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OPERATOR’S MANUAL Regent / 500 / 2500 Series 18HP Hydro Tractors 18HP Hydro Tractors Mfg. No. 1694656 1694659 1694660 1694665 1694749 1694750 1694751 1694802 1694894 1694903 1694925 2690322 2690323 2690326 2690327 2690328 2690332 2690336 2690357 2690358 2690359 2690397 2690426 Mfg. No.
MANUFACTURING, INC. 500 N Spring Street / PO Box 997 Port Washington, WI 53074-0997 www.simplicitymfg.com © Copyright 2005 Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.
Table of Contents General Operation ..................................................2 Transportation & Storage ........................................2 Slope Operation ......................................................3 Children...................................................................3 Emissions................................................................3 Ignition System .......................................................3 Service & Maintenance ......................................
Safety Rules & Information Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed. GENERAL OPERATION 16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit into a trailer or truck. 17.
Safety Rules and Information SLOPE OPERATION WARNING Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it. Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake.
Safety Rules & Information SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Safe Handling of Gasoline 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. 2. Use only approved gasoline containers. 3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. 4. Never fuel the machine indoors. 5. Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water heater or other appliance. 6.
Identification Numbers Identification Numbers SA M North American Models PL E 169XXXX SA Mfg. No.: Mower ID Tag Tractor ID Tag 2002 dB(A) CE Models PRODUCT M Serial No.: XXXXX kW: XXX Engine RPM XXXX LpA: XXX dB(A) Vibration @ Wheel: XXX m/s² Vibration @ Seat: XXX m/s² REFERENCE DATA Model Description Name/Number PL Simplicity Mfg. Inc. Port Washington, WI USA 53074-0997 E When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers.
Safety Decals SAFETY DECALS All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional messages on your rider and mower should be carefully read and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when these instructions are not followed. The information is for your safety and it is important! The safety decals below are on your rider and mower. This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.
CE Safety Icons / Directive Compliance SAFETY ICONS Warning: Read Operator’s Manual. Danger: Dismemberment. This machine can amputate limbs. Keep bystanders and children away when engine is running. Read and understand the Operator’s Manual before using this machine. Danger: Dismemberment. Danger: Thrown Objects. This mower deck can amputate limbs. Keep hands and feet away from blades. This machine is capable of throwing objects and debris. Keep bystanders away.
Features & Controls Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the name, location, and function of these controls so that you will better understand the safety and operating instructions provided in this manual. Trans. Release Lever on Rear Of Tractor CONTROL FUNCTIONS The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences.
Operation Brake Pedal Depressing the brake pedal applies the tractor brake. Ground Speed Pedals The tractor’s forward ground speed is controlled by the forward ground speed control pedal. The tractor’s reverse ground speed is controlled by the reverse ground speed control pedal. Depressing either pedal will increase ground speed. Note that the further down the pedal is depressed, the faster the tractor will travel. Seat Adjustment Lever The seat can be adjusted forward and back.
Operation GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM TESTS Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this unit. Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit. This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and other safety devices. These safety systems are present for your safety: do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
Operation STOPPING THE TRACTOR & ENGINE 1. Return the ground speed control(s) to neutral. 2. Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts to stop. 3. Place the throttle control in the position specified in the engine owner’s manual provided in the operator's packet shipped with your tractor. Follow any recommended stopping procedures. 4. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove the key. DRIVING THE TRACTOR 1.
Operation USING A MULCHING MOWER B Benefits of Proper Mulching Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and then blows them down into the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products that your lawn can use. Under proper conditions your mulching mower virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface. A Limitations of Mulching Decks Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is wet, or if the grass is simply too high.
Operation MOWER INSTALLATION & REMOVAL WARNING A Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. NOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. 1. Turn the front wheels of the tractor full left. B 2. Place the mower in lowest cutting position. 3. Move lever (C, Figure 5) to release belt tension, then slide belt off of PTO pulley. Figure 4. Front Hitch A. Hitch B. Release Rod 4.
Operation ADJUSTING MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT 40” A B The cutting height adjustment lever (A, Figure 7) controls the mower cutting height and has five positions. When using the mower deck, lift the deck off the ground while transporting to and from the job site. DO NOT cut with the mower in the raised, transport position. The lower four positions are used when mowing. Set this lever so that the deck is cutting off 1/3 the height of the grass or less.
Regular Maintenance Operation MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your tractor and mower. Use the hour meter to determine your operating time.
Regular Maintenance RAISING THE HOOD & SEAT Hood recess 1. To raise the hood, grasp the hood recess (Figure 8) on top, then pivot the hood up and forward. 2. To raise the seat for battery access, tilt the seat forward. CAUTION Do not run the engine with the hood raised. Engine heat will cause damage to the headlight bezel and hood. Figure 8. Gas Tank Located Under Hood CHECKING FUEL FILTER D WARNING Do not remove fuel filter when engine is hot, as spilled gasoline may ignite.
Regular Maintenance LUBRICATION Service Interval: Every 25 Hours Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 1012 as well as the lubrication points listed. Generally, all moving metal parts should be oiled where contact is made with other parts. Keep oil and grease off belts and pulleys. Wipe surfaces clean before and after lubrication. Grease: • steering linkage • foot pedal • mower linkage • transmission idler assembly pivot • rear axle shafts (remove wheel hubs) Use grease fittings when present.
Regular Maintenance LUBRICATE REAR AXLE SHAFTS A B WARNING D PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM FALLING UNIT C Always use a properly working lifting device with a capacity suitable for the weight of the unit being serviced. Always use a jack stand to support the unit while performing service, and chock remaining wheels to prevent the unit from rolling off the supports. Never work under or around an elevated unit that is not properly supported and secured in position with wheel chocks.
Regular Maintenance TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION Several service procedures within this book are identified by, and vary by, transmission type. To determine what transmission is in your tractor, check the identification tag attached to the axle of the transmission (Figure 14), or check your tractor’s parts book. TUFF TORQ K61 10010101 10010101010 TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE K46 Maintenance The K46 is a sealed unit and does not require regular maintenance.
Regular Maintenance WARNING For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp mower blades with bare hands. Careless or improper handling of blades may result in serious injury. WARNING For your personal safety, blade mounting capscrews must each be installed with a hex/spline washer and spring washer, then securely tightened. Torque blade mounting capscrew to 45 - 55 ft. lbs. (61 - 75 N.m.) Figure 16.
Regular Maintenance CHECK MOWER BLADE TIMING 40” MOWERS Service Interval: Yearly B C D E 1. Turn the PTO to the off position, engage the parking brake, turn the engine off, and remove the key. Remove the mower deck (see “Mower deck removal”). G F A 2. Turn the mower deck over and check the position of the blades. The blades must be positioned perpendicular to each other as shown in Figure 20. If not, proceed to step 3. A 3.
Regular Maintenance CHECK MOWER BELT TENSION 40” MOWERS WARNING D Mower blades are sharp. For your personal safety, do not handle mower blades with bare hands. Careless or improper handling of blades may result in serious injury. C B A Service Interval: Yearly 1. Turn the PTO to the off position, engage the parking brake, turn the engine off, and remove the key. Remove the mower deck (see “Mower deck Removal”). 2. Remove the screws securing the belt covers. Remove the belt covers. 3.
Notes 23
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually require that service be performed to allow it to continue operating properly. To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on the tractor or mower only when the engine is stopped and the parking brake engaged.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Tractor Troubleshooting Cont. Tractor drive belt slips. Brake will not hold. Tractor steers hard or handles poorly. 1. 2. 3. 4. Clutch/brake is out of adjustment. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Belt stretched or worn. Idler pulley pivot bracket “frozen” in declutched position. 1. Brake is incorrectly adjusted. 2. Internal brake worn. 1. Steering linkage is loose. 2. 3. Improper tire inflation. Front wheel spindle bearings dry. See Adjustments Section.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service BATTERY CHARGING WARNING Keep open flames and sparks away from the battery; the gasses coming from it are highly explosive. Ventilate the battery well during charging. A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine may be the result of a defect in the charging system or other electrical component. If there is any doubt about the cause of the problem, see your dealer.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service BRAKE & BRAKE SPRING ADJUSTMENT Spring Length 1-11/16” to 1-3/4” 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, block the wheels, remove the ignition key, and engage the parking brake. 2. Remove the mower deck (see Mower Deck Removal). 3. Locate the brake spring (A, Figure 25) and adjustment nut (B). A B 4. With the parking brake engaged, measure the compressed spring length. The spring should be 1-11/16” - 1-3/4” (4.2cm - 4.4 cm) when compressed.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service WARNING B Before checking mower, shut off PTO and engine. Allow all moving parts to stop. Remove ignition key, then disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it away from the spark plug. MOWER ADJUSTMENTS C Leveling The Mower A If the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling. Unequal or improper tire pressure may also cause an uneven cut. Make sure tire pressure is correct as specified in Checking Tire Pressure. Figure 28. Side-to-Side Adjustment A.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 38” & 44” MOWERS 6. Arrange the blades so they face front-to-back 7. Measure the distance from the ground to the front and rear tips of each blade. The measurement should be equal for both blades. Front tips should be equal to rear tips or within 1/8" higher. If not, proceed to next step. Belt Covers not shown for clarity 8.See Figure 30. Loosen the outside nut (A) and turn the eccentric nut (B) to raise or lower the rear of the deck.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 40” Mower PTO Belt Replacement 1. With the mower deck installed, park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, shut the engine off, and remove the key. A 2. Remove the mower deck (see “Mower deck removal”). Remove the belt covers. B 3. Note the position of the idler pulley belt guides (E & F, Figure 33) when installed.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service A D C B A Figure 35. Release Cogged Belt Tension A. 3/8” Ratchet and Extension Figure 34. Mulching Deck (Belt Covers Removed) A. Idler Assembly Capscrew B. Spring-Loaded Idler Assembly C. Belt D. Square Hole 40” Mower Arbor Drive Belt Replacement 1. With the mower deck installed, park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, shut the engine off, and remove the key. Figure 36.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service TRACTOR DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT IMPORTANT NOTE A To avoid damaging belts, do not pry belts over pulleys. 1. Park the tractor on a level surface. Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and set the parking brake. Remove the key. 2. Remove the mower deck from the tractor. See Mower Installation & Removal. 3. Unplug the wiring harness from the PTO clutch. Remove the PTO clutch as shown in Figure 37. 4. Remove the drag link rear hardware.
Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. *Actual sustained equipment horsepower will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. ENGINE: CHASSIS: Fuel Tank Capacity Rear Wheels 18* HP Make Model Horsepower Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity Briggs & Stratton INTEK, 31H777 18 @ 3600 rpm 30.59 Cu. in (501 cc) 12 Volt, 16 amp. Alternator, Battery: 230 CCA 48 Oz. (1.
Parts and Accessories Replacement Parts Replacement parts are available from your authorized dealer. Always use genuine Simplicity Service Parts. Maintenance Items Many convenient and helpful service and maintenance items are available from you authorized dealer. Some of these items include: Engine Oil Touch-Up Paint Grease Gun Kit 8 oz.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information HOW AND WHEN TO WATER, FERTILIZE & AERATE HOW TO WATER YOUR LAWN Most lawns are watered too often, but with too little water. However too much water can allow development of diseases with your lawn. It is best to water the lawn only when necessary, and then to water it slowly, evenly, and deeply—imitating a slow, soaking rain. HOW TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN The best method of watering a lawn is to imitate a slow, soaking rain, applying about 1 inch of water.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information WHEN AND HOW OFTEN TO MOW The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines: ● Mow when the grass is between 3”-4” (7,5-10 cm) high. ● Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings of grass one inch or shorter decompose more quickly than longer blades. Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and efficiently, preventing frayed edges which harm the grass.
