RAM SERIES Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual Residential Mowers RAM 42 RAM 44 RAM 50 Commercial Mowers RAM 44 MAG™ RAM 50 MAG™ Model Year 2005
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 this Operator’s Manual carefully. It contains valuable information that is necessary for the safe operation of the machine. Observe all safety rules and become completely familiar with the controls.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SAFETY & WARNING....................................4-15 WARRANTY...................................................16-17 SPECIFICATIONS........................................18-19 SEAT ADJUSTMENT.........................................20 CONTROLS..................................................21-24 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS....................25-35 CARE & MAINTENANCE............................36-48 STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST.........49-50 TROUBLESHOOTING..........................
SAFETY RIDING LAWN MOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Pictured below are the most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander. Please read and understand this manual to prevent injuries.
SAFETY Safety Alert Symbol When you see this symbol, BE ALERT to the potential for injury. Follow the recommended safety precautions and safe operating practices. DANGER (highlighted in red) indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING (highlighted in orange) indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION: Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this 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. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION (continued): Never leave a running mower unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting. Turn off blades when not mowing. Injury could occur from contact with moving parts. Under no circumstances should you place hands or feet under the mower deck or in the chute while blades or impeller are still running.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION (continued): Protect your eyes. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mowerrelated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. 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. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it! DO Mow across the slope with your Dixon® ZTR® -never up or down. This will decrease the risk of tip-over.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. SLOPE OPERATION (continued): DO (continued): Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Use extreme caution when operating the mower with attachments to prevent tip-over or roll-over. If front wheels lift off the ground, pull levers back to stabilize the mower.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. SLOPE OPERATION (continued): DO NOT Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. Rapid uphill turns may cause tip-over. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch or if an edge caves in. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. FIRE HAZARDS: Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. Store all fuel in approved containers specifically designed for that purpose. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Do not smoke while refueling or operating the mower.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. FIRE HAZARDS (continued): To prevent fire or explosion, keep sparks and open flames away from battery. Keep electrical connections clean and tight. Inspect them often. Loose connections and corrosion increase fire risk. Before disconnecting the negative ground cable, make sure all switches are off. This decreases the chance of sparking and fire.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. 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.
WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. SERVICE: Never run a mower inside a closed area or without proper ventilation. Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts, and keep equipment in good condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
DIXON® ZTR® RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY POLICY SpeedZTR™, RAM 42, RAM 44 & RAM 50 - Residential Mowers DIXON® WARRANTS ITS ZTR® MOWERS AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR THE PERIODS SET FORTH BELOW. THE SOLE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF PARTS INCLUDING LABOR COSTS. THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS: 1. RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION - (used only at owner’s primary place of residence): a.
DIXON® ZTR® PRO SERIES COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY POLICY RAM 44 MAG™ AND RAM 50 MAG™~Commercial Mowers DIXON® WARRANTS ITS ZTR® MOWERS AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR THE PERIODS SET FORTH BELOW. THE SOLE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF PARTS INCLUDING LABOR COSTS. THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS: 1. COMMERCIAL WARRANTY (use other than, or in addition to, mowing at owner’s primary place of residence): a.
SPECIFICATIONS Residential Models Chassis: 1-1/2 X 3 rectangle tube side frame Mower Deck: 42” - 13 ga stamped 3 blade deck. 44” & 50” - 11 ga fabricated construction w/reinforcement. Blade Drive: Electric clutch. Transmission: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro Gear IZT hydrostatic drive with 7” cooling fan.
SPECIFICATIONS Commercial Models Chassis: 1-1/2 X 3 rectangle tube side frame Mower Deck: 11 GA fabricated construction with reinforced ribs. Available in 44” and 50” cut widths. Blade Drive: Electric clutch. Transmission: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro Gear IZT hydrostatic drive with integral charge pump and 7” cooling fan.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS 42” Models 1. Raise seat assembly. 2. Loosen four seat bolts, P/N 3224, and slide seat to desired position. 3. Tighten seat bolts. DO NOT operate mower without seat bolts properly tightened. 4. Lower seat assembly. 3224 3224 Seat Plate 3224 3224 44” and 50” Models 1. Grasp seat slide adjuster and move it into adjustment position. 2. Slide seat forward or backward. 3. Release seat slide adjuster.
CONTROLS CONTROL LEVERS Note: For access to the seat, move control levers to neutral position and swing them outward. TO GO FORWARD •From neutral position, gently push control levers forward. •To increase speed, move levers further forward. TO GO BACKWARDS •From neutral position, gently pull control levers toward you. TURNING •Turning is controlled by moving one control lever slightly forward or rearward of the other. •To turn left, move left lever rearward of the right lever.
CONTROLS PARKING BRAKE: The parking brake is designed to hold the mower from moving and is not intended for use in stopping the mower while it is in motion. The engine will stop if the parking brake is engaged while the control levers are in the drive position. CAUTION Engage parking brake before starting engine. TO SET PARKING BRAKE: The hand operated parking brake is located on the left hand side between the operators seat and the fuel tank. •To engage brake, pull lever up (to the rear).
CONTROLS BLADE DRIVE: •Located on the control panel, on operator’s right. •To engage the mower blade, pull up on the switch. •To disengage mower blade, push down. CIRCUIT BREAKER: •Protection of the electrical system is by (1) 15 amp circuit breaker. •If circuit breaker trips, push button to reset. •If this condition repeats, consult dealer for inspection and repair. THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER: •Located on control panel to operator’s right. •Throttle control for engine speed. •Choke for engine starting.
CONTROLS MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER: •Use right foot to operate deck foot pedal at right front foot area. •To raise mower deck, push forward with right foot on top portion of foot pedal. When desired deck height is reached, push with right foot on lower portion of foot pedal until the bottom of the foot pedal engages in deck positioning notch. •To lower deck, push forward with right foot on top portion of foot pedal until bottom edge of foot pedal disengages deck positioning notch.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS The safe and successful operation of the RAM Series 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, “learning to drive”, set throttle at slow speed. Sound judgement by the operator will prevent accidents. BEFORE OPERATING MOWER: 1.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury. STARTING INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Parking brake must be on, control levers in outward position and blade drive disengaged. 2. Position throttle to 1/2 speed setting. If engine is cold, position choke lever to the “on” position. NOTE: Engine may require partial choke setting to start even if the engine has been operated for a period of time. 3. Insert ignition key and turn to “start” position.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS TOWING TRAILERS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS: Towing a trailer or other attachment that is too heavy could damage the drive or cause the mower to become unstable. Limit loads to 250 pounds or less with this mower. TO FREE WHEEL MACHINE (Unlock Transmission): Always turn off engine before engaging or disengaging the hydro release (free wheel) lever. Never attempt to move the lever with the engine running. Lift seat to access release levers.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS: Failure to observe the following testing instructions could result in serious injury or death. The following tests should be performed at the start of each mowing day. PARKING BRAKE SWITCH TEST: a) Swing control levers to outward position b) Disengage blade drive switch c) Put parking brake in OFF position d) Turn ignition switch to START Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS: Failure to observe the following testing instructions could result in serious injury or death. The following tests should be performed at the start of each mowing day. BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST: a) Put parking brake in ON position. b) Swing control levers to outward position. c) Engage blade drive switch. d) Turn ignition switch to START. Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
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 is not possible to hide all the recycled or mulched clippings. In order to achieve the best results, please read and follow the mulching tips listed below: 1. Read and follow the installation instructions that are included with your mulcher. 2.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT (continued): 7. Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Remove all grass and dirt build-up from the underside of the pan, the baffles and deflectors after each use. Never, under any circumstances, should you place hands or feet under the mower deck or in the chute while blades or impeller are still turning. 8. Alternate mower direction. This will evenly disperse the mulched grass clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.
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. Read and follow the installation instructions that are included with your grass catcher. 2. Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting. 3. Do not attempt to cut grass when it is wet. Wet grass will clog both the underside of the deck and the attachment chutes.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS MOWING WITH A GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT (continued): 7. Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season. Some grass catching attachments require a “high-lift” blade. See your dealer for advice on the type of blade(s) needed for your mower. 8. Some mowing applications/use of grass catchers may require that an additional weight kit be fitted to the mower to counter the weight of grass in the bags.
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. Additional information can be found in the Troubleshooting guide. CAUTION To avoid personal injury, be sure that the 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.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS GRASS HEIGHT & CUTTING SUGGESTIONS: Do not attempt to cut grass when it is wet. If the grass is tall, place the mower deck cut height lever in the top or second notch. “Initially” overlap cutting swaths instead of a full swath with each pass. Some applications may require a second cutting. Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season. As a rule of thumb, never cut off more than 1/3 of the total grass blade length.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE WARNING Failure to observe the following instructions may result in personal injury. Before performing any maintenance, turn off engine, allow to cool & remove key. Use extreme care when working on machinery. Do not wear watch or jewelry. Do not wear loose fitting clothes, and observe all common safety practices with tools. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE •Check deck serpentine belt..................................after 20 hours break-in •Check crankcase oil level...............................
CARE AND MAINTENANCE CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE: CAUTION Stop engine and remove ignition key for safety. Wear heavy, thick gloves when holding onto cutter blade, avoid the sharp edge of the blade. Check sharpness of mower blades after every 10 hours of operation. Observe proper blade position prior to removal. 1. Safely raise front of mower. 2. Hold or block blade from turning. 3. Loosen blade bolt and remove blade. 4. When replacing blade, tighten blade bolt securely. Refer to diagram.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ENGINE: For complete maintenance and operating information of the engine, please refer to the maintenance instructions furnished by the engine manufacturer included in your Zero Turn Radius mower information packet. CAUTION Battery contains sulfuric acid electrolyte which is poisonous and corrosive. BATTERY: This is a maintenance-free battery and the fluid level cannot be checked. •Charge battery if required. OFF SEASON BATTERY STORAGE: •DO NOT remove battery from mower.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIRES: Correct tire pressure is essential for efficient operation of the mower. Check tire pressure periodically. Inflate tires to the pressure listed below. Front tires Rear tires 42” Rear tires 44-50” 11 x 4.00 - 5 16-21 lbs. 18 x 8.50 - 8 8-14 lbs. 18 x 9.50 - 8 8-14 lbs. Lug nuts or lug bolts should be checked regularly for tightness.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE BELTS: Check belts every 50 hours. Replace any belts found to be in poor condition. BELT TENSION: 42” Deck Mower Deck Serpentine Belt-P/N 6109 Manual adjustment. Refer to illustration on Page 41. Engine to Mower Deck Belt-P/N 5861 No adjustment required. 44” Deck Mower Deck Serpentine Belt-P/N 9236 Manual adjustment. Refer to illustration on Page 41. Engine to Mower Deck Belt-P/N 5861 No adjustment required. 50” Deck Mower Deck Serpentine Belt-P/N 1300 Manual adjustment.
Idler Weldment “L” Rod Hex Nut 3/4” (42”/44”/50” Serpentine) Tighten or Loosen Hex Nut to achieve this dimension Idler Shock Mount CARE AND MAINTENANCE BELT TENSION MANUAL ADJUSTMENT 42”, 44” & 50” 41
CARE AND MAINTENANCE CAUTION HOT oil may cause burns. Allow engine to cool before draining oil. CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL: 1. The “Dapco” oil drain valve is located on the left side of the engine crankcase. 2. Place a suitable container under the drain valve hose. 3. To drain, turn hex head valve stem counter-clockwise with a 10mm wrench or socket. Open to full open (approximately 7 turns). 4. After engine is drained, tighten hex stem. 5. Change oil filter. 6. Fill with oil (see steps on next page).
CARE AND MAINTENANCE CAUTION HOT oil may cause burns. Allow engine to cool before draining oil. OIL FILL: 1. Clean any spilled oil from engine and chassis. 2. Refill engine with type, and quantity of oil recommended by the engine manufacturer in engine literature. NOTE: Engine oil changes on the RAM Series Models will require replacement of the oil filter. These filters may be available from your local Dixon® Dealer.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT DRIVE MACHINE UNTIL HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSIONS HAVE WARMED UP. WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE OFF, SWING THE CONTROL LEVERS OUTWARD. IF MACHINE STARTS TO CREEP, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. 1. Stop the engine, engage parking brake and raise rear of frame with jack or blocks so that rear tires do not contact the ground. 2. Swing out the control levers, start the engine and release the parking brake. 3. Raise the seat to access hydro control linkage.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE Illustration A Illustration B 45
CARE AND MAINTENANCE MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE: 1. Place mower on a smooth, level surface and check tire pressures to insure correct stance. Tires should be inflated as follows. Front: 16 - 21 lbs Rear: 8 - 14 lbs 2. Turn each outer blade tip to align with the deck in a side to side manner. 3. Measure from the floor surface up to the bottom of the blade tip on the discharge side of the mower. Retain this measurement. Move to the opposite side and check to see if that measurement is the same.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Keep all connections clean and tight. CLEANING THE MOWER: Wash mower periodically. Clean above and below deck. High pressure washing and alkaline based soaps can cause damage to bearings and other parts of the mower. After washing your mower, start the engine and engage the mower deck for a few minutes to disperse any water that may have accumulated in bearings, pulleys or fans. Note: Allow mower to cool before washing.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE DECK REMOVAL: 1. Remove mower deck drive belt. To relieve belt tension, insert p/n 17422 link (at front of lift frame) into tab. Move deck lift pedal into the highest cut position and latch in place. As a safety precaution, insert clevis pin in nearest hole at rear of foot pedal. Belt can now be removed from mower deck pulley. 2. Remove front hanger pin. 3. Remove front L-Rods and remove nut and bolt from rear chain hangers. 4. Slide deck from beneath chassis. 5.
STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST BLADES ~42” Deck~ *Hi Lift Fusion - P/N 13920 Hi-Lift - P/N 13938 Standard Lift Fusion - P/N 13940 Standard Lift - P/N 13939 Gator - P/N 13942 ~44” Deck~ *Hi Lift Fusion - P/N 13918 Super Hi-Lift Fusion - P/N 13867 Hi-Lift - P/N 13943 Standard Lift Fusion - P/N 13945 Standard Lift - P/N 13944 Gator - P/N 13947 ~50” Deck~ *Hi Lift Fusion - P/N 13919 Super Hi-Lift Fusion - 13868 Hi-Lift - P/N 13948 Standard Lift Fusion - P/N 13950 Standard Lift - P/N 13949 Gator - P/N 13952 *Fac
STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST BELTS ~42” Deck~ Engine to Mower Deck - P/N 5861 Serpentine - P/N 6109 Engine to Transmission - P/N 16108 ~44” Deck~ Engine to Mower Deck - P/N 5861 Serpentine - P/N 9236 Engine to Transmission - P/N 16108 ~50” Deck~ Engine to Mower Deck - P/N 17423 Serpentine - P/N 1300 Engine to Transmission - P/N 16108 ENGINE AIR AND OIL FILTERS Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual for correct service intervals for engine oil changes and air filter maintenance.
TROUBLESHOOTING 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6. ENGINE RUNS BUT MOWER WON’T MOVE FORWARD Drive belt broken or slipping- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - replace drive belt Transmission oil low- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - add oil Damaged transmission- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -consult dealer Transmission by-pass may be engaged- - - - disengage(see page 27) 7.
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OWNER’S INFORMATION Date of Purchase Mower Model Number Mower Serial Number Purchased From Name Address DATE OIL CHANGED DATE ENGINE TUNED Dixon Industries, Inc.~P.O.
Dixon® and ZTR® are registered trademarks of Dixon Industries, Inc. 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 INDUSTRIES, INC. P.O. Box 1569 Coffeyville, Ks 67337-0945 620-251-2000 RAM Series Part No.
