Exmark commercial 30" knocking

[Lawnboy18]

I've got an update for you guys. I took the time to remove the bolt completely and found some metal shavings on it (a very bad sign). So, I used my wire brush on my grinder to clean the threads on the bolt. I then inspected the bolt hole in the motor and I could see that it was worn out. I tried removing some metal shavings with a small flat head screw driver. After the procedures, I was able to screw back the bolt on pretty tight. The motor is now secured down properly to the deck. I am going to run it for a while and see how it turns out. If not, I guess I am going to seek help and rethread the hole (I hope this is possible) or maybe warranty will cover a new motor

 

[gainestruk]

I've got an update for you guys. I took the time to remove the bolt completely and found some metal shavings on it (a very bad sign). So, I used my wire brush on my grinder to clean the threads on the bolt. I then inspected the bolt hole in the motor and I could see that it was worn out. I tried removing some metal shavings with a small flat head screw driver. After the procedures, I was able to screw back the bolt on pretty tight. The motor is now secured down properly to the deck. I am going to run it for a while and see how it turns out. If not, I guess I am going to seek help and rethread the hole (I hope this is possible) or maybe warranty will cover a new motor

Before you go any further or run any more I strongly suggest you take to dealer to check on warranty, if you keep working on it and running it I guarentee they won't cover damage.

FYI if they won't cover new engines come from factory with smooth bore on mounting hole, bolts are self tapping.
You could run a drill bit just big enough to clean up threads then go with a little bigger self tapping bolt, just don't take much off with drill, the thinner the walls it will lower the strength and could snap off.

 

[Lawnboy18]

I will not fix it more until I talk with the dealer.

You've said it, I'm screwed. The warranty won't cover because of the self tapping. Luckilly, I know some very good mechanics at a scrap yard. They can help out.

 

[stownley1]

I feel your pain on the noise. I researched and read reviews on these things for over a year before finally deciding to spend the BIG BUCKS on one. I don't do lawn work for a living, but I'm all about buying things that are well built/made.
That being said, I bought mine in June, used it a total of 12 times, (changed engine oil after 8 times) and a deck bearing starting raising hell on it. I'll also mention that I'm very picky and take very good care of everything I own. (rinse and blow mower off after every use)
I took it back to dealer I purchased it from, they replaced the faulty bearing. Mower was 89 days old at this point. I go to pick it up and the lady at the counter says, "Your total today is 68.25". I said, I just bought this mower in June, she says Oh I'm sorry it's no charge. I suppose if I didn't say anything I would've paid.
Anyway, I took it home, started it up, engaged blades and HOLY HAYELL!!! The blade tensioner is rattling so bad, it sounds like a rod knocking. I will also mention that I've been an auto tech for 25 years and am very capable of working on all types of things. However, I paid 2k for this thing and it has a warranty!!
I took it back, as it obviously was not making this noise before. They adjusted the blade brake cable and attempted to charge my wife $40 when she went to pick it up for me. Needless to say, she/we didn't.
Got home, unloaded it off of truck today, started it back up, engaged blades and low and behold, noise is still there.
I will be making any further repairs myself and will never purchase another exmark product again. I will mention also, I have a Honda 21" bagger that I traded a set of screwdrivers and 100 bucks for, that I've used for 3 seasons without any problems whatsoever.

 

[Lawnboy18]

Seems like you have been unlucky.

That tensioner rattle is something recurrent on these mowers. If you look at it, the tensioner will wobble up and down just enough to hit the frame. It isn't anything bad as I can see. Both my 30" mowers do it and have done it for months doing 75-80 yards/ week. It can help to replace the BBC belt (every 250 hours). I will be doing some looking at that rattling and try different fixes for this. I am thinking a worn out bushing.