Zero-turn riding mowers are a great investment for any homeowner. They make lawn care faster and easier than ever before. However, like all machines, they can sometimes experience problems. If you are having trouble with your Husqvarna MZ61, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common problems with this model and how to fix them. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are The 5 Common Husqvarna MZ61 Problems?
- Blades are Slowing Down
- The lawnmower fails to start
- Noise and vibration problem
- B&S engine problem 30 hp (oil leaking)
- Overheating issues
Fix the clutch and remove the junk
You recently noticed that your lawnmower blades are slowing down unexpectedly when entering taller grass. And you have never experienced this issue before. When cutting grass, if you let go of the control handles, the mower would pick up speed again; however, as soon as it hit bigger patches of grass, it would slow down once more. There was no difference in engine RPM at all.
The blades kicked in instantly when engaged but their speed was slow (almost hesitating) before picking up to its normal pace again.
So the first idea is that there is some junk in the idler arm, you should remove it:
- To solve the problem with your lawn mower, start by knocking out the seized-up sleeve in the idler arm.
- Once this is done, apply a layer of anti-seize to the sleeve, then grease it and put it back into place.
- Finally, test the mower to see if it is working properly. If necessary, repeat these steps as needed until your lawn mower is functioning properly again.
If you still have the problem, then you should change the clutch. It costs about $200 and here is the instruction on how to change it:
- Start by removing the clutch cover from the engine using a wrench or screwdriver.
- Next, remove any bolts or other hardware that may be holding the clutch assembly in place.
- Once the clutch assembly has been disconnected from the engine, you can remove it and replace it with a new one. Make sure to align the new clutch correctly when installing it, as this will ensure the smooth operation of your mower going forward.
- Finally, reattach any hardware that you removed in step 2 and test your mower to make sure that it is operating properly again. If you notice any issues with your mower after replacing the clutch, be sure to contact a mechanic for further assistance as needed.
We don’t recommend replacing the deck belt, it doesn’t help to fix the issue.
Husqvarna MZ61 Fails to start
1. Begin by carefully checking to make sure that the safety switch is properly connected and in working order. If it is not, try unplugging and reconnecting it to see if this resolves the issue.
2. If this does not solve the problem, inspect the blades to make sure they are properly engaged and secure. If any of them are loose or damaged, replace them as necessary.
3. Next, check that there is sufficient fuel in your mower’s tank and that the fuel filter is clear and unclogged. If either of these is the case, add more fuel or clean out the filter as needed.
4. Finally, check your spark plug to ensure that it is clean and functioning correctly. If necessary, remove and replace it with a new one to restore proper function to your mower’s engine system.
Noise and vibration problem
1. Start by removing the deck from the mower and checking for any build-up of debris or grass under the deck or on the pulleys. If there is no debris present, then check that all belts and pulleys are properly aligned and tightened as needed.
2. If there is no debris present, but you continue to experience noise and vibration when using your mower, then it may be necessary to replace the tensioner mechanism for the deck. This will ensure that all blades are properly spinning at a consistent level of tension, which can help reduce vibration and noise from occurring while in use.
3. If replacing the tensioner does not solve your problem, try replacing one or more of the blades on your mower with new ones that are in good condition. Bent or damaged blades may be causing vibrations due to improper contact with other parts of the deck, resulting in excess friction and noise as a result.
Overheating issues
1. Check the air filter for clogs and replace it if necessary. If the air filter is clean, proceed to step 2.
2. Remove the fuel tank and inspect it for debris or signs of corrosion or rust. If necessary, clean out the fuel tank using a small brush and replace any damaged components.
3. Clean the carburetor using a carburetor cleaner or other appropriate solvent, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Allow any parts to dry thoroughly before reassembling them on your mower.
4. Add a quart of engine oil to your Husqvarna lawn mower to ensure that it has an adequate level when running hot.
5. Inspect the mower deck and blades for obstructions that could be blocking airflow through the deck assembly and causing your mower to overheat when operating at high speeds or on steep inclines. Remove any debris from inside the deck and sharpen or replace any damaged blades as needed.
6. Test your ignition coil for proper function, replacing it as necessary if you find that it is worn out or malfunctioning in any way. Perform a proper tune-up with new spark plugs if necessary, ensuring that all electrical components are working properly before restarting your Husqvarna lawn mower after overheating issues have been resolved.
B&S engine problem 30 hp (oil leaking) Husqvarna MZ61
The mower is still operational except for an engine oil leak. This started after 3 years of use. I tried taking it to the local dealer for service, but they said it would take 3 months to fix in the middle of the grass-cutting season. So, I continued cutting grass and checking/adding oil every hour.
How to change crankcase gasket on Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower
This is a pretty simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that you have the correct gasket for your model of mower. Second, be careful not to over-tighten the bolts when reassembling the crankcase – just snug them up until they’re tight, and then give them an extra quarter turn with a wrench. Other than that, the process is pretty straightforward:
- Remove the old gasket from the crankcase. If it’s stuck on there, you can use a putty knife or other flat object to gently pry it off.
- Clean the surfaces of the crankcase and cylinder head where the gasket will be seated. Make sure to remove all old sealant or gasket material.
- Apply a thin layer of sealant to both surfaces.
- Position the new gasket on the crankcase and align it with the bolt holes.
- Install the bolts that hold the crankcase and cylinder head together, and snug them up until they’re tight. Be careful not to over-tighten them.
- Replace the oil and filter, and you’re good to go!
I hope this helps – let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck! Husqvarna MZ61 30hp engine problems are unfortunately pretty common, but fortunately, there are usually pretty easy to fix.
Conclusion
The most common problems with the Husqvarna MZ61 can be easily fixed if you know what to do. We’ve outlined the most common solutions in this article, so hopefully, you can get your mower back up and running like new again. If you’re still experiencing problems after trying these solutions, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our team of experts is more than happy to assist you in troubleshooting and repairing your Husqvarna lawn mower.
