532 42 34-72 LTH1438 Owner's Manual 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. 532 42 34-72 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 GENERAL • 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. • If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: Oil Type (API-SG-SL): Oil Capacity: Spark Plug: Ground Speed (MPH): Charging System: Battery: Blade Torque: CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES • • 1.5 Gallons Unleaded Regular SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F) W/Filter: 56 oz. W/O Filter: 48 oz. Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Forward: 0 - 5.3 Reverse: 0 - 1.5 3 AMPS Battery 5 AMPS Headlight AMP/HR: 28 Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R 45-55 FT. LBS. • Read and observe the safety rules.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Lock Washer Steering Wheel Insert Large Flat Washer Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft Hex Bolt Steering Boot Seat Hood Scoop (1) Seat (1) Hood Scoop (1) Washer (1) Hex Bolt Slope Sheet Keys (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (2) Keys 5
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 insure proper tightness.
ASSEMBLY ATTACH HOOD SCOOP (See Fig. 5) SEAT SWITCH PAD SLOT SEAT PAN TAPE WIRING HARNESS Fig. 3 To adjust seat: Grasp adjustment handle and pull up, slide seat to desired position and release adjustment handle. TAPE SLOT PAD FLAT WASHER SEAT PAN BOLT ADJUSTMENT HANDLE TAB Fig. 4 NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid.
ASSEMBLY ✓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 on tires. 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.
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. H D E B J F G C A M Fig. 6 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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR GROUND DRIVE • To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal all the way down. • Move motion control lever (J) to neutral position. TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig.
OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 12) TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 10) 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.
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. 13). • • • S • • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6) BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral position. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
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 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 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 TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 19 & 20) 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. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transmission. • Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean. • Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials.
MAINTENANCE AIR FILTER MUFFLER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See Engine Manual. Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. CLEAN AIR SCREEN Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral 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 • • • ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside of tractor chassis and secure with retainer spring. Repeat on opposite side of tractor. Insert end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring (J). E A J F H B Fig. 26 Hook end of clutch cable spring (Q) into hole in idler arm (R).
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. 31 & 32) 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. 33) TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 34) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of manual).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 35) • Replace axle cover. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 39) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (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. • • • • • • • • • • 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 POINTS 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 POINTS 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 SCHEMATIC SCH11 BATTERY RED SOLENOID A M FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) BLACK WHITE S B G STARTER RED WHITE M A1 L A2 ATTACHMENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) BLACK CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL UP) GRAY REVERSE SWITCH (NOT IN REVERSE) BLACK BLACK BLACK 2 BLACK 3 BLACK BLACK SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) BLACK BLACK 1 6 GRAY SHORTING CONNECTOR CHASSIS HARNESS IGNITION UNIT (OPTIONAL) SPARK PLUGS GAP (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 CHASSIS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 – – – – – – 2 9 12 15 18 20 21 28 29 37 42 45 69 79 81 82 84 85 90 96 97 532 17 97-58 532 19 43-19 532 40 19-85 532 40 75-45 532 19 77-25 532 18 38-97 532 41 63-58 532 40 11-37 532 13 71-80 532 12 34-87 810 04 07-00 873 51 04-00 532 16 52-91 532 19 23-34 532 14 84-56 532 18 16-54 817 06 06-20 532 17 39-37 817 00 06-16 819 09 14-16 817 67 04-12 DESCRIPTION Engine Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 DECALS 2 5 6 2 9 1 4 11 8 12 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 4 5 6 8 9 532 41 16-58 532 42 20-12 532 42 36-37 532 18 09-41 532 42 34-64 532 40 88-15 532 14 50-05 Decal, Fender Warn./Instructions Decal, Hood Logo Decal, Hood Panel Decal, Customer Respons.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 SEAT ASSEMBLY 1 8 8 7 7 8 41 8 40 10 21 6 37 37 44 2 43 21 3 seat-tex_6-tex LT KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 6 7 8 10 21 532 19 75-18 532 18 01-66 532 14 06-75 873 80 06-00 532 12 41-81 532 17 18-77 532 19 69-77 532 17 18-52 Seat Bracket Pivot Fender Strap, Asm Fender Nut, Lock w/Ins. 3/8-16 unc Spring, Seat Cprsn Bolt 5/16-18 unc x 3/4 w/Sems Pan, Seat Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1438 (96043005800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-58 MOWER LIFT 7 87 87 90 98 89 3 10 97 100 2 91 97 91 87 89 lift-tex_10 89 87 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 2 3 7 10 87 89 90 91 532 19 52-23 532 19 52-31 532 41 15-55 532 19 63-14 532 19 42-09 819 19 19-12 532 19 42-08 532 19 51-81 Shaft Asm., Lift Lever Asm., Lift RH Grip, Lever Spring Torsion Pin Cotter 7/16 Bow Tie Lock Washer Clear Zinc Pin Cotter 5/16 Bow Tie Lock Link Asm Lift LH Rear KEY PART NO. NO.
SERVICE NOTES 45
SERVICE NOTES 46
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.
06.27.11 AP/BD Printed in the U.S.A.
