Fix it Yourself

How should I prepare my Bad Boy mower for the off season?

When preparing for the off season or any period of 90 days or more, the most important thing is proper fuel preparation.  Use a fuel stabilizer in your final tank of fuel and drain or run dry.  Choke and repeatedly crank engine until it will not start.  This will lesson the potential for varnish or gum deposits forming in your system. 

Make sure your machine has plenty of antifreeze.  You can get an antifreeze tester at your local hardware store to ensure your machine is ready for the winter. 

Lubricate unit per the operator’s manual.  Operator’s manual

How do I sharpen the blades?

We recommend that sharpening be done by an authorized Bad Boy dealer.

How do I prevent an uneven cutting pattern and increase the quality of cut?

• Check tire pressure     
• Check blade sharpness(replace blades or sharpen at least once per year or when needed)
• Make sure blades are installed and tightened properly
• Check spring and belt tension
• Check the underside of the deck to ensure the mower deck is free of grass build-up and debris
• Make sure your machine is at full throttle
• Vary your mowing pattern each time you cut your grass.
• Monitor your speed.  Mowing to fast could cause grass stems to be uncut.

If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, please contact us.

My mower won’t start.

• Check battery charge and connection
• Check your fuel.  Make sure your fuel is fresh(less than 30 days old) and that there is no water in the tank.
• Make sure your spark plug is in good condition and spark plug wire is attached.  If in doubt, replace it.
• Make sure air filter is clean.  A dirty filter will make it more difficult for the engine to draw air.
• Check all visible wires and connections.
• Check all in-line fuses.
• Review starting procedures  in you operator’s manual

My blades won’t engage.

• Make sure the safety switch is plugged in on the bottom of seat.  Check the underside of the PTO engager to ensure the plug is secure at switch.
• Check for any loose or unplugged wires and connections.

When my arms are in the neutral position my mower still creeps.

Contact an authorized Bad Boy dealer.

What type of oil do I put in the hydrostatic tank, and when does it need to be changed?

We use 20w 50 motor oil for our hydraulic system. 

We recommend that the ZT models be changed the first 50 hours and then every 250 hour interval thereafter. We recommend an oil change for the first 50 hours and then every 500 hour interval on all other machines.