7 Most Common Lane Shark Problems and How To Fix Them

Lane Shark brush cutters are reliable energy- and time-saving companions for every homeowner and landscaper.

You can use these cutters to clear the yard, carry heavy loads, and clear roads. However, users have encountered several issues with their Lane Shark brush cutters. The most common Lane Shark problems are excessive vibrations/noise, leaking fluids, overheating, improper cutting, configuration issues, reduced power, and inadequate pump flow.

Does your Lane Shark cutter constantly break down? Follow our troubleshooting guide, and restore your Lane Shark’s functionality.

Excessive Vibrations and Noise

While vibrations are common with brush cutters, excessive vibrations and noise from the brush cutter could indicate an underlying problem. Excessive noise and vibration suggest that different components have worn out while others are not working efficiently.

Wear in the drive belt causes excessive vibration. You must replace the drive belt to eliminate the issue. It’s also possible for excessive noise to come from improperly installed or adjusted blades.

When you’ve not installed the blades correctly, they produce too much noise during operation. You may experience the same problem when the blades are blunt. Therefore, sharpen the blades and adjust them correctly to fix the issue.

You can also minimize the recurrence of excessive noise and vibrations in your brush cutter through regular maintenance and servicing.

Leaking Fluids

Leaking fluids in the Lane Shark brush cutter indicate damaged fuel lines or hydraulic hoses. The first place to check is the fuel lines. Check for wear or damage contributing to the leaking fuel and replace all the damaged parts.

Next, check the hydraulic system for issues. Leaks in the hydraulic system can cause low hydraulic pressure, eventually compromising the loader’s functions and other components.

Check the hydraulic system for damaged hoses or worn-out seals. Replace the damaged components to fix the problem.

Overheating

Lane Shark problems with overheating occur due to several reasons. First, obstructions in or near the fans and air intake valves could prevent cool air from getting in.

It’s advisable to clean the debris to facilitate better airflow. Removing other external obstructions around the Lane Shark should also help with better airflow to the engine.

Overheating could also occur due to poor electrical connectivity. When the power plug is not plugged in correctly, it does not deliver power to the brush cutter, preventing it from cooling effectively.

Using the wrong software might contribute to overheating due to poor communication. Ensure that you use the software corresponding to the type of Lane Shark you own and that they are of the latest version.

Running too much hydraulic fluid through the outlet can cause the hydraulic fluid to overheat, creating issues. You can prevent this problem by controlling the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing at any time.

Consider contacting a Lane Shark dealer if you still experience overheating issues despite troubleshooting.

Improper Cutting

Most owners complain about the reduced effectiveness of the tractor’s cutting blades. This problem could occur due to dull blades. Sharpening them should fix the problem. If the blades are sharp enough but the cutting performance remains poor, check the placement of the cutting blade.

Proper installation of the cutting blade allows for easier and more thorough cutting. Readjusting the blades should help resolve the issue.

While tinkering with the cutting blade adjustments, check for any signs or wear contributing to the reduced performance. It would be best if you replaced any worn-out blades.

Dirt and debris accumulation trapped within the cutting blades can prevent them from functioning as expected. You can prevent and correct this issue by cleaning the brush cutter.

Finally, problems with the clutch, such as damage and malfunctions, also contribute to poor cutting performance. A faulty clutch can prevent the brush cutter from becoming manageable. The best solution is to replace the damaged clutch.

Reduced Power

Reduced power is a sign of Lane Shark Problems with the hydraulic system. Issues such as a defective hydraulic drive motor can cause the engine to lose power during operation. You can fix this Lane Shark  problem by replacing the hydraulic drive motor.

Loose connections in your brush cutter could also contribute to the low power mid-operation. These loose connections can occur in the wiring or the hoses connecting different components.

The solution is to check all connections and fix them as necessary. Some parts, such as hoses, may be damaged; therefore, you must replace them.

Inadequate Pump Flow

Most Lane Shark owners will encounter this problem when using the loader. Inadequate pump flow due to issues with the hydraulic pump makes it hard to lift the loader.

These issues include the inability of the hydraulic pump to generate the required pressure to lift the loader. Some of the causes of inadequate pump flow include:

  • Blockages and restrictions in the filters prevent fluids from reaching the pump. Air in the suction line could also cause the same issue. You must clean or replace the filters and bleed the lines off all air to resolve the problem.
  • A reversed directional control could make the motor turn the pump in the wrong direction. To fix this problem, check the drive motor and directional control system to ensure they are in the right position.
  • Damage to various components, including the pump shafts, seized bearings, or pump-motor coupling, could cause problems with pump flow. When damaged, you may have to replace them or the entire pump.

Configuration Issues

After attaching the Lane Shark brush cutter to your tractor, you may experience poor or no performance due to installation problems. Installing the attachment correctly and on the right tractor size should help prevent the problem.

For example, using the wrong specifications when installing the brush cutter will cause performance problems. The loader arms must match the capacity of the tractor for it to work effectively, as the hydraulic pump won’t work well.

You should also ensure that the pressure settings match the intended function. When not well-aligned, the weight might be too heavy for the hydraulic pump, causing performance problems. Another place to check for configuration issues is the chain link.

It can slip off the track when worn out or out of adjustment, causing performance issues. You can replace the chain Link if worn out or readjust it to the right position.

Preventing Lane Issues

Maintenance is usually the first step in preventing common Lane Shark issues. Clean the brush cutter each time you use it to prevent clogged blades and increase their durability.

Once clean, sharpen the blades to keep them in good condition. When the blades wear out, ensure you replace them.

In addition to maintenance, you can prevent problems by choosing the right specs for your tractor. Lane Shark brush cutters work well with mid-sized compact tractors. You should also check the width of the tractor and the intended brush cutter to ensure you’re choosing a compatible device.

Another thing to check is the required hydraulic pump pressure. Ensure that your tractor can support the brush cutter’s requirements to prevent issues with the loader arm.

Fix Lane Shark Problems As Soon As They Occur

Although the Lane Shark brush cutter is efficient at what it does, it’s prone to a few problems, most of which you can resolve at home or prevent with the proper maintenance regimen. The key is to deal with each issue immediately to prevent bigger, costlier problems.