Countax C400 User Manual

®

Britain’s Best Selling Range of Garden Tractors

C SERIES

Garden Tractor

O W N E R S H A N D B O O K

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY

E.C Declaration of Conformity

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

MODEL	C-300	C-38H	C-550		C400	C600	C800
Power (Kw)	9.25	9.7	12		11.2	11.9	13.4
Max Rotation of Blades (rpm)	3000	3000	3000		3000	3000	3000
Engine Manufacturer	B & S	Honda	B & S		B & S	B & S	B & S
Engine Type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol		Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Mass in Kg	192	192	192		192	192	192
Max Drawbar Pull (Kg)	400	400	400		400	400	400
at Coupling Hook
Max Vertical load (Kg)	25	25	25		25	25	25
Max Sound Power Lever	100 Db(A) @ 2600rpm			100 Db(A) @ 3000rpm
Vibration (m/s/s) hands:	3.2	3.2	3.2		3.2	3.2	3.2
Vibration (m/s/s) seat:	4.2	4.2	4.2		4.2	4.2	4.2
Type of Cutting Device	Cutterbar Cutterbar		Cutterbar		Cutterbar	Cutterbar	Cutterbar
Width of Cutting Device	76cm	76cm	76cm		76cm	76cm	76cm

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:

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

Name of Dealer:

Address of Dealer:

Tel:Fax:Email:

®

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]

Safety Instructions & Information - C Series Garden Tractor

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	-

YOU MUST FULLY READ THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS

GARDEN TRACTOR. WE WILL ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE IMPROPER USE OF THIS MACHINE.

CARELESS OR IMPROPER USE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS OR EVEN

FATAL INJURY.

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.

Mandatory Safety Instructions For The Use of

Countax Tractors

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.

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.

•Avoid 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.

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C Series Garden Tractor - Safety Instructions Cont.

11.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.

SUPPLEMENTARY 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 STANDARD 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.

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.

LAYING UP YOUR TRACTOR FOR THE WINTER

Your 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 START 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 BATTERY and/or charge periodically throughout the winter.

6.Keep your tractor in a dry place.

Lift Lever

Powered Grass Collector

Control Levers

Dashboard Controls

Tipping Lever

Sweeper Height Adjustment	Cutter Deck	Foot Controls

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Controls - Dashboard - C Series Garden Tractor

		O
Choke		Headlight Switch
Aux. Lift Switch	Cutter Switch	Ignition
		Deck Lift Switch
	Throttle
Fig 1	The console on your tractor may look different from that illustrated
PLEASE READ BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR TRACTOR
IGNITION - Fig 1		HEADLIGHT SWITCH - 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 FAST and CHOKE, back and down for SLOW. A cold engine is started on the CHOKE setting, a warm one on the FAST setting. The CHOKE setting should be cancelled as soon as possible and the engine operated on FAST setting at all times.

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.

Notes:

Note: - SAFETY SWITCHES

SAFETY SWITCH:

Countax tractor is fitted with a safety switch that will the engine and Cutter Deck should you

. This is a safety device and SHOULD NOT be voluntarily. If you want to dismount from the tractor

the engine to continue running, first switch OFF Deck, then apply the Parking Brake. You can

. DO NOT LEAVE THE ENGINE IDLING ANY LENGTH OF TIME. Should you dismount with

Brake ON, the Cutter Deck will cut out after a delay of a couple of seconds. Do not rely on this up cut-out. Ensure your safety by switching the

Deck off.

PEDAL SAFETY SWITCH:

Countax tractor is fitted with a safety switch under pedal. This switch earths the ignition

the brake is on. The engine will only start while the pedal is depressed. Two red lights on the

(Ignition and Brake) indicate that the Engine is to start

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C Series Garden Tractor - Controls - Indicators

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

P

Fig 2

CONTROLS - FORWARDS & REVERSE (Except C300M)

Pedal A	Pedal B
Fig 3a	Pedal C
PEDAL A -	Emergency Brake and Parking Brake

PEDAL B - Forward Speed control

PEDAL C - Reversing control

‘Cutter On’ Symbol

This light flashes continuously when the Cutter is running.

‘Ignition On’ Symbol

This indicator goes out when the Cutter is running.

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.

‘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).

P ‘Brake - On’ Symbol

This indicator illuminates when the Parking Brake is engaged.

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.

‘Deck Height’ Indicator

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

‘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.

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’.

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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 SLOWLY 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 TAKE-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 VALVE (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 Valve, 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 Valve by pushing the lever back BEFORE starting your tractor.

Speed Control Lever

	N
	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
Fig 3b	6
	PTO Engage Lever
	Parking Brake (D)
	Cutter Height Lever
Fig 4

Seat Adjustment Lever

Fig 5

Dump Valve Position

Fig 6

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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 1/3rd 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.

Notes:

Please Note: - MULCHING

MULCHING WORKS:

Countax Mulcher Cutting Deck has three mulching compartments. The grass cuttings are lifted and held until

are cut several times and injected back into the turf small particles. These release nutrients back into the

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.

Mulching Process Illustration

Mulch Cutter Arrangement

Fig 7

Mulch Pulley Arrangement

Fig 8

IBS Pulley Arrangement

Fig 9

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