OPERATORS MANUAL
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY The Dixon ZTR@ Mower is both easy and fun to operate. However, any power mower must be operated properly to be safe. It is not a toy or a recreational vehicle. Before you start to use the mower, read the operator's manual carefully, and become completely familiar with the controls. The information in this operator's manual applies to your Di xon® ZTR® Model ZTR 1001 Mower. Your Dixon dealer will gladly provide operating instructions and answer any questions.
INDEX SAFETY.................................................................Pages WARRANTY POLICY ............................................ Page SPECIFICATIONS ................................................. Page CONTROLS...........................................................Pages OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS .............................. Pages CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................Pages STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST...................... Page TROUBLESHOOTING.............................
SAFETY LA WNMOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED, CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH The most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander...
SAFETY SAFETY SYMBOLS: SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL When you see this symbol, BE ALERT to the potential for injury. Follow recommended safety precautions and safe operating practices. Danger indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. , Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
SAFETY This cutting mower is capable of amputating hands and feet, and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION: • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the mower before starting. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the mower. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
SAFETY SLOPE OPERATION: Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. DO Mow across the slope with your Dixon ZTR - never up or down. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the mower. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Use slow speed. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
SAFETY CHILDREN: Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are attracted to lawn mowers and the mowing activity. NEVER assume children will stay where they were last seen. Be alert to avoid accidents. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area. • Before and during backing, look behind and DOWN for small children. • Never carry children.
SAFETY SERVICE: • Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved container. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. Never refuel the mower indoors. Never store the mower or fuel container inside a building where there is an open flame. • Never run a mower inside a closed area.
DIXON LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY - MODEL ZTR 1001 This warranty policy applies to all 1001 walk behind mowers purchased on or after September 1,1996.. WARRANTY: Dixon Warranty term is for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase or 200 hours of use, whichever occurs first. Mowers used for residential homeowner applications (used only at owner's primary place of residence) are warranted for two (2) years from date of purchase or 200 hours of use, whichever occurs first.
SPECIFICATIONS Model ZTR 1001 CHASSIS: The monocoque design chassis of the Model ZTR 1001 incorporates CMC laser and CNC brake processes to form the twin 12 gauge side frames and 7 gauge transmission and engine base plate. BODY: The front body cover is made of rotational molded polyethylene. Front body contains access panel for battery service. MOWER DECKS: Cut height approximately 1" to 4" via 7 position lift handle.
CONTROLS The Dixon ZTR has a unique transaxle that requires only two drive levers to control braking, turning, speed, and direction. On initial operation, set throttle speed on slow and operate with mower blade "OFF". To avoid "over-controlling" the mower, use a light touch on the drive levers. Slight movements are all that is necessary.
CONTROLS TRANSMISSION DRIVE SYSTEM: Allows the mower to turn on its own axis (zero turning radius). Each lever controls one side of the mower. NOTE: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light. A minimum of 1/2 hour should be spent simply driving the mower without the blade drive engaged. TO GO FORWARD: From neutral position, gently push both drive control levers downward or forward. To increase speed, move levers farther downward or forward.
CONTROLS TURNING: Turning is controlled by moving one drive control lever slightly up or down, forward or rearward of the other. To turn left, move left control lever up while pushing downward on the right control lever. To turn right, move right control lever up while pushing downward on the left control lever. To turn on mower's own axis 'Zero Turning Radius' stop and move one lever to reverse or up position and the other to forward or downward position. >,- • .
CONTROLS BLADE DRIVE: Located on control panel above and to operators right. To engage the mower blades, release parking brake by moving brake bail downward until catch stop latch is fully engaged. Grasp left control handle grip with enough pressure to depress built in safety switch. If constant pressure is not maintained on either handle grip when blade drive is engaged, engine will stop. Using right hand, lift blade drive switch up and push forward. To disengage blades, pull switch backward.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS The safe and successful operation of the Model ZTR 1001 will depend upon the operator having the correct knowledge of all controls used on the mower and making good judgements about the terrain to be mowed. NEVER allow anyone to operate the mower without complete knowledge of all controls and their functions. During initial operation, set throttle at slow speed. Sound judgement by the owner will prevent accidents. BEFORE OPERATING MOWER: 1.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS: PARKING BRAKE SWITCH TEST: With parking brake bail locked moved downward and locked into the catch stop, engine should not turn over or attempt to start when the key switch is moved to the start position. BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST: NOTE: Each drive control lever is fitted with an OPERATOR PRESENCE switch. a. With electric blade drive switch turned ON, engine should not turn over or attempt to start when key switch is moved to the start position.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS STARTING INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Grasp parking brake bail handle with one hand while releasing catch mechanism located mid-point between the control handles. 2. Move throttle control to choke position if engine is cold, full throttle if warm. 3. Insert ignition key and turn to start position. When engine starts, release ignition key. Key will return to run position. 4. Move throttle from choke to desired speed position.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT: Mulching or recycling the grass clippings requires a totally different mowing approach than would be normal when side discharging or bagging the grass. There may be instances or conditions where it i s not possible to hide all of the recycled or mulched clippings. In order to achieve the best results, please read and follow the mulching tips listed below: 1. Set the engine speed control to the wide open or full setting. 2.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS MOWING WITH A GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT: In order to achieve optimum performance when mowing with a grass catching attachment, please read and follow the tips listed below. 1. Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting. 2. Do Not Attempt To Cut Grass When It Is Wet. Wet grass will clog both the underside of the deck and the attachment chutes. Empty bags often to prevent plugging. 3.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS: In order to achieve optimum performance when side discharging the grass clippings, please read and follow the tips listed below. Additionalinforrnation can be found in the troubleshooting guide. CAUTION Be sure that deflector is properly installed on the discharge chute. 1. Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting. 2. Do Not Attempt To Cut Grass When It Is Wet. Wet grass will clog the underside of the deck and discharge area. 3.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 This porti on of the Model ZTR 1001 owners manual deals with normal service items which can be performed by the owner. Please remember that if you are in doubt as to the correct service procedures to be followed, these and other service situations can be handled by a Dixon ZTR dealer who is familiar with the service of your mower.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE: NOTE: Observe proper blade position prior to removal. 1. Safely raise front of mower. 2. Hold or block blade from turning. CAUTION Wear heavy, thick gloves when holding onto cutter blade, avoid the sharp edge of the blade. NOTE: Be sure blade is centered on pilot before tightening bolt to 60 ft. Ibs. torque.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 BELT TENSION 42" & 50" DECKS: ENGINE TO MOWER DECK BELT: No adjustment required. Correct belt tension is maintained through a fixed engine location and a spring loaded idler system. A pulsing movement of the belt idler will be observed both during engagement of the electric blade clutch and actual operation of the mower deck.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 BELT TENSION 36" DECK: ENGINE TO MOWER DECK BELT: Adjust idler shock mount per diagram. When fitted, the 36" mower deck belt tension is maintained through an adjustable idler and shock mount. To adjust belt tension, tighten hex nut until rubber shock mount is compressed to the dimension shown in the illustration below.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 DECK REMOVAL: 1. Place cut height lever in lowest cut position. 2. Loosen belt keepers on each side of engine pulley. 3. Remove deck drive belt from engine pulley. 4. Using a slight upward twisting motion, remove link from engagement handle. 5. Turn handle fully to the left until handle clears stop on mower deck pan. Lift and remove handle through hole in lower body. 6. Remove pin and washer from one end of deck support shaft.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 CAUTION HOT oil may cause burns. Allow engine to cool before draining oil. CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL: 1. The "snap lock" oil drain valve is located on the left side of the engine crankcase. 2. Place a suitable container under the drain valve. The fitting of a short piece of hose to the valve will help direct the oil. 3. Pus/i the valve body in and twist to clear the detent notch. 4. Pulling MC \Q valve body outward will start the fl ow of oil.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 DRIVE SYSTEM ADJUSTMENTS: Due to both the complex nature of the transmission and the number of special tools required for service, adjustments should be entrusted to your dealer. There are a number of simple owner service items which greatly influence the performance of the drive system. 1. Front and rear tires must be inflated to proper specifications. 2. Rear drive chain tension. 3. Tightness of all controls and linkages pertaining to the drive levers. 4.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL ZTR 1001 WHEELS AND TIRES: Correct tire pressure is important for correct operation of mower. Front Tires Rear Tires 9 X 350 X 4 Air Pressure 16 -21 Ibs. 16 X 650 X 8 Air Pressure 8 -14 Ibs. NOTE: Check lug nuts periodically for tightness. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Keep all connections clean and tight. CLEANING THE MOWER: Wash mower periodically. Clean above and below deck. NOTE: Allow mower to cool before washing.
STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST MODEL ZTR 1001: 36" 42" 50't P/N 1324 P/N 1351 RH P/N 1352LH P/N 6236 P/N 8688 P/N 9443 p/N 9444 BLADES: Lo-Lift: Hi-Lift: BELTS: Engine to Mower Deck: Engine to Transmission: Serpentine Belt: P/N 7835 P/N 2497 P/N 7725 P/N 2497 P/N 61 09 P/N 7725 P/N 2497 P/N 1300 KOHLER AIR FILTER PART NUMBERS: Please refer to Kohler Engine Operators Manual for correct service intervals for engine oil changes and air filter maintenance.
TROUBLESHOOTING MOWER CUT QUALITY: There are many variables that can effect the cut quality of any mower. Type and conditions of grass, cut height setting, engine RPM and ground speed are some of the variables that interact creating differences in cut quality. Examination of one or more of the above will generally produce a quality cut. The Troubleshooting Chart suggests practices and adjustments that may be helpful in improving cut quality.
TROUBLESHOOTING DRIVE SYSTEM: SITUATION Mower pulls to one side or the other Poor driving performance CAUSES Drive adjustment Operation of mower REMEDY Consult your dealer for repair Review operators section of owners manual Page 29
TROUBLESHOOTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SITUATION Starter will not turn engine over Starter will not turn engine over Battery discharge CAUSES Circuit breaker engaged Dead battery Poor connections on battery Battery water low Wrong battery installed in mower REMEDY Push button to reset Consult your dealer for repair Charge battery Tighten or replace as required Battery discharge Engine electrical system Have electrical system checked by not functioning correctly your dealer Battery discharge Engin
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Dixon Industries, Inc. A International, Inc. Company P.O.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. ® Dixon and ZTR are registered trademarks of Dixon Industries, Inc. Dixon Industries, Inc. A International, Inc. Company P.O.Box 1569 Coffeyville, KS 67337-0945 316-251-2000 Part No.