My brand new SCAG Cheetah II failed at 1.9hours! I'm so frustrated...

Summary

In this video, the creator shares a frustrating experience with a brand-new Skag Cheetah 2 lawnmower, which broke down after only 1.9 hours of use. Despite having done research and investing in a high-quality machine, the mower's spindle failed unexpectedly. The creator discusses the troubleshooting steps taken, including consulting experts and reaching out to the dealership. They express disappointment in the early malfunction, highlighting the value of the equipment and their hope that the issue will be resolved under warranty. The video reflects on the challenges of equipment failure and customer service.

Takeaways

• 😀 The user is excited about their new Skag Cheetah 2 mower with a 38-horsepower Kawasaki engine.
• 😀 After only 1.9 hours of use, the mower experienced a significant failure, likely a spindle issue.
• 😀 The mower was functioning properly for the first 10 seconds of use before it broke down.
• 😀 The user checked for debris or issues under the mower but found nothing initially to explain the malfunction.
• 😀 Upon inspection, the user found a loose blade bolt and a misaligned belt, which was reset, but the issue persisted.
• 😀 The failure seems to be due to a seized spindle, with the user concerned about the high cost of repairs, approximately $213 per spindle.
• 😀 The dealer, Ewald Kubota, offered to repair the mower under warranty but required the user to transport it or pay for technician service.
• 😀 The user expressed frustration over having to transport a nearly new mower, particularly because it had only 1.9 hours of use.
• 😀 Despite the issue, the user has faith that Ewald Kubota will provide a resolution, with the possibility of a quick repair.
• 😀 The video ends with a call for feedback from viewers, particularly those with experience in lawn equipment repairs, and encourages subscriptions.

Q & A

What is the primary issue discussed in the video?

The primary issue is a malfunction with the Skag Cheetah 2 lawnmower, which broke down after only 1.9 hours of use, with a suspected spindle failure.

How did the lawnmower behave when the problem occurred?

When the issue occurred, after engaging the PTO (Power Take Off), the mower ran for about 10 seconds before making a loud bang, shaking violently for a few seconds, and then stalling.

What did the user initially suspect caused the mower's malfunction?

The user initially suspected that something might have gotten sucked into the mower or possibly a twig might have caused the issue, but found no debris.

What did the user discover when inspecting the mower's components?

Upon inspection, the user found that the top bolt holding one of the blades was extremely loose, and the main deck drive belt had slipped off its proper position. The user also discovered that one of the spindles was seized and could not move.

What was the condition of the mower before the failure?

Before the failure, the mower was functioning well and had only been used for a couple of mowing sessions with no previous issues, with 1.9 hours of operation.

How did the dealer respond to the problem with the mower?

The dealer, Ewald Kubota, initially offered to either have the user bring the mower in for repairs or pay for a technician to come out. However, after further discussion, they agreed to pick up the mower for repair, acknowledging that the mower was very new and should not have experienced such a failure.

What was the user's reaction to the situation?

The user was very frustrated by the failure, especially given that the mower was brand new with only 1.9 hours of use. They felt disappointed by the situation and expressed concerns about the reliability of the product.

What was mentioned about the maintenance of the mower before the issue?

The user mentioned that the dealer had properly lubricated the mower before delivery, ensuring all the zerks were greased and the spindles were well-lubricated, which should have prevented issues related to improper maintenance.

Did the user consider the possibility of a cheaper mower working better?

Yes, the user considered that they might have been able to buy a cheaper John Deere mower that would have functioned without issues. However, they acknowledged that some other users with cheaper John Deere mowers had not experienced similar problems.

What other minor issue did the user experience with the mower?

The user also faced an issue with the ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System), where one of the pins was installed too tightly and had to be removed with difficulty. The user eventually resolved this by removing the pin and fixing it, though the pin was costly to replace.