MODEL NO. CO185H42STA 18.5 HP 42 INCH LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Service and Adjustments • Storage • Troubleshooting • Repair Parts For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 191641 Rev. 3 8.11.04 TR/MH PRINTED IN U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 8 Operation............................................. 11 Maintenance Schedule ........................ 17 Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments..................... 20 Storage ................................................
SAFETY RULES 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended.
SAFETY RULES • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. • Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
SAFETY RULES • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline Capacity and Type: Oil Type (API-SG-SL): Oil Capacity: • Read and observe the safety rules. • Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor. • Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Sleeve Extension (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Sleeve (1) Hex nut 1/2-20 Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Slope Sheet (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) Keys 7
ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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. Review the video cassette before you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY Steering Wheel Insert A socket wrench set will make assembly easier.
2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten. 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7.
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARGING CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory. NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades. The mulching blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
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.
00155 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 Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height. Attachment Clutch Lever “Engaged” Position TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS 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: Be sure tractor is on a flat level surface.
Transmission Engaged IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. 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.
Once rough running begins, immediately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the temperature, the longer the warm-up). • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE S E GE S RS RS US UR N RA UR OU HOU HO ASO TO O H 0 S 8H SE RE 25 10 50 Y Y Y Y Y RE ER VER VER VER VER EFO FO V E B SERVICE E E E E E B H C EA DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R A C T 0 R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners 5 Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Che
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). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. 5. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. 6. Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual). TRANSAXLE COOLING Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling.
MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) Replace spark plug(s) 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. IN-LINE FUEL FILTER The fuel filter should be replaced once each season.
6. Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs. 7. Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms. Slide mower out from under tractor. IMPORTANT: If an attachment other than the mower deck is to be mounted on the tractor, remove the front links. TO INSTALL MOWER 1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Slide mower under tractor with deflector shield to right side of tractor. 3. Lower lift lever to its lowest position. 4.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 3. If distance is other than 1-9/16", loosen jam nut and turn nut “A” until distance becomes 1-9/16". Retighten jam nut against nut “A”. 4. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in “transmission engaged” position. 5. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary.
Motion Control Lever 4. Install belt through stationary idler and clutching idler. 5. Reinstall clutch locator and tighten nut securely. 6. Reconnect clutch harness. 7. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 8. Install mower (See “TO INSTALL MOWER” in this section of manual).
TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood. INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Loose or damaged wiring may cause your tractor to run poorly, stop running, or prevent it from starting. • Check wiring. See electrical wiring diagram in the Repair Parts section. TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse.
STORAGE 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. WARNING: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. 7. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gas oline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CAUSE 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. CORRECTION 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 8. Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 9. Water in fuel. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 8. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10. Improper blades used. 11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill. 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.
