Safe Operation Practices • Assembly • Operation • Service And Maintenance Operator’s Manual Front Engine Lawn Tractor English.......................................................................................................................................Page 1 Spanish (Español).....................................................................................................................Page 36 French (Français)....................................................................................
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING! DANGER This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 7. Never leave a running tractor unattended. Always turn off blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the key before dismounting. 3. Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe tractor operation. Children who have been given rides in the past could suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the tractor. 8.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 8. Use extra care while operating tractor with grass catcher or other attachment(s). They can affect the stability of the tractor. Do not use grass catcher on slopes greater than 10° (17%). 8. To reduce fire hazards, keep tractor free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Follow the cleaning instructions in the Service and Maintenance section. 9. Your tractor is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10” (25 cm).
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES SERVICE 1. Keep machine in good working order. Do not use the tractor until worn or damaged parts are replaced. 12. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s), and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the tractor for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating. 2. To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES SAFETY SYMBOLS This page depicts and describes safety symbols that MAY APPEAR on this product. Symbol Description WARNING – READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL Read, understand, and follow all the safety rules and instructions in the manual(s) and on the tractor before attempting to operate this tractor. Failure to comply with this information may result in personal injury or death. Keep this manual in a safe location for future and regular reference.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES Symbol Description WARNING – AVOID FIRES Your tractor is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10” (25 cm). Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Allow tractor to cool at least five minutes before fueling or storing inside an enclosed garage or storage shed. >10in (25cm) WARNING – AVOID AMPUTATION INJURY Do not put hands or feet near or under the cutting deck.
ASSEMBLY NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all tractor models and the tractor depicted may differ from yours. NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side and front or back of the tractor are from the operating position only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified. Preparation MANUALLY MOVING THE TRACTOR 1.
ASSEMBLY INSTALLING THE HOOD COLLAR (IF NECESSARY) There are three (3) alignment posts (a) on the hood collar (b) that line up with corresponding alignment holes (c) in the hood (d). See Figure 5. (c) 3. Once the hood topper is in place, the two locking tabs near the rear of the hood need to be pushed upward to lock the hood topper in place. See Figure 8.
ASSEMBLY 2. With the rear tabs installed, insert the front tabs (a) on the plenum (b) as shown in Figure 11. NOTE: Be sure to press on the lower part of the dash cap (a) facing the operator position to ensure the lower tabs on the dash cap are in place. See Figure 13. INSTALLING THE STEERING WHEEL (IF NECESSARY) The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap.
ASSEMBLY The hardware for attaching the front bumper is shipped installed into the bumper. 1. Remove the four hex screws (a) from the bumper (b). See Figure 15. 2. Position the bumper brackets to the inside of the tractor’s frame and secure it in place with the four hex screws (a). See Figure 15. 1 (b) 2 Figure 17 (a) (a) LOWER DECK DISCHARGE CHUTE DEFLECTOR WARNING Never operate the mower deck without the chute deflector installed and in the down position.
ASSEMBLY For 42”/50”/54” deck models: 1. Check the tractor deck for a shipping brace that may be holding the chute deflector upward for shipment. If the brace is present, it must be removed before operating the tractor. Holding the chute deflector fully upward, remove the shipping brace. Lower the chute deflector and discard the shipping brace. See Figure 19. (c) (a) (d) (d) (c) (b) Figure 20 c. Place the deck lift lever in the desired mowing height setting. d.
ASSEMBLY CAUTION (c) (a) (e) When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. (b) NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–). (c) (a) (d) (f) (b) CONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLES (g) WARNING Always connect the positive lead to the battery before connecting the negative lead.
ASSEMBLY BATTERY REMOVAL Models with AGM Battery WARNING • Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. An AGM battery charger should be used. Recommended charge rate is 1.1A/14.8V. IMPORTANT! Do NOT use an automotive charger. • The battery is located beneath the seat frame. To remove the battery: 1. Remove the hex screw and square nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG (-)).
OPERATION D1 D2 M L G D E C K P D3 A B H I F N O Q J Figure 24 D. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER, THROTTLE CONTROL, OR ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR CONTROL NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all tractor models and the tractor depicted may differ from yours. 1. Throttle/Choke Control Lever (If equipped) - Push the throttle/choke control lever forward to increase the engine speed.
OPERATION 3. Electronic Governor Control (If equipped) - When set in a given position, a uniform engine speed will be maintained. The electronic governor control has various inputs for maintaining engine speed. Use CUT setting for optimal cutting performance in normal cutting conditions. Use POWER CUT setting for optimal cutting performance in heavy cutting conditions.
OPERATION I. PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER (MANUAL PTO) LOW OIL NOTE: The low oil pressure function only works if the engine is equipped with an oil pressure switch. Activating the PTO (Blade Engage) Lever engages power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. See Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) (Manual PTO tractors) section for information and instructions on using the PTO.
OPERATION P. DIFFERENTIAL LOCK PEDAL (IF EQUIPPED) • The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) Switch or PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the ENGAGED (ON) position, regardless of whether the park brake is engaged.
OPERATION CAUTION Do not hold the key in the START position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter. Turn-Key Ignition with Electronic Governor Control 1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch. 2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) Switch or PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the OFF position. 7. As the engine warms up, disengage the choke control. Do not use the choke control to enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the engine. 3.
OPERATION USING JUMPER CABLES TO START ENGINE WARNING (a) Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. Make certain the area is well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery. (b) If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows: 1.
OPERATION 2. Press down on the park brake/cruise control lever and hold it in that position. 4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the engaged (ON) position. 3. Remove your foot from the forward drive pedal. 5. Always look down and behind before and while backing up slowly to make sure no children are around. After resuming forward motion, return key to the NORMAL MOWING (a) position to return to normal mowing operation.
OPERATION 4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the engaged (ON) position. NOTE: When operating the tractor be certain that the throttle is always in the FAST position. Operating with the throttle at less than full throttle may lead to premature battery wear and a poor quality cut. 5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around.
OPERATION • Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush. • Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. • When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before turning. A three point turn is recommended. • Align the tractor with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3” (7.6 cm). • Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Follow the Maintenance Schedule given below. This chart describes service guidelines only. WARNING Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Allow the engine to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Before After Each First 5 Use Hours Check Fuel System (Lines, Tank, Cap, Fittings) Check Spark Arrestor Replace Oil Filter Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours P P Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Every See Engine Prior to 200 Operator’s Storing Hours Manual P P P P P Clean or Change Air Filter Replace Fuel Filter Have Valve Lash Checked & Adjusted * * -- Have this item performed by an authorized service dealer.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE NOTE: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended for cleaning your tractor other than to clean the underside of the deck. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability. • Debris can accumulate anywhere on the tractor, especially on horizontal surfaces. Additional cleaning may be necessary when mowing in dry conditions or when mulching.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE To complete an oil change, proceed as follows: Lubrication 1. Run the engine for a short time to warm the engine oil. The oil will flow more freely and carry away more impurities. Use care to avoid burns from hot oil. WARNING Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set park brake, stop engine, and remove key to prevent unintended starting. 2. Open the tractor’s hood and locate the oil drain port on the side of the engine. 3.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Spark Arrestor Maintenance (If equipped) • Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems. Spark arrestor assemblies must be inspected and cleaned periodically (see the Maintenance Schedule chart in this manual). Visually inspect the screen for tears, broken wires or loose welds. Replace the spark arrestor assembly if any of these conditions exist. If the screen is in good condition, clean the screen by brushing away loose dirt or carbon particles.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE LEVELING THE DECK (SIDE-TO-SIDE) 1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the middle position and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor. 2. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they are not, proceed to the next step. 4.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE PARK BRAKE ADJUSTMENT If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels can roll with the park brake applied (and the hydrostatic relief valve open), the brake is in need of adjustment. See your authorized service dealer to have the brake adjusted.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Figure 44 Figure 42 15. Move the deck lift lever into the top notch to raise the deck lift up and out of the way. 16. Gently slide the deck out from underneath the tractor. 5. When the hole in the center of the blade aligns with the tractor blade retainer, carefully lower the blade. See Figure 45. Removing the Blades WARNING Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE STANDARD BLADE SYSTEM WITH S-BLADES (IF EQUIPPED) 1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside. 2. Use a 15/16” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly when loosening the hex nut (a) and washer (d)* securing the blade (b).
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 2. When re-installing blades, be sure of the following (see Figure 47 on page 32): a. Blades (b) are installed so that wings are pointing upward toward the top of the deck. b. Washer (d)* is placed between bottom of blade (b) and hex nut (a). IMPORTANT! Align “S” shaped cutout with matching “S” shape on spindle for secure fit. 3. Tighten hex nuts (a) to 70-90 ft-lbs (95-122 N-m). 4. Re-install the deck (refer to Deck Installation in this section). 2.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Removing the Brush Guard (If equipped) 7. Re-install the deck making sure the belt remains routed around the pulleys as instructed. WARNING 8. On manual PTO units, re-install the engine pulley keeper rod and the PTO cable. The exhaust system and surrounding areas are HOT. To avoid personal injury, allow the tractor to cool before beginning any brush guard installation or removal procedures. 9.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Troubleshooting WARNING Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs. THIS SECTION ADDRESSES MINOR SERVICE ISSUES.
