MODEL NO. WE12538J 12.5 HP 38 Inch Lawn Tractor For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 ® 178106 Rev. 1 07.09.01 RH PRINTED IN U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. GENERAL OPERATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Never carry children.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Seat Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Wheel Insert (1) Lock Washer 1/2 (1) Bolt Steering Boot (1) Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 5
ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR SEAT CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2) • • Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES section of this manual for charging instructions).
ASSEMBLY 3CHECKLIST TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section, page 10, for location and function of controls) BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions have been completed. ✓ No remaining loose parts in carton. ✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. IGNITION SWITCH ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER LIGHT SWITCH LIFT LEVER PLUNGER THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT POSITIONS GEARSHIFT LEVER PARKING BRAKE FIG.
OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD). HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig.
OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) TO TRANSPORT Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut. • Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. • TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control. • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5) MOWING TIPS When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position. • Move throttle control to choke position.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE E S S GE RS S US UR OUR OU SON ORA H UR O H C O H H A 0 ST EA 8H SE 25 50 10 RE Y Y Y Y Y RE R R R R R O O E E F E E E F SERVICE EV EV EV EV EV BE BE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R A C T 0 R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 7 4 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 6 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling A
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR MANDREL ASSEMBLY TRAILING EDGE UP Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. CENTER HOLE BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). STAR LOCK WASHER TIRES BLADE • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES CLEAN AIR SCREEN AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. CLAMP CLAMP SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. FUEL FILTER FIG. 14 IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 14) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key “OFF” and remove key. • Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. • Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR • TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. • SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 16 and 17) • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST BRAKE (See Fig. 21) TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted. • Depress clutch/brake pedal and engage parking brake. • Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut “A” on brake rod.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES • Connect each end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery, taking care not to short against chassis. • Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of fully charged battery. • Connect the other end of the BLACK cable to good CHASSIS GROUND, away from fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. • RED cable last from both batteries.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 27) • • • • TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, see engine manual. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust - damage may result. Raise hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor.
STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. • CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. 10. Hard to start CORRECTION Engine valves out of adjustment. 10. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J SCHEMATIC RED BLACK BATTERY RED A RED FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) M STARTER BLACK WHITE SOLENOID RED B S G BLACK L M CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) A1 A2 WHITE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH WHITE BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK HOUR METER ATT'MENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) GROUNDING CONNECTOR (OPTIONAL) BLUE SPARK PLUG GAP (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J ELECTRICAL 21 22 42 24 41 43 27 27 40 26 27 27 25 16 16 33 30 48 52 29 8 28 27 2 1 28
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 48 52 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J CHASSIS 212 17 30 24 29 18 58 24 26 12 28 25 26 25 53 5 51 52 31 55 5 3 209 57 9 11 208 15 209 209 8 54 209 6 26 1 16 13 3 35 145 37 37 33 10 3 35 2 205 34 38 206 208 26 3 38 205 30
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J CHASSIS KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J DRIVE 57 51 63 21 8 212 59 12 70 66 116 7 61 10 65 12 56 13 55 64 14 112 18 113 52 11 51 41 42 40 5 18 52 30 170 32 6 150 38 6 6 48 42 61 49 30 52 4 47 62 3 120 35 77 37 36 61 79 34 25 19 28 24 36 77 96 74 78 29 76 22 1 26 35 53 2 145 151 51 27 39 32 202 50 75 32 26 27
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J STEERING 38 63 11 39 1 41 42 37 37 36 44 51 54 88 91 43 71 68 67 67 29 46 29 8 47 6 9 17 67 13 65 46 85 2 8 7 85 6 9 9 5 47 7 3 32 9 5 68 11 82 29 26 4 43 15 40 15 43 29 28 15 10 30 34 6 8
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J STEERING KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J ENGINE 3 2 72 62 1 81 13 78 38 32 14 16 44 78 46 33 37 31 33 40 45 29 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 36 4
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J SEAT 1 8 8 9 14 9 7 7 10 5 6 22 21 2 24 5 26 16 25 15 23 4 13 17 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 PART NO. 127426X 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 73800600 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 121246X 121248X 3 12 KEY NO. 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Seat Pivot Bolt Hex 3/8 - 16 X 1 Washer 13/32 X 1 X10Ga. Clip Push-In Hinged Nut Lock Hex w/Ins 3/8 - 16 Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J DECALS 5 5 7 15 14 12 9 6 11 16 4 3 10 17 1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J MOWER LIFT 7 8 5 1 3 13 2 4 6 6 11 5 4 12 13 19 20 13 15 31 32 13 19 20 17 18 20 16 20 15 31 32 40
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J MOWER LIFT KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J MOWER DECK 40 146 89 42 157 68 148 107 67 38 108 158 36 156 153 151 89 155 56 152 36 153 154 69 33 32 55 31 40 54 150 2 123 45 113 21 110 122 53 30 1 21 88 109 87 89 24 21 2 86 2 23 29 14 3 5 27 13 4 11 19 21 28 26 21 2 15 16 6 25 10 9 8 149 42
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538J MOWER DECK KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 19 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 40 45 53 54 PART NO. 170280 72140506 138017 169970 4939M 130832 850857 10030600 140296 138497 137645 DESCRIPTION Mower Housing Assembly Bolt Carriage 5/16-18 x 3/4 Bracket Asm Fr. Sway Bar Bracket Deck Sway Bar 38"/42" Retainer Spring Arm, Suspension, Rear Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.
SERVICE NOTES 44
LIMITED WARRANTY The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions. 1.
SERVICE ® TECUMSEH Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 POLICY WARRANTY ® TECUMSEH LIMITED WARRANTIES FOR NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS A.
47 15 MAX. SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. CUT OUT ON D THIS OTT IS A ED L 15 S INES LOP E Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
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TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Poor cut - uneven 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
