ZD-21 Stopped and Won’t Restart

[Sundancer21]

Gurus,

Bought a new-to-me ZD-21 Kubota zero turn with about 2000 hours. Partly due to familiarity as my BX-2230 has many similar engine, mower, etc. The ZT is in good shape and had just been maintained. After mowing for almost 2 hours, I noticed that the temperature gauge needle that had been in the normal range had dropped below the end mark. Hmmm. Shortly afterwards the machine lost power, sputtered and stopped. All fluid levels are correct, though the engine oil is a bit above the full mark. The control system fuse was blown and has been replaced, but it doesn’t even turn over. When turning the key, the Easy Checker lights come on, but the temperature gauge needle doesn’t move and it should. It does click.

What should I check next? It is currently in the middle of a field about 200 yards from the garage. The manual says not to tow it because damage may result. Is there a way to safely move it back to the garage or at least closer so I can work on it?

Thanx,

Bill

 

[Workerbee]

I’d be looking for a wiring or grounding issue. Is it likely that your temp gauge quitting working was when your fuse blew? If so, check out the wiring downstream of your blown fuse. It could be a bad ground also.
It could also be that your charging system quit working and your battery drained to near zero. But being the blown fuse, Id not think thats as likely.

 

[Dustyx2]

I had something similar happen with my ZD21. Like you was mowing along and it lost power and died. Wouldn't restart acting like the starter didn't have the power to turn the engine over. As it was late and we were leaving on vacation the next morning I picked it up with the loader tractor and deposited it in the shop for later diagnosis. I never found anything wrong with it and blamed it on a safety switch problem. I did not have any blown fuses. Has not happened again. If you don't have means to lift and carry it, maybe you devise a "sled" to put under the rear wheels and drag it. Like Workerbee suggests, work down stream from the fuse looking for a shorted wire or component. I'd look closely at the "Combination Box".

 

[Sundancer21]

I’d be looking for a wiring or grounding issue. Is it likely that your temp gauge quitting working was when your fuse blew? If so, check out the wiring downstream of your blown fuse. It could be a bad ground also.
It could also be that your charging system quit working and your battery drained to near zero. But being the blown fuse, Id not think thats as likely.

Workerbee,

Going out now to trace.

Thanks!

 

[Sundancer21]

I had something similar happen with my ZD21. Like you was mowing along and it lost power and died. Wouldn't restart acting like the starter didn't have the power to turn the engine over. As it was late and we were leaving on vacation the next morning I picked it up with the loader tractor and deposited it in the shop for later diagnosis. I never found anything wrong with it and blamed it on a safety switch problem. I did not have any blown fuses. Has not happened again. If you don't have means to lift and carry it, maybe you devise a "sled" to put under the rear wheels and drag it. Like Workerbee suggests, work down stream from the fuse looking for a shorted wire or component. I'd look closely at the "Combination Box".

Dustyx2,

Working on it now.

Thanks!