which are nice to always have on hand when owning any type of outdoor power equipment are a fuel stabilizer and a No-Spill gas can!
Dirty fuel can clog the fuel system and reduce the engine's performance. The engine may stall occasionally as a result of this, which can also result in decreased power and efficiency. Dirty fuel can make the engine work harder, which could result in an increase in fuel consumption. Engine life is shortened because dirty fuel can hasten the engine's deterioration.
You can help to ensure that your mower's engine is operating effectively and efficiently, increase engine longevity, and lower emissions by making sure the fuel is clean and free of contaminants. To keep the fuel clean and fresh, it makes sense to use a fuel stabilizer.
In Conclusion
Overall, if you want to keep your Scag zero turn lawn mower operating smoothly, effectively, and safely, regular maintenance is imperative. Additionally, it can help your mower last longer and ultimately cost you less money.
If you are in the New England area and looking to purchase a NEW Scag Zero-Turn Lawn Mower you have found the right place! Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment is the go-to destination for all things Scag Outdoor Power Equipment! We're an authorized Sales & Service dealer located in SALES TAX FREE Gilford New Hampshire! Check out our current in-stock Scag Zero-Turn Lawn mowers right now!
