If you’re a Simplicity zero-turn mower owner, chances are you love your machine. After all, who doesn’t love a device that can make mowing the lawn a breeze?
These mowers are designed for easy maneuverability and superior cutting performance, making them an excellent choice for residential and commercial applications.
However, even the best machines have their problems—and zero-turn mowers are no exception.
This blog post will explore the most common problems with Simplicity zero-turn mowers and what you can do to fix them.
The Most Common Problems with Simplicity Zero-turn Mower
Table of Contents
You’re not alone if you’re having problems with your zero-turn mower.
Now, let’s explore the problems people experience with these mowers and offer some solutions.
1. Engine Problems
One of the most common problems with Simplicity zero-turn mowers is engine trouble. If your mower’s engine isn’t starting or running rough, you can check a few things.
First, ensure that there’s fresh gasoline in the tank—old gas can cause engine problems.
Next, check the air filter to see if it’s clean. A dirty air filter can also cause engine trouble.
Finally, check the spark plugs and see if they need to be replaced. If you need help with how to do these things, consult your owner’s manual or take your mower to a qualified repair person.
2. Deck Problems
Another common problem with Simplicity zero-turn mowers is deck trouble.
If your mower’s deck isn’t level or if the blades aren’t spinning correctly, there are a few things you can check.
First, make sure that the deck is properly attached to the mower.
Next, check the blade belt to see if it’s broken or loose. Finally, make sure that the blades are sharp and properly balanced.
Again, consult your owner’s manual or take your mower to a qualified repair person if you need help with how to do any of these things.
3. Tire Problems
Tire problems are another common issue with Simplicity zero-turn mowers. If your tires are flat or if they’re losing air quickly, there are a few things you can check.
First, make sure that the tires are properly inflated. Second, check for leaks in the tires—a small puncture can cause a tire to lose air quickly.
Finally, make sure that the wheels are properly aligned.
4. Transmission Problems
Transmission problems are yet another common issue with zero-turn mowers. If your transmission is slipping or the gears aren’t shifting correctly, below are a few things you can check.
First, ensure enough transmission fluid in the system—if not, add more until it reaches the whole line on the dipstick.
Next, check for leaks in the transmission system—a small leak can empty the system quickly.
Finally, ensure the transmission filter is clean—a dirty filter can cause all sorts of shifting problems.
If you need help with how to do any of these things, consult your owner’s manual or take your mower to a qualified repair person.
5. Hydraulics problems
Hydraulic problems are also common in Simplicity Zero Turn Mowers – usually due to leaking hoses or fittings.
Check all connections and hoses for leaks, replace any worn or damaged parts, and ensure that hydraulic fluid levels are correct.
Consult your owner’s manual or take your mower to a qualified repair person for help.
6. Engine Stalls When Hot
If your engine stalls when hot, the first thing you should check is the air filter.
A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, causing it to overheat. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.
You should also check for debris in the cooling fins and clean them if necessary.
Always check the engine oil levels before operating the machinery; an insufficient or excess amount of oil can cause problems with the engine.
7. Mower Won’t Move Forward or Reverse
If your mower won’t move forward or reverse, check the transmission fluid level and add fluid as needed.
You should also check the PTO switch and ensure it’s in the “on” position.
If neither of these solutions works, there may be an issue with the transmission itself, and you’ll need to take your mower to a qualified technician for repair.
8. Uneven Cutting Height
If your mower leaves behind uneven grass patches, the height adjustment mechanism may be damaged or out of alignment.
First, check the blade to see if it is dull or damaged. If so, replace it with a new one. If the problem persists, adjust the mower deck, so it is level.
Then, check to see if the height adjustment levers are bent or broken; if so, they’ll need to be replaced. If the levers are in good condition, use a wrench to remove the attached bolts and realign them as required.
Once properly aligned, retighten the bolts and test out the mower to see if that solves the problem.
9. Engine Runs Roughly
If your engine runs roughly, it could be due to several different issues.
First, check the spark plug and replace it if necessary. Dirty air filters can also cause engines to run roughly, so clean or replace yours as needed.
You should also check for any fuel leaks; if you find any, repair them immediately, as fuel leaks can be hazardous.
Finally, ensure all of the engine’s hoses are properly connected and not leaking; if they are, tighten them or replace them as needed.
10. Mower Vibrates Excessively
If your mower is vibrating excessively, there could be an issue with one of the blades.
First, check both blades to see if they’re loose; if they are, tighten them up using a wrench.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s possible that one of the blades is damaged and will need to be replaced.
Another possibility is that something is caught between the deck and one of the blades; remove whatever it is and inspect both blades for damage before continuing to use your mower.
11. The mower won’t start.
If your Simplicity zero-turn mower doesn’t start, there could be a number of different issues at play.
First, check the fuel level to make sure that it is adequate. If not, fill up the tank and try again.
You should also check the engine’s hoses to ensure they are not leaking; if you find any leaks, repair them immediately.
Finally, ensure the spark plug is in good condition and properly connected to the engine. If it is damaged or disconnected, replace or reconnect it as needed.
If none of these solutions solves the problem, it may be time to take your mower in for repair. However, with proper care and maintenance, your Simplicity zero-turn mower should be able to run smoothly for many years to come.
12. The mower leaves streaks on the lawn.
This is usually caused by wet grass clippings sticking to the underside of the mower deck.
To avoid this, clean out the debris in the cooling fins and ensure your mower is properly maintained.
In addition, you should check that all of the deck’s blades are sharp and in good condition, as a dull blade can also cause streaks on the lawn.
13. The engine starts smoking.
This is usually caused by old or dirty oil in the engine.
To stop this from happening, ensure that you change your engine oil regularly and use a high-quality oil designed for zero-turn mowers.
You should also avoid overfilling the tank or letting your mower run out of fuel, as both can cause engines to smoke.
If your engine continues to smoke, it may be a sign that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. In this case, you should take your mower in for repair to get it fixed as soon as possible.
14. The transmission is slipping.
Low transmission fluid levels usually cause this problem.
To prevent your transmission from slipping, check the fluid levels regularly and fill them as needed.
In addition, make sure that you are using the correct type of transmission fluid for your particular mower, as this can also cause slippage if it is not matched correctly to your machine.
If the transmission continues to slip, it may be a sign of damage that needs to be repaired. In this case, you should take your mower in for service as soon as possible.
Simplicity Zero-turn Mower Problems: Are they a deal breaker?
The most important thing to remember with Simplicity zero-turn mowers is that they are built to last. These mowers can provide many years of reliable performance with regular maintenance and care.
And if you do encounter any problems along the way, there are steps you can take to get your mower back up and running in no time.
This blog post has looked at some of the most common problems with these mowers – and their solutions. So before you return your mower or call a repair person, check this list first!
By being aware of some of the most common issues owners face and knowing how to fix them, you can keep your mower running smoothly for years to come!
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list—if you’re having trouble with your mower and can’t figure out what’s wrong, consult your owner’s manual or take it to a qualified repair person for assistance.
Thanks for reading!
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.
