601396_0109 6-1
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES
SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES
Starting motor does
not crank
Steering control levers
not in park brake position
or switch not adjusted
Place steering control
levers in park brake
position or re-adjust
switch
Tractor creeps when
steering control
levers are in neurtal
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Deck clutch switch
engaged
Disengage clutch switch
Tractor circles or
veers in one
direction
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Weak or dead battery Recharge or replace Loose steering linkage Tighten linkage
Electrical connections
are corroded or loose
Check the electrical
connections
Tires improperly inflated
Adjust air pressure to 8 -
12 psi
20 amp fuse is blown Replace the 20 amp fuse
Transxle component
faulty
See your dealer
For additional causes See engine manual
There is abnormal
vibration
The engine mounting
bolts are loose
Tighten the engine
mounting bolts
The engine will not
start, starts hard or
fails to keep
running
No fuel or line plugged Fill tank or replace line
The engine pulley, idler
pulley or blade pulley is
loose
Tighten the appropriate
pulley
The engine is pulley is
damaged
Contact your Hustler
Dealer
There is incorrect fuel in
the fuel system
Drain the tank and
replace the fuel with the
proper type
The cutting blade(s) is/
are bent or unbalanced
Install new cutting
blade(s)
There is dirt in the fuel
filter
Replace the fuel filter
A blade mounting bolt is
loose
Tighten the blade
mounting bolt
Dirt, water or stale fuel in
the fuel system
Contact your Hustler
Dealer
Spindle bearing is worn
or loose
Replace or tighten
spindle bearing
The choke is not on
Move the choke lever to
ON
A blade spindle is bent
Contact your Hustler
Dealer
Numerous See engine manual
Uneven cutting
height
The blade(s) are not
sharp
Sharpen the blades
Engine:
Runs with
continuous
misfiring or engine
runs unevenly or
erratically
Numerous See engine manual
A cutting blade(s) is/are
bent
Install new cutting
blade(s)
Loss of power or
system will not
operate in either
direction
Restrictions in air
cleaner
Service air cleaner The deck is not level
Level the deck per the
Deck leveling and height
adjustment section of the
parts manual
Poor compression See your dealer
An anti-scalp wheel is
not set correctly
Adjust the height of the
anti-scalp wheel
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
The underside of the
deck is dirty
Clean the underside of
the deck
Tow valve open Close tow valve Tires improperly inflated
Adjust air pressure to 8 -
12 psi
The traction drive belt is
worn, loose or broken
Install a new traction
drive belt
A blade spindle is bent
Contact your Hustler
Dealer
For additional causes See engine manual
Blades do not rotate
The deck drive belt is
worn, loose or broken
Install a new deck drive
belt
Overheating
Air intake screen or
cleaning fins clogged
Clean screen and fin
The deck drive belt is off
the pulley
Install the deck drive belt
and check for a reason
For additional causes See engine manual
Electric clutch is not
engaging
Check and/or replace 10
amp fuse. Contact your
Hustler dealer
Low engine oil
pressure
Low oil level Add oil
Oil diluted or too light
Change oil and check for
source of contamination
High oil
consumption
Numerous See your dealer
Tractor jerky when
starting or
operates in one
direction only
Steering control linkage
needs adjustment
Adjust linkage
Loose steering linkage Tighten linkage
Transaxle component
faulty
See your dealer