LTH1538 Owner'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 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.5 Gallons Unleaded Regular • • Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) • Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 51 oz. W/O Filter: 35 oz. Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Champion RC12YC Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: 5 AMPS BATTERY 3 AMPS HEADLIGHT Battery: AMP/HR: Min. CCA: Case Size: Blade Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS. Read and observe the safety rules.
ASSEMBLY (1) Washer Slope Sheet (1) Hex Bolt (1) Oil Drain Tube Key (1) Seat (2) Keys (1) Hex Bolt Insert Steering Wheel Steering Extension Shaft Lock Washer Steering Boot Washer (1) Hood Scoop Steering Wheel Adapter When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 2 and 3) • • • • Push down on seat to engage pads in slots and pull seat towards rear of tractor. • Raise seat and tighten bolt securely. • Remove tape and discard. • Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat. Press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. If operating position is not comfortable, adjust seat. To adjust seat: Grasp adjustment handle and pull up, slide seat to desired position and release adjustment handle.
ASSEMBLY ATTACH HOOD SCOOP (See Fig. 6) Fig.
ASSEMBLY TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) ✓CHECKLIST 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.
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 F J C G A 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. 10) TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 12) 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. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in this section of manual).
OPERATION ROS "ON" POSITION TO TRANSPORT ENGINE "ON" POSITION (NORMAL OPERATING) • 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 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.
MAINTENANCE CLEANING • • • We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower. Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
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 • ATTACH FRONT LINK (E) - Work from left side of tractor. 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). E B • FIG. 20 ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS (C) - Lift rear corner of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin (D) on rear mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring. J F H FIG.
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. 26 and 27) 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. 29) NOTE: Each full turn of the adjustment nut will change mower height about 1/8". • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until front tip of blade is 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear tip. • Hold adjustment nut in position with wrench and tighten jam nut securely against adjustment nut. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 31) FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER 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 REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 33) 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. • • • • Raise hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. To replace, reverse above procedure.
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 CORRECTION Engine dies when tractor is shifted into reverse 1. 1. Turn ignition key to ROS "ON" position. See Operation section. Reverse operation system (ROS) is not "ON" while mower or other attachment is engaged. 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 SCHEMATIC 03101-194276-400449_Manual-Tex BATTERY RED SOLENOID STARTER M RED FUSE BLACK WHITE WHITE S M B A1 G L A2 ATTACHMENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL UP) BLACK GRAY REVERSE SWITCH (NOT IN REVERSE) BLACK BLACK 2 BLACK 3 BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK 1 6 SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) GRAY BLACK /WHITE JUNCTION CONNECTOR SHORTING CONNECTOR CHASSIS HARNESS SPARK PLUGS GAP (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 DECALS 2 7 2 5 6 13 9 1 11 8 12 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 532 40 28-32 532 41 07-78 532 18 09-41 532 41 06-30 532 40 44-84 532 40 88-29 532 14 50-05 Decal, Hood Decal, Hood Panel Decal, Customer Respons. Decal, Replacement Decal, Steering Wheel Decal, Engine Decal, Battery Dnge/Poi KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 16 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 40 41 42 43 55 71 79 90 92 93 94 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 CHASSIS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 ENGINE KEY NO. 1 2 9 12 15 18 20 21 28 29 37 42 43 69 79 81 82 84 85 90 PART NO. -----532 13 73-52 532 19 43-19 532 40 19-85 532 40 75-45 532 19 77-25 532 40 15-08 532 19 16-11 532 40 11-37 532 13 71-80 532 12 34-87 810 04 07-00 532 17 39-37 532 16 52-91 532 19 23-34 532 14 84-56 532 18 16-54 817 06 06-20 873 51 04-00 817 00 06-16 DESCRIPTION Engine Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 SEAT ASSEMBLY 1 8 8 7 7 8 41 8 40 10 6 21 37 37 44 2 43 21 3 seat-tex_6-tex LT KEY NO. 1 2 3 6 7 8 10 21 PART NO. 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 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Pivot Fender Strap, Asm Fender Nut, Lock W/Ins. 3/8-16 unc Spring, Seat Cprsn Bolt 5/16-18 uncx 3/4 w/Sems Pan, Seat Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 STEERING ASSEMBLY STEERING TEX? HUSQ KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH1538 (96043003800), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 00-38 MOWER LIFT 7 87 87 90 98 89 3 10 88 97 100 2 97 91 89 87 lift-tex_5 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 2 3 7 10 87 88 89 532 19 52-23 532 19 52-31 532 19 64-92 532 19 63-14 532 19 42-09 532 19 53-03 819 19 19-12 Shaft Asm., Lift Lever Asm., Lift Rh Grip, Lever Spring Torsion Pin Cotter 7/16 Bow Tie Lock Spring Lift Assist Washer Clear Zinc KEY PART NO. NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION FOL D A L ONG THIS DO I T S T A ED L 15 D INE EGR E E SLO PE 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 07-13 REV1 12.07.06 TB Printed in U.S.A.
