03002 LT1597 Operator's Manual
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 GENERAL SERVICE • Never operate machine in a closed area. • Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuelsoaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.50 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 51 oz. W/O Filter: 35 oz. Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): Reverse: Forward: 1st 1.2 2nd 1.5 3rd 2.4 4th 3.5 5th 4.8 6th 5.3 1.5 Charging System: 15 Amps @ 3600 RPM Battery: AMP/HR: Min. CCA: Case Size: Blade Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK Slope Sheet Key (1) Oil Drain Tube (2) Keys (1) Hood Scoop (1) Hex Bolt Insert Lock Washer Steering Extension Shaft (1) Seat Steering Wheel Steering Boot Washer Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Washer (1) Hex Bolt ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping puposes.
ASSEMBLY • • bolt and tighten securely. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill. SEAT SWITCH IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID. PAD SLOT INSERT SEAT PAN 5/16 HEX BOLT TAPE 5/16 LOCK WASHER LARGE FLAT WASHER WIRING HARNESS FIG.
ASSEMBLY ATTACH HOOD SCOOP (See Fig. 4) NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. 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.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST CHECK TIRE PRESSURE 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. ✓ No remaining loose parts in carton. ✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ✓ All tires are properly inflated.
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. D H E B C F J G A FIG. 3 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. (F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping the engine.
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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. GROUND DRIVE • To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down. • Move gear shift lever (J) to neutral position. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig.
OPERATION TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 7) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever (J). WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged.
OPERATION TO TRANSPORT TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 10) • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. • When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH. 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.).
OPERATION MOWING TIPS CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
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 Check Tire Pressure T Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems R A Check for Loose Fasteners C Check/Replace Mower Blades T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminals 3 4 Check Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 1,2 Change Engine Oil (wi
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be sharp. Replace bent, worn or damaged blades. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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 checked and adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
MAINTENANCE • • Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual). • • • • V-BELTS • Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • 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.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • A • tor. Insert rod end of link assembly through front hole in tractor front suspension bracket (F). Insert end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring (J). Hook end of clutch cable spring (Q) into hole in idler B E FIG. 17 • on rear mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring. ATTACH FRONT LINK (E) - Work from left side of trac- J F H FIG. 19 arm (R).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER • If adjustment is necessary, see step in Visual Adjustment instructions above. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 23 and 24) 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 MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 27) To Replace Mower Drive Belt (See Fig. 26) MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL 1. Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. 2. Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest position. 4. Remove any dirt or grass clippings which may have accumulated around mandrels and entire upper deck surface. 5. Remove belt from clutch pulley (M), both mandrel pulleys (R) and all idler pulleys (S). Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 29) Your new tractor front wheel toe-in and camber is set at the factory and is normal. The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable. If damage has occurred to affect the factory set front wheel toe-in or camber, contact a qualified service center. WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE FUSE TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 32) Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. • • • REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 30 AND 31) 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.
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 POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 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. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 10. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Engine dies when tractor is shifted into reverse 1. CORRECTION Reverse operation system (ROS) is not "ON" while mower or other attachment is engaged. 1. Turn ignition key to ROS "ON" position. See Operation section. 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.
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.
532 41 01-85 03.05.07 JS Printed in U.S.A.