Grooming your lawn requires a cutting-edge mower that can trim the grass and level out the edges easily and quickly. Ferris IS700Z has presented itself pretty well as a top-performing lawn mower. Due to its attractive features, including its patented and innovative wheel suspension system and the overall comfy riding experience.
However, some users face minor problems using Ferris IS700z, similar to other issues in the rest of the Ferris mower family. Fortunately, one can efficiently solve such problems as unusual vibrating sounds, starting difficulties, or malfunctioning brakes.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most common problems reported by users of the Ferris IS700Z and easy troubleshooting solutions.
The Most Common Problem with Ferris IS700Z
Table of Contents
Most issues related to Ferris IS700Z could be avoided with regular and thorough maintenance. These are common in other mowers in the same price and specification category. But before getting to the in-depth details of each problem, you need to keep this good old safety tip in mind:
Before performing any maintenance or part replacement on your Ferris IS700Z, you must disconnect the spark plug wire. Also, you need to turn off all of the machine’s power switches.
1. Engine issues
Such issues mean that the mower is not always starting when you want to use it. Sometimes, it starts and breaks down after a while. Many causes, such as insufficient fuel or a faulty carburetor, could lead to this problem.
It would help if you filled the tank when needed to ensure that your problems are not related to insufficient fuel. If this does not work out, it is time to look at the carburetor. Make sure to keep it free of grass and debris. For this purpose, you can use any commercial carburetor cleaning product.
2. Malfunctioning brakes
Faulty brakes can be annoying, which is pretty apparent for a mower rider. You can notice this problem when your mower keeps going after hitting the brakes. Generally, if the mower is at its max speed and takes over six feet to respond to a brake order, the brake system needs some work.
In this case, you need to inspect the machine’s brake system. So, you can check for worn-out or loose parts. Also, it is worth looking at the whole brake pad without taking the entire brake system out of the mower. You can measure the thickness of this pad using a metal ruler. If the measurement is less than 6.4 mm, it is time to replace the brake assembly.
3. Black smoky exhaust
Smoky exhaust means there is something wrong with your mower. It is a common problem, not only with Ferris mowers but also with other zero-turn mowers, like the Kubota mower.
Black smoke from your Ferris IS700Z mower is categorized as one of the most severe problems. This means there is a problem with its carburetor and, more specifically, its air filter.
Unclean or blocked air filters will not supply enough air to the carburetor. This way, your engine might be unable to “breathe” correctly. Such a thing directly threatens the longevity of the machine. Cleaning with a toothbrush, soap, and water mix can make the filter pristine. However, if it is severely clogged, you will need to replace the old air filter immediately.
4. Unequal grass cut
Cutting the grass uniformly is what any mower should do. When your Ferris IS 700 zero-turn mower fails to create such an equitable scene, you need to check out the blades. A tire with insufficient pressure can also cause this.
Make sure to take a good look at the blade. If it is not sharp enough or has wear signs, you will end up with ungroomed lawns. A dull blade should be sharpened at the first signs of dullness to avoid bad cuts.
As for recognizing a worn blade, you should look at its highest side. This curved part, known as a sail, can show noticeable wear and tear or corrosion signs. Sometimes, a small part of the blade sail can get damaged due to hitting a rock. In this case, replacing the blade is the right step.
5. Broken Transmission drive belt
Another common yet manageable issue with the Ferris IS700z mowers is a faulty transmission belt. This belt is responsible for transferring power between the machine’s body parts. So basically, it is what makes the machine move forward. The most unmistakable sign of a broken transmission belt is when the device does not move forward anymore.
You can avoid this problem in the first place by checking the condition of the belt regularly. But if things get to this point, you need to replace this torn belt with a brand new one.
When you get the new belt, you need to avoid universal belts. It is better to stick to the types approved by the manufacturer. Improper belts can get separated when you use the mower, which is not safe.
6. Unusual cranking noise from the engine
Typically, the engine of a Ferris IS700z makes a moderate, recognizable, and tolerable noise. So, you will know when things become strange. One of the major causes of this problem is the lack of timely oil changes. In this case, the oil’s nature will change and become muddy. This makes the oil unable to reach the different parts of the engine. Eventually, the whole machine will get damaged, and you might have to replace it or get a new mower.
A regular engine oil change should occur every 50 hours of your machine’s operation. Sometimes, it could be when it hits 20 hours. So, your reference should be the user manual. Also, it is always the right thing to use the recommended type of oil for your Ferris IS700Z to avoid destroying the engine in the long run.
7. White Exhaust
White exhaust has a different cause than dark exhaust. This serious Ferris is700z problem could indicate an increased oil ratio. Too much oil can decrease the engine’s efficiency and destroy it in time. One of the first apparent signs of this destruction route is engine overheating.
The only solution is to empty the gas tank and fill it with the correct gas-to-oil ratio. Turn to your user guide for the accurate number. But generally, riding lawnmowers like the Ferris IS700z could take a blend of gasoline-to-oil between 30:1 and 50:1.
8. Loose Blade
This can happen when the machine hits or runs over something solid on the ground. The blade assembly can get loose. Sometimes, it is all because it was not tightened properly. You can identify this problem when you hear knocking sounds from the blade’s direction. Also, unequal cuts can be a sign.
The right solution for this problem is straightforward. You will need to check the blade assembly. Then, you will tighten it as per the level mentioned in the user’s manual. The blade needs to be tight enough to avoid its direction of motion. However, the correct tightening should leave a chance to control its movement if you firmly press it.
9. Steering Difficulty
This issue is sometimes brought up as one of Ferri’s is700z problems. You can sense the presence of this problem when your steering wheel is not properly balanced and begins to drift on its own or becomes stubborn to steer in the first place.
Improper tire pressure can play a part in such drifting. Excluding this case, you will need to check the steering gear. After opening this gearbox, you should look for worn-out or damaged parts such as shafts or bushings. Replacing them can fix the problem.
10. Poor Traction
This problem does not have anything to do with the mechanism of the Ferris mower; it can be associated with the nature of your lawn and the way you drive it.
You can avoid trimming wet grass, as it stalls the machine’s movement. This does not imply choosing too-dry grass. You can find a compromise between these two extremes. Also, avoid getting on slopes that exceed 15 degrees.
11. Unbalanced Blades
Without regular blade inspection, you will not see unbalanced blades. You can start sensing the presence of such a problem when unusual and annoying vibrations come out of your machine while trimming the grass. Ignoring this vibration sound can lead to more severe consequences, such as breaking bolts or engine malfunctioning.
You can opt for a balancer to help make the blades even. You will place the blade on the balancer. If the blade is balanced correctly, you will not notice any movement. However, an unbalanced blade will swing toward one of the sides. Typically, this is the heavy side. The proper treatment is to sharpen one side to be equal with the other side.
Ferris IS700Z problems: are they a deal breaker?
Despite these common issues, the problems with this model of Ferris mowers are not fatal. If you are familiar with caring for 2-stroke engine machines, you can quickly solve them. Also, if you pay proper attention to the maintenance and cleaning routines, you will be content with the mower’s performance and longevity.
Ferris IS700z mower has a great warranty that protects your investment in this machine. Your Ferris IS700Z presents a decent machine for trimming your garden without making you feel uncomfortable during the trimming session.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
