Dixon zero-turn mowers have long been known for their agility and mowing efficiency. However, like all machines, they can develop problems over time due to wear, usage patterns, or manufacturing quirks. Whether you own an older Dixon model or a newer one, this guide highlights the most common issues and how to fix them, helping you maintain your mower’s performance and extend its life.
1. Mower Won’t Start
✅ Common Causes:
- Dead battery
- Faulty ignition switch
- Bad spark plug or coil
- Fuel delivery issues (clogged fuel filter or lines)
🔧 Solutions:
- Check and charge or replace the battery. Use a multimeter to ensure it’s delivering at least 12.5 volts.
- Inspect and clean spark plugs; replace if fouled or cracked.
- Clean or replace fuel filter; ensure fuel lines aren’t kinked or blocked.
- If fuel is old, drain the tank and refill with fresh gasoline.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Always stabilize fuel if storing the mower for over a month, and perform seasonal battery checks.
2. Hydrostatic Transmission Issues (Loss of Drive Power)
✅ Common Symptoms:
- Mower slows down or won’t move under load
- Noisy transmission
- Uneven speed between wheels
🔧 Solutions:
- Check fluid levels: Low or dirty hydro fluid can cause sluggish movement.
- Purge the system: Air can get trapped inside after filter or fluid changes. Purge by raising the rear wheels, running forward and reverse several times.
- Inspect drive belts: Worn or loose belts can reduce transmission engagement.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Replace transmission fluid as per the manufacturer’s schedule and keep the reservoir sealed.
3. Uneven Cutting or Scalping
✅ Common Causes:
- Uneven tire pressure
- Damaged or dull blades
- Deck not level side-to-side or front-to-back
🔧 Solutions:
- Inflate tires to correct PSI (usually 10–14 psi depending on model).
- Sharpen or replace mower blades.
- Adjust deck height by measuring from the blade tip to the ground on all corners.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Check deck level every few weeks, especially after hauling or hitting bumps.
4. Blades Not Engaging
✅ Common Causes:
- Faulty PTO switch or clutch
- Broken PTO belt
- Weak battery or electrical failure
🔧 Solutions:
- Check PTO (Power Take-Off) switch operation with a multimeter.
- Replace broken belts and check pulleys for proper alignment.
- Inspect wiring for damage and test the electric clutch for continuity.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Engage blades only at low throttle, and avoid engaging/disengaging rapidly or frequently mid-operation.
5. Engine Overheating
✅ Common Symptoms:
- Engine shuts off during operation
- Heat smell or visible smoke
- Backfiring or power loss
🔧 Solutions:
- Clean engine fins and blower housing—grass debris can clog airflow.
- Replace dirty air filters.
- Ensure oil level is adequate and oil is clean.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Check air intake areas and cooling fins weekly, especially during peak mowing season.
6. Steering is Uneven or Pulls to One Side
✅ Common Causes:
- Unequal tire pressure
- Misadjusted steering levers
- Hydraulic problems in one drive motor
🔧 Solutions:
- Adjust tire pressure on both rear wheels.
- Use adjustment bolts (usually under the seat) to realign the levers.
- If hydraulic motors are inconsistent, a flush or rebuild may be necessary.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Keep tire pressures even and lubricate steering components routinely.
7. Fuel Leaks or Smell of Gasoline
✅ Common Causes:
- Cracked fuel lines
- Leaky fuel cap or carburetor gasket
- Overfilled tank
🔧 Solutions:
- Replace cracked or brittle lines and tighten hose clamps.
- Replace worn gaskets or carb bowl seals.
- Only fill tank up to the recommended mark—especially important on hot days.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Inspect fuel system every 30 hours of use, especially after winter storage.
8. Battery Drains Quickly
✅ Common Causes:
- Failing battery
- Bad charging system (voltage regulator or stator)
- Parasitic drain from switches or accessories
🔧 Solutions:
- Test the battery with a load tester.
- Use a multimeter to test charging output; should be 13.5–14.5 volts at full throttle.
- Disconnect components one by one to identify parasitic drains.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Unplug accessories when not in use and store mower with a trickle charger in winter.
9. Mower Vibrates Excessively
✅ Common Causes:
- Bent or unbalanced blades
- Loose engine mounting bolts
- Damaged pulleys or belt tensioner
🔧 Solutions:
- Replace bent blades and balance new ones if needed.
- Inspect and tighten engine and deck bolts.
- Check for worn bearings in pulleys.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Avoid mowing over large debris and check blade integrity regularly.
10. Deck Belt Keeps Coming Off
✅ Common Causes:
- Misaligned pulleys
- Worn belt tensioner spring
- Damaged or stretched belt
🔧 Solutions:
- Inspect all pulleys and replace any that are tilted or wobbling.
- Replace weak tensioner springs to maintain belt tension.
- Install a new OEM-quality deck belt and route correctly per diagram.
💡 Prevention Tip:
Keep pulleys and deck components clean and check belt wear at every oil change interval.
🧰 Bonus Tips for Dixon Mower Owners:
- Always use genuine Dixon or compatible parts to avoid premature wear.
- Regularly grease all zerk fittings (typically found on front caster wheels and spindles).
- Keep your owner’s manual handy—Dixon service guides often include unique instructions for hydrostatic purging, belt routing, and more.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Dixon zero-turn mowers offer great performance when properly maintained, but like all machinery, they aren’t immune to issues. Most problems can be resolved with a good understanding of how the mower works, some basic tools, and timely intervention.
By tackling issues like starting failure, cutting problems, and drive issues early, you can extend the life of your Dixon mower and keep your lawn in top shape. When in doubt, consult a professional or Dixon-certified service center—especially for complex hydraulic or engine problems.
I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect equipment for their needs.