Dixon D22H46, 433616 User Manual

D22H46

Operator's Manual

02.18.10 SR

433616 Printed in the U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
ad just ing or making repairs, al ways
dis con nect spark plug wire and place
wire where it can not contact spark plug.

WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neu­tral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that
are rec om mend ed by and comply with
spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the low est possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dan ger ous. Tires
can lose trac tion with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u ents, and cer tain
vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals
known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer
and birth de fects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related ac ces so ries
contain lead and lead compounds, chem i cals known
to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash hands
after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the in struc tions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
back ing.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.

• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
road ways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.

• Always wear eye protection when operating
machine.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower­related injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect them selves and others from serious injury.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing
the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.

Always keep the machine in gear when going down

slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other at tach ments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• 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.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi­ately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel­soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
run ning.

• Check grass catcher components and the discharge
chute frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec­ommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat­ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Al ways look down and behind before and while back­ing.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 3 Gallons
and type: Unleaded Regular

Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 64 oz.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 0 - 5.2

Reverse: 0 - 2.9
Charging System: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM
Battery: AMP/HR: 28

MIN. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem­edy, please contact your nearest authorized servicecenter/
de part ment We have competent, well-trained tech ni cians
and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor prop erly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor­ age” sec tions of this manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com­ bus tion engine and should not be used on or near any
un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov ered
land unless the en gine’s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting ap pli ca ble local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES .........................................................2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 6-7

OPERATION .............................................................8-14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 15-18

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................ 19-24

STORAGE .................................................................... 25

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ............................................ 26-27

WARRANTY ................................................................. 30

4

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Keys

(2) Keys

Slope Sheet

5

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife
Pliers

When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means
when you are in the operating po si tion (seated be hind the
steer ing wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton .

• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton.
Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.

• Remove mower and packing materials.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift hood to raised position.

NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and
year indicated on label (label is located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
(See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual
for charging instructions).

• For battery and battery cable installation see "RE­PLACING BATTERY" in the "Service and Adjustments"
section in this manual.

LABEL

ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 2)

• Sit in seat.

• Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat until a com­fortable position is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

• Release lever to lock seat in position.

A

Fig. 2

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the

instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

WARNING: Before start ing, read, un der stand and fol low
all in struc tions in the Op er a tion section of this man u al. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in
front of tractor is clear of other peo ple and objects.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion
section for location and function of con trols)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest po si tion.

• Release parking brake by de press ing clutch/brake

ped al.

• Place freewheel control in "trans mis sion dis en gaged"

position (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the Op er a tion
section of this manual).

• Roll tractor forward off skid.
Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory
for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important
for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.

Fig. 1

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments
sec tion of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed
cor rect ly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is operating properly. See “TO CHECK BRAKE”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

6

ASSEMBLY

✓CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, WE
WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST
PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS
QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

✓ All assembly instructions have been com plet ed.
✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged.
✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
✓ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

✓ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).

✓ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

✓ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

✓ Before driving tractor, be sure free wheel control is in

“transmission engaged” position (see “TO TRANS­ PORT” in the Operation section of this man u al).

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:

✓ Engine oil is at proper level.
✓ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

✓ Become familiar with all controls, their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.

✓ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
✓ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the
Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).

✓ It is important to purge the transmission before op er at-

ing your tractor for the first time. Follow proper start­ing and transmission purging instructions (See “TO
START EN GINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION” in
the Op er a tion section of this manual).

7

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

KEEP AREA CLEAR

SLOPE HAZARDS

15

15

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

BATTERY

REVERSE

FORWARD

FAST

SLOW

ENGINE ON

ENGINE OFF

FUEL

CHOKE

MOWER HEIGHT

REVERSE

NEUTRAL

HIGH

LOW

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

PARKING BRAKE

IGNITION SWITCH

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

ENGINE START

MOWER LIFT

Failure to follow instructions
could result in serious injury or
death. The safety alert symbol
is used to identify safety inform­ation about hazards which can
result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the tractor and/or engine.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

REVERSE

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

LIGHTS ON

CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL

CRUISE CONTROL

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

8

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments.
Save this manual for future reference.

M

B

A

D

C

N

P

Z

E

H

J

K

F

G

L

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise, lower,
and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted
to your tractor.

(B) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for brak ing the tractor and
start ing the engine.

(C) PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake pedal into
the brake position.

(D) THROTTLE CONTROL - Used for starting and control­ling engine speed.

(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH - Used to engage
the mow er blades, or other at tach ments mounted to your
tractor.

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping
the engine.

(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON"
POSITION - Allows operation of mower or other powered

attachment while in reverse.

Fig. 3

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
(J) CRUISE CONTROL LEVER - Used to set forward

movement of tractor at desired speed without holding the
forward drive pedal.

(K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL - Used for forward move­ment of tractor.

(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL - Used for reverse move­ment of tractor.

(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disengages transmission
for pushing or slowly tow ing the trac tor with the engine off.

(N) CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
(P) HOURMETER - Indicates hours of operation.
(Z) AMMETER - Indicates charging (+) or discharging (-)

of battery.

9