LTH18538 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.
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 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.5 Gallons Unleaded Regular • • Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C) • Oil Capacity: 48 oz. Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: Battery: 3 AMPS Battery 5 AMPS Headlights AMP/HR: 28 Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs. Read and observe the safety rules.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft Steering Boot Seat (1) Washer (1) Seat (1) Bolt Slope Sheet Key(s) 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 ensure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 3 and 4) • • • TO INSTALL HOOD SCOOP (See Fig. 5) Remove bolt and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. Connect switch to seat. Place seat on seat pan so all three (3) bottom pads are positioned over large slotted holes in pan. SEAT SWITCH PAD SLOT SEAT PAN TAPE WIRING HARNESS Fig. 3 • • • • Push down on seat to engage pads in slots and pull seat towards rear of tractor.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid. 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. 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. H D E B F J G A C 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 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 TOWING CARTS & OTHER ATTACHMENTS IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
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 clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral position. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” 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 TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 19) 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. • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.
MAINTENANCE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig. 20) CLEANING Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove blower housing and clean the area shown to prevent overheating and engine damage. • • CLEAN OUT CHAFF AND DEBRIS AIR SCREEN Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. Clean debris from steering plate. Debris can restrict clutch/brake pedal shaft movement, causing belt slip and loss of drive. CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points and movable parts (See Fig.
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.
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 Fig. 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 MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 34) TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 33) Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 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).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 35) 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. 38) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 39) 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 ac ci den tal 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 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 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 LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 CHASSIS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 – – – – – – 2 9 12 15 18 20 21 28 29 37 42 45 69 79 84 85 90 96 97 122 532 13 73-52 532 19 43-20 532 40 54-71 532 43 30-03 532 43 85-96 532 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 23-34 817 06 06-20 532 17 39-37 817 00 06-16 819 09 14-16 817 67 04-12 532 42 19-22 DESCRIPTION Engine Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 MOWER LIFT 87 7 90 98 89 10 3 97 100 2 88 97 91 101 87 89 89 87 lift-tex_29 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 2 3 7 10 87 89 88 90 532 42 20-27 532 19 52-31 532 41 15-55 532 19 63-14 532 19 42-09 819 19 19-12 532 41 07-10 532 19 42-08 Shaft Asm., Lift Lever Asm., Lift RH Grip, Lever Spring Torsion Pin Cotter 7/16 Bow Tie Lock Washer Clear Zinc Spring Pin Cotter 5/16 Bow Tie Lock KEY NO. 91 97 98 100 101 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 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 43 98-19 532 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 LTH18538 (96043013102), PRODUCT NO. 960 43 01-31 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 16-57 532 42 91-96 532 44 08-52 532 42 38-29 532 44 43-20 532 43 10-93 532 14 50-05 Decal, Fender Warn./Instructions Decal, Hood Logo Decal, Hood Panel Decal, Customer Respons.
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.
06.01.11 BD Printed in the U.S.A.
