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.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Lock Washer Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt Steering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft Seat (1) Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Seat (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet (1) Hood Scoop (2) Keys 5
ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1) 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.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 3A and 3B) 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 ATTACH HOOD SCOOP (See Fig. 4) 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. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER” in the Service and Adjustments 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. 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) (See Fig. 9) The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever (J). 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. WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged.
OPERATION TO STOP MOWER BLADES - TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS disengage attachment clutch control. 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 MOWING TIPS TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3) • 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. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position. • Move throttle control to choke ( ) position.
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 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 Figs. 24 and 25) 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. 26) 2. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll belt onto engine pulley (E). 3. Pull belt toward rear of tractor. Carefully work belt down around transaxle input pulley (D). Be sure belt is inside the belt keeper. 4. Install belt through stationary idler (A) and clutching idler (B). 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 6. Install mower (See “TO INSTALL MOWER” section in this manual).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 29) If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 30) TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. 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.
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 Rev. 1 04.02.08 AP Printed in the U.S.A.
