ZTR®
7500 SERIES
OPERATORS MANUAL
2003
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
The Dixon® ZTR® Mower is both easy and fun
to operate. However, any power mower must
be operated properly to be safe. It is not a toy or
a recreational vehicle. Before you start to use
the mower, read the operators manual carefully
and become completely familiar with the controls.
The information contained in this manual applies
to all Dixon® ZTR® 7500 Series Mowers. Your
Dixon dealer will gladly answer any questions.
See your dealer for warranty service, parts and
repairs.
INDEX
Page
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Warranty Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Seat Adjustment Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-18
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-26
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-35
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
7500 Series
Part No. 13636-0702
3
SAFETY
RIDING LAWN MOWERS,
IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED,
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander...
BLADE CONTACT
TIP OVER
RUN OVER
BACK OVER
...read and understand this manual to prevent injuries.
4
SAFETY
Safety Alert Symbol
When you see this symbol,
BE ALERT to the potential for injury.
Follow recommended safety precautions
and safe operating practices.
DANGER
(highlighted in red)
indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
(highlighted in orange)
indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION
(highlighted in yellow)
indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
5
Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION:
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the mower before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the mower.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
NEVER carry passengers.
SAFETY
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without either the entire
grass catcher or the deflector in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running mower unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key before dismounting.
6
SAFETY
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the mower
into a trailer or truck. Do not ride the mower when
loading and unloading.
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating mower.
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
Follow the manufacturers recommendation for
wheel weights and counterweights.
Maintain or replace safety & instruction labels as
needed.
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
7
SLOPE OPERATION:
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution.
SAFETY
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
DO
do not mow it!
Mow across the slope with your Dixon ZTR - never up or
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
down.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even
overturn the mower. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
though the brakes are functioning properly.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
These can change the stability of the mower.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
disengage the blades and proceed slowly down the slope.
If front wheels lift off the ground, pull the levers back to
stabilize the mower.
DO NOT
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on
the ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
8
CHILDREN:
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
Keep children out of the mowing area and
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters
SAFETY
not alert to the presence of children.
Children are attracted to lawn mowers
and the mowing activity.
NEVER assume children will stay
where they were last seen.
Be alert to avoid accidents.
under the watchful care of another responsible
adult.
the area.
Before and during backing, look BEHIND and
DOWN for small children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with safe mower
operation.
Never allow children to operate the mower.
Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure vision.
9
SAFETY
SERVICE:
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke while refueling.
Never refuel the mower indoors.
Never store the mower or fuel container inside
a building where there is an open flame.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
To prevent fire and explosion caused by static
electricity:
10
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
When practical, remove fuel-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a trailer with a portable container,
rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.
If a fuel dispenser nozzle must be used, keep the
nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
SAFETY
SERVICE (continued):
Never run a mower inside a closed area. The
exhaust fumes are toxic.
Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially blade
attachment bolts, and keep equipment in good
condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other
debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
mower to cool before storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the
engine running unless otherwise specified.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently check components and replace with
original equipment parts, as necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. To prevent burns
avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. To
prevent a fire or explosion keep sparks and open
flames away from battery.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable,
make sure all switches are OFF.
11
DIXON LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY - HYDRO GEAR MODELS
5000 - 6000 - 7000 Series Mowers
WARRANTY: Dixon Commercial Warranty is for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase
or 400 hours of use, whichever occurs first. Mowers used for Homeowner Application (used only
at owners primary place of residence) are warranted for two (2) years from date of purchase.
DIXON ZTR MOWERS ARE WARRANTED AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND
WORKMANSHIP AND PROVIDES FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF PARTS INCLUDING LABOR
COSTS. THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS:
1. Warranty applies only to original retail purchaser of new and unused mowers and
2. All Dixon warranty must be accomplished by authorized Dixon dealers and in
3. Battery warranty: Limited to 90 days from date of purchase.
4. Accessories Warranty (Grass Catchers, Snow Blades, Covers, etc.): Limited to 90
5. Warranty does not apply to damage in transit or incidents of misuse, negligence,
6. The following items are not covered by this warranty policy:
7. There is no other express warranty. Implied warranties, including those of
WARRANTY VALIDATION: At the time of sale, selling dealer must review each portion of this
warranty document, complete the information section below, secure customer's signature and
send copy to Dixon Industries, Inc.
Date of Purchase Model Deck Size S/N
accessories.
accordance with Dixon warranty policy and allowances. All warranty claims must be
approved by Dixon Industries, Inc.
days from date of purchase.
accidents, or alteration. The use of parts or components other than those supplied
by Dixon Industries, Inc. VOIDS ALL WARRANTY.
(a) Pick up and delivery charges for transportation of mower to and from an
Authorized Dixon Dealer's place of business.
(b) Routine maintenance or adjustments
(c) Belts/Blades/Hydro filters
(d) Engines -- All engines used on Dixon ZTR mowers are warranted by each
individual engine manufacturer.
(e) Any costs or expense ofproviding substitute equipment while repair work is
being performed on a warranted mower.
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the same
duration of the express warranty, and to the extent permitted by law any and all
implied warranties are excluded. Liabilities for consequential damages under any
and all warranties are excluded.
Copies: Pink/Customer Yellow/Dealer White/Return to Dixon Ind.
(Owner's Name)
(Street Address)
(City/State/Zip)
DIXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
A BLOUNT International Inc. Co.
PO BOX 1569
COFFEYVILLE KS 67337 0945
PHONE 620 251 2000
FAX 620 251 4117
12
(Dealership Name & Dealer Number)
(Street Address)
(City/State/Zip)
(Dealer's Signature)(Owner's Signature)
www.dixon-ztr.com
1-877-CUT-MORE