MODEL NO. M13538 (96011024401) 13.5 HP 38 Inch Lawn Tractor www.mcculloch.biz 532 40 80-72 Rev. 3 06.30.08 SBW Printed in the U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: 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 are. • 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: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) SAE 30 (above 32°F) Oil Capacity: 48 oz. Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Champion RC12YC Ground Speed (MPH): CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft Steering Boot Seat (1) Washer (1) Knob (1) Seat (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Slope Sheet Keys (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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2) (1) 1/2" wrench Utility knife (1) 3/4" wrench Tire pressure gauge Pliers Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
ASSEMBLY CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID. See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 3) • • Lift seat pan to raised position.
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. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ROS "ON" POSITION IGNITION SWITCH LIFT LEVER PLUNGER LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT INDICATOR CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL PARKING BRAKE GEAR SHIFT LEVER 02829 FIG.
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 NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause “browning” of grass.
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) • • 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 • • • WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above) • When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.
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 CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM • When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the engine "ON" position and the attachment clutch engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should shut off the engine. • When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the ROS "ON" position and the attachment clutch engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
MAINTENANCE BATTERY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
MAINTENANCE IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 11) CLEAN AIR SCREEN The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. • Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. • Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. • Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
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 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 13 and 14) • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 19) WIRE BELT KEEPER BELT KEEPER MANDREL PULLEY 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 (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. • Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Make sure transaxle is in neutral. NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel. • Position the gear shift lever in the neutral position. • Tighten adjustment bolt securely. NOTE: If additional clearance is needed to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 22) WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS HOOD SEAT PAN HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECTOR 03075 FIG. 23 TERMINAL COVER KEPS NUT FIG. 25 HEX BOLT ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE POSITIVE (RED) CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. If adjustment is necessary, see engine manual. NEGATIVE (BLACK) CABLE FIG. 24 • • TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten securely.
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.
SERVICE NOTES 25
SERVICE NOTES 26
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.
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