OPERATOR’S MANUAL Models Z - 180 Z - 180L Z - 200 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER This Owner’s Guide is an important part of your new Z-Series. It will help you prepare, operate and maintain your mower. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start to prepare your mower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in this Owner’s Guide. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer. See Figure 1. • Every mower has a model plate.
SECTION 3: IMPORTANT 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 YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED ITS WARNING.
2. SLOPE OPERATION • Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an adult other than the operator. • 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. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual. • Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous. • After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. • Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Slope Gauge DO A1 5 ° S LOP E OR A FENCE POST A CORNER OF A BUILDING A POWER POLE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY. FOL D ON TTE D LI N E , REP RE S E NTIN G 15° WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury.
SECTION 4: CONTROLS Right Control Panel Lift Handle PTO Switch Ignition/Light Switch Hour/RPM Meter Front Figure 3 HOUR/RPM METER The hour/RPM meter is an LCD (liquid crystal display) display that is located on the Right Control Panel. The meter’s display stays on continuously. (See Figure 3) • HOUR METER: The meter functions as an hour meter. The hour value is the number of hours of engine operation. Use the hour value to determine when maintenance is required and to cost jobs.
IGNITION/LIGHT SWITCH Off On/Light On Start Figure 5 The ignition/light switch is located on the Right Control Panel and is used to start the engine. It is a four position switch. • In the OFF position the engine is not running. (See Figure 5) • In the ON/LlGHT position the engine is running and the Head Light is on. • In the ON position the engine is running and the head light is off. • In the START position the starter is engaged to the engine flywheel.
THROTTLE LEVER AND CHOKE LEVER Left Control Panel OFF Choke Lever Throttle Lever ON FRONT Figure 7 PARKING BRAKE The Parking Brake Pedal is located on the left running board next to the Control Tower. (See Figure 8) It is used to engage the Parking Brake. Engage the Parking Brake when the unit is not in use. . Indicator Panel Brake Pedal Parking Brake Handle Drive Handles Figure 8 DRIVE HANDLES The Drive Handles (Left and Right) are located at the top of the Control Tower.
When the engine is running, the throttle is set and the Drive Handles are moved from the neutral position, the unit moves in accordance with the driver’s input (push, pull or both). When the driver releases the handles they immediately return towards the neutral position and the unit will slow and stop moving (while the engine continues to run). The rear wheels propel and steer the unit. The Left Drive Handle controls the Left rear wheel and the Right Drive handle controls the Right rear wheel.
INDICATOR PANEL Temperature Low Engine Oil Battery Figure 10 The Indicator panel is located at the top of the Control Tower. (See Figure 10) There are two or three indicator lights on the panel. When the corresponding light is illuminated it indicates: • LOW ENGINE OIL: Stop the tractor immediately and check the engine oil level. Continuing to operate with low engine oil can severely damage the engine. • BATTERY: There is a problem with the charging system or battery.
SECTION 5: OPERATION BEFORE OPERATING 1. Study this manual carefully. It has been provided to help you safely operate and maintain this unit. 2. Familiarize yourself with all instruments and controls. 3. Fill the fuel tank according to the engine operator’s manual section. 4. Check the engine oil level according to the engine operators manual section. 5. Check the transmission oil level. 6. Clean the air filter according to the engine operators manual section, if necessary. 7.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE If the starter disengages several times prematurely, the engine may become flooded. Use the following steps to start a flooded engine: 1. Position the throttle to the idle position. 2. Put the Choke Lever in the OFF position. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and at the same time, slowly move the Choke Lever to the ON position until the engine starts and continues to run. 4. When the engine becomes warm, gradually put the choke lever in the OFF position.
QUICK REFERENCE CHART The Z-series can turn with a zero radius. The Z-series uses the rear tires to turn. When turning with a zero radius, the rear tires are used as the pivot point. A conventional tractor can make a circle but it needs a turning radius, usually based on the distance between the front and rear wheels. With a shorter overall length and a zero turn radius, the Z-series has excellent maneuverability.
FULL RIGHT FORWARD AND FULL LEFT BACK = ZERO TURN LEFT FULL RIGHT BACK AND FULL LEFT FORWARD = ZERO TURN RIGHT RIGHT NEUTRAL AND LEFT FORWARD = RIGHT TURN RIGHT FORWARD AND LEFT NEUTRAL = LEFT TURN RIGHT NEUTRAL AND LEFT BACK = REVERSE LEFT TURN RIGHT BACK AND LEFT NEUTRAL = REVERSE RIGHT TURN 15
DRIVING THE Z-SERIES 1. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a moment. 2. Set the throttle to the fastest position (full open). 3. Release the Parking Brake by depressing the Parking Brake Pedal. 4. Gradually provide input by moving the Drive Handles in the desired direction. Note: The Z-series speed, while driving, is based on the position of the Drive Handles. Push or pull the handles to full for maximum speed and positions in between neutral and full for slower speeds.
PUSHING YOUR UNIT To push your unit you will have to first relieve the hydrostatic pumps. Follow steps 1 through 6. Lock Position Relief Lever Neutral Position (Right Relief Lever Shown) Figure 12 WARNING: The Hydraulic Relief Levers are near to engine parts that can be HOT. To avoid injury, wait until engine parts have cooled before disengaging. 1. Position the Z-series on a flat and level surface. 2. Engage the parking brake. 3. Remove the Hydraulic Relief Levers from the lock position.
SECTION 6: ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTING THE MOWER DECK HEIGHT 1. Push or pull on the Lift Lever and depress and hold the button. 2. Move the handle up/down to the desired position. 3. Release button at the desired position. ADJUSTING THE SEAT POSITION 1. Lift the Seat Adjustment Lever. (See Figure 11) 2. Slide the seat either forward or back to the desired location. 3. Lock the seat in position by releasing the Seat Adjustment Lever. CHECKING THE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 1. Position the Z-series on a level surface. 2.
ADJUSTING BRAKE FORCE Brake Rod Frame Measure Gap Brake Arm Figure 13 1. Place the Z-series on level surface without the brake engaged and place blocks behind the wheels. 2. Turn the engine OFF and remove the key from the ignition. 3. From underneath the Z-series directly behind the caster wheel pivot bar, locate the brake rods. There are two, one on the right and one on the left. (See Figure 13) If: Then: Increased force is needed Rotate brake rods clockwise.
STEERING ADJUSTMENT 1. Remove the ignition key from ignition switch. 2. Detach the bottom of the rubber boot cover on the drive handles. 3. Slide the boot cover all the way up (toward the drive handles) to access the drive handle bolts. 4. Remove both bolts securing the drive handles. 5. Remove the drive handles and the rubber boot. 6. Remove the four bolts securing the retaining plate to the Control Tower cover. 7. Pull up on the Control Tower cover and slide up and over the Control Tower. 8.
15. With quarter inch by seven inch pins still installed in the top and bottom linkage arms loosen the jam nuts at both the front and rear (A) ends of linkage that runs from bottom linkage arms to hydrostatic pumps. 16. Remove quarter inch by seven inch pins from top and bottom holes. 17. Set parking brake, and start the engine (set throttle at full speed). Make sure that the PTO is off. 18. Rotate rods (lengthen or shorten) to bring each hydrostat to neutral.
SECTION 7: LUBRICATION Use the two tables that follow for lubrication details. The first table is for Oil details and the second table is for grease point information. Oil Check Engine crankcase See Engine Operator’s Manual Section Hydraulic units 50 Hours Grease Point Change Capacity 500 Hours 9.
GREASE POINT LOCATIONS Steering Linkage Grease Fittings Caster Wheel Spindle Grease Fitting (Found on both left and right caster spindles) Pivot Bar Grease Fitting (Found centered below steering column) Caster Wheel Grease Fitting (Found on both left and right caster hubs) NOTE: Grease fitting not shown. Located under engine on idler arm.
SECTION 8: MAINTENANCE ENGINE COMPARTMENT The engine is located behind the operator seat. ACCESSING THE ENGINE 1. Slide the seat completely forward. 2. Move the deck lift lever to position 3. 3. Tilt the seat forward. 4. Lift the bar under the rear of the seat and slide the entire seat assembly forward. Seat Latch Bar 5. Grasp and lift the body panel. 6. Use the prop rod to hold the panel open. Place prop rod on left hand side of latch.
FUEL TANK Gas Cap Fuel Tank Figure 14 The fuel tank filler cap is located on the left-rear fender panel. (See Figure 14). Take the fuel cap off by unscrewing. Fill the gas tank from this point. The fuel tank has approximately a 5.5 gallon capacity. CHECKING HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL Check the oil level of hydraulic units only when the: • Engine is off (not running).
CHECKING THE HYDRAULIC OIL Release Bar Hydraulic Fill Point Hydraulic Fill Plug/ Dipstick Knurled Area = Operating Range Figure 15 1. Flip seat up. (See Figure 15) 2. Clean the area around the Hydraulic Oil Dipstick to prevent debris from entering the crankcase. 3. Wipe clean and fully insert the fill plug/dipstick (screw in). 4. Remove the hydraulic fill plug/dipstick and read the level: If hydraulic oil level is: Then: Inside operating range Do nothing.
ADDING HYDRAULIC OIL WARNING: Never overfill the hydraulic units. Damage can result if the oil level is not within the operating range. Hydraulic Fill Plug/ Dipstick Hydraulic Fill Point Figure 16 Note: When adding hydraulic oil, do so in small quantities and recheck the oil level before adding more. It is important that you do not over fill the reservoir. 1. Place the Z-series on a level surface and engage the parking brake. 2. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch. 3.
Hydraulic Oil Filter Left Transmission Drain Plug Figure 17 REPLACING THE HEAD LAMP BULB 1. Remove the ignition key from ignition switch. 2. Detach the bottom of the rubber boot cover on the drive handles. 3. Slide the boot cover all the way up (toward the drive handles) to access the drive handle bolts. 4. Remove both bolts securing the drive handles. 5. Remove the drive handles and the rubber boot. 6. Remove the four bolts securing the retaining plate to the Control Tower cover. 7.
Caution: Do not touch the light bulb. It contains pressurized gas and may explode due to natural body oils that cause the light bulb to overheat. 14. Insert the replacement light bulb into the light fixture. 15. Turn the light bulb assembly clockwise until it locks into place. 16. Carefully insert the connector into the light bulb assembly. 17. Replace the Control Tower cover and Drive Handle assemblies. CHANGING THE FUSE Always use the same rated fuse when replacing. 1. Open the engine compartment. 2.
CLEAN THE BATTERY Clean the battery by removing it from the unit and washing with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. BATTERY STORAGE The battery loses some of its charge each day when the unit is not used. Never store battery without a full charge. Recharge battery before returning to service or every two months, whichever occurs first.
SECTION 9: MOWER DECKS The mower deck must be level horizontally (side-to-side and front-to-back) for even cutting. CHECKING THE LEVEL OF THE MOWER DECK - Side to side - Front to Back Blade Measurement Figure 19 Front Edge Rear Edge B A Figure 20 1. Check the rear tires pressure for proper inflation and tracking. 2. Position the Z-series on a hard and level surface. 3. Place the PTO switch in the OFF position. 4. Engage the parking brake. 5.
LEVELING THE MOWER DECK 1. Lower the mower deck to the L (lock) position. 2. Pull J-Rod out to release hanger bracket and turn J-Rod until J-Rod is against outside of bracket. (Both Sides) (See Figure 21) 3. Remove the left belt cover by removing the wing nut. 4. Release the belt tension spring by releasing the belt tension bar. 5. Remove the belt from clutch below the engine in the rear of the unit. 6. Push the deck assembly forward to disconnect the retaining arms from the deck. 7.
Hanger Links Hanger Bracket A Figure 21 Note: If after a number of attempts to level the mower deck fails to succeed, adjust the retaining arm to their original lengths of 11.125 inches. (See Figure 22) 11.125” Starting Length Figure 22 REMOVING THE MOWER DECK WARNING: The cutting blades of the mower deck are sharp and can cause injury. 1. Position the Z-series on a hard, flat surface. 2. Engage the Parking Brake. 3. Move the lift handle to the L position. 4.
Wing Nut Tension Bar 48” and 54” Mower Decks Figure 23 5. Release the Tension Bar. 6. Push the Tension Bar out of the bracket. 7. Lift the bar over the bracket and allow the bar to rest on the mower deck. 8. Pull the J pin out until the end of the pin is past the bracket. (See Figure 24) J Pin Bracket Figure 24 9. Turn the J pin so that the end rests against the bracket, keeping the pin out. 10. Move the Lift handle to position 7 (all the way up). 11.
Clutch Pulley Belt Figure 25 14. Remove the belt from the Clutch pulley.(See Figure 25) 15. From the front of the Z-series, pull the mower deck towards you. This will release the retaining arms from the mower deck. (See Figure 26) Retaining Arm Retaining Bracket Figure 26 16. Lift and hold the retaining arms up. 17. Move the mower deck toward the rear of the Tractor until the retaining arms clear the mower deck. 18. From the right side, pull the mower deck out from under the Tractor. 19.
MOWER DECK BELT ROUTING 48” & 54” Mower Deck To Electric Clutch INSTALLING THE MOWER DECK Before installing the mower deck on the tractor, route the mower deck belt as shown in MOWER DECK BELT ROUTING. 1. Slide the mower deck under the Z-series. WARNING: Do not touch the muffler cover. The muffler and cover are extremely hot and can cause severe burns if contacted by the skin. 2. Remove belt covers. 3.
J Pin Lift Lever Bracket Bracket Figure 27 10. Repeat Step 7 and Step 8 for the other side of the mower deck. 11. From the rear, attach the belt around the Clutch Pulley. 12. Engage tension arm by moving it into the bracket to maintain belt tension. 13. Replace Belt Covers. CUTTING BLADE CARE WARNING: The cutting blades are sharp and can cause severe injury. Wrap the cutting surface of the blade with a rag to avoid injury.
INSTALLING A BLADE 1. Install the blade so the cutting edges face the direction of rotation and the wind wings are facing up. 2. Use a 1-1/8 inch socket wrench on the pulley side of the spindle to secure. 3. Tighten the nut to 100 ft-lbs (136 Nm). LUBRICATION OF MOWER DECK Lubricate the mower deck and its parts as required. • Each spindle has a grease fitting and all pivot points should be lubricated with motor oil. REMOVING THE DRIVE BELT Visually inspect the drive belt for wear and cracking.
SECTION 10: STORAGE When storing the Z-series for longer than 30 days, use the following steps: WARNING: Never store the engine with fuel in the tank if it is stored where fuel fumes can reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g., furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer). 1. Remove all gasoline from the fuel tank. Gum deposits can form on engine parts causing the engine to malfunction. 2. Run the engine until it begins to falter. 3.
SECTION 11: MOWING For best results, consider the following recommendations: • Mow the first two laps with the discharge pointing toward the center. • Mow the next two laps with the discharge pointing outside (away from center) for a balanced cut and improved appearance. • Do not cut grass too short. The mower tends to "scalp" the grass. Shorter grass invites weeds and will yellow quickly in dry conditions. During some conditions, the mower may leave streaks of uncut material.
SECTION 12: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start PTO switch engaged. Spark plug wire disconnected. Throttle control lever not in correct starting position. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded. Unit running in START position. Spark plug wire loose. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. Disengage PTO switch. Connect wire to spark plug. Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.
NOTES 42
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase within the United States of America, its possessions and territories, White Outdoor Products Company will, at its option, repair or replace, for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.