LTH2038 Operator's Manual 532 43 44-68 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 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: 1.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API: SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: W/ FILTER: 56 Oz. W/O FILTER: 48 Oz. SPARK PLUG: Champion (RC12YC) (GAP: .030") GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: REVERSE: CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Hoodscoop Steering Extension Shaft Hex Bolt Insert Lock Washer Steering Wheel Washer Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Hood Scoop Steering Boot Seat Slope Sheet Washer Key(s) Seat Hex Bolt 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.
ASSEMBLY TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 2) INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 3 and 4) ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT • Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. • Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure. • • • INSTALL STEERING WHEEL • Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward. • Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.
ASSEMBLY TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • • • Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. Release parking brake by pressing clutch/brake pedal. Place freewheel control in "transmission disengaged position" (See “TO TRANSPORT” in the Operation section of this manual).
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. P D H B G E F A C K M L Fig. 6 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 • TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 7) • Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
OPERATION TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 11) TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) 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.). 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.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6) PURGE TRANSMISSION 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 brake pedal and set parking brake. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position. • Move throttle control to choke position.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS • • • • • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the 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 EXTENSION DOCKING POSITION 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. 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 SPARK PLUGS DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 23) Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. 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.
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.
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.
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. 32 & 33) 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. 34) E The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. F A BELT INSTALLATION • Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE WHEEL (See Fig. 36) • • • Block up axle securely. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. • On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. • Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. • Replace axle cover.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSMISSION 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. REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See “PURGE TRANSMISSION” in the Operation section of this 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 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.
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SERVICE NOTES 29
SERVICE NOTES 30
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.
06.21.10 CL Printed in the U.S.A.
