13 Reasons Why Zero Turn One Side Not Working

When it comes to cutting your long glasses efficiently and accurately, you need a specialized tool designed to do so. A Zero Turn Mower is one of the best machines you can ever have to keep your lawn maintenance like a breeze and its grass cut evenly.

However, if a Zero Turn Mower on one side is not working correctly, many factors can be at play. In this article, I will list 13 reasons for a Zero Turn Mower’s one side not working along with the proper diagnosis and solution you need to learn before trying to fix it.

Hence, before you call a mechanic or get your unique to an authorized service center, follow this guide and learn all the methods mentioned in this article to help you troubleshoot your Zero Turn Mower issue.

After reading this article, you will not only be able to address any Zero Turn Mower one-side not working problem but also prevent it from recurring. Now, let’s take a quick look at the 13 reasons why Zero Turn Mower’s side one side is not working.

13 reasons Why Zero Turn One Side Not Working

Faulty Or Damaged Steering Mechanism

If your Zero Turn Mower steering mechanism is worn out, why does the Zero Turn Mower turn one side, or is one side not working? It is essential to address any faulty steering mechanism before further escalating the damage to other Zero Turn Mower components.

If your Zero Turn Mower is turning UNevenly or one side is not working, first check for any worn or damaged parts like the steering wheel, bearings, ball joints, and gears. If you find nat steering components that need replacement, do it. 

Bent or Damaged Drive Axle

If your Zero Turn Mower on one side is not working, look for any signs of bending in the drive axle that might be causing the Issue. Faulty drive axles can cause the Zero Turn Mower wheel on one side to stop moving or working.

This is usually caused when you exactly hit a large object while operating a Zero Turn Mower. If your Zero Turn Mower had an accident or collision, you might notice signs like grinding noise, difficulty turning, or uneven tire when turning. The solution can be as simple as replacing the damaged drive axle. 

Worn Or Damaged Wheels Or Tires

If your Zero Turn Mower wheels are damaged, make sure to replace them. You may not maintain the proper tire pressure if you notice uneven tire wear. It is essential to inflate all your Zero Turn Mower wheels tire equally per manufacturer recommendation specs.

If it is damaged or worn out, it will always cause the Zero Turn Mower not to work. Sometimes the Issue can be caused due to a bent wheel that needs replacement. If any of your Zero Turn Mower wheels need replacement, never hesitate to do that.

Clogged Or Damaged Drive System Components

If all the above problem is not the cause of one side not working, there might be something clogged in your Zero Turn Mower drive system component. Firstly, look for debris or foreign objects that might restrict the proper flow of air or fuel.

Any damaged part, like the filter pump, can cause Zero Turn Mower on one side to not work. It is usually caused when you need to pay more attention to your Zero Turn Mower’s proper maintenance.

It can also happen if you operate a Zero Turn Mower on uneven rough terrain with dry dirt and debris-filled conditions. Due to debris clogging the drive system, your Zero Turn Mower’s one side will stop working and emit noise and lack of power.

Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as cleaning the drive system component of your Zero Turn Mower. If any member needs replacement or has signs of damage, make sure to replace them. If you don’t know how to return any element of your Zero Turn Mower, get it done by a mechanic.

Electrical Or Wiring Issues

No doubt, any issue related to your Zero Turn Mower control module or wiring will also cause the mower’s one side not to work. Look for signs of damage in your Zero Turn Mower wiring harnesses.

Also, if the control module is malfunctioning, your Zero Turn Mower will not turn on one side. The problem can also be caused due to an underlying Electrical Issue that needs attention. If you notice any grinding noise when riding your Zero Turn Mower or lack of power on one side, first check for signs of any damages or corrosion in the connections, wiring harnesses, and control module.

Ensure the wiring harness is free from any carbon build-up and the links are not lost. In addition to that, it also ensures the control module is functioning correctly. If the control module or its safety switch is malfunctioning, get it replaced at the nearest authorized service center or on your own if you have experience and expertise. 

Note: Finding the Electrical Issue causing a Zero Turn Mower on one side not to work can be time-consuming and complex.

Low Or Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid

If your Zero Turn Mower hydraulic fluid level is improper, one side will stop working. It is essential to drain out any contaminated hydraulic fluid and replace it with a new one. If you notice any signs of contaminated fluid with debris or water, replace it with the high-grade one that your manufacturer recruits.

Sometimes the hydraulic fluid is insufficient due to leakage. If there is any leakage in your Zero Turn Mower hydraulic system, get it repaired or replaced. Sometimes you need to pay more attention to regular changes in hydraulic fluid.

If you don’t do it as a normal part of the maintenance, your Zero Turn Mower will stop working soon. The fix can be as simple as restoring the needed hydraulic fluid to the full mark using the dipstick.

Clogged Or Damaged Filters In The Hydraulic System

Make sure to pay close attention to your Zero Turn Mower hydraulic system filters when doing its maintenance. If you notice any signs of crack, wear, or damage on your Zero Turn Mower hydraulic system filters, get them repaired and replaced.

In addition, if you are running your Zero Turn Mower in dirt or debris-filled condition, clean it after using it or when not in use. A clogged filter will not only stop your Zero Turn Mower on one side from working but also stall its engine.

Worn Or Damaged Spindles

The spindles of your Zero Turn Mower have gone damaged or worn out and need replacement. This can be caused due to a sudden collision or accident. Sometimes the spindle is worn out due to aging or overuse. No matter why, if your Zero Turn Mower spindles are broken, you will need to replace them. 

Faulty Control Module or Its Electrical component

Also, check for any damages on the Zero Turn Mower control module that might be causing the Zero Turn Mower on one side not to work. A malfunctioning control module will not only stop your Zero Turn Mower from one side from working but also from turning unevenly.

If you notice this Issue, accompanied by other problems, you will need to change the entire control module of your Zero Turn Mower. Since replacing the control module of any mower can be a complex process, I recommend you get it done by an authorized technician or by visiting a nearby service center.

Besides this, if the Zero Turn Mower’s control module electrical component or its wiring has gone faulty, you need to replace it too. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as a loose connection between the control module and its component. If this is the case, never mind retightening it and checking if your Zero Turn Mower on one side works again or not.

Transmission Or Drivetrain Mechanical Issue 

If there is any mechanical issue with your Zero Turn Mower drivetrain or transmission, one side will stop working. It can be caused due to many reasons, including lack of lubrication, worn-out component damage drivetrain, or malfunctioning transmission system.

Depending on the problem, you must follow a systematic approach to fix it. If your Zero Turn Mower transmission is malfunctioning, you must replace it. Since returning a message can be complex, never mind calling a mechanic to help you out.

In addition, if the drive train is faulty, replace that too. Sometimes lubricating your Zero Turn Mower moving component solves the Issue and gets your Zero Turn Mower one side working again.

Faulty Belts Or Pulleys 

If your Zero Turn Mower pulleys or belt responsible for powering the wheels is loose, your Zero Turn Mower on one side will not work as it should. Other than this, if the belt or the pulleys that connect the engine with the wheel is broken or faulty, never mind replacing it.

Loose pulleys and belts consistently emit unusual noises like whining, clunking, and more. Sometimes adjusting a Zero Turn Mower belt tension solves the Issue. However, if your Zero Turn Mower belt or the pulley needs replacement, never hesitate to do that.

Faulty Blade Engagement System

If there is any problem with your Zero Turn Mower blade engagement system, it will not work efficiently. This can be caused due to debris stuck between your Zero Turn Mower deck and its blade.

If this is the cause, never hesitate to turn your mower on its back to check its underbelly to clean debris accumulated between the components. Another reason for blade engagement issues is a lack of lubrication.

You can lubricate all your Zero Turn Mower moving parts along with its blade to solve the problem. Lubricating your Zero Turn Mower moving parts should be included in its regular maintenance schedule.

If any part of your Zero Turn Mower blade engagement system needs replacement, never think twice about doing it. Since handling the blade engagement system of your Zero Turn Mower can be very dangerous, you should call a mechanic if you need experience.

However, if you do have the expertise & trying to find the exact cause of a faulty blade engagement system, make sure to wear a thick and sturdy glove on your hand to prevent getting cut by a dull blade.

If the Zero Turn Mower blades are not balanced properly, it will also cause extreme vibration noises and one side not working. Other than this, make sure to sharpen the edge from time to time to prevent it from becoming dull. Dull blades also cause the same Issue as imbalanced blades.

Parking Brake Or Brake System

Your Zero Turn Mower parking brake is not working as it should be, causing the Zero Turn Mower on one side to not work. Sometimes malfunctioning brake systems cause the Zero Turn Mower to turn unevenly or stop turning on either side.

It should be replaced if you notice any damage to the brake pads. Replacing the brake pad is an easy process. If you have basic knowledge and experience in fixing any vehicle, you can always select a brake pad or replace it.

Also, lubricate all your Zero Turn Mower moving parts that might interfere with your Zero Turn Mower operation and maneuverability. Sometimes the brake system gets faulty and needs to be changed entirely. To prevent this from happening, pay close attention to its regular maintenance.

Conclusion

If one side of your Zero Turn Mower is not working, many factors can be at play. After reading the article, I hope you learn everything that can help you correctly diagnose and Issuess the issue to restore your Zero Turn Mower to proper functioning.

Pay close attention to your Zero Turn Mower maintenance to get efficient and precise cuts only. Keeping up with the care of the Zero Turn Mower will also prevent any issues from recurring.

If you are still experiencing any problems with your Zero Turn Mower, I will advise you to consult the user manual first for proper guidance on repairing or troubleshooting. If that doesn’t help, you may need to get your Zero Turn Mower to the nearest authorized service center or mechanic.

A professional technician will be the best person for guidance on Zero Turn Mower problems and repairs. If you like this article, consider sharing it. Your share is going to help many people learn about the reasons why their Zero Turn Mower may not work on one side.

Check out our other helpful guides on Zero Turn Mower hydraulic pump issues or Zero Turn Mower hydraulic hydrostatic transmission problems. See you in the next post, till then, take care and goodbye.