Dixon Zero Turn mower problems and troubleshooting tips

The Dixon Zero Turn mower is built for superior efficiency to mow large areas quickly. It can manoeuvre well to cut unwanted plants around trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Furthermore, the mower gives you total control, allowing you to direct it as you wish. But with all the good things that come with the mower, sometimes the Dixon Zero Turn experiences glitches that require your attention.

For example, the mower may fail to turn on, or the engine runs rough. So, how do you troubleshoot Dixon Zero Turn mower problems?

You may encounter different issues with the Dixon Zero Turn mower. For example, it may become noisy or lack power during operation. It may also start vibrating or overheating.

A clogged air intake or cooling fins may cause the mower to overheat.

Other issues common with the mower include:

  • Uneven mowing.
  • The mower is not tracking straight.
  • The wheels do not rotate freely.

The machine’s V-belts may also fail to adjust or show signs of cracking and large nicks.

Dixon Zero Turn mower

Troubleshooting the Dixon Zero Turn mower

Here are some common issues with the Dixon Zero Turn mower and their troubleshooting tips.

1. Electrical problems

Generally, electrical issues in a Dixon mower may manifest themselves in different ways. For example, the mower engine will not start, or the starter does not turn the engine over.

You may even notice the machine starting well but dies off after a while.

Here is how you can troubleshoot electrical issues on a Dixon mower.

  • Lock the steering controls in the neutral position and start the engine.
  • Activate the parking brake before starting the engine.
  • Check to ensure the battery is not dead.
  • Check to ensure there is no contamination in the fuel line or carburettor.
  • Ensure the shutoff valve for the fuel tank is in the correct position.
  • Check that the fuel supply is not closed.
  • Ensure nothing is clogging the fuel line or fuel filter.
  • Check that the ignition system is not faulty.
  • Check whether the fuse is blown.
  • Ensure there is no fault in the starter safety circuit.
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You can also troubleshoot electrical problems by ensuring the terminal cable connections on the battery are in good contact.

2. Dixon Zero Turn hydrostatic transmission problems

The Dixon Zero Turn mower has a hydrostatic pump or hydrostatic transmission regulated by steering controls that aid in the machine’s performance.

In most cases, the air is the engine’s primary cause of hydrostatic problems. If you do not correct the issue, you will notice a noisy operation, lack of power or drive after operating the machine for a short period, high operation temperature, and excessive expansion oil.

To troubleshoot the issue, you need to purge the system regularly.

Here is how to purge the system:

  • Disengage the brakes.
  • Open the bypass valve.
  • Let the engine run at a fast idle.
  • Slowly move the directional control forward and reverse directions at least five times.

The procedure will purge air from the unit, and the oil level will drop. Once done:

  • Close the bypass valve.
  • Let the engine run.
  • Slowly move the directional control forward and reverse directions at least five times.
  • Check the oil level.
  • Since the oil level has dropped, stop the engine and add oil as required.

Repeating the above steps at least twice is necessary to thoroughly purge air from the system and fix hydrostatic transmission issues.

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3. Dixon Zero Turn mower won’t turn left

Dixon Zero Turn mower

The standard driving direction of the Dixon Zero Turn mower is left, right, backward, and forward.

However, the control lever affects the speed and direction of the machine. The left lever controls the left wheel, and the right lever controls the right wheel.

Therefore, try the following:

  • Move the steering control to the neutral position and try again.
  • Next, move the left control towards the neutral position and try turning left.
  • Try pulling the left steering control back to turn the machine left.
  • Adjust the engine speed to idle.
  • Disengage the parking brake and do not engage blades at this time.
  • Rotate control levers inward.

Sometimes the Dixon Zero Turn mower won’t move to the left because you have not sat on the operator’s seat. Try again while seated.

Also, if you notice that one side is not working on a Zero Turn mower, the cause could be unequal tire pressure that pulls the mower to one side.

You can increase the air pressure to 2-3 psi in the left rear tire or decrease the air pressure to 2-3 psi in the right rear tire.

4. Why the Dixon Zero Turn mower engine runs rough

Your Dixon Zero Turn mower runs rough because of a faulty carburettor, clogged fuel filter or jet, an empty fuel tank, fouled spark plugs, and the wrong fuel type.

Also, a rich fuel mixture or fuel-air mixture, water in fuel, a clogged air filter, and a clogged ventilation valve on the fuel cap can cause the issue. You need to get the right fuel and stabilizer mixture too.

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Therefore, check on these to ensure everything is in order.

5. Why the Dixon Zero Turn mower transaxle leaks oil

Dixon Zero Turn Hydrostatic system

The transaxle on the mower leaks oil if it has damaged seals, gaskets, or housing. Also, an oil leakage will occur if the air is trapped in the hydraulic system.

Therefore, replace the gaskets and seals if damaged. You can also purge air from the unit to avoid oil leaks.

6. The deck is not engaging

The mower deck is not engaging because the drive belt for the mower deck is loose. Therefore, consider tightening it.

You should also tighten the contact for the electromagnetic coupling and ensure that the blade switch is not faulty.

You may also want to ensure the blade switch has not come loose from the cable contact. In some cases, a blown fuse could be why the mower deck is not engaging, and you must replace it.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Dixon Zero Turn mower depends on the issue you face. For example, check to ensure the fuse is not blown if it has an electrical problem.

You should also purge air from the mower if the hydrostatic transmission has issues. And if the deck is not engaging, tighten the drive belt, contact electromagnetic coupling, and blade switch.

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