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%). 14. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. 9.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped. 5. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped.
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.
SAFETY SYMBOLS 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 a 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. 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. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.
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). 2. Position the bumper brackets to the inside of the tractor’s frame and secure it in place with the four hex flange screws (a). See Figure 15. (b) (a) 1 (a) 2 Figure 17 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 • When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to protect against corrosion. • Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosion. NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
ASSEMBLY Adjusting the Seat 2. Remove the hex cap screw and nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post. To adjust the position of the seat, lift the seat adjustment lever up. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is locked into position before operating the tractor. See Figure 23. 3.
OPERATION D1 D2 M L G D E C K P D3 A B H I F N O Q J Figure 25 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) CHANGE OIL The LCD screen will alternate the letters “CHG”, followed by “OIL”, followed by “SOON”, followed by the meter’s accumulated time. “CHG/OIL/SOON/TIME” will alternate on the display for 7 minutes after the meter reaches 50 hours. This oil service minder interval will occur every 50 hours. Before the interval expires, change the engine oil as instructed in the Engine Operator’s Manual.
OPERATION SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM WARNING WARNING Never fill the fuel tank when the engine is running. If the engine is hot from recently running, allow to cool for at least five minutes before refueling. Highly flammable gasoline could splash onto the engine and cause a fire. Do not operate the tractor if the safety interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. N.
OPERATION TURN-KEY IGNITION WITH SEPARATE THROTTLE AND CHOKE CONTROL 1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch. 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. 2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) Switch or PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the OFF position. 3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake. 4. Engage the choke control (if equipped).
OPERATION COLD WEATHER STARTING When starting the engine at temperatures near or below freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as follows: Driving The Tractor WARNING Keep all movement of the Forward and Reverse drive pedals and brake pedal slow and smooth.
OPERATION 3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal. 4. Release pressure from the parking brake/cruise control lever. (c) (d) After completing Step 3, the brake pedal should remain in the down position. If it doesn’t, the parking brake is not engaged. Repeat Steps 1-4 to engage the parking brake. (e) To disengage the parking brake, depress the brake pedal. (b) (a) Setting the Cruise Control WARNING Do not attempt to engage the cruise control lever while traveling in reverse.
OPERATION To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE: 3. To disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), push the PTO (Blade Engage) Switch inward to the disengaged (OFF) position. NOTE: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat. Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage)(Manual PTO tractors) 1. Start the engine as instructed above. 2. Press the REVERSE CAUTION MODE button and hold for 3 seconds. The indicator light will flash for 3 seconds and will stay on when the REVERSE CAUTION MODE is activated. See Figure 28.
OPERATION Using the Differential Lock (If equipped) • Mow up and down slopes, not across. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill. WARNING • Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed. • When the differential lock is on, be sure to allow for a larger turning radius and greater steering effort. • Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is prone to weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
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 Every Each First 5 10 use Hours Hours Check Fuel System (Lines, Tank, Cap, Fittings) Check Spark Arrestor Replace Oil Filter Every 25 Hours P P Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Every 200 Hours 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 One of the best ways to keep your tractor running efficiently and to reduce fire risk is to regularly remove debris buildup from the tractor. Follow the recommendations below and contact your authorized dealer with any questions. • Clean around and near the transmission, axle and the fan area. See Figure 33. • Allow the tractor to cool at least five minutes in an open area before cleaning.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE NOTE: Maintenance, repair or replacement of the emission control devices and systems which are being done at owner’s expense may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer. CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL 7. Replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil as instructed in the Engine Operator’s Manual. 8. Reinstall the oil fill cap/dipstick.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Lubricating Deck Wheels WARNING The wheels on the deck which are spherical shaped (50” and 54” decks have four) are equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease gun per the maintenance schedule. Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Removing the Tractor from Storage 1. Check the engine oil. 2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. See tire side wall for proper tire inflation pressure. 3. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to ensure engine is operating properly. 5. Drive the tractor without a load to make certain all the tractor systems are functioning properly.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Adjusting the Deck Wheels 2. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. WARNING 3. For tractors with a manual PTO continue with Step 4, for electric PTO models skip ahead to Step 8. Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck. 4. Loosen, but do not remove the flange lock nut on the right idler pulley and the hex screw on the left idler pulley.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 10. Carefully remove the belt from around the PTO pulley. Removing the Blades 11. Looking at the deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the bow-tie pin on the rear left side of the deck. See Figure 42. WARNING Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade. 12. Remove the pin and slide the deck pin out of the deck lift arm. See Figure 42.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 5. When the hole in the center of the blade aligns with the tractor blade retainer, carefully lower the blade. See Figure 46. Figure 48 4. Push the blade upward against the blade adapter until the collar above rises. See Figure 44. Figure 46 5. Rotate the blade clockwise to align with the blade adapter. See Figure 49. STANDARD BLADE SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) 1.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE STANDARD BLADE SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) 1. With the deck removed gently flip the deck over to expose its underside. All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present. To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows: 2. Line up the hole in the center of the blade with the s-shaped retainer at the bottom of the spindle assembly and slide the blade into place. 1.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE NOTE: Use a 3⁄8” drive ratchet wrench as instructed in earlier steps when routing the new belt to pivot the drive pulley. 2. The brush guard assembly may now be removed. See Figure 57. 5. Ensure that the belt is routed properly along the idler pulleys and inside the belt keepers and retighten idler pulleys, if loosened earlier. Torque to 256-313 in-lbs (28.9-35.4 N-m). 6. Remount the spindle covers if removed earlier. 7.
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.
