Kubota ZG222 Problems | Problems + Solution
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The appropriate mower can make all the difference in keeping your lawn healthy. So, if the state of your lawn begins to deteriorate, it’s conceivable that Kubota ZG222 Problems will appear. Like any other piece of machinery, a lawnmower can malfunction or require maintenance.
Streaking, uneven cutting, stepped cutting, scalping, and stingers are common problems with Kubota zero-turn mowers. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common Kubota Zero-Turn Issues and how to avoid them.
Kubota ZG222 Problems
Transmission Problem
According to several customers and reviews, these mowers’ hydraulic transmission appears to be a significant problem. Kubota must raise the bar on its quality. The majority of zero turns have a problem with fluid leakage.
Before the warranty period expired, some consumers experienced it. If it occurs later, you will be responsible for significant repair expenses. Some people claimed the fluid was leaking from the filler cup and vents. When the fittings are sloppy, it can happen.
PTO Issue
Your mower’s PTO might not function for several reasons. Therefore, the customer’s allegation that PTO did not engage the lower deck is accurate.
The most frequent reason for the issue is that a safety switch prevents it from working. You would be able to identify the safety switches if you read the handbook. Even if everything runs smoothly, you might need to level up a bit. Check the two wires attached to the PTO clutch with a voltmeter once you have one (keep the key and PTO switch on but the motor off).
Overheating
Overheating is a further issue that customers frequently express dissatisfaction with. Like the last point, this is the outcome of a few causes. You can, however, infer that a blocked filter is to blame.
It is common for the filter to collect dust and grass after a certain amount of mowing. Therefore, you should periodically verify and maintain the filter. If not, it might harm the radiator. The radiator problem eventually results in a few more issues.

Common Problems With Zero-Turn Mowers
If you have ever had an issue with your Kubota Commercial Mower, you’ve probably questioned what caused it. We’ll go over a few of Kubota mower users’ most typical problems with their machines.
Streaking
When narrow strips of uncut grass are left behind the mower, streaks form. The following factors can cause streaking in your lawn:
- Worn blades
- Dull blades
- Cutting rows that do not overlap
- Grass cuttings have filled the deck.
- Engine speed is excessively slow.
Cleaning your mower, correctly overlapping, mowing at an acceptable speed, and making sure your blades are sharp are all ways to avoid lawnmower streaking.
Step Cut
Sharp ridges are left on the layer of the lawn after mowing, resulting in stepped cutting. The following are some of the causes of stepwise cutting:
- Incorrectly mounted tires on an improperly leveled deck
- Incorrectly fitted blade
- Blade with dents
- Deck shell with damage
- Mower spindle with damage
Check to ensure that your deck is leveled, your blades are still unbroken, your mower spindle and deck shell are in good shape, and your tires are adequately inflated to avoid stepping cutting. You shouldn’t have to worry about step cutbacks in the future if you follow these guidelines.
Uneven Cut
You may have uneven cutting if you detect wavy troughs on the surface of your grass after mowing. This can happen for different reasons, but the following are the most typical ones:
- Improperly leveled deck
- Damaged blade
- Dull blades
- Incorrectly fitted blade
- Deck shell with damage
- Mower spindle with damage
- Clippings have clogged the deck.
Regularly inspect your mower to ensure that the deck, blades, and spindle are all in good working order and properly placed to avoid uneven cutting.
Scalping
When the deck of your lawnmower strikes the ground, the grass blades are cut off at the growth point, causing scaling. Scalping can cause your lawn to brown unevenly and become ugly. Your grass will most likely take some time to recover after being scalped. Because some grasses are more sensitive to scalping than others, it’s essential to avoid the mistake. Here are some of the reasons for scalping:
- Unevenly leveled deck
- The deck height is too low
- Tire pressure variations
- The ground speed is excessive.
- Uneven lawn
Examine your equipment to ensure that your cutting height is accurate, your deck is properly aligned, and your zero-turn mower tire is sufficient to avoid the repercussions of grass scalping. Check to see if your lawn is uneven as well. If that’s the case, you’ll need to roll or level it.
Stingers
Operator error or poor blade maintenance are the most common causes of stingers: patches of uncut grass left behind the mower. Here are some of the most general reasons for stingers on your lawn:
- Blade is dull
- a dull blade
- Deck is clogged
- The ground speed is excessive.
- The engine is moving too slowly.
Check that your mower’s blades are sharp and unbroken to avoid stingers. Maintain a clean mower and pay attention to the engine and ground speeds. This simple post will teach you how to drive a zero-turn mower safely.
Problems With Kubota Mowers And How To Fix Them?
There aren’t many problems with Kubota zero-turn mowers that can’t be avoided with regular maintenance. When issues do develop, they are usually simple to resolve. The most frequent lawn mower issues and how to fix them are listed below.
Difficult To Start
A vehicle that is difficult to start is always caused for concern, but the first thing to check is the gasoline level. Starting issues could be caused by a low fuel level or stale fuel.
The parking brake and the seat protection switch should then be checked. If necessary, disengage the parking brake or repair it if it is stuck. Don’t try to repair the parking brake yourself if you become stuck. A malfunctioning parking brake may fail to deploy when you need it most, posing an accident risk. To repair or replace the part, contact your service center.
The seat safety switch is another possible explanation. When you stand up from your seat, the seat switch prevents you from running the mower while not sitting. This switch may become stuck, or its wires may become loose. Inspect the switch for any loose wires and reconnect them. You could replace it with a new switch to remedy the starting problem.
Kubota Zero Turn Engine Lacks Power
If your mower starts but loses power while in use, you may have a defective spark plug, clogged filters, or fuel supply issues.
Low fuel levels, as well as a malfunctioning or clogged carburetor, can cause fuel supply problems. A blocked carburetor must be replaced, but it can be cleaned using a carburetor cleaner, spray the product until all the muck is removed and fresh cleaner begins to ooze out of the passageways.
Stalling can also be caused by dirty fuel, but all you have to do is drain the old fuel and replace it with new. If the fuel is unclean, the filters may be clogged, requiring replacement.
Engine Running Roughly
A damaged spark plug, a defective carburetor, or a clogged carburetor can cause the engine to run roughly and lower power. To resolve the trouble, follow the actions outlined above.
Engine Overheating
Kubota engines are dependable and rarely overheat. When they do, the cause is often an overload produced by grass clippings clogging the mower’s blades or mowing damp grass.
A cooling problem caused by insufficient cooling oil, a blocked oil filter, a clogged air intake, or dirty cooling fins is another possible cause.
These issues are easily resolved by adding additional oil, removing dirty filters, and cleaning the fins.
Starter Not Functioning
The intuitive starter button makes starting a zero-turn mower relatively simple. But what if the button isn’t functional?
The battery is the most typical culprit. Check the terminal connections for any loose wires and tighten them. If the connections are corroded or rusted, use a baking soda paste and scrub the terminals with a toothbrush to clean them. Similarly, clean the wire clamps, then wipe away any excess paste. Before reconnecting the battery, allow everything to dry fully.
If the battery fails to charge or leaks liquid, it should be replaced. If the problem persists, the starter button should be replaced.
Weak Starter, Dim Lights
A malfunctioning battery that isn’t charging sufficiently is the cause of a sluggish start, a mower that loses power, or headlights that dim while mowing. There is just one solution. Change the battery to a new one.
Battery Not Recharging
Vehicle batteries do not get flat if used frequently, and zero-turn mower batteries are no exception. However, during times of idleness, your Kubota’s battery may lose charge.
Leaving the battery depleted for an extended period may reduce its longevity. As a result, you should charge the battery regularly throughout the off-season. If the battery fails to charge, it should be replaced.
Rapid Depletion Of Electrolytes
Like other riding mower models, Kubota’s zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors use lead-acid batteries. Electrolytes are contained in the form of a liquid within the electrolytic cells of these batteries.
If the battery is defective, the cells may split, and the liquid may begin to leak. A low electrolyte status in the battery can make the mower unable to start or cause it to lose power. Unfortunately, there is no way to replenish the electrolyte level; the only option is to replace the battery.
The Zero Turn Mower Doesn’t Work
If your zero-turn mower isn’t having trouble with power, but it’s running rough, the most likely issue is a shortage of hydrostatic fluid. Without delving into the nitty-gritty of hydraulic systems, you should be aware that hydrostatic oil is responsible for power transmission within the machinery. Leaks may cause the hydrostatic fluid level to decline. The problem can be solved by adding more oil or changing it with new fluid.
No Movement While The Engine Runs
Why does the mower start but not move? There are several possible suspects. The parking brake, for example, could be activated. You should examine it and, if necessary, disengage.
A lack of hydrostatic fluid could be another issue. A clogged carburetor or filter could potentially cause the mower to stop moving.
The bypass valve should also be checked. When the mower is in a neutral condition, this valve disconnects the spins from the drive system, permitting you to push or pull the mower. If you’ve recently engaged the valve for maintenance or repairs, double-check that you’ve disengaged it.
Blades Do Not Rotate
Nothing is more aggravating than getting ready to mow the grass only to discover that the blades will not spin. The PTO system, which delivers power from the engine to the blades, is the main problem.
A switch, clutch, pulley, and belt make up a PTO system. Because any of these parts could be broken or worn out, you should inspect them and fix or replace them as needed.
Mower Belt Slipping
The most common reason for slipping is a worn belt, but it isn’t the only one. The belt could slip due to debris lodged in the pulley or a weak tension spring. Identifying the problem is the first step in resolving it. Clean the debris from the pulleys and maintain them regularly. Any worn or damaged parts should also be replaced.
Uneven Cut
Correct tire pressure, dull or damaged blades, or an unleveled mower deck can all cause your mower to leave uncut grass.
First, check your tire pressure and adjust it to your unit’s manual (do so on a hard, level surface for the best results). Check and adjust the deck level if necessary. If you find that the mower cuts unevenly when turning, the deck level could be the issue.
The problem is with the blades if the tires are properly inflated, and the surface is level. If any blades are damaged, inspect them and replace them with new ones. Remove and sharpen any dull blades.
Streaking
You don’t need to worry about the tire pressure or the deck level if you detect streaks of uncut grass but, otherwise, even lawn mowing. However, the blades might be to blame. Another possible issue is the method you’re operating the mower.
Blades Scalping
One of the most aggravating problems is lawn scalping, usually caused by damaged or twisted blades. Setting a cutting height that is too low can result in lawn scalping. Deck rollers are another possible culprit. If these wheels are damaged and you’re moving on uneven ground, they may not level the deck when riding over bumps, resulting in scalping. Straighten the blades, change the cutting height, or replace the deck rollers, depending on the cause.
Kubota Mower’s Excessive Vibration
Before getting into the facts, keep in mind that all riding and zero-turn mowers vibrate. If you notice an unusually high amount of vibrations, you may need to track down the source and resolve the issue.
Debris lodged under the deck, damaged pulleys or belts, and other possible causes of mower deck issues. Finding the source of the problem is simple. If there is debris, clean it up. Replace a faulty pulley or belt, raise the deck level, or fix the blades.
Hydrostatic Transmission Problems
Aside from the low hydrostatic fuel levels stated above, cavitation is another typical issue with hydrostatic systems. This is when the air becomes trapped inside the hydraulic system. When this happens, the power isn’t delivered properly, resulting in a performance drop. The problem could be solved by purging or removing the air.
Are Kubota Zero-Turn Mowers Good?
The cost of Kubota zero-turn mowers is high. However, the machines are renowned for their high caliber and dependability. It is a long-established Japanese corporation that produces a great deal of heavy equipment.
Conclusion
Finding the source of your Kubota ZG222 Problems isn’t difficult if you know where to look. I hope this information will help you determine what is wrong and solve the problem quickly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a Kubota zero-turn machine last?
A Kubota tractor with proper maintenance should last between 4500 and 5500 gauged hours. Because many tractor owners report only utilizing their tractor for 100-200 hours per year, this might add up over time. You have the potential to exceed 10,000 hours if you have the time and skill to maintain and care for a Kubota tractor properly.
Kubota zero turns are made where?
Gainesville, Georgia, is home to Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA). Kubota’s North American manufacturing base, KMA, was established in 1988. Kubota lawn tractors, sub-compact tractors, zero-turn mowers, utility vehicles, loaders, backhoes, and other tools are manufactured and assembled by KMA.
How many hours does a diesel tractor have to work?
Other parts of the tractor, such as the gearbox, clutches, hydraulics, and other components, may need to be replaced to keep the tractor in good working order. Anything between 2,000 and 2,500 hours is considered well broken in, while anything over 35,000 hours is considered high.
Are 9000 hours for a tractor excessive?
Tractors with well-maintained engines typically last 8,000 to 10,000 hours before additional unplanned maintenance. Compact tractors with diesel engines often have 6,000 to 8,000 hours on the clock, whereas gas-powered tractors have the same number.