How to use this file...(Operators Manuals) ————————————————————————————————————————————––– Instructions for Print Vendors (Paper Manuals) Paper Size: * 11 x 17 * Body—50 lbs brilliant white offset or equivalent. * Cover—on pre-printed two-tone “Swash” stock. Press: * Body—1-color, 2-sided * Cover imprint —1-color, 1-sided Bindery: * Saddle Stitch, Face Trim, 3-Hole Drill * Face Trim COVERS: * This file contains several manuals, which differ only in their covers.
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OPERATOR’S MANUAL Express Series 14.5HP Gear Tractors 38” Mower Decks Mfg. No. 1693452 Mfg. No. 1693464 Description Express, 14.5 HP Gear Description 38” Mower Deck 15.5HP Hydro Tractors Mfg. No. 1693458 Description Express, 15.
MANUFACTURING, INC. 500 N Spring Street / PO Box 997 Port Washington, WI 53074-0997 www.simplicitymfg.com www.allislawn.com www.masseylawn.com © Copyright 1999 Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.
Table of Contents Identification Numbers .......................................2 Safety Rules & Information ................................3 Features & Controls ............................................6 Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service .......24 Troubleshooting the Tractor ..................................24 Troubleshooting the Mower ..................................25 Seat Adjustment....................................................26 Steering Gear Adjustment...............................
Identification Numbers IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATIONS When contacting your Authorized Dealer for replacement parts, service, or information YOU MUST HAVE THESE NUMBERS. SA Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. MP Port Washington, WI 53074-0997 U.S.A.
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.
Safety Rules & Information CHILDREN • Never run a unit in an enclosed area. 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. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Safety Rules & Information 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.
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. B C Figure 1. Tractor & Mower Controls A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.
Features & Controls E. Ground Speed Control Lever SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM TESTS The tractor’s forward & reverse ground speed is controlled by the ground speed control lever. GEAR MODELS — On models with Gear transmissions, ground speed is selected from one of 4 speeds. To change gear positions, first fully depress the clutch/brake pedal, move the ground speed control lever to the appropriate gear position, then release the clutch/brake pedal to begin tractor movement.
Operating the Tractor GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY WARNING Before first time operation: • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this tractor and mower. Never allow passengers to ride on the unit. Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, stop the engine and remove the key. • Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit.
Operating the Tractor CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION B HYDRO MODELS A 1. Depressing the clutch/brake pedal (A, Figure 2) disengages the transmission drive. Fully depressing the pedal applies the rider brake. 2. Parking brake is applied by pulling up on the parking brake control knob (B, Figure 2) with the clutch/brake pedal fully depressed. GEAR MODELS 1. Depressing the clutch/brake pedal (A, Figure 2) disengages the transmission drive belt and allows the gear lever to be shifted.
Operating the Tractor WARNING 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. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area. • Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
Operating the Tractor PUSHING THE TRACTOR BY HAND DO NOT TOW TRACTOR Towing the unit will cause transmission damage. • Do not use another vehicle to push or pull this unit. • Do not actuate the transmission release valve lever while the engine is running. HYDRO MODELS 1. Disengage the PTO and turn the engine off. 2. Move the transmission release lever up, pull back approximately 1”, and press down to lock into released position (Figure 6). 3. The tractor can now be pushed by hand.
Operating the Tractor MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION WARNING B A Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine, disconnect spark plug wire(s), and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. CAUTION The muffler and surrounding areas may be hot. Removing the Mower Deck C D NOTE: Perform mower removal on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. 1.
Operating the Tractor Installing the Mower Deck WARNING NOTE: Perform mower installation on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine, disconnect spark plug wire(s), and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. 1. Park the tractor, disengage the PTO lever, turn off the engine, remove the key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s), and engage the parking brake. 2.
Operating the Tractor STORAGE WARNING Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less) Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or 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. 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.
Regular Maintenance MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE & PROCEDURES The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your tractor and mower.
Regular Maintenance RAISING THE HOOD & SEAT Hood Recess To raise the hood, grasp the hood recess (Figure 8) on top, then pivot the hood up and forward. To raise the seat for battery access, tilt the seat forward. NOTICE Do not run the tractor with the hood raised. Engine heat will damage the headlight bezel and hood. Figure 8. Gas Tank Located Under Hood WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from recent operation.
Regular Maintenance CHECK / REPLACE FUEL FILTER A Service Interval: Every 100 Hours The fuel filter (C, Figure 9) is located in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the carburetor (left side of engine). If filter is dirty or clogged, replace as follows: 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition switch OFF, and remove the key. Allow the engine to cool. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Place a container below the filter to catch spilled fuel. 3.
Regular Maintenance GEAR TRANSMISSION SERVICE The Peerless MST-205-515A gear drive transmission does not require regular maintenance. See your Authorized Dealer for transmission service. A HYDRO TRANSMISSION SERVICE Do not allow dirt, water, or other debris to enter the expansion chamber or transmission. Even a small amount of dirt can damage the transmission B Transmission Service Information Service Interval: Check Oil Level Every 250 Hrs Transmission Oil Capacity: Approx.
Regular Maintenance EXHAUST SCREEN SERVICE Hood Not Shown for Clarity WARNING Always allow the engine to cool before beginning any service work were the muffler or exhaust components must be handled. Wear gloves when handling exhaust components. Service Interval: Every 50 Hours Inspect, clean or replace the exhaust screen after every 50 hours of operation. 1. Park the tractor on a level surface. Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and set the parking brake. Remove the key.
Regular Maintenance LUBRICATION Service Interval: Every 25 Hours Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 17 through 21 as well as the following lubrication points. Grease: • front axle pivot • front wheel bearings • steering linkage • foot pedal • mower pivots • mower arbors • transmission idler assembly pivot • rear axle shafts (remove wheels) Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not present.
Regular Maintenance Figure 21. Lubricate Deck Linkage (38” shown) Figure 20. Arbor Lubrication Points Lubricate Rear Axle Shafts WARNING Service Interval: Yearly 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.
Regular Maintenance SERVICING THE MOWER BLADES 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. 4x4 Wood Block Service Interval: Every 100 Hours or As Required 1. Remove mower from the tractor. See Mower Installation & Removal. 2. Blades should be sharp and free of nicks and dents. If not, sharpen blades as described in following steps. 3.
Regular Maintenance MAINTENANCE RECORDS: 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. The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, their causes and remedies.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Troubleshooting the Tractor — Continued SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION Tractor drive belt slips. 1. 2. 3. 4. Clutch is out of adjustment. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Belt stretched or worn. Idler pulley pivot bracket “frozen” in de-clutched position. 1. 2. 3. 4. See authorized service dealer. Clean as required. Replace belt. Remove idler pulley bracket, clean and lubricate. Brake will not hold. 1. 2. Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service WARNING Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine, disconnect spark plug wire(s), and remove key before performing service. A SEAT ADJUSTMENT The seat can be adjusted forward and back. Loosen the four seat adjustment capscrews (A, Figure 26), slide the seat to the desired position, and tighten the capscrews. STEERING GEAR ADJUSTMENT Figure 26. Seat Adjustment A.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service D Area of Detail A B B C A C 1/8” Figure 29. Brake Adjustment - Gear Models Figure 31. PTO Clutch Adjustment A. Clutch Spring B. Set Collar C. Cotter Pin A. Brake Cam Lever B. Stop C. Adjustment Nut D. U-Shaped Bracket MOWER ADJUSTMENTS A PTO Clutch Adjustment B The PTO clutch adjustment should be checked when a new belt is installed or if the mower belt is slipping. 2-1/2 to 2-5/8 1.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service WARNING Before checking mower, shut off engine and disengage PTO. Allow all moving parts to stop. Remove ignition key, then disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it away from the spark plug. Leveling The Mower If the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling. Unequal or improper tire pressure may also cause an uneven cut. Tire pressure should be as follows: Figure 32.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 3. See Figure 36. Loosen the outside nut (A) and turn the eccentric nut (B) to raise or lower the rear of the deck. When the mower deck is level, hold the eccentric (B) while tightening the outside nut (A). B NOTE: If mower handle drops out of cutting height quadrant, turn adjustment nut (A, Figure 37) clockwise to increase spring tension. DO NOT tighten nut all the way so that the spring is solid.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT A 38” Mowers B 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 in the Operation section. 3. Loosen the nuts securing the belt guides (A, Figure 38). 4. Note the position of the idler pulley belt guide (B). Loosen the idler pulley capscrew. 4.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service TRACTOR DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT C B To avoid damaging belts, DO NOT PRY BELTS OVER PULLEYS. A All Models 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. Figure 39. Drive Belt Routing - All Models A. Engine Pulley B. Transmission Pulley 3. Loosen the bolts securing the engine pulley belt guide (A, Figure 40). C.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 6. Charge the battery until fully charged (i.e. until the specific gravity of the electrolyte is 1.250 or higher and the electrolyte temperature is at least 60° F). The best method of making certain a battery is fully charged, but not over charged, is to measure the specific gravity of a cell once per hour. The battery is fully charged when the cells are gassing freely at low charging rate and less than 0.003 change in specific gravity occurs over a three hour period.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service THIS HOOK-UP FOR NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLES To Starter Switch To Starter Switch Jumper Cable Starting Vehicle Battery Discharged Vehicle Battery Jumper Cable To Ground Engine Block MAKE CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT TOUCH Figure 41.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service TRANSMISSION PURGING The following procedure applies to the Tuff Torq K-51 hydrostatic transaxle. Purge the transmission if the unit lacks drive in forward or reverse. A 1. See Figure 42. Block the front wheels. Elevate the rear end of the tractor using a chain hoist or floor jack. Support the rear of the unit using jackstands. Elevate the unit just high enough for the rear wheels to clear the ground. 2.
Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE TRANSMISSION 15.
Specifications CONTROLS Mower All Models Material Effective Cutting Width Overall Width with Deflector Weight Cutting Height Steering Clutch/ Brake Location 15" (38 cm) Steering Wheel Gear and Sector, 1.5 turns Lock to Lock Combination Clutch/Brake/Parking Brake Pedal. Parking Brake Lock, Foot/Hand Activated Mower Height Adjustment: Right Side PTO Clutch-Manual, Dash Ground Speed Lever-Seat Deck R.H.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information GENERAL INFORMATION Proper mowing is an important part of maintaining your lawn in the best possible condition. A healthy and well maintained lawn is better able to resist drought, weeds, and other stresses. But too much maintenance is as detrimental to your lawn as neglect. Proper care for your lawn involves more than just “cutting the grass.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information HOW HIGH TO MOW THE GRASS Cut less than 1/3 Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference. Typically, you should mow the grass when it is is between three and five inches high. The proper cutting height range for a specific lawn will depend upon several factors, including the type of grass, the amount of rainfall, the prevailing temperature, and the lawn’s overall condition.
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 three and five inches 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.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information MOWING METHODS Proper Broadcast Mowing Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clippings evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use this method. Your mower has a deep dish deck to allow freer circulation of clippings so they are broadcast evenly over the lawn. ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR BROADCASTING Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information ✘ Reduce the evaporation of water from your lawn. TIPS On Dealing With Clippings Clippings are beneficial to your lawn. A common misconception about clippings is that they automatically lead to thatch—this is untrue. Short clippings produced by broadcasting and clippings produced by mulching methods actually contribute to a healthy lawn because they: ✘ Provide a cushioning layer to reduce lawn wear. ✘ Moderate soil temperature.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information SOLUTIONS FOR COMMON MOWING PROBLEMS ,,,,,,,,, , ,, ,,,,,,,,, , ,, ,,,,,,,,, , ,, Streaking Streaking Streaking is when thin strips of uncut grass are left behind the mower. Streaking is usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information ,,,,, ,,,,, ,,,,, ,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,, Uneven Cutting Uneven Cutting Uneven cutting is waviness or smooth troughs in the lawn surface. Uneven cutting is usually caused by mower deck damage or misadjustment.
Common International Symbols Choke PTO Clutch Engaged Fast (Throttle) Parking Brake Slow (Throttle) Mower Cutting Height Adjustment Throttle Technical Manuals Additional Technical Literature Available Operators Manuals Additional copies of this manual are available, (and as part of our product support commitment, we maintain a stock of printed operators manuals going back many years!) Parts Manuals Fully illustrated parts manuals are also available — these manuals show all of the product’s components
