FORM NO. 3322–619 Z–Master 52” Mower for Z–Master Z–252 Traction Unit Model No. 74206 – 990001 & Up Operator’s Manual IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully. It contains information about your safety and the safety of others. Also become familiar with the controls and their proper use before you operate the product.
Introduction We want you to be completely satisfied with your new product, so feel free to contact your local Authorized Service Dealer for help with service, genuine replacement parts, or other information you may require. Whenever you contact your Authorized Service Dealer or the factory, always know the model and serial numbers of your product. These numbers will help the Service Dealer or Service Representative provide exact information about your specific product.
Contents Safety and Instruction Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loose Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing the Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Install PTO Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Side Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating the Power Take Off (PTO) . . . . Adjusting Height-of-Cut .
Safety Safety and Instruction Decals Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or lost.
Installation Loose Parts Note: Use the chart below to identify parts used for assembly. DESCRIPTION QTY.
Installation Installing the Mower 1. Slide mower under traction unit and remove outer flange locknut from bolts, attach to chains hanging from traction unit lift system (Fig. 1). 2. Attach bolts to cross braces of mower with previously removed 7/16” flange locknut on each bolt (Fig. 1). Tighten flange locknuts securely. 3. Place struts between mower brackets and attach to mower with pins. 4. Secure pin flange to mower with 5/16–18 x 3/4” (19 mm) bolt and 5/16–18 flange nut (Fig. 2).
Operation Side Discharge The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf. POTENTIAL HAZARD • Without the grass deflector or complete grass catcher assembly mounted in place, you and others are exposed to blade contact and thrown debris. WHAT CAN HAPPEN • Contact with rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris will cause injury or death. Operating the Power Take Off (PTO) The power take off (PTO) switch engages and disengages power to the electric clutch.
Operation Adjusting Height-of-Cut Adjusting Anti-Scalp Rollers The height-of-cut is adjusted from 1-1/2” to 5” (38 to 127 mm) in 1/4” (6 mm) increments by relocating clevis pin in different hole locations. Whenever you change the height-of-cut it is recommended to adjust the height of the anti-scalp rollers. 1. Raise the height-of-cut lever to the transport position (also the 5” (127 mm) cutting height position) (Fig. 4). 2.
Operation Center Rollers 1. Disengage the power take off (PTO) and turn the ignition key to “OFF”. Move controllers to neutral locked position and apply parking brake. 1. After adjusting height-of-cut, remove bolt and flange nut (Fig. 6). 2. Select hole so gage wheel is positioned to the nearest corresponding height-of-cut desired (Fig. 6). Note: 3. Do not adjust rollers to support the deck. Reinstall the bolt, center rollers and flange nut (Fig. 6). 3 1 2 m–4124 Figure 6 1.
Operation Tips for Mowing Grass Fast Throttle Setting Cutting Speed To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed. For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at “FAST.” Air is required to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut so low as to totally surround the mower by uncut grass. Always try to have one side of the mower free from uncut grass, which allows air to be drawn into the mower.
Maintenance Service Interval Chart Service Operation Each Use Cutting Blades – check 8 Hours X Belts – check for wear/cracks Notes X X Blade Spindle Bearings – grease Mower Housing – clean 25 Storage Hours Service X X Chipped Surfaces – paint Cutting Blades To ensure a superior quality of cut, keep the blades sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement, you may want to keep extra blades on hand.
Maintenance Inspecting the Blades Checking for Bent Blades 1. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig 7). If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades. Refer to Sharpening the Blades on page 11. 1. 2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area (Fig. 7). If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this area (item 3 in Fig. 7), immediately install a new blade. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and backward (Fig. 8).
Maintenance Sharpening the Blades 1. POTENTIAL HAZARD • A blade that is bent or damaged could break apart and pieces could be thrown at bystanders or at you as you use the mower. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Fig. 11). Maintain the original angle. The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges. WHAT CAN HAPPEN • Pieces of blade that may be thrown could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.
Maintenance Mower Leveling 1. 2. Position mower on a flat surface. Stop the engine, set the parking brake, remove the key and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) from the spark plug(s). Lift up on four (4) top chain attachment bolts, in the slots, to take slack out of chains and tighten flange lock nuts. (Deck is still supported by two rear and one front blocks under mower) 9.
Maintenance Greasing the Bearings Replacing the Deck Belt The cutting unit must be lubricated regularly. Refer to the Service Interval Chart on page 9. Grease with No. 2 general purpose lithium base or molybdenum base grease. Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks and cracks are signs of a worn deck belt. Replace the deck belt if any of these conditions are evident. 1.
Maintenance Replacing the PTO Drive Belt Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks and cracks are signs of a worn drive belt. Replace the PTO drive belt if any of these conditions are evident. 1. 2 Stop the engine, set the parking brake, remove the key and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) from the spark plug(s). m–3744 1 2. Remove the clutch retaining strap and unplug clutch terminal from wire harness (Fig. 17). 3.
Maintenance 8. If the fixed idler contacts the end of the adjustment slot and more belt tension is required, a small change in the length of the push arms can be made (Fig. 20). 9. To adjust push arms, loosen jam nut and rotate ball joint counterclockwise, one turn at a time. Adjust each side the same amount. Note: Replacing the Grass Deflector 1. Remove the locknuts, bolts and springs holding the deflector mounts to the pivot brackets (Fig. 22). 2.
Maintenance Storage 1. Clean any dirt and chaff from the top of the mower. 2. Scrape any heavy buildup of grass and dirt from the underside of the mower, then wash the mower with a garden hose. 3. Check the condition of the blades. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 9. 4. Check the condition of the drive and deck belts. 5. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts and screws. Repair or replace any part that is damaged or defective. 6. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM Abnormal vibration. Uneven cutting g height. g Blades do not rotate. POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION 1. Cutting blade(s) is/are bent or unbalanced. 1. Install new cutting blade(s). 2. Blade mounting bolt is loose. 2. Tighten blade mounting bolt. 3. Engine mounting bolts are loose. 3. Tighten engine mounting bolts. 4. Loose engine pulley, idler pulley, or blade pulley. 4. Tighten the appropriate pulley. 5. Engine pulley is damaged. 5.
