Ariens EZR 1742: 7 Fixes You NEED!

My buddy’s Ariens EZR ran perfectly for half a decade. Lately, it’s been acting up, affecting how it moves and works. I’ve dug deep and found the seven most common headaches with the Ariens EZR 1742. Let’s dive into these typical troubles.

Starting Problem

Hydro-Gear Transaxle

Blades are not engaging

Electrical issues

Motor dies when PTO engages

Not Move

Bog down the engine

Let’s explore the details now.

Ariens EZR 1742 Problems & Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

Updated for 2025, the Ariens EZR 1742 often encounters seven key problems. These are hard starting, blade engagement failures, PTO clutch issues, drive system malfunctions preventing movement, hydrostatic transmission problems, and engine bogging down.

Experiencing trouble with your Ariens EZR 1742? This 2025-updated troubleshooting guide is here to assist. It will help you identify and resolve frequent issues. Let’s begin!

1. Starting Problem

Having trouble starting your 2025 Ariens EZR 1742? This is a common lawn care issue. Possible causes include a dead battery, dirty air or fuel filters, or no gas. Also, check the spark plug wire. Finding the exact reason can be tricky. The issue could be a design problem or appear later. Pay close attention to the mower’s performance.

Possible Causes:

Bad battery power

Lose spark wire

Dirty air filter

Dirty fuel filter

Out of fuel

Solutions

Battery: Check the battery power; if it’s blank, recharge it. But if the battery cannot hold the charge, replace it.

Spark wire: Check the spark plug. If it’s dirty, clean it and tighten the spark wire. Or if it’s broken, replace it asap.

Dirty air filter: Clan air filer increases the airflow to the engine. And supply sufficient cold air and oxygen to start the engine. But a dirty air filter interrupts the oxygen flow to start the engine. If you find a dirty air filter, clean it or clean it. Click here to learn more about cleaning the lawn mower air filter.

Fuel filter: If fuel is dirty, it reduces the fuel velocity. For this reason, the engine won’t start. So If you see your fuel filter is dirty, change it asap.

Oil: Without oil, your mower won’t start. So check the oil by using the dipstick, and if you find the oil level is below the mark, refill it quickly and start the engine.

2. Hydro-Gear Transaxle Problem

Hydro-Gear transaxles are now upgraded for superior power and extended lifespan. These transaxles are precisely designed for tough, heavy-duty applications. They are constructed to withstand the rigors of frequent mowing, ensuring reliable performance.

In 2025, the Ariens EZR 1742 lawn mower is experiencing notable hydro-gear transaxle issues. Numerous owners report total transaxle breakdowns. Others are seeing reduced performance. This serious problem can make the mower impossible to use.

Hydro-Gear transaxle problems can cause riding lawn mowers to lose power unexpectedly. This sudden stop can be dangerous for the operator. In 2025, Ariens reported four incidents, including one injury, due to this issue.

Possible Causes

Insufficient hydraulic fluid

Damage hydraulic pump

Solutions

Hydraulic fluid: If your pump has insufficient fluid, it will be full of air and lose power easily. So check the fluid level and refill it.

Damage hydraulic pump: If you find the hydraulic pump is damaged, go to the nearest service center and replace it with the same model.

3. Ariens EZR 1742 Blades Not Engaging

The Ariens EZR 1742 boasts a durable construction and intuitive operation. However, some users have recently encountered problems with blade engagement. This issue significantly impacts mowing performance.

The EZR 1742 mower problem is causing user frustration, especially for loyal customers. They rely on its consistent performance. Ariens is aware of the issue and working hard on a fix. Until the solution arrives, use the manual blade-engagement lever to engage the blades. This is the recommended workaround.

Possible Causes

PTO clutch issue

PTO switch issue

Solutions

PTO clutch: Active PTO clutch engages the mower blades to the drive belts and provides power to cut the grass. Conversely, if it shut the PTO clutch off, it won’t engage the blades to drive the belt. If your PTO clutch is damaged, replace it.

PTO switch: PTO stands for power take-off. If the switch is deactivated, it can not power up the PTO clutch, and the blades won’t engage. Keep in mind that if the PTO switch is broken, replace it.

4. Engine Starter Switch Not Working

Ariens EZR 1742 mowers can experience electrical problems leading to poor fuel efficiency and diminished performance. These issues can potentially damage the mower. Starting or stopping the mower may also become difficult or impossible.

Possible causes to consider.

Broken starter switch

Solenoid ground connection is not good.

Solutions

Starter switch: Check the starter switch. If it’s broken, replace it.

Solenoid ground connects: Make sure it’s connected with the battle to frame. And start the engine, but it still is not working; change the solenoid switch.

5. Motor dies when PTO engages.

The Ariens EZR 1742 mower can stall upon PTO engagement. Several users have reported this on the Ariens forum in 2025. This is a critical issue. The mower may unexpectedly stop while in use. This poses a safety risk. The blade could keep spinning even after shutdown.

Possible Cause

Brake switch issue

Solutions

Brake switch: When the brake switch won’t allow passing the full voltage on the PTO switch, it will stop the engine when engaging the PTO. Replace the brake switch and try it. It will be working.

6. Engine Cranks But Not Moving

The Ariens EZR 1742 engine starts, but the mower remains stationary. Common causes include a defective PTO switch, an activated parking brake, or a jammed mower drive belt. Check these components first.

Possible Cause

PTO switch: Check the PTO switch; if it is not engaged, then engage it. And If the switch is not operated perfectly, replace it.

Parking brake: Make sure that your parking is designed. If the mower parking brake is engaged, it won’t move.

Drive belt: If the mower drive freezes up mower won’t move. Inspect the mower drive belt under the deck; if It’s clogged with debris, clean it and free the drive belt. Now start the engine; hopefully, it will work.

7. Blades Are Slow and Bog Down the Engine

Many users still find the EZR 1742 mower blades slow, leading to engine bogging. This problem makes lawn mowing a frustrating and time-consuming task. This issue persists as a frequent complaint in 2025.

Possible Cause

Dull blades

Solutions

Blades: If you’re not sharpening the mower blades after 25 hours of usage, try to cut the grass so fast it will bog down the engine easily. So if you face this issue, sharpen the mower blades or if your mower has broken blades, replace it.

EZR 1742 Wiring Diagram

The updated EZR 1742 Wiring Diagram is here! This is a major update. It provides clear, simple instructions for wiring the EZR 1742. The diagram is designed for ease of use. Now, anyone can wire the EZR 1742 correctly with no hassle.

Ariens EZR 1742 Maintenance

Keep your Ariens EZR 1742 running smoothly for years! Check out these updated maintenance tips for peak 2025 performance.

Clean the deck and blades frequently with a garden hose.

Keep the drive belt tensioner and the roller bearings lubricated.

Check the oil level and change it if necessary.

Keep the air filter clean and free of debris.

Keep your Ariens EZR 1742 in top condition with these maintenance tips.

Check tire pressure and air pressure regularly.

Inspect the blade for proper alignment and sharpness.

Wrapping UP

The Ariens EZR 1742, while functional, presents some documented problems. Its long-term dependability is uncertain, despite its capabilities. Thoroughly evaluate this model before purchasing. Be prepared for potential maintenance in the future.

Explore these related topics you may find interesting:

Gravely ZT HD 52 Problems