13 Common Hustler Mower Problems (Troubleshoot)

You can minimize issues developing in your Hustler zero turn by performing routine service checks and maintenance.

This includes replacing filters, spark plugs, hydraulic oil, and engine oil along with cleaning the mower and inspecting for component failures or leaks.

These checks can help prevent problems and identify small issues before they become large ones. I’ve put together troubleshooting tables along with links to detailed information for many common Hustler problems.

Several times a season, you should scrape the deck and lubricate the required components like the spindles and castor wheels.

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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

Common Hustler Mower Problems & Solutions

1. Mower Won’t Start

A Hustler zero-turn or walk-behind mower can have trouble starting when it isn’t getting the spark, fuel, and air required to form combustion in the cylinder.

You’ll need to look for items that can cause an air restriction like a stuck choke or plugged air filter. You’ll also need to check for a fuel restriction due to a fuel component failure or a clogged fuel line or fuel filter.

Other problems that may affect starting are a bad spark plug, bad wiring, bad battery, and loose cables.

Detailed information can be found at:
14 Reasons Your Hustler Lawn Mower Won’t Start

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
No gas in the fuel tank	Fuel tank is empty	Fill with fresh fuel
Bad or old fuel	Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system	Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system. Use the right fuel.
Faulty or clogged fuel cap	The vent in the cap can get clogged causing the fuel tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow	Replace a clogged fuel tank cap.
Bad spark plug	Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly	Replace with a new spark plug, secure connections, and ensure it is gapped to manufacturer specifications
Plugged air filter	Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow	Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition.
Plugged fuel filter	A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow	Replace the fuel filter
Bad fuel pump	A failed or leaking fuel pump will no longer create the pressure needed to pump fuel	Replace the fuel pump
Blocked fuel lines	Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel	Use a carb cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Replace the line if necessary.
Dirty carburetor	The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow	Clean the components making up the carburetor. Replace if needed.
Bad battery or loose & dirty terminals	A dead battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals can cause starting problems	Charge your battery and replace it if it won’t hold a charge. Make sure your cables are tight and clean the corrosion from terminals.
Bad safety switch	Safety switches are a safety measure that exists to prevent your mower from starting in certain situations. When a switch fails, your mower may not start.	Test and replace faulty safety switch
Bad ignition switch or coil	Your mower will not start when either the ignition switch or coil is bad	Test and replace a bad switch

2. Mower Starts Then Dies

Another frustrating issue to have is when your mower dies after it’s been running. Most of the problems that will prevent a lawn mower from starting can also be the reasons a Hustler may quit running.

In addition to checking the fuel, air, and spark problems addressed earlier, look for a faulty ignition coil; an incorrect engine oil level; dirty or broke cooling fins; or a clogged mower deck.

Detailed information can be found at:
Hustler Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies: SOLVED!

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Bad fuel	Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and engine damage	Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system
Plugged air filter	Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow	Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition.
Dirty or broken cooling fins	Cooling fins get packed with dirt, oil, and grass not allowing air to effectively cool the engine block	Replace broken fins and clean the cooling fins.
Clogged fuel lines or filter	Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel	Use a carburetor cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Replace a plugged fuel filter.
Dirty carburetor	The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow	Clean all components making up the carburetor. Replace if needed.
Too Much or Too Little Engine Oil	Too much engine oil increases pressure in the crankcase causing it to overheat and die. Too little oil doesn’t provide the lubrication parts needed causing it to overheat and shut down.	Correct your engine oil. Contact a small engine mechanic when this doesn’t correct your problem. You may have developed a significant engine problem.
Bad Spark Plug	A dirty or damaged spark plug causes the plug to foul out and cause intermittent running issues.	Clean or replace spark plugs if needed. Ensure spark plug wires are securely attached and the plug is gapped correctly.
Faulty Ignition Coil	Windings on the coil can separate and short out on a bad ignition coil	Check for a break in the continuity using an ohm meter and replace is found bad
Choke is in the Wrong Position	A choke is used for cold starts. The choke can cause your engine to shut off when it continues to restrict airflow after the engine warms.	Make sure the choke is in the correct position.
Bad Fuel Tank Vent	Gas tanks require vents for air to pass through. When the vents get plugged, the fuel tank will cause fuel restrictions.	Replace a fuel tank vent that no longer vents.
Clogged Mower Deck	A clogged mower deck causes a strain on the engine causing it to work hard and possibly shut down	Periodically scrape your mower deck to keep it clean

3. Mower is Smoking

When your Hustler starts blowing white, black, or blue smoke you’re going to need to identify and repair the problem before it develops into a bigger one.

First off, stop running the mower. Allow the mower to cool before working on it. A few things to look for are a plugged air filter, too much oil in the crankcase, or a leaking engine gasket.

If you find one of these issues, you need to repair it. When these items are caught and repaired soon enough, you shouldn’t have significant engine problems.

Other more serious items to look for are a low engine oil level or internal engine problems. These are more problems that may require a small engine mechanic to perform tests to accurately diagnose and perform necessary repairs.

Detailed information can be found at:
This is Why a Hustler Lawn Mower is Smoking (Black, Blue & White)

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Plugged air filter	Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow	Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition.
Too much oil in the crankcase	Excessive oil can cause pressure to build in the engine allowing oil to get into the cylinder through the valve train	Drain a little engine oil until it is at the manufacturer’s recommended oil level.
Engine oil level is too low	Lack of oil can increase friction in your engine causing extreme heat.	Bring to a small engine repair shop to inspect engine damage. You can try adding oil, but it is often too late to have this fix your engine problem.
Internal problems including the piston ring, valve train, or engine gasket	Internal engine problems can have a detrimental effect on your mower if they are not caught soon enough and fixed.	Bring your Hustler mower to your local small engine repair shop or Hustler dealer for troubleshooting

4. Mower Has a Weak Hydrostatic Transmission 

A hydrostatic transmission on a Hustler lawn mower can feel weak from the use of a bad hydraulic belt or pulley. Old hydraulic oil or not having enough oil in the hydraulic tank can also result in a lack of power from the transmission.

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Bad drive belt	A bad drive belt can cause your pump not to work efficiently	Replace a frayed, cracked, or worn belt
Bad tensioner pulley	When a tensioner pulley fails, it fails to keep tension on the drive belt	Replace the pulley and grease the tensioner arm
Low or old hydraulic oil	Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak	Change your hydraulic oil at regular intervals as recommended by Hustler. Check your hydraulic oil periodically to ensure your hydraulic fluid is full.

5. Mower Won’t Drive Straight or Steer Correctly

Several items can affect your Hustler mower’s steering including incorrect tire pressures and worn steering dampers. It is good to check the tracking on your mower.

When the unit is not tracked correctly, your mower can veer off to one side and not drive straight.

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Incorrect tire pressure	Unequal tire pressure can cause your mower to pull to one side.	Check tire pressures and keep them filled to the manufacturer’s spec. Tires on each side of your mower require equal pressure.
Bad dampers on zero turn	Bad dampers will cause your mower to jerk to one side when moving forward	Replace with a new damper
Tracking adjustment needed on zero turn	When one tire is moving faster than the other, your mower can pull to one side	Adjust the speed adjustment bolt to change the rotation speed of the tire. Refer to your owner’s manual.

6. Mower Won’t Move

Before you check anything on your Hustler mower, first check to drive bypass valves are not the cause of your moving problem. These are valves located at the rear of your mower that disengages the hydros so you can manually push the mower.

When these valves are bypassed, the mower will free-roll, but will not drive. Make sure the bypass valves are in the operating position.

Once you confirm the bypass valves are not the problem, check for a bad drive belt, broken tensioner spring, or worn tensioner pulley.

A problem in your hydraulic system where the fluid is hot, at a low level, or air is caught in the system can cause your mower to move slowly or not move at all.

Detailed information can be found at:
Hustler Zero Turn Mower Won’t Move or Go Forward

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Drive release lever in the wrong position	The drive-release arms allow hydrostatic mowers to roll freely	The drive-release arms must be in the operating position.
Drive pump belt is worn	The mower won’t move if your drive belt has fallen off. It could also not move if the belt is worn.	Replace a worn or cracked belt. Make sure the belt is securely around the pulleys.
Bad tensioner pulley	The bearing in the tensioner pulley can fail	Replace the tensioner pulley
Missing idler arm spring	If the idler arm spring breaks or goes missing, it can no longer place tension on the drive belt	Replace the broken or missing spring
Low or old hydraulic oil	Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak	Change your hydraulic oil at regular intervals as recommended by Hustler. Check your hydraulic oil periodically to ensure your hydraulic fluid is full.
Hot hydraulic fluid	Hot hydraulic fluid can be a sign of damage to your hydrostatic transmission system	Let your hydraulic oil cool. If you find your mower runs fine when it is cold, but becomes weak when the hydraulic system gets hot, have your mower checked at your local Hustler dealership.
Air in the hydraulic system	Air must be bled from the hydraulic system after changing your hydraulic fluid or the mower will not be able to move at normal speeds	Follow the procedures for changing the hydraulic fluid and bleeding air from the system as outlined in your Hustler operator’s manual.

7. Mower is Vibrating and Shaking

A Hustler mower may begin vibrating when hardware has become loose, debris has lodged itself in the mower, the ball bearing in the clutch has failed, or bearings in the pulleys have worn.

Check the mower over carefully to make sure all parts are in good condition and properly installed. Remove any foreign material and keep the mower deck clean and free of debris.

Detailed information can be found at:
Your Hustler Mower Shakes & Vibrates (Fix It Now!)

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Loose or missing engine mounting bolts	Engine bolts are used to reduce the vibration of the mower when the engine is running	Secure engine bolts and replace any missing bolts
Clutch is bad	When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration.	Replace the clutch
Unbalanced or damaged mower blades	Damaged and unbalanced blades can send a vibration through your mower. Blades must be balanced before installing	Replace any damaged blades and make sure they are balanced.
Material wrapped around the blade spindle	Foreign materials like string or long weeds can get wrapped around your blade shaft causing vibration	Remove all debris and items wrapped around the blade shaft. Check for spindle damage.
Bad spindle housing bearings	Vibration can be caused by a bad bearing in the spindle housing.	Replace the bearing in the spindle housing or replace the whole spindle housing assembly
Worn pulleys or deck belt	Check deck belt and pulleys for wearing of the belt and bearing failure in the pulleys	Replace any damaged or worn belts and pulleys
Debris lodged in mower	The smallest little things can cause your Hustler to vibrate excessively. Check over your mower for debris stuck in the deck or mower. Don’t overlook the small stuff.	Check over your mower deck and mower for any place small items can be stuck in your mower. Remove these foreign materials.

8. Mower Has a Bad or Uneven Cut

One of the main reasons you invested in your Hustler mower is for its nice cut. It’s disappointing when the mower begins to fail to give you the cut you expect.

To narrow down the cause of your bad or uneven cut, first, start by checking the tire pressures. Something as simple as a low tire will give you a bad cut because the deck will no longer sit level.

Once you have ruled out the tire pressures being wrong, you’ll need to look at your deck. The mower blades; deck belt; spindle; spindle or pulley bearings; or deck shell all affect your mower’s cut quality.

Detailed information can be found at:
Your Hustler Lawn Mower Gives an Uneven and Bad Cut

Worn mower blade	Uneven tire pressures	Engine speed is too low
Bent mower blade	Unleveled mower deck	Ground speed is too fast
Blade installed wrong	Bent blade spindle or spindle bearing	Damaged deck shell
Clogged Mower Deck	Worn deck pulleys or belt	Operator error

9. Mower is Leaking Gas

Oftentimes, you notice you have a fuel leak when you see a small puddle on the ground. Other times you will only smell a strong gas odor in the air because the leaked gas has evaporated leaving no other signs behind.

A fuel leak from your Hustler mower may come from the carburetor due to a failed gasket or stuck float. It can also leak from a fuel filter, fuel shut-off valve, gas cap, fuel lines, or fuel pump.

Detailed information can be found at:
7 Places Your Hustler Lawn Mower May Be Leaking Gas

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Dirty of Failed Carburetor	The carburetor can collect a buildup of substances remaining from old gas that can cause blockages or parts failures resulting in a leak	Clean the carburetor and replace any damaged parts
Old Fuel Filter	The filter can become soft and degrade from old fuel	Replace fuel filter
Bad Fuel Pump	The pump can wear and deteriorate over time and may begin leaking at the seams	Replace the fuel pump
Bad Fuel Tank Seams	A poly tank can leak at the seams of the tank	Replace the fuel tank.
Bad Fuel Shut-Off Valve	Shut-off valves are prone to leaking with time	Replace the shut-off valve
Cracked or Punctures Fuel Lines	Rubber fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak. They can also be punctured by a foreign object or the clamps used on the lines.	Replace the fuel lines
Bad Seal in the Gas Cap	The gas cap seal can fail and no longer seal allowing gas to splash out of the fuel tank around the gas cap	Replace the gas cap

10. Zero Turn Clicks & Won’t Turn Over

A Hustler zero-turn that just clicks or hums and won’t start may have a bad starter solenoid. In addition to checking the solenoid, look for items that can affect power getting to the solenoid.

These include the battery, cables, terminals, and ground. When the fault doesn’t lie with any of these items, check the starter motor.

For More Information Check Out:
Hustler Zero Turn Clicks & Won’t Turn Over

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Damaged or loose battery cables & wiring	Loose wires and cables provide poor continuity.	Replace damaged cables. Remove any corrosion on the terminals or other components. Secure loose cables.
Weak or bad battery	Won’t provide the power needed to turn over the engine.	Test the battery and place it on a charger if the reading is less than 12.7 volts for a 12-volt battery. Replace the battery when it won’t hold a charge.
Bad ground	The ground wire absorbs excess power.	Remove corrosion from the ground. Make sure the ground cable from the battery and ground cable from the starter solenoid is making good contact. (A 3-post solenoid is self-grounded)
Faulty starter solenoid	The starter solenoid actuates the starter motor.	Test the starter solenoid and replace it if faulty.
Bad starter motor	The starter motor turns over the engine.	Replace a bad starter motor.

11. Blades Won’t Engage or Turn On

The mower blades won’t engage on a Hustler zero turn when the PTO switch is faulty, the battery is weak, a safety switch failed or the clutch is bad.

The blades won’t turn when the belt is worn or has fallen off the pulleys due to a stretched belt, bad pulley bearing, or worn tensioner parts.

For More Information Check Out:
Hustler Lawn Mower Blades Won’t Engage or Turn On

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Worn mower deck belt	The worn belt won’t grip the pulleys to turn them to rotate the blades.	Replace a belt that is worn, cracked, or has a shiny glazed appearance.
Belt falls off the pulleys	Without a drive belt, the pulleys can’t turn to rotate the blades.	Replace worn or damaged deck parts including a worn idler arm, worn spring or bad pulleys. Replace a stretch mower deck belt.
Bad PTO switch	A failed switch won’t allow voltage from the battery to engage the clutch.	Replace the PTO switch.
Bad clutch	The clutch transfers power from the engine to the blades by engaging the drive belt.	Replace the clutch. On a manual engagement clutch, replace a worn clutch cable, lever, springs, and linkages.
Weak battery	The clutch is powered by the battery.	Test the battery and place it on a charger if the reading is less than 12.7 volts for a 12-volt battery. Replace the battery when it won’t hold a charge.
Bad safety switch	A bad switch may not allow the operator to engage the blades when the seat switch fails to recognize the operator in the seat.	Replace the safety switch
Blown fuse	A fuse may have blown to protect the electrical system.	Replace the fuse with a fuse with the same amperage. If it continues to blow, have a mechanic identify the root cause of the problem.

12. Running Rough and Sputters

When you find your Hustler zero-turn is running rough and bogs down, look for items that can restrict fuel flow or airflow or can cause an intermittent spark.

You’ll also need to look at items that can put extra load on the engine like a fast ground speed, plugged mower deck, and dull mower blades.

Not having your throttle at its fastest speed can also cause the engine to run sluggishly when the blades are engaged.

For More Information Check Out:
Hustler Mower is Running Rough or Sputtering

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Old fuel	Old fuel buildup and varnish restrict fuel flow.	Drain old fuel. Refill with a gas and fuel stabilizer mixture.
Clogged fuel line	Old fuel deposits can stick to the fuel line narrowing the passageway through the fuel line.	Remove a clogged fuel line and remove the clog using carburetor cleaner and compressed air. Install a new fuel line when the clog can’t be removed.
Plugged fuel filter	A dirty fuel filter may keep a good flow of fuel from passing through it.	Replace the fuel filter.
Dirty carburetor	Varnish buildup can clog passageways.	Remove the carburetor to clean it. Rebuild or replace it if needed.
Bad gas cap	When the fuel tank vent in the gas cap is clogged, the fuel tank may form a vacuum reducing fuel flow.	Replace a gas cap that no longer allows the fuel tank to vent.
Dirty spark plug	Carbon buildup on a spark plug can cause intermittent starting issues.	Clean a dirty plug using a wire brush. Install a new one if it is very dark in color, worn, or damaged.
Fast ground speed	Trying to cut more grass at one time than the engine can handle can cause the engine to work harder.	Slow down the ground speed to match the mowing conditions. Slow down when mowing tall, thick, or wet grass so the engine isn’t under too much load.
Low engine speed	Running the mower blades requires a lot of engine power.	Place the throttle lever in its highest position when engaging the mower blades.
Plugged mower deck	The engine may be placed underload when it needs to work harder to turn the blades through a deck packed with grass clippings and debris.	Scrape the mower deck to keep it clean.
Dull mower blades	Dull blades further magnify the problem of overworking the engine due to a plugged mower deck.	Sharpen the mower blades.

13. Mower Engine Overheats

Engine oil plays an important part in keeping the engine cool on a Hustler mower. Use an air-cooled engine oil of the right viscosity that is high in zinc. Keep the engine oil level full.

Check for items that can block airflow around the engine including the cooling fins, engine shroud, and engine guard.

Inspect the air filter, mower deck, and mower blade condition.

For More Information Check Out:
Hustler Zero Turn Mower Engine Overheats

Potential Cause		Solution
Wrong engine oil	A Hustler mower requires an air-cooled engine oil with a high zinc content used as a cooling agent. Use oil that works best for running a mower in your outdoor temperature ranges.	Drain the engine oil and fill it with fresh oil. Use a SAE30 or 10W-30 oil in most conditions. You may have to use a different viscosity in very warm conditions.
Low engine oil level	Low oil reduces lubrication causing internal engine friction and heat.	Drain the fuel tank. Refill with a fresh gas with an additive to clean the fuel system and stabilize the fuel.
Plugged engine cooling fins	Engine cooling fins are used to push air around the cylinder heads and engine block to keep it cool.	Remove the carburetor and clean it to remove deposits that m
MIssing engine guard	The engine guard help keep air circulating around the engine instead of allowing the air to escape the area.	Replace a missing engine guard. Securely attach a loose guard.
Plugged air filter	The engine works harder when it is searching for clean air.	Replace a dirty air filter.
Plugged mower deck	The engine works harder to turn blades through a deck packed with grass clippings.	Scrape the mower deck to remove grass clippings and debris.
Dull mower blades	Dull blades magnify the problem of a plugged mower deck.	Sharpen dull mower blades. Replace worn blades.
Overworking the engine	Operating the mower at too fast of a speed for the mowing conditions can cause the engine to overload and overheat.	Slow down the ground speed to match the mowing conditions. Avoid cutting wet grass. Double or triple-cut an overgrown lawn.