McCulloch MC30 manual Troubleshooting Chart, Mowing Tips

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART:

See appropriate section in manual unless directed to service center.

PROBLEM		CAUSE		CORRECTION
Engine continues to	1	Faulty operator-safety presence	1	Check wiring, switches and
run when operator		control system.		connections. If not corrected,
leaves seat with atta-				Contact a qualified service center.
chment clutchengaged
Poor cut - uneven	1	Worn, bent or loose blade.	1	Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt.
cutting	2	Mower deck not level.	2	Level mower deck.
	3	Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash	3	Clean underside of mower housing.
		under mower.
	4	Bent blade mandrel.	4	Contact a qualified service center.
	5	Clogged mower deck vent from	5	Clean around mandrels to
		build-up of grass, leaves, and trash		open vent holes.
		around mandrel.
Mower blade will	1	Obstruction in clutch mechanism.	1	Remove obstruction.
not rotate	2	Worn/damaged mower drive belt.	2	Replace mower drive belt.
	3	Frozen idler pulley.	3	Replace idler pulley.
	4	Frozen blade mandrel.	4	Contact a qualified service center.
Poor grass	1	Travel speed too fast.	1	Shift to slower speed.
discharge	2	Wet grass.	2	Allow grass to dry before mowing.
	3	Mower deck not level.	3	Level mower deck.
	4	Low/uneven tire air pressure.	4	Check tires for proper PSI.
	5	Worn, bent or loose blade.	5	Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten
				blade bolt.
	6	Buildup of grass, leaves and	6	Clean underside of mower
		trash under mower.		housing.
	7	Mower drive belt worn.	7	Replace mower drive belt.
	8	Blade improperly installed.	8	Reinstall blade sharp edge down.
	9	Improper blade used.	9	Replace with blade listed in parts
				manual.
	10	Clogged mower deck vent holes	10	Clean around mandrels to
		from buildup of grass, leaves, and		open vent holes.
		trash around mandrels.
Battery will not	1	Bad battery cell(s).	1	Replace battery.
charge	2	Poor cable connections.	2	Check/clean all connections.
	3	Faulty alternator.	3	Replace alternator.
Loss of drive	1	Axle key missing.	1	Install axle key at rear wheel. See
				"TO REMOVE WHEEL" in the
				Service and Adjustments section.
Engine dies when	1	Reverse operation system (ROS)	1	Turn ignition key to ROS “ON”
riding mower is		is not “ON” while mower or other		position. See Operation section.
shifted into reverse	2	attachment is engaged.	2	Allow engine warm-up by running for
		Engine is cold.
				several seconds to several minutes.

MOWING TIPS

•Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

•The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

•Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the riding mower. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.

•When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished.

•If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.

•Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesir- able clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

•Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

•When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used.

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