D26KH48 Operator's Manual WARNING: Read this Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty. 580 68 43-26 03.08.12 JM Printed in the U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: 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. • WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN • • WARNING. CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and type: 3 Gallons/11.36L Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API: SG-SL): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F/0°C) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C) Oil Capacity: 64 oz /1.96L Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (Mph/Kph): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM Battery: AMP/HR: MIN. CCA: Case Size: Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS./62-75Nm. CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Keys Slope Sheet (1) Oil Drain Tube (2) Hex Bolts (2) Nut Keps *Installed by Dealer (1) Quick Connect Key(s) Battery *Brush Guard Kit ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label is located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects. BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
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 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. D P Z E C H J B K A N G F M L Fig. 3 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. (H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full speed (fast) position, before stopping may cause engine to “backfire”.
OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9) Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation section of this manual).
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) • Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS).
OPERATION AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP • Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: • Be sure the tractor is on level ground. • Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position. • Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up period.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS • • • • • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BEFORE EACH USE EVERY 8 HOURS EVERY 25 HOURS EVERY 50 HOURS EVERY 100 HOURS EVERY SEASON BEFORE STORAGE Check Brake Operation T R A C T 0 R Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Clean Debris Off Steering Plate Check Transaxle Cooling 5 Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with o
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. Always observe safety rules when per form ing any maintenance. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your tractor. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your tractor is hazardous, could damage your tractor and void your warranty.
MAINTENANCE V-BELTS OIL DRAIN VALVE Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling. Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot.
MAINTENANCE IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 17) DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 19) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. • Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. • Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. • Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” 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. TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig. 20) TO INSTALL MOWER (See Figs. 20 - 32) • • • 1.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 5. INSTALL ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) (IF EQUIPPED) (See Fig. 26 - 28) 2. ASSEMBLE FRONT GAUGE WHEEL (W) TO FRONT OF MOWER (See Fig. 23) H H. FRONT MOWER BRACKET W. FRONT GAUGE WHEEL X. SHOULDER BOLT Y. 1-1/4 O.D. WASHER Z. 3/8-16 LOCKNUT W X Z Y ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) TOWARDS TRANSAXLE TOWARDS MOWER DECK 90° END INTEGRATED WASHER END Fig. 26 Fig. 23 3. TURN STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND POSITION MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Insert other end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket (H) and secure with washer and small retainer spring (J). NOTE: Requires deck lifting. 6. ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS (See Fig. 29) • Position front hole in side suspension arm (A) over pin on outside of tractor chassis and secure with large washer and large retainer spring (B). • Repeat on opposite side of tractor. A FRONT LINK LOCATION M B D H F G A. MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS B.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 33) MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION • Install belt around all mandrel pulleys (R) and around idler pulleys (V) as shown. • Install belt onto electric clutch pulley (M). IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. • Reassemble mandrel covers (Q). Securely tighten all screws. • Engage belt tension rod (K) on locking bracket (L). MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL • Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER • If adjustment is necessary, see steps in Visual Adjustment instructions above. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 36 & 37) IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower blades should be adjusted so the front tip is 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear tip when the mower is in its highest position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 38) BELT REMOVAL 1. Remove mower (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” section in this manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. 2. Disconnect clutch wire harness (A). 3. Remove anti-rotation link (B) on right side of tractor. 4. Remove belt from stationary idler (C) and clutching idler (D). 5. Remove belt from centerspan idler (E). 6. Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BATTERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If “jumper cables” are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: TO CHECK BRAKE If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be serviced. You may also check brake by: 1.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE NEGATIVE (BLACK) CABLE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. If adjustment is necessary, see engine manual. TERMINAL COVER TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. If adjustment is necessary, see engine manual. POSITIVE (RED) CABLE TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable.
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. 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. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. CORRECTION 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. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING 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, trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION FOL DA L O NG D THIS O I T S T A E D LIN 1 5 DEG E RE E S LOP E ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
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.