On some occasions, a Dixon lawn mower may fail to start. Check to see that the fuel tank is full and the supply is open. The tap for the fuel tank must be in the right position for the mower to start. A clogged fuel line or fuel filter may prevent your mower from starting. Contamination in the fuel line or carburetor may prevent the mower from starting. If there are no fuel issues, check to see if the blade lever is properly engaged and that the steering controls are not in the neutral position. Verify that the parking brake has not been activated and test the battery to see if it is still good.
During periods of heavy use, a Dixon lawn mower may overheat, causing smoke to radiate from beneath its hood. Examine the air intake and cooling fins to see if they are obstructed and remove any debris. Poor ventilation around the engine can also cause overheating, so check whether the ventilation valve has become clogged. The combustion chamber should be cleaned every 300 hours of use to ensure that soot does not collect inside and overheat the engine. Refill the mower with oil before long mowing periods because a lack of oil may also cause it to overheat. A defective engine speed regulator or worn spark plug may contribute to overheating as well, so have your mower serviced if you suspect a problem.
During operation, you may observe that your Dixon mower moves slowly or unevenly. Accidentally leaving the parking brake or hydraulic pump bypass linkage engaged may cause the mower to move sluggishly; disengaging these controls typically solves the problem. If both the parking brake and hydraulic pump bypass linkage are disengaged, check that the transmission's drive belt has not become slack or come loose. A defective hydraulic system or air in the hydraulic system can cause the mower to move slowly. Consult a service technician if you suspect a problem with the hydraulic system.
If your Dixon mower cuts your lawn unevenly, it could be caused by different tire pressure on the right and left sides of the mower. Examine the mower's blades to make sure they are not dull or bent, and check that the mower deck's suspension is even. Clean the mower deck regularly so grass does not collect beneath it and affect your mowing.