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Any zero-turn mower experts out there?

Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« on: May 22, 2020, 05:36:38 PM »
I know this isn't a mower forum, but I know a few of you guys have them, so I thought I'd throw this question out. My zero-turn mower suddenly decided not to start anymore. When you turn the key, nothing. First, I thought it must be the battery, but the battery is good, wiring all looks good, starter cranks when you jump the starter solenoid, but no start. The mower has five relays in the electrical system and I tried switching them around, (thought maybe a bad start relay) still dead. Replaced the PTO switch, as a worn out one can cause this, but that wasn't it either. Anybody know if a bad relay (not just the start relay) anywhere in a system could cause this? I'm really stumped. Oh yeah, and I put jumpers on the safety switches to rule those out.
« Last Edit: May 22, 2020, 05:40:52 PM by texweatherby »
Come and take it.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2020, 05:54:32 PM »
Have you removed the spark plug to see if you are getting a spark? remove spark plug then reatach spark plug wire to spark plug using insulated pliers hold spark plug to engine and crank a couple times to see if you are getting a spark.
Good Hunting And Shooting To all
Derrill

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2020, 05:58:28 PM »
Haven't done that. I know it won't fire if there is a safety switch or relay problem. I guess I should check anyway though.
Come and take it.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2020, 06:24:12 PM »
The PTO switch may be bad. Won’t start if the switch is telling the rest of the electronics it’s on. Or the stupid switch under the seat.
Life is to short to hunt with an ugly rifle.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2020, 07:07:48 PM »
My wife is the zero turn mower expert around our place. ;D
I can't tame wild women
But I can make tame women wild

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2020, 07:09:38 PM »
Have you been burning Ethanol fuel?
I can't tame wild women
But I can make tame women wild

Buckleman

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Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2020, 08:08:25 PM »
Could be the main fuse. Also the steer handles must be in place. The starter is also the generator on most.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2020, 08:20:17 PM »
Make sure the parking brake is set.... Most will not start/crank if its off and you try to re-start.
Bill

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Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2020, 09:03:05 PM »
Did you try calling it a bad name then kicking it?
Aussie gun nut.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2020, 10:46:27 PM »
what brand and model is it?? but they all basicly the same, if you turn the key and nothing happens here some of the things to check are:
1) bad battery or loose connections at battery or/and starter
2) main ignition fuse and relays- maybe faulty
3) pto switch- maybe faulty
4) parking brake not on, or faulty brake switch
5) steering levers not in position of faulty steering lever switches
6) seat pressure switch if it has one- maybe faulty
7) low oil pressure switch if it has one- maybe faulty

I know you said you checked some of these things, it's most likely the bad main ignition fuse or a bad relay.

Rob

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2020, 07:56:52 PM »
Thanks for the input, I have tried all these things, including checking the fuse and jumping the safety switches on the handles. The brake safety switch is good and the seat safety switch has had a jumper wire on it since I got the mower years ago (pain in the ass when mowers shut off if you have to step off for a second). I'm still thinking there could be a bad relay. Not sure if a bad relay anywhere (there are five) could prevent starting. I switched them around several times - no difference.
Come and take it.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2020, 07:27:21 AM »
I just went through this with a Husqvarna zero turn. Turns out it was the ignition switch.

I replaced it two weeks ago and no further issues.

Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #12 on: May 29, 2020, 02:38:36 PM »
I thought about the ignition switch but didn't really consider it a likely problem. I'll check that out, it's about the only thing I haven't checked! Thanks.
Come and take it.

Grouchy

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Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #13 on: May 29, 2020, 02:45:43 PM »
Hope it works out!  :)

txaggie

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Re: Any zero-turn mower experts out there?
« Reply #14 on: May 30, 2020, 08:47:25 PM »
did we fix it?