OT, zero turn mower

Northvale PA · May 21, 2018

I am the new owner of a Toro Z5000 zero turn mower. It is 10 years old. In laws bought a new one, I acquired this old one. They say it just got serviced but stalls out often anyway. I ran it for about 40 minutes last night. Seems to be ok. Manual says can use up to E10 gas with fuel stabilizer, which I normally do. They may not have. This is my first time using one of these type mowers. Anything I should be doing with this brand or type to avoid mistakes?

Hay hay hay · May 21, 2018

I have been told by dealers (multiple brands) to keep the engine RPM's up to keep the pumps operating properly and not to engage and disengage the blade any more than necessary to reduce wear and tear on the clutch. I am not sure if either is correct, but others here may know.

Northvale PA · May 21, 2018

Yes, read both in the manual. Thanks

Goose · May 21, 2018

We have a Z-5000, about 5 years old.

Only problem was, the choke cable broke once. Other than that, it's just done what it's supposed to.

Only thing is I wish it had an hour meter on it, or I wish I'd have put one on when it was new. My wife uses the heck out of it on about 3 acres.

Steve@Advance · May 21, 2018

Stalling out can cover a lot of reasons.

If it does it, be ready to check for spark at the plugs as soon as it happens.

Also be ready to do a partial choke, see if that helps. If so, it is probably starving for fuel.

There are also safety switches that can kill the engine, the seat switch can be very sensitive, any relief of pressure on the seat will sometimes set it. Also I think moving the steering arms out with the blade engaged will kill it.

Old Ford Mechanic · May 21, 2018

If it has a Kawasaki engine it probably needs the carb cleaned. If it stalls and starts right back then , that is the problem.

Stephen Newell · May 21, 2018

When you get it all fixed up be sure you pick every single stick in your yard. I bought a Toro new and it's been torn up twice running over a stick since I've had it and it only has 8 hours use on it.

preacher man · May 21, 2018

We have a Grasshopper that we bought new in 1999. Has the water cooled, Kubota gas engine on it with a 61" deck. We have 3 acres plus until this year I have mowed 2 acres for my Dad. Take it in every spring for a tuneup, oil change, etc. and it gives absolutely no trouble. Probably the only mower I will need in my lifetime since I am 70 yrs old.

tractorguy2 · May 21, 2018

I help a friend mow a cemetery with two Toro mowers. When the fuel filter clogs that's what they do.

Kansasredneck · May 21, 2018

I have had a 4200 for about eight years. The right hydro has issues. I can mow for an hour and suddenly be doing circles. Other times it will go all day with no problems. Mine gets treated worse than a brush hog, and I had quite a few rentals until last fall.

WNYBill · May 22, 2018

If you are new to zero turn. Be prepared for a run-a-way, if you mow on a sidehill. A pond bank is the perfect place to learn........ about a grand to have it dried out!

Bill

OT, zero turn mower

Northvale PA

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Hay hay hay

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Northvale PA

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Goose

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Old Ford Mechanic

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