If your Husqvarna zero-turn mower is only working on one side, there are a few possible causes.
The most common cause is an issue with the drive belt, hydraulic oil, and steering arm bolt.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the common causes of why your Husqvarna zero turn one side not working and how to fix it.
How to Fix Husqvarna Zero Turn One Side not Working?
Check Hydraulic Oil
If your Husqvarna zero-turn mower is having issues with one side not working, the first thing you should check is the hydraulic oil level.
The hydrostat drives on these mowers can be sensitive, and if the oil level is too low, it can cause problems.
So, check if the oil level is low then fill it, and if low remove some oil from it.
How do you check the hydraulic fluid on a Husqvarna zero-turn mower?
To check the hydraulic fluid on your Husqvarna zero-turn mower, first, locate the dipstick.
The dipstick is usually located near the front of the mower, on the right side.
Once you have located the dipstick, pull it out and wipe it clean with a rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir and pull it out again. This time, check the level of the fluid on the dipstick.
If the fluid is at or below the “low” mark, then you will need to add more fluid.
To do so, simply remove the cap from the reservoir and pour in the hydraulic fluid until it reaches the “full” mark on the dipstick.
What kind of hydraulic fluid does a Husqvarna Zero Turn take?
If your Husqvarna Zero Turn has Hydro-Gear transmissions and pumps, the recommended hydraulic fluid is 20W-50 motor oil or 15W-50 synthetic motor oil.
Check for Damage
If you see any damage to the hydrostat drives or hoses, that could be the cause of your problem.
If the hoses are leaking or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Inspect the Belts
The drive belts on Husqvarna zero-turn mowers can also cause problems if they are worn or damaged on one side.
And your mower will not work from that side.
So, to fix the problem these belts need to be in good condition in order to work properly.
If they are not in working condition then replace them.
Check the Tire Pressure
If one side of your mower is not working, it could also be due to an issue with the tire pressure.
So, check the pressure on both sides and adjust as needed.
Check the Steering Arm Bolts
Another thing you should check is the steering arm bolts.
Very often they are loose and the arm doesn’t pull the valve rod that controls the hydrostat unit.
So, make sure these are tight and not causing any problems.
Check the Splines
The splines can also be an issue on Husqvarna zero-turn mowers. These are the key that fits into grooves in a wheel’s hub and shaft.
They can become stripped over time, which will cause problems with one side of the mower not working.
So, if you think this might be the problem, you will need to replace the splines. Replace the Spindles.
The primary steps to do this are:
Loosen three bolts with the 1/2-inch wrench to remove the mower deck spindle assembly cover and remove the cover from the socket.
Using a 1/2-inch wrench, remove the mower deck belt. To loosen the tensioner pulley and lower the belt, use a socket wrench and cheater bar.
Using the 1-1/8″ wrench, remove the nut on the top of the spindle’s spline with an adjustable wrench or socket.
Bad Dampers
If you have a bad damper, it can cause your Husqvarna zero-turn mower to jerk to one side when you try to move it forward.
This can also cause the mower to pull on one side.
The fix is simple – replace the dampers.
You may also want to replace the springs, as sometimes the steering arms are not automatically pushed back by the new dampers.
Traction Adjustment
If one of your back wheels is slipping more on one side, it’s time for a traction adjustment.
Depending on your model of mower, this can be a complicated process that is best left to an expert.
You can find the specific instructions for your model in the operator’s manual.
To avoid this problem in the future, try reducing tire pressure, choosing larger tires, and avoiding abrupt turns or rapid stops on a hill. Mowing on damp grass is also not recommended.
Dragging Brake
If your Husqvarna zero-turn mower is pulling to one side, it could be caused by a frozen brake caliper or an issue with the brakes themselves.
To fix this issue, you will need to remove a tire to take a look at the brakes.
A specific tool is supplied to exert force and retract the pad for seized caliper pistons or sliding pins.
A simple C-clamp is frequently used.
Once you have access to the brakes, you can assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
Related Questions
How often do you change the oil in the Husqvarna Zero turn mower?
If you use your Husqvarna Zero turn mower regularly, it is important to change the engine oil and filter regularly to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
For most residential zero-turn mowers, the recommended interval is every 50 hours or annually. For commercial zero-turn mowers, the recommended interval is every 100 hours or annually.
Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your model.
Conclusion
The Husqvarna zero-turn mower is a great investment for those who want a top-quality, durable, and reliable product that will offer years of trouble-free service.
However, as with any mechanical device, there are occasional problems that can occur.
If one side of your Husqvarna zero-turn mower is not working properly, there are a few potential causes that you can check that we wrote above.
Hopefully one of them will work for you and your mower will again work like normal.
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 lawn mower for their needs.