Due to defects or lack of maintenance, owners of Kubota ZD326 might encounter multiple problems with this mower. Thus, if you are well aware of the issues, it will be easier for you to deal with them.
Now, what are Kubota ZD326’s problems? You may encounter issues like starting difficulty, failing to start in cold weather and PTO not engaging. Besides, problems like colored exhaust fumes, uneven cutting, and excessive vibration are common in this mower.
Throughout this article, we will enlighten you about several problems you might encounter while using this mower. We will also provide their causes and solutions for your better convenience. So, let’s start.
Problems of Kubota ZD326 And Their Solutions
Let’s see the solution to several familiar problems of Kubota ZD326 in the table below.
| No | Problems | Solutions |
| 1 | Difficulty in starting | Refill or change the fuel |
| Clean the dirty carburetor, spark plug, and injection nozzles | ||
| 2 | Fails to start in cold | Use oil of low viscosity |
| Charge the battery properly | ||
| Store the battery indoors when the mower is at rest | ||
| 3 | PTO doesn’t engage properly | Maintain proper transmission oil level |
| Charge the battery | ||
| Change the blown fuses | ||
| 4 | Colored exhaust fume | Change the degraded oil |
| Clean or change the fuel filter | ||
| Reduce Load on the engine | ||
| 5 | Uneven grass cutting | Adjust the deck level |
| Change the dull blades | ||
| Adjust the air pressure and anti-scalp roller | ||
| 6 | Excessive vibration | Clean the deck and pulleys |
| Replace the damaged drive belts and pulleys |
6 Most Common Kubota ZD326 Problems: Causes And Solutions
Now, here are a few common problems of this vehicle, along with their causes and solutions. If you are unfamiliar with the vehicle’s parts and handling, a Kubota ZD326 user manual will help you in this case.
1. Difficulty In Starting
When this problem arises, you will have to give multiple tries to start your mower’s engine. This problem will mainly occur when there is a lack of fuel. Also, aeration or water in the fuel might cause this starting problem.
If the air filter is faulty or clogged with dirt, the carburetor will soon be dirty. Eventually, this will result in the malfunctioning of the engine. Moreover, problems with the spark plug and ignition switch may also cause starting troubles.
Solutions
- Inspect the position of the fuel valve and adjust it
- Refill the fuel tank if the fuel level is low
- Check the condition of the fuel. If it is degraded, bleed the fuel system and fill the tank with suitable, good, quality fuel
- Change the damaged fuel and air filter
- Clean the dirty carburetor
- Change the faulty spark plug and ignition switch
2. Fails To Start In Cold Weather
This problem generally occurs during the winter, when the weather is cold. Generally, at low temperatures, the viscosity of engine oil will increase. As a result, the oil flow will also reduce with the decreasing temperature.
But the oil provides lubrication among the engine compartments and internal parts. Insufficiency of this lubrication will make it difficult for the engine to start. Even if it starts, it will die soon after starting.
Furthermore, cold weather can also damage the battery and spark plug. The damaged battery won’t supply sufficient voltage for the mower’s start. Also, the damaged spark plug will imbalance the ignition system and the starting.
Solutions
- Use low-viscosity oil during winter
- Check the battery, and if damaged, replace it with a new one
- Change the damaged spark plug
- During winter, always pull the battery out of the mower. Then charge it adequately and later keep it indoors. And install it again when you are using the mower
3. PTO Doesn’t Engage Properly
When this problem occurs, you won’t be able to engage the PTO clutch. Sometimes, the PTO may grind but will still refuse to engage. Primarily, the low transmission oil or air pressure level may cause this issue.
This problem may also arise if the clutch doesn’t have enough voltage to operate. Typically, damaged or blown-out fuses of the circuit can also disrupt the electrical supply and cause disengaging PTO.
The PTO clutch pack, clutching shafts, and rings can often get damaged. Due to these, the PTO will become unable to engage even if it grinds.
Solutions
- Ensure the appropriate transmission oil and air pressure level
- Inspect the battery thoroughly; if the voltage is low, charge it properly
- Check if the battery is already dead or not. If dead, remove the old one and install a new battery
- Look for the blown fuses and replace them with new ones
- Replace the damaged PTO clutch shafts, rings, and packs
You can check out this Youtube video to understand this PTO problem and its solutions better.
4. Colored Exhaust Fumes
Generally, colored exhaust fumes indicate issues with the mower’s engine. If you ignore this problem, it may damage your engine for good. Normally, fumes could be of black or blue-white color. Both of these colored fumes will refer to the low-quality fuel in the engine.
Usually, too much fuel will cause excessive combustion and will result in black exhaust fumes. Besides, overload on the engine may also cause this issue.
On the other hand, you will encounter blue-white fumes when the exhaust muffler is dumped with oil. Additionally, faulty and clogged injection nozzles and dirty air filters can be the reason for these blue-white fumes.
Solutions
- Replace the low-quality or degraded fuel with new and appropriate fuel
- Clean the fuel filter and change it if you find it damaged
- Drain the excess oil and set the level to a proper level
- Decrease the load on the engine
- You need to heat the muffler, and you can do it by application of load on the engine
- Change the damaged injector nozzles
5. Uneven Grass Cutting
Malfunctioning or damage to the mower sometimes causes uneven cuts of grass. When the deck is not correctly adjusted, it may cut grass unevenly.
Besides, damaged or dull blades will be unable to cut grass properly. Even if you drive the mower too fast or the tire pressure is low, it can cause an uneven cut.
Moreover, if you don’t adjust the wheel pressure properly, it may dip more into one side of the ground and cut unevenly. Additionally, misalignment of anti-scalp rollers will fail to prevent the slicing of large grass clumps.
Solutions
- Adjust the deck at an appropriate level
- Don’t drive the mower too fast
- Replace the dull or damaged mower blades
- Add air to the tire to maintain the proper tire pressure
- Adjust the anti-scalp rollers correctly
6. Excessive Vibration
Frequently, your ZD326 mower may vibrate a lot more than usual. It usually indicates issues with the drive belt and pulleys. When the drive belt or pulleys get damaged, it cannot be able to supply suitable tension
Also, debris may clog the pulleys and deck, which will eventually be the reason for the mower’s shaking. Besides, when pulleys and blades get out of adjustment and balance, it will also cause excessive vibration. Sometimes, a damaged crankshaft might be responsible.
Solutions
- Clean the debris from the deck and pulleys
- Repair or replace the damaged pulleys and drive belts
- Replace the bent blades
- Align and balance the adjustment of blades and pulleys
- Replace the damaged and worn-out crankshaft
Conclusion
Though the Kubota ZD326 is an excellent choice for mowing operations, it also has several drawbacks. For your better understanding, we have provided a detailed discussion about Kubota ZD326 problems till now.
You should resolve the problems like starting issues, colored exhaust fumes, and excessive vibration soon after detecting them. But a minor issue like uneven cutting isn’t urgent; you can take time to fix them. However, we recommend not letting any problems linger for an extended period.
