The most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander...
BLADE CONTACT
RUN-OVERBACK-OVER
TIP-OVER
Page 4
...read and understand this manual to prevent injuries.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Follo w recommended safety precautions and safe
SAFETY
Safety Alert Symbol
When you see this symbol,
BE ALERT to the potential for injury.
operating practices.
Danger
indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Warning
indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Caution
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.
Page 5
SAFETY
This cutting mower is capable of amputating hands & feet, and throwing objects.
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.
•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.
•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 & unloading.
•Always wear safety goggles or safty 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 manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.
Page 6
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
SAFETY
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.
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO
Mow across the slope with your Dixon ZTR - never up or down.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the mower. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the mower.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, 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.
Page 7
CHILDREN:
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
Children are attracted to lawn mowers and the mowing activity.
NEVER assume children will stay where they were last seen.
SAFETY
presence of children.
Be alert to avoid accidents.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters 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.
Page 8
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 gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the mower indoors.
Never store the mower or fuel container inside a building where there is an open flame.
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 gas-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 gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
If a gasoline 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.
•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 buildup. 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.
•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, when
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.
•Check to assure that the drive chains are properly adjusted. A loose chain may come off causing loss of control
Page 9
DIXON PROTECTION PLUS TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
This warranty policy applies to all (30"), (36"), (42") mowers purchased on or after March 1, 1990.
WARRANTY: The Dixon Protection Plus Warranty term is for a period of 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 accessories.
2.All Dixon warranty must be accomplished by authorized Dixon dealers and in accordance with Dixon
warranty policy and allowances. All warranty claims must be approved by Dixon Industries, Inc.
3.Mowers or accessories used for commercial applications are warranted for
purchase. Commercial application is any use other than, or in addition to, mowing at owner's primary
place of residence.
4.Battery warranty: Limited to 90 days from date of purchase.
5.Accessories Warranty (Grass Catchers, Snow Blades, Covers, etc.): Limited to 90 days from date of
purchase.
6.Warranty does not apply to damage in transit or incidents of misuse, negligence, accidents, or
alteration. The use of parts or components other than those supplied by Dixon Industries, Inc.
VOIDS ALL WARRANTY.
7.The following items are not covered by this warranty policy:
(a) Pick up and delivery charges for transportation of mower to and from an Authorized Dixon
Dealer's place of business.
(b) Transaxle adjustments.
(c) Belts / chains / sprockets / cutting blades.
(d) Engines -- All engines used on Dixon ZTR mowers are warranted by each individual engine
manufacturer.
(e) Any costs or expense of providing substitute equipment while repair work is being performed on
a warranted mower.
8.There is no other express warranty. Implied warranties, including those of 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.
30 days from date 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 _______________S/N______________________
(Owner's Name)
(Address)
(Owner's Signature)
Page 10
(Dealership)
(Address)
(Dealer's Signature)
DM-
SPECIFICATIONS
Models ZTR 4423
CHASSIS:Twin 12 gauge side frames and 7 gauge transmission and engine base plate.
BODY:All body parts are made of high density polyethylene. Dent and corrosion
resistant. Front body contains access panel for battery service.
MOWER DECK:13 GA stamped steel construction.
(3) blades combine for a 42" cut width.
Cut height approximately 1" to 4" via 7 position lift handle.
BLADE DRIVE:Electric clutch.
TRANSMISSION:Each rear wheel is independently driven by chain and sprockets through a
mechanical friction drive.
ENGINE:15.5HP Vanguard Briggs & Stratton, 4-Cycle, Single Cylinder, Overhead
Valve, Air-Cooled, Gasoline, Vertical Shaft With Cast Iron Cylinder Sleeve,
Pressure Lubricated with oil filter.
STARTING SYSTEM:Electric by key switch operation with safety interlock blade drive.