ZTR®
ZTR CLASSIC
OPERATORS MANUAL
2003
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
The Dixon® ZTR® Classic 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® Classic 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-38
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
ZTR Classic
Part No. 13639-0702
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.
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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 & 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 & behind before & 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.
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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
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.
SAFETY
do not mow it!
DO NOT
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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 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.
CHILDREN:
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
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.
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.
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
SERVICE:
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
SAFETY
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.
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 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 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, when necessary.
SAFETY
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 PROTECTION PLUS TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
TRANSAXLE MODELS
WARRANTY: Home Owner Application: Dixon Transaxle Models, used only at owners primary
place of residence are warranted for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase.
Commercial Application: defined as use other than, or in addition to, mowing at owners primary
place of residence. Dixon Transaxle Models, used in commercial application are warranted for
a period of (30) days from the 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 merchant
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 (including transaxle adjustments)
(c) Belts/Blades/Chains/Sprockets
(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.
ability 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
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(Dealership Name & Dealer Number)
(Street Address)
(City/State/Zip)
(Dealer's Signature)(Owner's Signature)
www.dixon-ztr.com
1-877-CUT-MORE
SPECIFICATIONS
ZTR Classic
CHASSIS: 11 GA welded rectangular tubing
BODY: All body parts made of high density polyethylene. Dent
and corrosion resistant. Front body contains access
panel for battery service.
MOWER DECK: 13 GA stamped steel construction. Three blades
combine for a 42 cut width. Cut height approximately
1- 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: 14.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, 4-Cycle, Single Cylinder,
Overhead Valve, Air-Cooled, Gasoline, Vertical Shaft with
Cast Iron Cylinder, AVS (Anti-Vibration System), Pressure
Lube & Filter.
STARTING SYSTEM: Electric by key switch operation with safety interlock
blade drive.
TIRES: Front 11 x 4.00-5 ribbed tread.
Rear 18 x 8.50-8 Turf Trac R/S
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21 PSI
TIRE PRESSURE: Rear 8-14 PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 2.4 gallons total
Engine 1.5 quarts oil
DIMENSIONS: Width 47 outside rear wheel measurement
Height 42 to top edge of seat
Length 72 hitch tab to front bumper
Weight 520 lbs.
Additional information provided in service instructions under the individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
13
SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Model ZTR Classic
1. Raise and push seat assembly forward.
2. Loosen seat adjustment knobs and slide
seat forward or backward to desired
position.
3. Re-tighten nuts. DO NOT operate mower
without seat adjustments properly
tightened.
4. Push seat assembly back to closed
position.
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