Dixon 503 User Manual

IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY

DIXON INDUSTRIES, INC
A BLOUNT COMPANY
AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL PARK
PO BOX 1569
COFFEYVILLE KS 67337 O945
316 251 2OOO

FAX [phone]

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.

The information in this operator's manual applies to all Dixon ZTR Model 503 Mowers. Your Dixon
dealer will gladly provide a check-out ride, and answer any questions.

See your dealer for warranty service, parts and repairs.

INDEX

1. SAFETY

2. WARRANTY POLICY

3; SPECIFICATIONS

4. SET UP AND SERVICE

5. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

6. CARE AND MAINTENANCE

7. TROUBLE SHOOTING

8. PARTS ILLUSTRATIONS

9. PARTS LIST

Pages 1 - 3

Page 4

Page 5

Pages 6-11

Pages 12-13

Pages 14-20

Pages 21-23

Pages 24 - 29

Pages 30 - 32

SAFETY

RIDING LAWNMOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED. CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

The following examples are the most common causes of injury to the operator or
bystander.

1. BLADE CONTACT: The operator or bystander inserts a hand or foot into the

discharge chute or under the mower deck and into the path of the cutting
blade.
Never run the mower blades when there are people nearby.
Always turn the engine off when cleaning or working around the mower deck.

2. RUN-OVER: This situation occurs when a bystander is run-over or backed over by the
"mower The most frequently cited examples are with small children who wander
into or are allowed to play, in an area where the mower is being operated.
Never run the mower blades when there are people nearby, especially children.
Young children should be indoors and watched by an adult. Always look behind
you before backing up.

3. TIP-OVER: This occurs when the mower tips over, usually sideways or to the rear.
This situation is due to operation of the mower on steep inclines or near a drop
off.

Mow across the slope to slightly uphill.
Mow slopes when the grass is dry and watch for bumps, holes and other

obstacles.
Test the slope with the blades off. A good rule of thumb is "Don't mow on a
slope you can't back up". Stay clear of drop-offs, especially if they are on the
down side of a slope.

4. THROWN OBJECTS: The fast spinning mower deck blade can strike stones or other
objects which can be hurled into the path of a bystander. To prevent this from
happening, never remove the safety discharge chute from the mower deck, or
operate the mower when other people are around.

5- FIRES: Most accidents of this type occur during re-fueling of the mower or placing

the mower in a storage situation. The exhaust system and related engine
components operate at very high temperatures which can ignite any fuel spilled
on or near them. Always allow the mower to cool before re-fueling or placing in
storage.

6. OPERATION BY CHILDREN: This mower is not a toy or recreational vehicle.

Never allow children to operate the mower in any manner or to ride as a
passenger.

NOTE: .The six examples are the most frequently cited injury causing situations.

Please review all the safety precautions outlined on the following pages prior
to operation of the mower. Our aim is to enhance the safe and satisfactory use
of this product.

SAFETY Page 2

SAFETY REMINDERS: READ CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

1. Wear appropriate, safe clothing when mowing - close fitting jeans or slacks and
heavy leather or safety shoes with rough soles. Never operate this mower with bare
feet or open sandals.

2. Do not operate on wet or slippery grass.

3. Always mow at the slowest speed that will cut satisfactorily.

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

5. Keep persons clear of the discharge chute. Do not operate mower unless deflector is
in place.

6. When mowing hills or slopes, use extreme caution. Reduce speed, do not make
sudden starts, stops or turns.

7. Always disengage blades before taking the mower across walks or objects that
project above the surface.

8. Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain, and other hazards. Keep away
from drop-offs.

9. When the mower is not in use, turn the engine off and remove key. Never leave the
engine running unattended. Your Dixon mower is equipped with a weight-sensitive
switch that kills the engine when operator leaves the seat while blades are engaged.

Note: This important safety feature must be tested prior to each mowing.

This
may be done by starting engine, engaging blades and then ' rising
slightly from seat. If engine does not stop, see your dealer for necessary
repair.

10. Before adjusting or servicing your mower, turn off the engine and let it cool. Be
sure all moving parts are stopped. Never run the 503 with the body open.

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

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

13. Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.

A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove the fuel cap of, or add gasoline to, a running or hot engine, or an

engine that has not been allowed to cool after running. Never fill the tank
indoors and always clean up spilled gasoline.

C. Never store the mower, with gasoline in the tank, inside the building where

fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing
in any enclosure.

14. Never lift lawnmower by the body; lift only by the frame.

15. Never carry passengers.

SAFETY REMINDERS; (continued)

Page 3

16. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.

B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.

17. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

18. Keep the mower in good operating condition, and keep safety devices in place and
working.

19. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws Light to be sure the mower is in safe working
condition.

20. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.

21. The mower should be stopped and inspected for damage after siriking a foreign
object or if it starts vibrating, and any damage should be repaired berore
restarting and operating the mower.

22. When mowing, proceed as follows:

A. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
B. Shut the engine off when removing the grass catcher or unclogging chute.

C. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at frequent intervals.
D. Never operate the. machine when using medication or under the influence of

alcohol or drugs.

SPECIFICATIONS

Page 5

Chassis: 11 GA - rectangular tube.

Body: Two piece - made of DR acrylic reinforced with fiberglass, color fast,

scratch and impact resistant. Front body contains access panels for battery
service and engine to mower deck belt removal. Rear body tilts up to allow
service on the entire drive system.

Seat: Economically designed for operator comfort by use of high density

closed cell foam, contoured back rest and arm rests. Seat is adjustable
fore and aft.

Mower Deck: 12 GA stamped steel construction, (3) blades, 50" cut vidth, cut height

1" to 4" via 7 position lift handle. Self cleaning design, smoothly
curved front, aides discharge of grass.

Blade Drive: Warner electric clutch.

Drive System: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Sundstrand BDU-10L

Series 70 hydrostatic transmission, which is powered by a
permanently lubricated Peerless gearbox. The hydrostatic trans­missions, in turn, power a fully enclosed Agri-Fab gearbox. The
gears in the Agri-Fab gearbox are permanently lubricated using a
special grease which completely eliminates the need for any type of
maintenance.

The Sundstrand BDU-10L Series 70 hydrostatic transmissions are
serviced with any high quality (10W-30) motor oil. The oil is
filtered by a (10) micron oil filter. Recommended service interval
for both oil and filter is after the first (150) hours of
operation, then after every (400) hours of operation, unless the
system has been contaminated by dirt or other foreign debris.

Engine; 20 HP Onan Twin Cylinder with cast iron cylinders, pressure lubrication and

vacuum powered pulsating diaphragm fuel pump.

Starting System: Electric by key switch operation with safety interlocks on

parking brake and blade drive clutch.

Tires: Front 11 x 4.10 x 5, smooth thread.

Rear 20 x 10 x 8, turf savers.

Capacities: Fuel - 4.8 gallons total (dual tanks) with fuel gauges.

Hydrostat oil tank - 3 quart with inline (10) micron filter.
Hydrostat oil recommendation - name brand SAE (10W-30) motor oil.

Dimensions: Width - 60"

Height - 45"

Length - 72"

Weight - 630 Ibs.

NOTE: Additional Information provided 1n strvlci Instructions under<the

Individual component.

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

SET UP AND SERVICE

Page 6

1. Seat assembly instructions.

2. Upper control lever installation.

3. Mower deck installation.

4. Deck leveling procedure.

5. Final preparation.

Page 7

NOTE:

HARDWARE FOR CONTROL LEVER ASSEMBLY

SEAT ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Assemble seat as shown in picture. Do not fully tighten the bolts -,-'hich secure
left and right arm rest brackets to seat bottom until seat back and tool box are
installed. This will aid alignment of all parts.

2. Place seat assembly on rear body cover, connect seat safety switch.

3. Insert the (2) rear studs of the seat slide into the rear holes of the body cover.
Firmly hold seat assembly against body cover with one hand while rear body is
raised to fully open position. Continue to hold seat against body to prevent damage
to seat safety switch wiring.

4. Install (1) flat washer and (1) nylok nut on (1) of the rear studs extending
through body cover and seat frame, tighten a few threads to hold seat assembly in
place.

5. Position seat on front holes and install all remaining washers and nylok nuts.
Tighten all nuts fully.

SEAT ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS SEAT