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. Operator’s Manual Owner's Manual GTH24K54 115 52 83-27 Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine.
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 CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Mower Mower Front Wheel (2) Rear Lift Link Assemblies (5) 1-3/16 O.D. Washers (1) Shoulder Bolt (1) 1-1/4 O.D. Washer (1) Small Retainer Springs (1) Front Lift Link Assembly (1) Wheel (5) Large Retainer Springs (1) Oil Drain Tube If Equipped (1) Anti-Sway Bar (1) 3/8-16 Locknut Slope Sheet Keys (1) 3/4 O.D.
ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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 ensure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY 4. SLIDE MOWER UNDER TRACTOR (See Fig. 7) • Bring belt forward and check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension arms (A) are pointing forward before sliding mower under tractor. • Slide mower under tractor until it is centered under tractor. LIFT LEVER Fig. 4 2. ASSEMBLE FRONT GAUGE WHEEL (W) TO FRONT OF MOWER (See Fig. 5) 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 Q Y A.
ASSEMBLY ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) LOCATION 7. ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS (C) (See Fig. 13) • Insert rod end of rear lift link (C) into hole (U) in tractor lift shaft suspension arm and pivot link down to mower. • Lift rear corner of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin on rear mower bracket (D) and secure with large washer and large retainer spring. • Repeat on opposite side of tractor. TRANSAXLE BRACKET (T) LOCATED BETWEEN REAR TIRES E TO HOL END IN ° 0 9 E PL AC U C C. REAR LIFT LINK(S) D.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST 9 INSTALL BELT ON ENGINE CLUTCH PULLEY (M) (See Fig. 6 & 15) • Disengage belt tension rod (K) from locking bracket (L). • Install belt onto engine clutch pulley (M). 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: M ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ M.ENGINE CLUTCH PULLEY Fig. 15 ✓ IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves and under mandrel covers.
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. P D G H E B A M F N Q C J K L Fig. 3 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
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 STOP MOWER BLADES • TO OPERATE ON HILLS 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 • • • 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 indicates when the engine or mower needs servicing. After every 50 hours of operation the oil can icon will stay on for 2 hours or until a manual reset occurs. To reset the display manually turn the ignition switch to the on position, then the off position five times (1 second on, 1 second off). To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
OPERATION 5. Shut- off engine and set parking brake. 6. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual). 7. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage parking brake. 8. Drive tractor forward for approximately five feet then backwards for five feet. Repeat this driving procedure three times. Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal operation.
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 TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 16 - 18) 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. Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. • Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container.
MAINTENANCE CLEANING AIR FILTER • Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. • CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. Clean debris from steering plate.
MAINTENANCE DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 21) 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. IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove bagger chute or mulch cover if attached. 2.
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. 22) • • • • • • TO INSTALL MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • • From right side of mower, first insert 90° end of anti-sway bar (S) into hole in transaxle bracket (T), located near left rear tire in front of transaxle. NOTE: Flashlight may be helpful. ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) LOCATION • ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS (C) - Lift rear corner of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin on rear mower bracket (D) and secure with washer and retainer spring. Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER • Make sure tires are properly inflated to the PSI shown on tires. If tires are over or under inflated, it may affect the appearance of your lawn and lead you to think the mower is not adjusted properly. • 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. 32 & 33) IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to-side.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT • MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL (See Fig. 34) • Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. • Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest position. • Remove mandrel covers. • Remove any dirt or grass clippings which may have accumulated around mandrels and entire upper deck surface. • With a 3/8" breaker bar and using the square opening in the idler arm, shift the arm counter clockwise to relieve the tension on the belt.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 37) BELT INSTALLATION 1. Install new belt from tractor rear to front, over the steering plate (H) and above clutch brake pedal shaft (J). 2. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll belt around electric clutch and onto engine pulley (G). 3. Pull belt toward rear of tractor. Carefully work belt down around transmission cooling fan and onto the input pulley (F). Be sure belt is inside the belt keeper. 4.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 39) REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 40) 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. WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • • • • Raise hood. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. Close hood. 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.
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 ES SENTIAL 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.
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.
09/05/2011 JM