MODEL NO. AG17542STA 17.5 HP 42 INCH LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Service and Adjustments • Storage • Troubleshooting • Repair Parts For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 190593 Rev. 1 7.28.04 RD/MH PRINTED IN U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 8 Operation............................................. 11 Maintenance Schedule ........................ 17 Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments..................... 21 Storage ................................................
SAFETY RULES 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended.
SAFETY RULES • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. • Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
SAFETY RULES • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline 1.25 Capacity and Unleaded Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) (API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3 Pints Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 1st 1.1 2nd 1.4 3rd 2.2 4th 3.3 5th 4.4 6th 4.9 Reverse: 1.4 Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI Rear: 12 PSI Charging 3 Amps Battery System: 5 Amps Headlights Battery: Amp/Hr: 28 Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Hex nut 1/2-20 (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Extension Shaft (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Boot Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Lock Washer 1/2 (1) Bolt Slope Sheet (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) Keys 7
ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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. Review the video cassette before you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment bolt, lockwasher and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten. 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. 9.
✓CHECKLIST CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. Before you operate 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.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
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.
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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
MOWING TIPS • 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 already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE E E S S RS AG US RS UR OUR OU SON OR H U O H C A A ST HO 25 H 50 H 100 SE RE EE Y 8 R RY ERY ERY ERY FO OR E E F BE SERVICE EV EV EV EV EV 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 5 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Eng
4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as Always observe safety rules when pershown. forming any maintenance. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. BRAKE OPERATION Lbs. torque). If tractor requires more than five (5) feet IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. to stop at highest speed in highest gear If bolt needs replacing, replace only with on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. then brake must be checked and adjusted.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to “leak” power. 1. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 2. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 3.
AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Remove cartridge every 25 hours and tap gently to clean. Replace paper cartridge once a year or after every 100 hours of operation, more often if used in very dusty, dirty conditions. 1. Remove knobs and cover. 2. Remove cartridge nut and clean or replace cartridge. 3. Reassemble and tighten securely. NOTE: Do not attempt to oil the paper cartridge. See engine manual.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. 4. Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
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. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position. Check adjustment on right side of tractor.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut “A” on brake rod. 3. If distance is other than 1-1/2", loosen jam nut and turn nut “A” until distance becomes 1-1/2". Retighten jam nut against nut “A”. 4. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary.
Engine Pulley Washers Retaining Ring Axle Cover Clutching Idler Stationary Idler Center Span Keeper Square Key (Rear Wheel Only) Transaxle Pulley TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BATTERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual).
REPLACING BATTERY WARNING: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 3.
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. WARNING: 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. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. 7. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gas oline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CAUSE 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. CORRECTION 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 8. Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 9. Water in fuel. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 8. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10. Improper blades used. 11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
SERVICE NOTES 30
47 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill. 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.
