Dixon 301, 302 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR ZTR-301, 302 MOWER

IMPORTANT!

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 operator's manual

carefully, and become completely

familiar with the controls. Your
Dixon dealer will gladly provide

a check-out ride, and answer

any questions.

READ CAREFULLY

You have purchased a top quality lawn mower that has been inspected at the factory and found to be in perfect mechanical
lawn mower is warranted for 1 year from date of delivery against all defects in materials and workmanship. Lawn mowers used for
commercial service are warranted for 30 days from date of delivery.

condition. This

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This lawn mower is warranted for one(1) year from date of delivery against all defects in materials and workmanship. Lawn mowers used

for commercial service are warranted for 30 days from date of delivery. (Lawn mowers other than those used only at residence of owner
are considered as commercial service.)

Each new mower is warranted against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. Our obligation,
under this warranty, shall be limited to the replacement to the original retail purchaser of any part or parts, which, within the warranty
period, shall be shown to be defective due to faulty workmanship or materials at the factory. All parts claimed defective must be returned
to the factory for inspection, repair, or replacement with transportation charges

This warranty does not apply to damage in transit or damage caused by misuse, negligence or accident, to alterations or repairs done
outside the factory or authorized service stations, nor does it obligate us to assume any transportation charges in connection with the
replacement of parts claimed to be defective.

Our warranty does not apply to the blades, adapters, chains or belts on our mowers due to the very nature of the function

and to the elements they are exposed to.

The warranty specifically excludes engines and tires which are warranted separately by their respective manufacturers. All claims for

defective engines or engine parts must be made in accordance with the engine manufacturer's warranty.

We reserve the right to make changes in design and changes or improvements on our product without imposing any obligation upon
ourselves to install the same on products heretofore manufactured.

This warranty is null and void if any parts other than original manufacturer's parts are used. There is no other express

IMPLIED WARRANTIES, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one(1) . year from

purchase and, to the extent permitted by law, any and all implied warranties are excluded.

prepaid.

warranty.

they perform

SERIAL NUMBERS

The lawn mower has two serial numbers:

Mower Number — Located on frame at right rear transaxle mount. Transaxle Number — Located on transaxle.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE MOWING:

1. Discuss proper maintenance with your Dixon dealer, to save
money and prevent injury. Consult your dealer before
removing any parts.

2. Don't allow anyone to operate your Dixon mower without
proper instruction. Young children should never be allowed
to operate any power mower, riding or walking.

3. Before mowing, pick up all debris — particularly stones and

sharp objects.

4. Before starting the engine, make sure the gas cap is

in place.

DURING MOWER OPERATION

mower attracts many admiring

neighbors. But when mowing, all persons — especially
children — and pets should be cleared from the mowing
area.

1. The revolutionary Dixon

2. Wear appropriate, safe clothing when mowing — close-fitting
jeans or slacks and heavy leather or safety shoes
soles. Never use any kind of mower with bare feet or open
sandals, not even an old push-type model!

3. When grass is wet or slippery, do not use any riding

4. Always mow at the slowest speed that will cut satisfac

5. Keep hands and feet away from the blade at all times.

6. Although the Dixon mower is equipped with a missile deflector
which directs downwards all blade propelled
persons clear of the discharge chute.

7. Your Dixon mower is very stable because of its low center of
gravity and weight biased to the rear; however, caution should
be exercised when mowing hills or slopes with

8. Always disengage blades before taking the mower

with rough

mower.

torily.

objects, keep

any mower.

across walks or objects that project above the surface.
mower is not in use, turn the engine off; never leave the engine running
unattended. Your Dixon mower
switch that kills the
are

engaged.

10. Before adjusting your mower or adding fuel, turn the engine off. Let
it cool, and disconnect the spark plug so the engine cannot start by
accident. Be sure all moving parts

engine when operator leaves the seat while blades

ALWAYS SET PARKING BRAKE AND DISENGAGE BLADE OPERATION BEFORE DISMOUNTING

is equipped with a weight-sensitive

are stopped.

9. When the

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Dixon ZTR

unique maneuverability and ease. The following procedures
allow one to become familiar with the unique method of
very easily.

1. SET PARKING BRAKE

(When drive levers are released, they will return to
position.)

2. Move "Blade Operation" lever to "Disengage" position.
Engine will not start when blades are engaged.

mowers offer a new concept in mowing, providing

will

control

— Be sure that drive levers are free.

neutral

..

11. Never run the engine indoors; the fumes are dangerous.

12. Before backing your Dixon mower, stop, turn around, and
look.

13. Gasoline fumes are explosive; use only approved gasoline

14. If the mower should start vibrating, stop the engine

15. Never lift lawn mower by the body; lift only by the frame.

3. Move throttle control to "Choke" position.

4. To start models with electric starting, simply insert ignition key

containers to store small amount of fuel. No special oil/gas
mixtures are needed for your Dixon mower.

immediately and check for damage or loose parts. Vibration
is usually the warning of trouble.

and turn to the far right position. When the engine starts,
release the ignition key and it will remain in the
position. To stop the engine simply turn the key to
position.
To start manual start models, turn switch to "RUN" position. A
sharp pull will start the engine. Release the start-

"RUN"

the "OFF"

ing rope as soon as engine starts. To stop engine turn key
"OFF" position.

5. Set engine to desired speed by adjusting throttle control. (Suggest
set at slow speed during initial operation.)

6. NOTE SAFETY FEATURE: Engine stops automatically if
operator leaves seat while blades are engaged.

7. This unit is equipped with a unique transaxle that requires
drive levers to control braking, turning, direction and acceleration.

TO GO FORWARD:

From neutral position push both drive levers slightly for
increase speed move levers further forward.

BACKWARD:

From neutral position pull both drive levers slightly rearward.

TURNING:

Turning is controlled by moving one drive lever slightly forward or
rearward of the other. To turn left, move left
right lever. To turn "square corners" move lever of desired
direction to neutral. To turn on
reduce speed and move one lever to reverse position and the
other to forward

position.

mower's own axis (Zero radius)

ward; to

TO GO

lever rearward of

to

only two

BRAKING:

To brake mower, move both levers in direction opposite
release levers to neutral, set parking brake.
incline, it may be necessary to hold
direction opposite of slope,

ALWAYS SET PARKING BRAKE BEFORE DISMOUNTING.

INITIAL OPERATION:

It is recommended that first operation of mower be done at a
slow setting of throttle speed and disengagement of mower
blades until operator is thoroughly familiar with the unit.

You may have tendency to "over control" mower at first.
Slight movements — fingertip control — is all that's
necessary for easy operation.

• Cutting height is set by positioning the adjustment lever.
button knob on top of lever, set desired cutting
position by releasing button knob.

• To start mower blades, move lever on floor to "engage"
position. To stop mower blades, move lever to "disen
position.

until parking brake is set.

slight pressure on levers in

When stopping on

8. Mower Blade Operation:

height, lock into

of travel,

Push

gage"

ALWAYS DISENGAGE BLADE OPERATION BEFORE
DISMOUNTING.

9. Parking Brake:
Parking brake is hand operated and is located at right­side of mower. To disengage move lever forward. To engage
brake pull lever to the rear. Always set parking brake before
dismounting. Be sure that parking brake is disengaged
before moving mower.

MAINTENANCE

PRE-STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill fuel tank with a good grade of regular gasoline. Do not
mix oil with gasoline.

2. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

3. With mower on a level surface, fill the crankcase with a good
grade of multi-purpose 10 - 30 oil as outlined in the engine
instruction manual.

4. On model equipped with a battery be sure the battery is filled
to proper fluid level with electrolite solution. After
level may be retained with distilled water.

hand

initial filling,

CAUTION:

5. During initial "Break In" period, the oil level should be

6. Check oil level every five operating hours or each time

7. Change oil every 25 operating hours or sooner if equipment is

BELT ADJUSTMENT

Main Drive Belt - This belt should be kept taut to lengthen belt life
and prevent loss of power. To tension belt, loosen 4 bolts which
hold the engine to the mount and the lock nut on the
the rear of the machine. Tighten tension bolt
retighten the 4 bolts holding engine and tighten tension bolt lock
nut.

MOWER DRIVE BELT

Belt tension for the mower drive belt is adjusted by turning the
turnbuckle to provide more forward movement of the engag
idler.

REPLACE BELTS WHEN ADJUSTMENT CAN NO LONGER
BE MADE SATISFACTORILY OR IF BELTS BECOME
WORN.

often.

is used.

operated in extremely dusty conditions.

checked

mower

tension bolt at

until belt is taut and

ing

BODY REMOVAL FOR ZTR-301 / 302

1. Disconnect throttle cable from engine by loosening clamp on
engine and disconnecting cable.

2. Disconnect two (2) switch loom plugs, one going to engine wires
and one going to frame wire loom. Plugs are located
transaxle mount.

3. Remove four (4) control lever bolts and remove upper
levers.

4. Remove engaging handle by removing bolt and nut under

5. Remove four (4) attach bolts on floor.

6. Remove two (2) sheet metal screws from transaxle mount. Body

will now lift clear. To replace body, reverse the above procedure.
Remember to reinstall switch ground wire on
mount screws.

CHAIN ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the drive chains, the body must be removed and
added behind the transaxle. Loosen 4 bolts which hold the transaxle
to the frame. Insert shims (Pt. No. 2221 or
adjustment between transaxle and mount plates. Tighten the 4 bolts
which hold the transaxle to the frame. A few drops of oil periodically
will lengthen

back of

control

handle.

left rear transaxle body

shims

2222) as needed for

chain life. Replace chain when rollers become loose, chain
or chain fails to operate properly.
Correct tire pressure is essential to correct operation of the
The correct pressure for the drive tires is 14 -16 Ibs.
should be checked periodically. Front tires are semi-pneumatic and
do not require inflation.
Keep all connections clean and tight. Maintain the fluid in the
at correct level.

BODY

The body may be washed with a mild detergent and waxed
automotive type wax.

ENGINE

Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to maintenance and
repair. A copy of these instructions are supplied with each
mower.

TRANSAXLE

For adjustment or repair confer with authorized Dixon dealer
service department. Adjustment or repair by other than
authorized dealer voids warranty.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

WHEELS AND TIRES

breaks,

mower.

Lug nuts

battery

with any

SPARE PARTS

See your dealer for ordering spare parts
warranty service.

REMOVING AND REINSTALLING
MOWER DECK

1. Remove engaging handle by removing bolt
and nut under handle.

2. Disconnect mower deck wire loom from
frame wire loom.

3. Loosen belt keeper located under engine by
loosening two (2) rear engine mount
allow mower deck drive belt to come free of
rear pulley. Retighten belt keeper.

4. Remove six (6) attach pins and clips from four
(4) mower deck attach points and two
stabilizer bars.

5. Mower deck may then be removed from
for service or replacement. To reinstall,
reverse the above procedure.

or

bolts to

(2)

unit

Part No. Name

30-1039 Lower Lift Link
30-1043 Battery Strap
30-1501R Upper Control Lever - Right
30-1501L Upper Control Lever - Left
30-1507 Wheel/Mower Deck Bearing
30-1530 Bellcrank Weldment
30-1536 Chain Connecting Link
30-1540 Engine Shaft Key
30-1542 V-Pulley
30-1543 Lift Knob
30-1560-1 Battery Splash Guard
30-1574 Brake Pivot
30-1604 Lower Control Pin
30-1606 Brake Mount
30-2000 Frame Weldment
30-2150 Blue Body - ZTR-301/302
30-2152 Caster Axle
30-2154 Deck Hub Pulley Spacer
30-2155 Deck Hub Bearing Spacer
30-2159 Engaging Idler Spacer
30-2161 Connecting Link
30-2164 Support Sprocket Spacer
30-2165 Torque Rod
30-2166 Pivot Bolt

Part No. Name

30-2201 Lower Control Lever - Left
30-2202 Lower Control Lever - Right
30-2203 Wheel Hub & Sprocket Assembly
30-2209 Lower Lever Pin
30-2212 Lift Tie Rod
30-2214 Brake Arm
30-2216 Belt Keeper
30-2220 Engine Tension Plate
30-2221 Transaxle Shim (16 Ga.)
30-2222 Transaxle Shim (22 Ga.)
30-2224 Brake Clip
30-2225 Battery Box Weldment
30-2402 Rear Wheel & Tire
30-2403 Caster Wheel & Tire
30-2404 Caster Wheel Bearing
30-2406 Blade
30-2408 Drive Chain
30-2410 ZTR-301/302 Seat
30-2411 Deck V-Pulley
30-2412 DeckV-Belt
30-2413 V-ldler Pulley
30-2414 Idler Tension Spring
30-2416 Short Brake Rod
30-2417 Control Rod Assembly

Part No. Name

30-2418 Long Brake Rod
30-2419 Throttle Control
30-2421 Model Decal, ZTR-301
30-2422 Name Decal, ZTR-301/302
30--2425 Tumbuckle
30-2426 Drive V-Belt
30-2429 Model Decal, ZTR-302
30-2430 Rear Wire Loom, ZTR-301
30-2432 Frame Wire Loom, ZTR-301
30-2433 Engine Connector Plug
30-2434 Cam Switch Spring
30-2435 Control Decal, ZTR-301/302
30-2436 Switch Decal
30-2437 Switch Ground Wire, ZTR-302
30-2438 Pan Wire Loom, ZTR-302
30-2439 Frame Wire Loom, ZTR-302
30-2443 Deck Caution Decal
30-2444 Battery to Ground Wire
30-2445 Fuel Tank Decal
30-2446 Seat Switch Loom, ZTR-302

30-2500 Transaxle
30-2501 Rear Tube Weldment
30-2504 Front Tube
30-2505 Support Assembly - Left

Part No. Name

30-2506 Support Assembly - Right
30-2507L Support - Left
30-2507R Support - Right
30-2509 Support Shaft
30-2514 Torque Rod Stiffener - RH
30-2515 Torque Rod Stiffener - LH
30-2519 Cradle Assembly - Left
30-2520 Cradle Assembly - Right
30-2600 Mower Deck Assembly
30-2601 Mower Deck Weldment
30-2612 Engaging Idler
30-2618 Engaging Cam
30-2620 Engaging Rod
30-2626 Deflector
30-2631 Pan Switch Spacer
30-2640 Deck Hub Assembly
30-2641 Deck Hub Sub-Assembly
30-2642 Deck Hub
30-2645 Blade Shaft
30-2647 Blade Washer
30-2648 Deck Hub Key
30-2812 Oil Drain Assembly
30-2813 Seat Switch Assembly, ZTR-301
30-2815 Seat Switch Assembly, ZTR-302

Part No. Name

30-3025 1/4 x 1" Spiral Pin
30-3026 1/4 x 1-1/2" Spiral Pin
30-3029 Grommet
30-3032 1/2" Lockwasher
30-3042 Pivot Bolt Locknut (7/16-14)
30-3054 3/16 x 1" Roll Pin
30-3057 3/8" Flat Washer
30-3059 Spring Clip
30-3070 1/4 x 1-1/4" Spiral Pin
30-3072 Hair Pin Cotters (Mower Deck)
30-3092 1/2-20, 1-1/4 CL. 5 Bolt

30-3094 1/2" Flat Washer
30-3502 Hand Grip
30-3504 Double Ball Joint
30-3508 Floor Pad - Short
30-3511 Adhesive Rear Grommet
30-4004 Switch
30-4006-1 Battery Solenoid Cable
30-4007 Battery
30-4008 Solenoid
30-4027 Pan Wire Loom, ZTR-301
30-4036 Micro Switch
30-5005 Discup
30-5007 Center Frame

Part No. Name

30-5009L Cradle - Left
30-5009R Cradle - Right
30-5012 Cradle Shaft
30-5013 Frame Shaft
30-5015 24 T Sprocket
30-5016 Cone (Set of Two)
30-5018 9 T Sprocket - Narrow
30-5019 Chain
30-5021 9 T Sprocket - Wide
30-5022 Thumb Screw
30-5024 Cradle Spring
30-5025 Frame Assembly
30-5028 Bearing
30-5028-A Bearing - Notched
30-5035 Transaxle Pulley
30-5036 Pivot Spring
30-5046 Positive Neutral Rod
30-5047 Positive Neutral Spring
30-6052 Stabilizer Arm
30-6059 Flat Idler Pulley

30-6089 Engaging Handle

30-6107 Deck Pin

OWNER INFORMATION

Form No. 1449-177

Dixon and ZTR are the trademarks of

Dixon Industries, Inc., Box 494, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337

LITHO IN U.S.A.