N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Operator’s Manual Pacer Series 17.5 HP Walk-behind Mower R Mfg. No. Description 5900515 Pacer, 17.
Thank you for purchasing this quality-built Simplicity product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Simplicity brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your Simplicity product will provide many years of dependable service. This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with this machine and how to avoid them.
Table of Contents Operator Safety .................................................. 2 Safety Rules & Information .....................................2 Safety Decals ..........................................................7 Safety Icons & Interlock System .............................8 Features & Controls ........................................... 9 Control Functions ....................................................9 Operation...........................................................
OPERATOR SAFETY Operator Safety Operating Safety Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of lawn and garden equipment. Our products are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed all industry standards for safety. Do not operate this machine unless you have been trained. Reading and understanding this operator’s manual is a way to train yourself. Power equipment is only as safe as the operator.
OPERATOR SAFETY Thrown Objects This unit has spinning mower blades. These blades can pick up and throw debris that could seriously injure a bystander. Be sure to clean up the area to be mowed and remove objects that could be thrown by the blade BEFORE you start mowing. Do not operate this unit without the entire grass catcher or discharge guard (deflector) in place.
OPERATOR SAFETY 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 R N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 1.
OPERATOR SAFETY Slope Operation WARNING Operating on steep slopes can be dangerous. • Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope. Use extra caution when operating on slopes with a rearmounted grass catcher. • Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down, use caution when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON A SLOPE. Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity.
OPERATOR SAFETY Service and Maintenance Safe Handling of Gasoline Service & Maintenance N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 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.
OPERATOR SAFETY Safety Decals 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. 1 Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to remind you of this important information while you are operating your unit.
OPERATOR SAFETY Safety Icons Safety Interlock System This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. 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. The alert symbol ( ) is used to identity safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury.
FEATURES & CONTROLS Features & Controls Control Functions N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 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. 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.
FEATURES & CONTROLS Engine Kill / Operator Presence Handles These handles are a major factor in the safety interlock system of the mower. Both handles are tied together so depressing one handle depresses both. The operator must depress the handles in order to deactivate the engine kill system. Handles must be depressed to disengage the parking brake and engage the PTO switch. Choke Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke once the engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking.
OPERATION Starting the Engine 1. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the parking brake is engaged. 2. NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking. Set the engine throttle control to FAST throttle position. Then fully close the choke by pulling the knob OUT fully. 3. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to START. 4. After the engine starts, gradually open the choke (push knob down fully). Reduce to half throttle speed and allow to warm up.
OPERATION Cutting Height Adjustment - 32” Model The cutting height can be adjusted within two different ranges. See Figure 1 for deck height indicator. Before adjusting the cutting height, you must first determine the average cutting height. Depending on the range you plan to use, it may be necessary to adjust the deck lift pivot locations and the pulley spacer positions. See Figures 1, 2 & 3 for pulley and pivot positions in relation to the cutting range.
OPERATION Mowing Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service section. 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the ground speed control levers are in the NEUTRAL position. 2. Start the engine (see Starting the Engine). 3. Set the throttle to FULL. 4. Push down on engine kill / operator presence handles to deactivate engine kill system. Push the brake lever forward to disengage the parking brake. 5. Begin mowing.
OPERATION 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: 1. Mow when the grass is between three and five inches high. 2. 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. 3. Mow at time of day when the grass is cool and dry.
OPERATION Proper Mulching Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface. Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so that clippings will be finely cut.
OPERATION Long Term Storage (Longer Than 30 Days) Storage WARNING Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. • Never store the unit, with gasoline in the engine or the fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion. • Handle gasoline carefully.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Regular Maintenance Maintenance Schedule The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. You will need to keep a record of your operating time. Determining operating time is easily accomplished by observing the elapsed time recorded by the hour meter.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Checking / Adding Fuel WARNING To add fuel: 1. Stop the engine and allow to cool for at least 3 minutes. 2. Remove the fuel cap. 3. Fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck. This will allow for fuel expansion. NOTE: Do not overfill. Refer to your engine manual for specific fuel recommendations. 4. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap. Fuel Filter The fuel filter is located in the fuel line between fuel tank and carburetor, near the fuel pump.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Lubrication Lubricate the unit at the following lubrication points. Grease: • front caster wheel axles • front caster wheel pivots • ground speed control shaft pivots Oil: Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not installed. Generally, all moving metal parts should be oiled where contact is made with other parts. Keep oil and grease off belts and pulleys.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Servicing the Mower Blades Removing the Mower Blade WARNING Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 1. Wedge the wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the mower blade from turning. 2. To remove the mower blade, use the appropriate tools to remove the mower blade mount bolt (Figure 8). Figure 8.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Sharpening the Mower Blade A WARNING Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. • Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. Balancing the Mower Blades Figure 11. Sharpening the Mower Blade A. Mower Blade Bevel B. Mower Blade Cutting Edge N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 1. Sharpen the mower blade with grinder, hand file or electric blade sharpener. 2.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Deck Leveling Adjustment To Level the Mower Deck: 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. 2. Raise the mower deck until it reaches the upper stop. Procedure if mower deck is in the HIGH RANGE: Figure 14. 2 x 4 Placement C N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 3. Place 2 x 4 blocks under the outside edges of the mower deck with the 3-1/2” sides being vertical. Place a 1/8” (3 mm) thick spacer on top of the rear 2 x 4 blocks. (See Figure 14) 4.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Mower Belt Replacement NOTICE To avoid damaging belts, do NOT pry belts over pulleys. B C Figure 16. Mower Deck Drive Belt (32” Model) A. Idler Pulley B. Right-Hand Spindle Pulley C. Left-Hand Spindle Pulley R N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. 2. Remove the mower deck shield. 3. Push the idler arm towards the left-hand side of the machine (non-discharge side) to release the spring tension on the drive belt. (See Figure 16) 4.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Transaxle Drive Belt Replacement 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. 2. Remove the rear shield. 3. Remove the mower deck drive belt from the PTO clutch. See instructions above. WARNING Spring loaded components can kick back causing injury. Use extreme caution when removing the spring, due to the increased tension in the spring during removal. Injury may result if the spring is prematurely released. A C Figure 17. Transaxle Drive Belt A. Spring B. Drive Idler Arm C.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE Ground Speed Control Lever Location Adjustment The control levers can be adjusted in two ways to provide a comfortable working range when operating the machine at the average mowing speed. Adjust both the lever height and lever position at the same time to obtain the most comfortable working position C A Adjusting the Lever Height: 1. Loosen the lever fastener (B, Figure 18) to adjust the lever height.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE B B B A C A B Figure 19. PTO Clutch Adjustment A. Adjustment Window (Qty. 3 one shown) B. Adjustment Nut PTO Clutch Adjustment Adjusting the PTO Clutch WARNING N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n When to check the PTO clutch adjustment: • After every 100 hours of operation • If the PTO clutch is slipping • If the PTO clutch will NOT engage • If a new PTO clutch is installed. Figure 20. Adjust PTO Clutch A. Window B. Adjustment Nut C. .016” - .018” (0,40 - 0,45 mm) Feeler Gauge R 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING 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. The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, their causes and remedies. See the information on the following pages for instructions on how to perform most of these minor adjustments and service repairs yourself.
TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting the Rider continued Problem Cause Engine runs, but mower will Hydraulic release rod in “neutral” posinot drive tion. Rider drive belt slips Brake will not hold Mower drives or handles poorly Remedy Move hydraulic release rod to the “drive” position. Belt is broken. See Drive Belt Replacement. Drive belt slips. See problem and cause below. Brake is not fully released. See dealer. Pulley or belt greasy or oily. Clean as required. Tension too loose.
TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems Cause Remedy Streaking Blades are not sharp. Sharpen your blades. Blades are worn down too far. Replace your blades. Engine speed is too slow. Always mow at FULL throttle. Ground speed is too fast. Slow down. Deck is plugged with grass. Clean out the mower. Not overlapping cutting rows enough. Overlap your cutting rows. Not overlapping enough when turning. When turning your cutting width decreases—overlap mower when turning.
SPECIFICATIONS Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE: TRANSMISSIONS: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Electric Start* Hydro-Gear 334 Make Model Horsepower Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity Type Hydraulic Fluid Speeds @ 3400 rpm Continuous Torque Output Maximum Weight on Axle Briggs & Stratton ELS 17.5 @ 3400 rpm 30.63 Cu. in (502 cc) 9 AMP regulated alternator 1.5 Q (1.4 L) CHASSIS: Fuel Tank Rear Wheels 620 lbs.
E E 1. Fold this page along the dotted line indicated above. 2. Align the left edge of this guide with a vertical tree, a power line pole, a fence post, or any vertical structure. 3. Compare the angle of the fold with the angle of the hill.
N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n R Notes
BRIGGS & STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, L.L.C. OWNER WARRANTY POLICY LIMITED WARRANTY Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC will repair and/or replace, free of charge, any part(s) of the equipment that is defective in material or workmanship or both. Briggs & Stratton Corporation will repair and/or replace, free of charge, any part(s) of the Briggs and Stratton engine* (if equipped) that is defective in material or workmanship or both.
N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n R Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. P.O. Box 702 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0702 1-800-837-6836 simplicitymfg.
