917.289570 (YTH2348) Owner's Manual 532 43 38-61 Rev.
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 Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. • Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline Capacity and type: 3.0 Gallons Unleaded Regular • • Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) • Oil Capacity: W/ Filter: W/O Filter: Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC (Gap: .040") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: 16 AMPS @ 3600 RPM Battery: AMP/HR: MIN. CCA: Case Size: Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS. 64 oz. 60 oz. Read and observe the safety rules.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Slope Sheet Key (1) Oil Drain Tube (2) Keys ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
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 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. G P D H E B K F J C L A M 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 ENGINE • Move throttle control (D) between half and full speed (fast) position.
OPERATION TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 7) • Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot. The cutting height range is approximately 1" to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2" during the cool season and to over 3" during hot months.
OPERATION TO OPERATE ON HILLS TO STOP MOWER BLADES Disengage attachment clutch control. CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield (S) in place (See Fig. 10). • • • S • • • Fig. 10 Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
OPERATION SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3) Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual. NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP".
OPERATION MOWING TIPS PURGE TRANSMISSION • CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is running. • • To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recommended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have developed during shipping of your 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 COOLING 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 MUFFLER DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 18) Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach.
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. 19) TO INSTALL MOWER (See Figs. 19 - 32) • • • 1.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 5. INSTALL ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) (IF EQUIPPED) (See Fig. 25 - 27) 2. ASSEMBLE FRONT GAUGE WHEEL (W) TO FRONT OF MOWER (See Fig. 22) 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 90° END TOWARDS MOWER DECK INTEGRATED WASHER END Fig. 25 Fig. 22 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. 28) • 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 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. 34 & 35) 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. 36) BELT REMOVAL 1. Remove mower (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” section in this manual). MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL • Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. • Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest position. • Disengage belt tension rod (K) from lock bracket (L). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. 2. Disconnect clutch wire harness (A). 3.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 39) 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. Park tractor on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, depress brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. 2. Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in “transmission disengaged” position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 40) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 41) 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. • • • • • • • • • • • • Raise hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor.
STORAGE ENGINE 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. 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.
SERVICE NOTES 50
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.
04.30.10 JA Printed in the U.S.A.
