DEK TurfBeast 36FB, TurfBeast 36FDB, TurfBeast 54FB Owner's Manual
FINISH MOWER by
Owner’s Manual
This manual contains important safety instructions for the gasoline engine powered
lawnmower models: 36FB, 54FB, 36FDB
READ SAFETY WARNINGS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Need Help?
Parts, Service
and Technical Assistance call:
1-919-550-3221
www.brushbeast.com
When you call the help-line you will need to have the following information:
Date of Purchase: _______________________
Location of Purchase: _______________________
Serial # - Mower: _______________________
Serial # - Engine: _______________________
Serial # - Hydro Trans (L) _______________________
Serial # - Hydro Trans (R) _______________________
Mower and engine life are
extended greatly by performing
frequent lubrications, oil changes
and regular maintenance. To
protect your investment perform
routine maintenance.
TURF BEAST
Copyright© 2009 by GXi Outdoor Power, LLC. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication can be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of GXi Outdoor Power, LLC
Clayton, NC 27520 USA.
DEK is a registered trademark of GXi Outdoor Power, LLC
GXi Outdoor Power, LLC reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice
and without incurring any obligation whatsoever.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing.
36FB, 54FB
This manual contains important safety instructions for Finish Mowers
READ SAFETY WARNINGS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the finish mower and should
remain with the finish mower if resold.
Rev: Mar2011
TURF BEAST Finish Mower
BEAST SERIES
Check out our other great products at www.HomeDepot.com
or visit our web site at www.brushbeast.com
Turf Beast
36-inch Walk Behind Mower
Turf Beast
54-inch Walk Behind Mower
The Beast
100-inch Tow Behind Mower
Brush Beast
36-inch Brush Mower.
Brush Master
Chipper/Shredder
with 2-Way Feed
TURF BEAST
Contents
Safety Information and Warnings ......................................................................... 1
Operation Safety Precautions ............................................................................... 2
Safety Decals ............................................................................................................ 3
Product Specifications ........................................................................................... 4
Control Panel and Lawn Mower Components .................................................... 5
Assembly Instructions
Step 1: Front Wheel Assembly ....................................................................... 6
Step 2: Mower Assembly ................................................................................ 7
Step 3: Wire Harness Assembly and Connections ..................................... 8
Step 4: Throttle and Choke Cable Connections ........................................... 8
Step 5: Fuel Tank Connections ....................................................................... 9
Step 6: Brake Set-up ......................................................................................... 9
Operating Instructions
Starting the Engine ......................................................................................... 10
Operating the Mower ..................................................................................... 10
36FB, 54FB
Disengaging Hydrostatic Drive Units ........................................................... 11
Return to Neutral ............................................................................................. 11
Mowing ............................................................................................................ 12
Changing the Height of Cut ........................................................................... 13
Removing the Blades ..................................................................................... 13
Spindle Brake Inspection and Replacement .............................................. 14
General Maintenance ........................................................................................... 15
Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................................ 16
Service Adjustments .............................................................................................. 17
Lubrication Points .................................................................................................. 19
Deck Interchange ................................................................................................... 19
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 20
Limited Warranty and Service ............................................................................. 22
About the TURF BEAST Mower Manual
Congratulations on the purchase of your new TURF BEAST commercial mower. We at GXi Outdoor Power are confident
that this mower will provide excellent performance, outstanding quality, and great durability when operated and
maintained as directed in this manual.
1. This manual contains assembly, operating, safety, adjustment, maintenance, and troubleshooting instructions.
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER, CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRITY.
2. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the mower. It must be available to all operators and/or
person(s) servicing the mower. Should the mower be resold, this manual must remain with the mower.
3. All information, illustrations, and specifications contained in this manual were in effect at the time of the
publication. GXi Outdoor Power reserves the right to add, delete or modify specifications and/or designs without
notice.
4. If you ever have questions in regards to the operation, maintenance or safety of your mower, please contact the
GXi Parts & Service, LLC at 1-919-550-3221.
Rev: Mar2011
TURF BEAST Finish Mower
TURF BEAST
Safety Information and Warnings
36FB, 54FB
Safety Information
TURF BEAST lawn mowers are designed to give safe
and dependable service if operated according to
instructions. Read and understand this owner’s
manual before operating your lawn mower.
Emission Control System Information
The U.S. and California Clean Air Acts
EPA and California regulations require all
manufacturers to furnish written instructions
describing the operation and maintenance of
emission control systems. The following instructions
and procedures must be followed in order to keep
the emissions from your engine within the emission
standards.
Safety Label Locations
Safety labels are located on your mower to warn
you of potential hazards. Read them carefully. If a
label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact
your GXi Parts and Service, LLC for a replacement.
Operator Responsibility
Be sure that anyone who operates the lawn mower
receives proper instruction. Know how to stop the
lawn mower quickly in case of emergency.
Understand the use of all controls, output
receptacles and connections. Children should not
operate the lawn mower without parental
supervision.
WARNING
Mower Inspection
For your safety, inspect the lawn mower before each
use. Before you begin your inspection, be sure the
following conditions are met: the lawn mower should
be on a flat and level surface, with the ignition switch
off, the key removed, and the blades disengaged. Also,
disconnect the spark plug wires from the spark plugs
and ground them against the engine to prevent
inadvertent starting.
1. Walk around the mower and look for any fluid
spills or leaks on or underneath the mower.
Remove any and all excessive debris, dirt, and
fluids.
2. Look for signs of damage or excessive wear.
Check the tightness of all nuts, bolts, pins, and
screws. Tighten any that may be loose and
replace any that are missing.
3. Be sure the safety interlock controls are
operating properly so that the engine cannot be
started unless the ground speed control lever is
in neutral and the blades are disengaged.
4. Check the mower blades for any damage or
abnormal wear. Replace in sets so that they are
balanced.
5. Check the tire pressure on all four tires. Do not
exceed the recommended maximum indicated
on the tire.
6. Check the belts for proper wear and correct
tension. See pages 16 and 17 for instructions.
7. Check engine oil and air filters as recommended
in the engine manufacturer’s manual.
WARNING! Do not use your BEAST lawn mower to
carry passengers. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and
children at a safe distance from the machine while it is
in operation since rotating blades can throw rocks and
other items, causing serious injury. Check the area
before you begin mowing for stones, sticks, wire, and
other foreign objects. These objects may become
projectiles when struck by the mower.
WARNING
WARNING! Wear protective clothing while mowing.
Long pants and safety glasses help reduce the risk of
injury from thrown objects. Adequate footwear, such as
steel toe shoes with aggressive soles, is recommended
to help protect your feet and maintain traction on slopes
or uneven grounds. Always wear hearing protection.
Rev: Mar2011
DANGER: GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
EXPLOSIVE. Do not add fuel while the engine is
running or is hot. Keep open flames, sparks, and heat
away from the fuel and store fuel in containers
specifically designed for that purpose. ADD FUEL
OUTDOORS ONLY AND IF THE FUEL IS SPILLED, DO
NOT START THE ENGINE. Manually push the mower
away from the spill and wipe up immediately.
TURF BEAST Finish Mower
1
DANGER
TURF BEAST
Operation Safety Precautions
36FB, 54FB
Equipment Operation—Safety Precautions
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect. Carbon monoxide is odorless,
tasteless, and can be fatal.
2. Mow only in daylight.
3. Make sure the mower is in neutral and the
blades are disengaged before attempting to
start the engine.
4. Be extremely careful when operating the
mower on a slope or when the grass is damp
or wet. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
5. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphill. Use extreme caution when changing
directions while operating on a slope.
6. Avoid steeps slopes. Never use riding
attachments on slopes since there is an
increased risk that they might roll over.
7. Never mow by pulling the mower back towards
you because you might slip.
8. Watch for pedestrian or vehicular traffic when
moving the mower while not in use (i.e.,
loading, unloading or transporting).
9. Never operate the mower with defective guards
or shields, or without the safety devices
securely mounted in place.
10. Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower
during operation.
11. Do not change the governor settings or over
speed the engine.
12. Always stop the engine when you leave the
mower, even for a moment.
13. To help reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine
and the area around the engine free of grass,
leaves or any other type of foreign material.
14. Beware of cutting edges. Always wear gloves
for safety when performing blade maintenance
activities. Beware on multiple blade units since
the rotation of one blade may cause the rotation
of the other blade.
15. Do not operate the mower with the grass chute
deflector in the raised position. Serious injury
could occur.
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
EXPLOSIVE. FUEL LEAKS, A LOOSE FUEL TANK,
OR A LOOSE FUEL VALVE CAN LEAD TO SEVERE
INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT OPERATE THIS
MOWER IF ANY COMPONENT OF THE FUEL
SYSTEM IS LOOSE OR LEAKS GASOLINE!
IMPORTANT! The mower belts are adjusted to
ensure the blades stop turning within seven (7)
seconds of releasing the blade control lever. If you
are making any belt adjustments whatsoever, for
your safety and the safety of others around you, you
must ensure the belts are re-adjusted to achieve
this design specification.
Before setting up your TURF BEAST mower,
disconnect the spark plug wires from the
spark plugs and ground them against the
engine to prevent inadvertent starting. This
step should be taken as a precaution
whenever you are working on this machine.
DANGER: Do not bypass, modify, alter or
disconnect the safety system. Make sure that
the safety interlock system is fully operational
each time before mowing.
Before attempting to use your mower, make
sure you are familiar with all of the
components and have read the manual.
Need Help?
Parts, Service
and Technical Assistance call:
1-919-550-3221
www.brushbeast.com
Rev: Mar2011
TURF BEAST Finish Mower
2
TURF BEAST
Safety Decals
36FB, 54FB
Safety Decal Identification
The labels shown below are located on your mower to warn you of potential hazards and provide you with important
safety information. If these decals become difficult to read or are missing from the mower, please contact GXi Parts &
Service, LLC at 1-919-550-3221 or www.brushbeast.com for a replacement.
Rev: Mar2011
TURF BEAST Finish Mower
3
TURF BEAST
Product Specifications
36FB, 54FB
Feature 36FB 54FB
Product Type Commercial, 0-turn Commercial, 0-turn
Cutting Width 36-inch 54-inch
Engine
Engine Start Electric Electric
Transmission Type Dual hydrostatic Dual hydrostatic
Transmission Mfg Peerless Peerless
Mower Speeds Infinitely variable Infinitely variable
Deck Type Floating, quick change Floating, quick change
Cutting Height 1.5- 4.5 inches( ½-inch increments) 1.5- 4.5 inches( ½-inch increments)
Blade Engagement Manual clutch Manual clutch
Blade Tip Speed 18,750 ft/min 18,750 ft/min
Anti-Scalping Rollers None 3 front/2 rear
No. Blades/ Length 2, 18-inch blades 3, 18-inch blades
See engine manufacturer’s engine
manual
Models
See engine manufacturer’s engine
manual
Control System V-bar E-Z hydro speed control V-bar E-Z hydro speed control
Fuel/Capacity Gasoline/4.5 gals. Gasoline/4.5 gals.
Rear Drive Tires 16-inch X 6.5-inch turf tread 18-inch X 8.5-inch turf tread
Front Caster Tires 9-inch X 3.5-inch smooth tread 9-inch X 3.5-inch smooth tread
Brake System
Weight Approx. 450 lbs. Approx. 510 lbs.
Height/Length 48 inches x 78 inches 62 inches x 78 inches
Internal hydraulic and mechanical
park
Internal hydraulic and mechanical
park
Rev: Mar2011
TURF BEAST Finish Mower
4
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