Countax C-38H User Manual

®

Britain’s Best Selling Range of Garden Tractors

C SERIES

Garden Tractor

OWNERS HANDBOOK

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY

Britain’s Best Selling Range of Garden Tractors

Countax Limited, Countax House, Great Haseley Trading Estate

Great Haseley, Oxfordshire OX44 7PF

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

www.countax.com • [e-mail]

Name of Dealer:
Address of Dealer:

Tel: Fax: Email:

E.C Declaration of Conformity

I, the undersigned A.Bennett of Countax Limited, Great Haseley, Oxford England certify that
the lawnmowers:

MODEL
Power (Kw)
Max Rotation of Blades (rpm)
Engine Manufacturer

Engine Type
Mass in Kg

Max Drawbar Pull (Kg)

C-300

9.25

3000
B & S
Petrol

192
400

C-38H

9.7

3000
Honda
Petrol

192

400

at Coupling Hook
Max Vertical load (Kg)
Max Sound Power Lever
Vibration (m/s/s) hands:
Vibration (m/s/s) seat:

Type of Cutting Device
Width of Cutting Device

Conforms to the specification of Directive 84/538/EEC (as adapted to the technical progress by
Directive 87/252/EEC and amended by Directive 88/180/EEC and Directive 89/392/EEC (amended
by 91/368/EEC, 93/44/EEC and 93/31/EEC) and Directive 89/336/EEC and amended by 91/263/EEC
92/31/EEC).
Standards used: BS5107, EN292, ISO3767, ISO3864
Tested at Oxford. England
I declare that on behalf of Countax Limited these machines conform to
EC Essential Health and Safety requirements.
Signed:

25

25

100 Db(A) @ 2600rpm

3.2

4.2

Cutterbar

76cm

3.2

4.2

Cutterbar

76cm

C-550

12

3000
B & S
Petrol

192

400

25

3.2

4.2

Cutterbar

76cm

C400

11.2

3000
B & S
Petrol

192
400

25

C600

11.9

3000
B & S
Petrol

192

400

25

100 Db(A) @ 3000rpm

3.2

4.2

Cutterbar

76cm

3.2

4.2

Cutterbar

76cm

C800

13.4

3000
B & S
Petrol

Cutterbar

76cm

192
400

25

3.2

4.2

A. Bennett (Technical Director) 01/01/01

®

- Page 1 -

Safety Instructions & Information - C Series Garden Tractor

Mandatory Safety Instructions For The Use of

Countax T ractors

TRAINING

1. Read the instructions carefully . Be familiar with controls
and the use of equipment.

2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to operate the mower.

3. Never mow while people, especially children or pets are
nearby.

4. The operator or user is responsible for accidents or
hazards occurring to other people or their property .

5. Do not carry passengers.

6. All drivers, should seek to obtain professional and
practical instruction. Such instruction should include:

• The need for care and concentration when
working with this machine.

• Control of a tractor sliding on a slope will not be

regained by the application of the brake.

• The main reasons for loss of control are:

i) Insufficient wheel grip
ii) Driving too fast
iii) Inadequate braking
iv) Incorrect load distribution

PREPARATION

1. Check that the machine complies with all applicable
regulations, including those in force when used on the
public highway .

2. When mowing, always wear substantial footware and
long trousers. Do not operate when barefoot or with
sandals.

3. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tractor is to be
used and remove all stones, sticks, wires and bones or
any other foreign objects.

4. WARNING – petrol is highly flammable:

• Store fuel in containers specifically designed for
this purpose.

• Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.

• Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap from the fuel tank or add petrol while the
engine is running or when engine is hot.

• If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the area
of spillage and avoid creating any source of
ignition until petrol vapours have dissipated.

• Replace the fuel tank securely .

5.Replace faulty silencers.

6. Before using, always inspect to see that the blades,
bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged.

7. Check the condition of the tyres and ensure that they are
inflated to the correct pressures (refer to the
specifications). This is particularly important if the
machine is to be taken on the public highway .

8. Check that the mower is in good working order paying
particular attention to brakes and steering.

9. Check that all linkages, connections and pivot nuts are
secure and that the wheel nuts are torqued correctly .

OPERATION

1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous fumes can collect.

2. Mow only in daylight or in very good artificial light.

3. Before starting the engine, disengage blade and
attachment drives and shift into neutral.

4. Take care on slopes of more than 10º.

5. Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘safe slope’.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care to guard
against overturning:

• Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill.

• Engage drive slowly . Always keep the machine in
drive when travelling up or down a slope.

• Machine speed should be kept low on slopes and
in tight turns.

• Stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards.

• A void mowing across the face of the slope.

6. Watch out for traffic and stop blades rotating when
crossing or near roadways.

7. When using the machine, never direct discharge or
material towards bystanders or allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.

8. Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields
or without safety protective devices in place and in good
working order.

9. Do not change governor settings to increase the revs of
the engine. Operating an engine at excessive speed
increases the hazard of injury .

10. Before leaving the operators position:

• Disengage the drive to the cutter blades and
attachments, and lower the attachments.

• Apply the Parking Brake (change into neutral first
– on C300M).

• Stop the engine and remove the ignition key .

YOU MUST FULLY READ THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INCLUDED IN THISMANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERA TE THIS

GARDEN TRACTOR. WE WILL ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR

DAMAGE RESUL TING FROM THE IMPROPER USE OF THIS MACHINE.

CARELESS OR IMPROPER USE MAY C AUSE SERIOUS OR EVEN

FA TAL INJURY .

Safety Instructions Page 1 & 2 Controls - Dashboard Page 3 Controls - Indicators Page 4 Controls - Levers Page 5 Cutter Decks Page 6 Cutter Deck Removal Page 7 Cutter Deck Check List Page 8 Deck Levelling Page 9 & 10 Cutter - Drive Belt Page 11 Powered Grass Collector Page 12 & 13 Engine Check List Page 14 Engine Oil Page 15 Fuel Page 16 Air & Cooling Page 17 Battery & Spark Plug Page 18 Fuses & PCB Page 19 Wheels & Tyres Page 20 Tractor Wiring Diagram ­HE Wiring Diagram -

- Page 2 -

C Series Garden Tractor - Safety Instructions Cont.

1 1. Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine and

disconnect the spark plug lead or remove the ignition
key before:

• Cleaning blockages.

• Checking, cleaning or working on the mower.

• Refuelling.

• Removing the Grass Collector.

• After striking a foreign object (inspect the mower

for damage and make any repairs before
restarting the tractor).

• If the machine starts to vibrate abnormally , check
immediately and call your dealer if necessary .

12. Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or
not in use.

13. Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out.

14. Never work on the mower when the engine is running.

MAINTENANCE

1. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight to be sure

the equipment is in safe working condition.

2. Never store the equipment with petrol in tank inside a

building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

3. Allow the engine to cool before storing it in any enclosed

space.

4. To reduce the risk of fire, keep the engine, silencer and

battery compartment free of grass, leaves, petrol or
excessive grease.

5. Check the Grass Collector frequently for wear or

deterioration.

6. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety .

7. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done

outdoors.

8. Be careful during adjustments of the machine to prevent

entrapment of the fingers between moving blades and
fixed parts of the machine.

SUPPLEMENTAR Y INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE
COUNTAX C SERIES GARDEN TRACTOR

1. Use good common sense at all times, and to ensure this
tractor is safe and serviceable, fit only original
manufacturer’s supplied spares.

2. When inspecting the area to be cut, note also the
position of any stumps, manhole covers, bumps and
depressions and avoid them to prevent damaging the
blades.

3. We recommend the use of

ST ANDARD UNLEADED

fuel and that you ensure the fuel tank is full before you
start the machine.

4. Always disconnect both battery terminals before
attempting any work in the engine compartment.

5. Do not leave the tractor unattended and running.

6. Do not put hands near moving belts of the Power Take­Off pulley while it is rotating.

LA YING UP YOUR TRACTOR FOR THE WINTER

Y our tractor should be serviced by your dealer – book early
to beat the last minute rush.

1. Ensure that the last fill of your petrol tank includes
Countax fuel additive which is available from your
supplying dealer.

2. Having run the engine with the additive enhanced fuel
either in use or for at least 15 minutes, disconnect the
battery , making sure the terminal leads are removed and
then

DRAIN THE FUEL TANK.

3. Re-connect the battery and

ST ART AND RUN THE

ENGINE UNTIL IT STOPS.

4. Wash your tractor , taking particular care to clean all
cuttings from the underside of the Cutter Deck and keep
water away from electrical components. Countax do not
recommend the use of high pressure or steam cleaners.

5.

REMOVE THE BA TTER Y and/or charge periodically

throughout the winter.

6. Keep your tractor in a dry place.

Sweeper Height Adjustment

Powered Grass Collector

Dashboard Controls

Foot Controls

Cutter Deck

Lift Lever

Control Levers

Tipping Lever

- Page 3 -

Controls - Dashboard - C Series Garden Tractor

O

O

Cutter Switch

Throttle

Choke

Headlight Switch

Aux. Lift Switch

Deck Lift Switch

The console on your tractor may look different from that illustrated

IGNITION - Fig 1

The ‘Key Start’controls both the ignition and the starter .
Insert the key and turn to the first position – the dash lights
will come on (check all is ready to start), then turn further to
activate the starter. Release as soon as the engine starts.
To stop, turn the key to the left (having first switched off
both the Cutter and PTO). It is always good practice to
remove the key and keep it safe. As with a car, it is
important to prevent unauthorised use by children who
could injure themselves.

CHOKE - Fig 1

An independent choke is fitted to some models in the C
Series range. This choke should be used in conjunction
with a fast throttle setting when starting the engine from
cold. It should be cancelled as soon as possible and not
used on a warm engine.

CUTTER ON/OFF SWITCH - Fig 1

The Cutter Switch controls the Electromagnetic Blade
Clutch. It works like a light switch (but in reverse) – UP for
ON and DOWN for OFF. Although it always returns to the
central position and the Cutter Deck will automatically
switch off when the engine is stopped, it is not good
practice to rely on this safety feature. The Cutter Deck
should always be switched OFF as soon as you have
finished cutting and certainly BEFORE stopping the engine
or getting off the tractor .

THROTTLE - Fig 1

This lever is pushed forward and up for FASTand CHOKE,
back and down for SLOW. A cold engine is started on the
CHOKE setting, a warm one on the FASTsetting. The
CHOKE setting should be cancelled as soon as possible
and the engine operated on FASTsetting at all times.

HEADLIGHT SWITCH - Fig 1

The headlights are turned ON by switching the rocker
switch down. The Headlights will not operate when the
ignition is OFF. Turn the Headlights OFF before starting or
stopping. Remember – DO NOT operate your tractor in
darkness unless you have adequate artificial light.

Please Note: - SAFETY SWITCHES

SEAT SAFETY SWITCH:

Your Countax tractor is fitted with a safety switch that will
turn OFF the engine and Cutter Deck should you
dismount. This is a safety device and SHOULD NOT be
used voluntarily. If you want to dismount from the tractor
and want the engine to continue running, first switch OFF
the Cutter Deck, then apply the Parking Brake. You can
now dismount. DO NOT LEAVE THE ENGINE IDLING
FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. Should you dismount with
the Parking Brake ON, the Cutter Deck will cut out after a
short delay of a couple of seconds. Do not rely on this
back-up cut-out. Ensure your safety by switching the
Cutter Deck off.

BRAKE PEDAL SAFETY SWITCH:

Your Countax tractor is fitted with a safety switch under
the Brake/Clutch pedal. This switch earths the ignition
unless the brake is on. The engine will only start while the
Brake/Clutch pedal is depressed. Two red lights on the
dash (Ignition and Brake) indicate that the Engine is
ready to start

Notes:

Fig 1

PLEASE READ BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR TRACTOR

Ignition

- Page 4 -

C Series Garden Tractor - Controls - Indicators

P

‘Cutter On’ Symbol

This light flashes continuously when the Cutter is running.

‘Ignition On’ Symbol

This indicator goes out when the Cutter is running.

‘Brake - On’ Symbol

This indicator illuminates when the Parking Brake is
engaged.

P

‘Deck Height’ Indicator

This illuminated display illustrates the height of the cut that
the Cutter Deck is currently working at.

P

‘Hour Meter’ Indicator

This meter displays the number of hours the tractor has
been running since it was built (very much like a odometer
on your car). Use it in the same way for judging services
and oil changes.

‘Charge’ Symbol

This indicator comes on only when the battery is charged
(if this indicator is not lit by the end of the mowing session
you should run the engine at maximum revs until it lights or
remove the battery for charging).

DASHBOARD INDICATORS - Fig 2

In the centre of the dashboard console on your tractor
will be a display panel. Figure 2 illustrates the panel of
a C Series HE model, some models may differ in the
appearance of the indicator layout - but each symbol is
described below. It is important that you get to know what
each symbol means, spend some time studying the
diagrams below.

Dashboard Indicators

PEDAL A - Emergency Brake and Parking Brake
PEDAL B - Forward Speed control
PEDAL C - Reversing control

MOVING OFF - Fig 3a

To move off, ensure your feet are off pedals ‘B’and ‘C’,
then release the Parking Brake by depressing and
releasing pedal ‘A’. Now gently depress pedal ‘B’ and you
will move off. The further you depress pedal ‘B’, the faster
you will go. Its function is very similar to that of the
accelerator on an automatic transmission car, except that it
controls the hydrostatic drive and not the speed of the
engine.

REVERSING - Fig 3a

To engage and control reversing, simply take your foot off
pedal ‘B’– to avoid a rapid stop, remove your foot gently .
The tractor will come to a standstill. When the tractor is
stationary , press pedal ‘C’to move backwards.

EMERGENCY BRAKING- Fig 3a

In normal use, removing your foot from either of the drive
pedals is all that is required to stop the tractor safely and
quickly . For an emergency stop, press pedal ‘A’ whilst
releasing the drive pedal, this will add physical braking to
the normal hydrostatic braking.

PARKING - Fig 3a & Fig 4

Remove your foot from pedals ‘B’and ‘C’and the tractor
will come to a standstill. Now depress pedal ‘A’; keeping
pedal ‘A’ depressed, firmly press down on the Parking
Brake knob ‘D’(Page 5, fig 4) using your left hand. Whilst
keeping knob ‘D’depressed release the Brake/Clutch
pedal ‘A’ and it should remain in the engaged depressed
position. Now gently release the Parking Brake knob, and
your tractor will now be parked. When you turn off the
engine, the natural braking of the hydrostatic system will
add to the effect of the brake, its like leaving your car in
gear! To release Parking Brake simply depress pedal ‘A’.

CONTROLS - FORWARDS & REVERSE (Except C300M)

Pedal A

Pedal B

Pedal C

Fig 2

Fig 3a

P

- Page 5 -

Controls - Levers - C Series Garden Tractor

TRANSAXLE TRANSMISSION (e .g . C300M) - Fig 3b

If your tractor is fitted with a manual transmission, the
forward speeds and reverse are controlled manually via a
control lever to the right of the driver. The tractor can be
driven off in any of the forward gears, each number
representing a speed that the tractor can travel at (e.g.
1=SLOW, 6=FAST). The machine must always be at a
standstill before you can change the lever setting to a
different speed. The tractor is stopped by depressing the
Brake/Clutch pedal situated on the right hand side of the
central console. Keeping this pedal depressed, move the
Gear Select Lever to the required gear then SLOWL Y
release the pedal to engage drive to the wheels of your
tractor. To park, depress the Brake/Clutch pedal, then push
and hold down the Parking Brake (D). Release the
footpedal and you will be parked. Depress the footpedal
again to release the brake.

EMERGENCY BRAKING (TRANSAXLE MODELS:C300M)

To achieve this, depress the Brake/Clutch pedal fully whilst
the tractor is in motion, the machine will come to a sharp
sudden standstill. Remember, this procedure should
NEVER be used during normal use – misuse of this feature
could damage your tractor.

POWER T AKE-OFF (PTO) - Fig 4

The PTO delivers power from the tractors engine to any
driven attachment connected to your tractor (e.g. Powered
Grass Collector). The PTO lever is situated to the right of
the driver beneath the seating position. To engage, lift the
lever to the LEFT and DOWN, letting it find its own height.
To disengage, pull the lever UP and to the RIGHT. Always
have this lever in the disengaged position when not in use.
Do not put hands near moving pulleys and belts.

CUTTING HEIGHT (HE MODELS) - Fig 1

The cutting height of your tractor is adjusted by pressing
the rocker switch on the right hand side of the dashboard
(page 3, fig 1), UP for higher or DOWN for lower. The
illuminates indicator on the centre display panel indicates
the position of the Cutter Deck. Ten illuminated heights are
marked for guidance purposes only – the cutting height is
in fact infinitely adjustable! To get the best from this
refinement, use it to continuously adjust the cutting height
to suit the ground and grass conditions. To avoid scalping,
do not make downward adjustments on the move until you
are familiar with the height control.

CUTTER HEIGHT LEVER (NON HE MODELS) - Fig 4

This lever is used to select cutting height. Down for LOW,
up for HIGH (from about 13mm to about 90mm). The 10
cutting heights are numbered in relation to the height that
the Deck cuts at. We suggest you select position 3 of 4 for
mowing lawns and position 8 or 9 for very long grass and
paddocks. In practice you will discover the height you need
for each area of your grounds. In wet or heavy conditions it
is advisable to select a higher position than you would
normally in light or dry conditions.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT - Fig 5

The seat on the C Series is adjustable forwards and
backwards to suit the operator. Simply lift the seat latch
at the front or the seat and slide the seat forwards or
backwards to suit. Always ensure the seat is latched back
into position before driving off.

DUMP V ALVE (HYDROSTATIC TRACTORS) - Fig 6

The natural braking of hydrostatic means that it is not
possible to push or freewheel the C Series tractor with the
hydrostatic engaged. To disengage, first make certain that
the machine is on a flat even surface, then release the
parking brake by depressing pedal ‘A’. Locate the Dump
V alve, situated along side the rear right wheel and pull it
out. You will now be able to push the tractor at a speed not
exceeding 2mph. Make sure you disengage the Dump
V alve by pushing the lever back BEFORE starting your
tractor.

5

4

3

2

1

N

6

Seat Adjustment Lever

Dump Valve Position

Fig 4

Fig 5

Fig 3b

Fig 6

PTO Engage Lever

Parking Brake (D)

Speed Control Lever

Cutter Height Lever

- Page 6 -

C Series Garden Tractor - Cutter Decks

MULCH MOWING - Fig 7

Mulching can save time, avoids gathering piles of rotting
cuttings and feeds your lawn. It is however necessary to
observe certain rules to mulch mow successfully .

• Reduce the height of the grass by no more than 1/3

rd

its
height in each pass. If the grass has grown long, make
several passes to achieve the cut height you require.

• Always cut with the throttle set to FAST – mulching
needs the full running speed of your tractors engine.

• Mow often, particularly in spring and early summer.
Short clippings of 25mm (1") or less decompose more
quickly.

• If possible avoid cutting in the wet.

• If an unsightly residue of cuttings is being left –

increase the cutting height.

• Always keep the underside of the Cutting Deck clean to
ensure good grass flow.

• Always check that the blades are sharp and kept in good
condition – but do not attempt to sharpen or replace the
blades yourself – Countax blades are not expensive and
it is good practice to ask your dealer to change them
regularly.

Please Note: - MULCHING

HOW MULCHING WORKS:

The Countax Mulcher Cutting Deck has three mulching
compartments. The grass cuttings are lifted and held until
they are cut several times and injected back into the turf
as small particles. These release nutrients back into the
soil.

Notes:

PULLEY ARRANGEMENTS - Fig 8 & 9

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the pulley arrangement and belt
run of the C Series Mulcher Deck and IBS Deck (refer to
decal on Cutter Deck for replacement belts and blades).
These diagrams are for guidance purposes only and
Countax recommends that the replacement of Cutter Deck
drive belts be carried out by your local Countax Dealer.

Mulch Cutter Arrangement

Mulch Pulley Arrangement

Mulching Process Illustration

IBS Pulley Arrangement

Fig 7

Fig 8

Fig 9