What Are Kubota Mower Deck Problems (Solution)

Kubota manufactures some of the best commercial and residential mowers. Their equipment is widely appreciated for its optimal quality and long-lasting usage.

However, sometimes the Kubota mower may malfunction, leading to a decline in its operational quality.

Though most issues may be easily resolved, the Kubota mower deck problems are undoubtedly the most complicated ones.

Kubota has an adjustable deck that performs a key role in grass-cutting. Thus, it would be apt to say that the deck’s performance quality determines the mower’s functional status.

Whenever a problem arises in the deck, it becomes difficult for the mower to function viably. But before solving these complications, it is essential to ascertain their potential reasons.

If you are aware of the root causes, you shall be able to resolve the issues easily.

Check out the following context to learn extensively about the potential reasons for the Kubota mower deck problems and their corresponding solutions.

Table of Contents

4 Problems and Solutions to Kubota Mower Deck Problems

Contrary to popular misconception, the mower deck can become faulty for multiple reasons.

You cannot just blame a single complication as the root cause for Kubota mower deck problems.

To make the diagnosis easier for the audience, I have enlisted some of the most common causes of problems in the Kubota deck.

The corresponding solutions to the ailments are also extensively described so that you can instantly resolve the issue as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.

Also Read: Kubota Zero Turn Mower Problems

1. Uneven Cutting

As stated earlier, the deck has a critical role in grass-cutting. It must hold the blades tightly and be adequately aligned to pierce the grass properly.

However, sometimes, you may notice a decline in the mower’s cutting performance.

The mower may be unable to cut grass properly, leaving patches and untrimmed grass behind. This drop in the mower’s functionality indicates that the deck has become faulty.

Reason: Unleved Deck

The mower might not be able to cut the grass aptly due to an unleveled deck. The deck usually becomes unleveled due to physical impact or prolonged use.

Such situations may cause the deck’s screws to become loose, leading to alignment issues.

And when it happens, the blades become unbalanced. These blades cannot cut the grass properly and can leave behind patches on the ground.

An unleveled deck might be hard to locate. It is because the symptoms do not directly indicate problems with the deck.

Instead, an unaligned deck primarily affects the blades, causing a decline in their mowing quality.

Solution: Adjusting the Deck

You can repair an unleveled deck and restore the mower’s functionality by observing the following process.

Place the mower on a flat surface.
Decrease the deck’s height to the lowest point.
Measure the distance between the ground and the unleveled deck.
Locate the mower’s leveling mechanism. Its location depends upon the mower’s model.
Once located, re-adjust the leveling mechanism.
To raise the deck, rotate the adjustment knob in the clockwise direction. But to lower it, turn the knob in an anti-clockwise order.
Make small adjustments and inspect the deck’s height from time to time.
Do not rush the process, as a single wrong step can damage the deck permanently.
Consult Kubota’s user manual to determine the ideal height for the deck.
Once leveled, run the mower over the grass to check whether the problem is solved. If not, repeat the process until the issue resolves.

Also Read: Kubota B2601 Problems

2. Noisy Mower

Kubota mowers are famous for their low-noise operation. With no complications or technical faults, these mowers don’t produce much noise.

But sometimes, you may hear cranking noises and abrupt vibration sounds coming from your Kubota mower.

If you have heard such sounds from your mower, it is probably because of a faulty deck.

Reason: Internal Damage

A deck is secured to the mower with the help of several belts, pulleys, and bolts. Over time, these components can become faulty due to routine wear and tear or physical impact.

Bolts usually become loose due to improper maintenance. Similarly, the pulleys have a limited lifetime.

After this certain period, replacing them becomes inevitable. On the other hand, excessive overload or improper usage may break or damage the belt.

All these situations, individually or simultaneously, reduce the deck’s efficiency. Increased noise and vibration from the mower are usually one of the earliest symptoms of Kubota mower deck problems.

If these issues are prolonged, they may extend serious damage to the deck. Therefore, the timely diagnosis and precise troubleshooting of these issues are extremely crucial.

Solution: Repairing or Replacing the Damaged Components

Before resolving the issue, you must know where actually the problem resides. Inspect the mower aptly and check which component is causing trouble.

Once diagnosed, you would be able to systematically resolve the complication without posing any damage to the mower.

Loose bolts are probably the easiest to repair. All you require is a toolbox and low-grade DIY skills. After determining which screws and bolts have become loose, use the wrench to tighten them.

However, if you find these bolts rusty or damaged, you must repair them.

Because rust would always hamper the deck’s functionality. And it would not be long before noise would start coming from the mower again.

The next potential problem you can encounter is a worn-out pulley. Unfortunately, you cannot repair damaged or worn-out pulleys. In this situation, the only viable solution is to replace them.

The same goes for the last problem, i.e., damaged belts. A belt performs a critical role in maintaining the deck’s alignment. But after some time, it requires a replacement.

Kubota’s user manual detailedly elaborates on how you can replace the belt. If you are proficient in DIY tasks, you can easily replace the belt within a few minutes.

3. Debris Buildup

The mower not only cuts and trim grass, but it also traps excessive dirt and debris from the ground. Usually, this debris is immediately discharged from the mower.

However, occasionally, debris accumulates at the mower’s back. Most people tend to ignore this issue.

But in actuality, it should be taken rather seriously, as it indicates Kubota mower deck problems.

Dirt accumulation can significantly hamper the mower’s normal functioning. When debris collects in the deck, its speed reduces.

As a result, the blades’ movement becomes restricted. They cannot move properly, and thus, the mower’s efficiency reduces.

Reason: Poor Maintenance

Though the mower is capable of removing the grass clippings, a portion of it usually remains in the blades.

If timely cleaned and maintained, the debris is regularly removed from the mower. But failure to maintain the mower results in abrupt dirt accumulation.

You may not notice the side effects of poor maintenance initially. But as time passes, the symptoms affect the mower’s overall performance, one of which includes debris buildup.

Solution: Routine Cleaning

It is recommended to clean the mower after every ten uses. While cleaning the mower, ensure you also clean it from the back. Because it is the area where the debris typically accumulates.

However, if the deck is malfunctioning due to debris stuck in it, you must internally clean the mower. To do so, you will have to open the mower using tools like a wrench and mower.

But ensure that water does not touch its internal components as a technical failure can happen. Once properly cleaned, close the mower and secure it with screws.

4. Worn-Out Blades

Sometimes, the deck might be working fine, but it is the blades that are problematic.

If the blades are not sharp enough, they won’t be able to mow grass properly, despite the fact that the deck works aptly.

Similarly, faulty blades take an adverse toll on the blades. Worn-out blades put intense pressure on the deck, which in turn tries its best to mow the grass.

Reason: Physical Impact or Prolonged Use.

Blades are made of steel and iron. After some time, they lose their sharpness and malleability. And when these attributes are lost, the blades fail to function aptly.

Moreover, physical impact can also damage the blades. Damaged blades may become uneven and, thus, may not be able to cut grass as effectively.

Solution: Replace the Blades

The only viable solution to fault blades is their timely replacement. After some time, the blades require replacement.

If you don’t change them on time, they will not only affect the cutting performance of the mower but can also damage the mower.

Once new blades are installed, ensure their proper maintenance. Clean them regularly, and make sure that you don’t run them over harsh surfaces that affect their malleability.

How to Avoid Kubota Mower Deck Problems?

Kubota mower deck problems usually arise when its components wear out or the device is not adequately maintained.

Therefore, to avoid such problems, the best you can do is clean and maintain the mower regularly. After every use, dry clean the mower using a broom and a cloth.

Besides, refer to the manual guide, which can instruct you on preventing Kubota mower deck problems. Lastly, check the components of your mower from time to time.

If you find any potential faults in the mower, fix or replace them quickly. Doing so will prevent the malfunctions from affecting the corresponding parts of the mower.

Also Read: Kubota ZD331 Problems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t my mower deck raise or lower?

The adjustment link performs a critical role in raising or lowering the deck. If the deck might be stuck in the middle, it is probably due to a broken adjustment link.

Why does my Kubota lawn mower keep shutting off?

The Kubota mower shuts off due to insufficient spark and fuel supply to the engine. If you are experiencing this shutting-off problem, it might be due to a faulty spark plug or a clogged fuel line.

Why is my Kubota mower vibrating?

Noise and abrupt vibration come from the mower when the blades are not properly connected to the deck.

Check the screws and bolts on the deck if they are tight enough. But if they are loose, all you need to do is to tighten them. After doing so, turn on the mower and check if the problem resolves.

Final Verdict

A deck is a crucial part of the mower. It performs an integral role in its functioning. That is why ensuring its accurate operation is vital.

The above tips can guide you on how to avoid these Kubota deck problems. But if you can’t prevent them, then don’t worry. These issues are pretty easy to resolve.

If you have prior DIY experience, you can repair the deck yourself. But if you are not that skilled in performing DIY tasks, it is better to call for professional help.

What are Kubota Mower Deck Problems and How to Solve Them?