Bush Hog Estate User Manual

BUSH HOG

ASSEMBLY ● OPERATION ● MAINTENANCE

204 $4.00

50043313

Estate Series

ZERO TU RN MOWER

Operator’s Manual

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have invested in the best ZT Rider on the market today. The care you give your Bush Hog ZT will greatly determine your satisfaction

with its performance and its service life. We urge a careful study of this manual to provide you with a thorough understanding of your new Rider before operating, as well as suggestions for operation and maintenance.

If your manual should become lost or destroyed, Bush Hog will be glad to provide you with a new copy. Order from Bush Hog, P. O. Box 1039, Selma, Alabama 36702-1039.

As an authorized Bush Hog dealer, we stock genuine Bush Hog parts which are manufactured with the same precision and skill as our original equipment. Our trained service personnel are well informed on methods required to service Bush Hog equipment, and are ready and able to help you.

Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact us.

YOUR AUTHORIZED

BUSH HOG DEALER

BECAUSE BUSH HOG MAINTAINS AN ONGOING PROGRAM OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN DESIGN OR CHANGES IN SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT INCURRING ANY OBLIGATION TO INSTALL THEM ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD.

BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS MANUAL WERE TAKEN OF PROTOTYPE MODELS, PRODUCTION MODELS MAY VARY IN SOME DETAIL. IN ADDITION, SOME PHOTOGRAPHS MAY SHOW SHIELDS REMOVED FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY. NEVER OPERATE THIS IMPLEMENT WITHOUT ALL SHIELDS IN PLACE.

EST ATE SERIES ZERO TURN RIDERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Dealer Preparation Check List . . . . . . . . . 3

Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

I INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION . . 8

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

II OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Pre-Operation Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Mowing Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . 12

III MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Maintenance Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SECTION PAGE

Mower Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Neutral Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Motion Control Neutral Adjustment . . . .15

Control Lever Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Leveling The Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Deck Belt Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Deck Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Hydrostatic Belt Adjustment . . . . . . . . . .17

Hydrostatic Belt Replacement . . . . . . . .17

Start Up Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Hydrostatic Transaxle Maintenance . . . .17

Purging Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Parking Brake Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . .18

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

IV ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Torque Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY

UNDER THE BUSH HOG WARRANTY

It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator ’s Manual, to operate, lubricate, maintain and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures. Failure of the operator to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this equipment.

It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to inspect the product and to have any part(s) repaired or replaced when continued operation would cause damage or excessive wear to other parts or cause a safety hazard.

It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized Bush Hog Dealer, from whom he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are covered by warranty. Repairs to be submitted for warranty consideration must be made within forty-five (45) days of failure.

It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or hauling of the product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.

BUSH HOG

ESTATE SERIES ZERO TURN RIDER LIMITED WARRANTY

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯

Bush Hog warrants to the original purchaser that this new Bush Hog Estate Rider, purchased from an

authorized Bush Hog dealer, that the equipment be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of retail sale when purchased for residential use. “Residential use” means use on the same property as the purchasers’ home. The obligation of Bush Hog to the purchaser under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of defective parts. NOTE: The spindle assemblies have a three (3) year

limited warranty. This warranty covers parts and labor for the first two years and parts only during the third year.

Replacement or repair parts installed in the equipment covered by this limited warranty are warranted

for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase of such part or to the expiration of the applicable new equipment warranty period, whichever occurs later. Warranted parts shall be provided at no cost to the user at an authorized Bush Hog dealer during regular working hours. Bush Hog reserves the right to inspect any equipment or parts which are claimed to have been defective in material or workmanship.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES & CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

Bush Hog’s obligation under this limited warranty, to the extent allowed by law, is in lieu of all war-

ranties, implied or expressed, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE and any liability for incidental and consequential damages with respect to the sale or use of the items warranted. Such incidental and consequential damages shall include but not be limited to: transportation charges other than normal freight charges; cost of installation other than cost approved by Bush Hog; duty; taxes; charges for normal service or adjustment; loss of crops or any other loss of income; rental of substitute equipment, expenses due to loss, damage, detention or delay in the delivery of equipment or parts resulting from acts beyond the control of Bush Hog.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY:

1. To transportation to and from dealership or service calls made by dealers, ie, driving time, towing, pickup and delivery.

2. To vendor items which carry their own warranties, such as engines, batteries, tires, and tubes.

3. If the unit has been subjected to misapplication, abuse, misuse, negligence, fire or other accident.

4. If parts not made or supplied by Bush Hog have been used in connection with the unit, if, in the sole judge-

ment of Bush Hog such use affects its performance, stability or reliability.

5. If the unit has been altered or repaired outside of an authorized Bush Hog dealership in a manner

which, in the sole judgement of Bush Hog, affects its performance, stability or reliability.

6. To normal maintenance service and normal replacement items such as gearbox lubricant, hydraulic fluid,

worn blades, or to normal deterioration of such things as belts and exterior finish due to use or exposure.

7. To expendable or wear items such as teeth, chains, sprockets, belts, springs and any other items that in the

company’s sole judgement is a wear item.

NO EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF BUSH HOG IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IN ANY WAY OR GRANT ANY OTHER WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH CHANGE IS MADE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY BUSH HOG’S SERVICE MANAGER, POST OFFICE BOX 1039, SELMA, ALABAMA 36702-1039.

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯

Record the model number, serial number and date purchased. This information will be helpful to your dealer if parts or service are required.

MAKE CERTAIN THE WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD HAS BEEN FILED WITH BUSH HOG/ SELMA, ALABAMA

MODEL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF RETAIL SALE

DEALER PREPARATION CHECK LIST

ESTATE SERIES ZERO TURN RIDER

BEFORE DELIVERING MACHINE — The following check list should be completed.

Use the Operator’s Manual as a guide.

❒ 1. Engine has been serviced. ❒ 2. Battery fluid level is checked. ❒ 3. Low oil pressure warning light checked for operation. ❒ 4. Operator interlock switches checked for operation. ❒ 5. Assembly completed. ❒ 6. All fittings lubricated. ❒ 7. All shields in place and in good condition. ❒ 8. All fasteners torqued to specifications given in Torque Chart.

❒ 9. All decals in place and readable. (See decal page.) ❒ 10. Overall condition good (i.e. paint, welds)

❒ 11. Parking brake checked and adjusted, if necessary. ❒ 12. Steering checked and adjusted, if necessary.

❒ 13. Check tire pressure. ❒ 14. Operators manual has been delivered to owner and he has been instructed

on the safe and proper use of the cutter.

Dealer’s Signature

Purchaser’s Signature

THIS CHECKLIST T

O REMAIN IN OWNER’S MANUAL

It is the responsibility of the dealer to complete the procedures listed

above before delivery of this implement to the customer.

Safety Alert Symbol

This Safety Alert Symbol means: “ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!”

This symbol is used to call attention to safety precautions that should be followed by the operator to avoid accidents. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and heed its advice. Failure to comply with safety precautions could result in death or serious bodily injury.

Safety Signs Signal Words

The signal words DANGER, WARNING, AND CAUTION are used on the equipment safety signs. These words are intended to alert the viewer to the existence and the degree of hazard seriousness.

This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

White letters on RED

This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury

It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

Black letters on ORANGE

This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation exist which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

Black letters on YELLOW

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

This symbol is used to call attention to safety precautions that should be followed by the operator to avoid accidents. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and heed its advice. Failure tocomply with safety precautions could result in serious bodily injury.

In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training of personnel in the operation, transport,maintenance and storage of equipment. Lack of attention to safety can result in accident, per sonal injury,reduction of efficiency and worst of all—loss of life. Watch for safety hazards and correct deficiencies promptly. Use the following safety precautions as a general guide to safe operations when using thismachine. Additional safety precautions are used throughout this manual for specific operating and maintenance procedures. Read this manual and review the safety precautions often until you know the limitations.

ACCIDENT PATTERNS TO AVOID

1. CONTACT WITH THE ROTATING BLADE - This accident usually happens when the operator is clearing the discharge chute of grass, (especially when the grass is wet), or when the operator adjusts the machine without turning it off and waiting for the blades to completely stop.

2. PROPELLED OBJECTS - Sticks, rocks, wires, and other objects can be propelled out through the discharge chute or from under the mower housing. Avoid discharging toward persons and against walls or obstructions. Material may ricochet toward operator.

3. GRASS DISCHARGE CHUTE - The mower shall not be operated without the grass discharge chute

in its lowered position. Do not mow without grass discharge chute or grass catcher in place.

4. OVERTURNING - This happens when riding mowers are used on steep slopes, embankments or hills. The operator in these cases can come in contact with blades or sustain injuries during a fall.

5. MOWER RUNNING OVER THE VICTIM - This usually happens when a riding mower is driven in reverse. The accident victims are most often young children whom, unseen by the operator of the mower, were in the area being mowed. Before and while backing, look behind and down for small chil dren.Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

WE SHARE YOUR DESIRE TO PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR NEIGHBORS FROM ACCIDENTAL INJURY. OBSERVING AND ENFORCING THE FOLLOWING GUIDE LINES WILL HELP TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. PEOPLE WHO OPERATE, SERVICE, OR ARE OTHERWISE ASSOCIATED with the Zero Turn Mower should be trained in its proper use and warned of its dangers. Before operating, adjusting, or servicing the Zero Turn Mower they should read and understand this entire manual and the engine manual.

2. Do not operqate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3. A large percentage of riding mower-related injuries data indicates operators age 60 uears and above are involved in these accidents. Protect yourself and others from serious injury. Evaluate your ability for a safe riding mower operation.

4. AVOID CONTACT WITH MOVING PARTS. Keep hands and feet from under mowing deck and away from blades at all times. Turn engine (motor) off if you must unclog the chute.

5. AVOID HILLS AND SLOPES. Use EXTREME caution when mowing and/or turning on slopes as loss of traction and/or tip-over could occur. Drive slower on slopes. DO NOT mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips and rises, which change the operating angle. Keep away from drop-offs and steep banks. Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill - mower may tip backwards. Loss of traction may occur going downhill - weight transfer to the front wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking. DO NOT mow slopes when grass is wet - slippery conditions affect steering and reduce traction and braking. The operator is responsible for safe opera tion on slopes.

6. DISENGAGE POWER TO MOWER BEFORE BACKING UP. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after turning around and observing the entire area behind the mower. Go slowly. Most “running over victim” accidents occur in reverse.

7. BEGINNING OPERATORS SHOULD LEARN HOW TO STEER the Zero Turn Mower before attempting to mow. Start with slow engine speed and drive without the blades engaged in open area until comfortable with the machine.

8. KNOW HOW TO STOP QUICKLY. Know the location and operation of every control, especially how to brake and how to disengage the mower blades.

9. DO NOT MOVE THE CONTROL LEVERS from forward position to reverse position rapidly. The speed and/or direction of travel is affected instantly by movement of the Control Levers.

10. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE MOWER. Do not allow others who have not had instructions to operate mower.

11. ALWAYS TURN ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY before leaving mower to prevent children and inexperienced operators from starting the engine. Never leave the mower unattended with engine running. Always wait for all moving parts and all sounds to stop before leaving operator’s seat. Always set the parking brake on an unattended mower.

12. WEAR STURDY, ROUGH-SOLED WORK SHOES AND CLOSE-FITTING SLACKS AND SHIRTS. Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.

13. WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT such as, but not limited to, protection for eyes, ears, feet,hands and head when operating or repairing equipment. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that may catch on equipment moving parts.

14. NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS.

15. KNOW THE AREA YOU ARE TO MOW. Watch for hidden dangers such as rocks, roots, sticks, holes, bumps, and drop-offs, etc. Before mowing, pick up all debris in area to be mowed. Sharp and hard objects can be propelled at a high speed and can act like shrapnel. Walk through tall grass BEFORE MOWING to make sure there are no hidden dangers. Mow higher than desired in tall grass to expose any hidden objects and/or obstacles, clean the area, and then mow to the desired height.

16. BE SURE THE AREA IS CLEAR of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

17. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.

18. NEVER REFUEL A MOWER INDOORS. Allow the engine time to cool before refueling. Unseen vapors may be ignited by a spark. Always clean up spilled gasoline. Never run the engine indoors in a garage or any other closed building. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. The engine exhaust and gasoline fumes are dangerous.

19. NEVER REMOVE THE FUEL CAP or add gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that has not been allowed to cool for several minutes after running. Always make sure the gas cap is in place.

20. DO NOT SMOKE AROUND THE MOWER or the gasoline storage container. Gasoline fumes can easily ignite.

+ 18 hidden pages