N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n OPERATOR’S MANUAL R ZT3500 Series Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No.
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 and Information .................................2 Safety Decals ..........................................................8 Safety Interlock System ..........................................9 Features & Controls ......................................... 10 Identification Numbers ..........................................10 Control Functions ..................................................11 Operation....
Operator Safety Operator Safety Safety Rules and Information 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 Slope Operation Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on a slope that is too steep where you do not have adequate wheel traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. You should not operate on a slope greater than a 5.4 foot rise over a 20 foot length (15 degrees). Always mow across slopes, not up and down (to maintain traction on the wheels) and avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
Operator Safety Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard. Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of clearance around these hazards and hand-trim with a walk behind mower or string trimmer. Wheels dropping over retaining walls, edges, ditches, embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death, or drowning.
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. Training Preparation 2.
Operator Safety WARNING It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or operate the engine in any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 4442, maintained and in effective working order. Other states or federal jurisdictions may have similar laws. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this engine. 25.
Operator Safety Service and Maintenance To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 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.
Operator Safety Safety Decals Before operating your unit, read the safety decals. The cautions and warnings are for your safety. To avoid a personal injury or damage to the unit, understand and follow all the safety decals. WARNING If any safety decals become worn or damaged, and cannot be read, ordere replacement decals from your local dealer. 1 N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 1 4 2 2 R 3 4 4 3 5 (Located by transmissions). 8 www.Simplicitymfg.
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. Operational SAFETY Checks Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if: • PTO switch is engaged, OR • Parking brake is not engaged, OR • Ground speed control levers are not in the NEUTRAL position.
Features and Controls Features and Controls Identification Numbers SA Product Identification Tag Model / Modéle / Model 5900XXX M PL Serial / Série / Serie 2012725XXX USA 800-837-6836 Canada WWW.SIMPLICITYMFG.COM E Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC Milwaukee WI 53201 USA When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers.
N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Features and Controls Figure 2. Control Locations 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. To learn what combination and sequence of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section. Ground Speed Control Levers R These levers control the ground speed of the rider.
Features & Controls Parking Brake Fuel Tank Cap To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise. DISENGAGE Releases the parking brake. ENGAGE Locks the parking brake. Fuel Level Gauge Displays the fuel level in the tank. Pull the parking brake lever up to engage the parking brake. Push the lever down to disengage the parking brake. NOTE: To start the unit the parking brake must be engaged. PTO (Power Take Off) Switch The PTO switch engages and disengages the mower.
Operation Operation General Operating Safety WARNING Before first time operation: Never operate on slopes greater than 15°. • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this tractor and mower. • Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit. • Drive in an open area without mowing to become accustomed to the unit. Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope.
Operation Check Tire Pressures Tire pressure should be checked periodically, and maintained at the levels shown in the chart. Note that these pressures may differ slightly from the “Max Inflation” stamped on the side-wall of the tires. The pressures shown provide proper traction, improve cut quality, and extend tire life. Tire Pressure Front 25 psi (1,72 bar) Rear 15 psi (1,03 bar) Figure 4. Checking Tire Pressure Seat Adjustment See Figure 5. The seat can be adjusted forward and backward.
Operation Mowing Height Adjustment The cutting height adjustment pin (A, Figure 6) controls the mower cutting height. The cutting height is adjustable between 1-1/2” (3,37 cm) and 4-1/2” (11,47 cm) in 1/4” (0,64 cm) increments. 1. Depress the deck lift foot pedal (B) until it locks into the 4-1/2” (11,47 cm) position. 2. Place the cutting height adjustment pin in the desired cutting height. 3. Depress the deck lift foot pedal then pull the lock lever (C) toward the rear of the machine to release the lock.
Operation Pushing the Rider By Hand Starting the Engine NOTICE WARNING If you do not understand how a specific control functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the FEATURES & CONTROLS section, do so now. Do NOT attempt to operate the tractor without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls. Towing the units will cause transmission damage. Do not use another vehicle to push or pull this unit. 1.
Operation Zero Turn Driving Practice Smooth Travel The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements will take some practice. The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive.
Operation Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place While traveling forward allow one lever to gradually return back toward neutral. Repeat several times. To turn in place, “Zero Turn,” gradually move one ground speed control lever forward from neutral and one lever back from neutral simultaneously. Repeat several times. NOTE: To prevent pivoting directly on the tire tread, it is best to keep both wheels going at least slightly forward.
Operation Mowing 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged, the ground speed control levers are locked in the NEUTRAL position and the operator is on the seat. 2. Start the engine (see Starting The Engine). 3. Set the mower cutting height (see Mowing Height Adjustment). 4. Set the throttle to FULL. 5. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch. 6. Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations for tips on mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting information. 7.
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 Attaching A Trailer 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. The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg).
Operation Storage WARNING Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less) Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used for human or animal habitation.
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 Engine Maintenance To add fuel: Refer to the engine owner’s manual for all engine maintenance procedures and recommendations. 1. Remove the fuel cap. 2. Fill the tank to about 1-1/2” (3,81 cm) of 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. 3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.
Regular Maintenance Lubrication Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 20 through 23 as well as the following lubrication points. Grease: • front caster wheel axles & yokes • deck lift pivot blocks • mower deck spindles • mower deck idler arm Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not installed. Figure 20. Deck Lubrication Not all greases are compatible.
Regular Maintenance Check / Fill Transmission Oil Oil Type: 20W-50 conventional detergent motor oil. 1. Check the oil level when the unit is cold. Locate the transmission oil reservoirs (A, Figure 24) located on the seat support plate. The oil should be up to the “FULL COLD” mark (B). If the oil is below this level, proceed to step 2. A 2. Before removing the reservoir caps, make sure the area around the reservoir cap and fill neck of the reservoir is free of dust, dirt, or other debris.
Regular Maintenance Servicing The Mower Blades Removing the Mower Blade CAUTION Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 1. To remove the mower blade, use a 1” wrench on the flats of the spindle shaft and remove the mower blade mounting bolt with a 15/16” wrench (Figure 26). 2. If there are no flats on the spindle shaft, wedge a wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the mower blade from turning.
Regular Maintenance Sharpening the Mower Blade A CAUTION Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling the mower blades. • Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. B 1. Sharpen the mower blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener. 2. Sharpen the mower blade by removing an equal amount of material from each end of the mower blade. 3. Keep the original bevel (A, Figure 29) when grinding. DO NOT change the mower blade bevel. 4.
Regular Maintenance Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment The control levers can be adjusted in three ways. The alignment of the control levers, the placement of the levers (how close the ends are to one another) and the height of the levers can be adjusted. B A To Adjust the Handle Alignment Loosen the mount bolts (A, Figure 32) and pivot the lever(s) (B) to align with each other.
Regular Maintenance Parking Brake Adjustment 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key from the ignition. 2. Raise the seat plate to gain access to the parking brake components. 3. Measure the distance from the top of the brake spring rod (C, Figure 34) to the top of the lock nut (D) on both sides of the unit. The measurement should be .50” (1,27 cm). If not, adjust the locknut to achieve the measurement of .50” (1,27 cm) 4.
Regular Maintenance Return-to-Neutral Adjustment To determine if it is necessary to adjust the neutral return, perform the following steps. 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. 2. Move the ground speed control levers into the operating position, pull the levers rearward and release. 3. Move the ground speed control levers out towards the neutral position.
Regular Maintenance Deck Rod Timing Adjustment Deck Leveling Adjustment Figure 36. Check Lift Rod Timing N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n 1. Park the machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the ignition key. Check the tire for proper inflation level. See Checking Tire Pressures. 2. To check the lift rod timing, measure and record the distance between the lift pivots and the rod pivots. Repeat for other side of unit. See Figure 36. 3.
Regular Maintenance CAUTION A Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling blades or working near blades. 7. See Figure 40. Position the outside mower blades so they face front-to-back. 8. Measure the front tip of the blade from the cutting edge to the ground. Measure the rear tip of the blade from the cutting edge to the ground. The front measurement should be 4” (10,2 cm), the rear measurement should be 4-1/4” (10,8 cm). Repeat this process for the other side of the machine.
Regular Maintenance Check the Mower Belt Idler Tensioner Spring Length 1. Park the machine on a smooth level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine and remove the ignition key. 2. Lower the mower deck to its lowest cutting position. 3. Measure the coil length of the mower belt tensioner spring (A, Figure 42). The measurement should equal 7” (17,8 cm). If the measurement does not equal 7” (17,8 cm), adjust the anchor eyebolt (B).
Regular Maintenance Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement 1. Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the ignition key. 2. Remove the PTO drive belt (see MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT for removal instructions). 3. Loosen and remove the crankshaft bolt (C, Figure 43) and the PTO clutch (B) from the engine crankshaft.
Regular Maintenance Battery Maintenance NOTE: This unit is equipped with a maintenance-free BCIU1 battery. Cleaning the Battery and Cables WARNING A Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery. When removing or installing battery cables, disconnect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect it LAST. If not done in this order, the positive terminal can be shorted to the frame by a tool. Figure 45. Battery Compartment A.
Regular Maintenance Jump Starting With Auxiliary (Booster) Battery Battery Service Checking Battery Voltage 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 voltmeter can be used to determine condition of battery. When engine is off, the voltmeter shows battery voltage, which should be 12 volts. When engine is running, the voltmeter shows voltage of charging circuit which normally is 13 to 14 volts.
Figure 46. Jump Starting WARNING N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Regular Maintenance WARNING R Any procedure other than the preceding could result in: (1) personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out the battery vents, (2) personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion, (3) damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or of the immobilized vehicle. Do not attempt to jump start a vehicle having a frozen battery because the battery may rupture or explode.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Chart 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 Rider Troubleshooting Continued. Problem Cause Remedy 1. 2. 3. 4. Transmission release lever(s) in “open” position. Belt is broken. Drive belt slips. Brake is not fully released. 1. Move the transmission release lever(s) to the “closed” position. 2. See Drive Belt Replacement. 3. See problem and cause below. 4. See authorized service dealer 1. 2. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Tension too loose. 3. Belt stretched or worn. 1. Clean as required. 2. Adjust spring tension.
Troubleshooting TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON CUTTING PROBLEMS PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Streaking 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Blades are not sharp. Blades are worn down too far. Engine speed is too slow. Ground speed is too fast. Deck is plugged with grass. Not overlapping cutting rows enough. Not overlapping enough when turning. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Sharpen your blades. Replace your blades. Always mow at FULL throttle. Slow down. Clean out the mower. Overlap you cutting rows.
Specifications Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE: TRANSMISSIONS: 24 Gross HP* Briggs & Stratton Make Model Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity Briggs & Stratton 44M777-0133-G1 34.75 Cu. in (570 cc) 12 Volt Starter, 16 amp. Alternator, Battery: 340 CCA 2.0 US qt. (1.9 L) w/ Filter 27 Gross HP* Briggs & Stratton Make Model Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity Briggs & Stratton 44Q777-0146-G1 44.2 Cu.
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 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
