Dixon Zero Turn Riding Mower User Manual

IMPORTANT— READ CAREFULLY

The Dlxon 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.

Information In this operator's manual

The

applies to all Dlxon ZTR Mowers. It Is also
Important to refer to the Technical Data

Brochure
provided for each specific model. Your Dlxon
dealer will gladly provide a check-out ride, and
answer any questions.

See your dealer for warranty service, parts and

repairs.

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

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
parts, which, within the warranty period,
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 prepaid.

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 by authorized
service dealers, nor does it obligate us to assume any
transportation charges In connection with the replacement of
parts claimed to be defective.

service.)

of any part or

shall be shown to be

Our warranty does not apply to the blades or belts on
our mowers due to the very nature of the function they
perform and to the elements they are

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.

changes or improvements on our product without imposing
any obligation upon ourselves to install the same on
products heretofore manufactured.

original manufacturer's parts are used. There is no other
express warranty.

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.

We reserve the right to make changes in design and

This warranty is null and void if any parts other than

IMPLIED WARRANTIES, including those of

exposedto.

SERIAL NUMBERS

The lawn mower has three serial numbers:

1. Mower Number - Located on frame at rear of engine.
WHEN REFERRING TO SERIAL NUMBER ON OWNER
REGISTRATION, ETC., USE MOWER SERIAL
NUMBER LOCATED ON FRAME AT REAR

OF

ENGINE. (This number will have DM In front of the No.)

2.- Transaxle Number - Located on transaxle. (This
number will have DT In front of the No.)

3. Engine Number - Located on engine.
IMPORTANT —SAFE OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE OPERATING MOWER

1. Read these Safety Reminders and engine
manufacturer^ operating and maintenance
instructions that are furnished with the mower.

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

3. Don't allow anyone to operate your Dixon mower
without proper instruction. Never allow children
to operate this mower.

4. Before mowing, pick up all debris — particularly
stones and sharp objects.

5. Before starting engine:
(a) Check engine oil and make sure gas cap is

place.
(b) Engage parking brake.
(c) Disengage mower blades.
(d) Make sure control levers are in neutral

position.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

6. The revolutionary Dixon mower attracts many
admiring neighbors. But when mowing, all

persons
— especially children — and pets should be cleared
from the mowing area.

7. Move, throttle control to "CHOKE" position.

8. To start models with electric starting, simply insert
ignition key and turn to "START" position. When the
engine starts, release the Ignition key and it will
return to the "RUN" position. Move throttle
"CHOKE" to "SLOW" position. To stop the
simply turn the key to the "OFP position.

from
engine,

NOTE:
Some electric start models are also , equipped with
manual start provision. To start engine manually,
turn switch to

"RUN" and pull the starter rope.

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

10. NOTE SAFETY FEATURE: Safety switches stop
engine when operator leaves seat while blades are
engaged, and engine cannot be restarted when
blades are engaged. OPERATOR SHOULD
PRECAUTIONS AND NOT RELY ON
SWITCHES.

TAKE

SAFETY

11. This mower Is equipped with a unique transaxle that

in

requires only two drive levers to control braking,
turning, direction and speed.

INITIAL OPERATION

It is recommended that first operation of mower be done
at a slow throttle setting with mower blades disengaged
until operator is thoroughly familiar with

the unit.

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

TO GO FORWARD — Release parking brake.
From neutral position, gently push both drive levers
forward; to increase speed, move levers farther

forward.

TO GO BACKWARD

From neutral position gently pull both drive levers
toward you. TURNING
Turning Is controlled by moving one drive lever slightly
forward or rearward of the other. To turn left, move left
lever rearward of right lever. To turn "square corners"
move lever of desired direction to neutral. To turn on
mower's own axis (Zero Radius) reduce speed and move
one lever to reverse position and the other to forward
position. BRAKING

To brake mower, move both levers in direction opposite of
travel, release levers to neutral, set parking brake. When
stopping on Incline, It may be necessary to hold slight
pressure on levers in direction opposite of slope
parking brake Is set

ALWAYS SET PARKING BRAKE

until

BEFORE DISMOUNTING. 12. MOWER BLADE
OPERATION

Cutting height Is set by positioning the adjusting lever
to desired height selection. Pull lever to. left until pin
clears notch on quadrant Move lever to

desired notch
and aflow pin to engage. To start mower blades, move
engaging mechanism to "ON" position. See Technical
Data Brochure for specifics on each model.

ALWAYS DISENGAGE BLADE OPERATION BEFORE
DISMOUNTING. 13.

PARKING BRAKE

The parking brake Is hand operated and is located at
right hand side of mower. To engage brake, pull lever
up and to the rear. To release, move lever forward and
down. Always set parking brake before dismounting.
Be sure that parking brake is released before moving.

SAFETY REMINDERS

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

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

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.

Test this important safety feature before each time
mower Is used. 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 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 are stopped.

11. Never run the engine Indoors; the fumes are

dangerous.

12. Before backing your Dlxon 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,

with gasoline In the tank

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

c. Never store the mower

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

15. Never carry passengers.

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
safety devices in place and working.

keep

19. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight 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 striking a foreign object or if it starts
vibrating, and any damage should be repaired
restarting and operating the mower.

before

22. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.

23. When mowing, proceed as follows:
a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light, b.
Never make a cutting height adjustment while

the engine Is running if the operator must
dismount to do so.

removing the grass

c. Shut the engine off whan

catcher or unclogging chute, d. Check the

blade mounting bolts for proper

tightness at frequent Intervals.

24. Under normal usage, the grass catcher bag material
is subject to deterioration and wear. It

should be checked
frequently for bag replacement. Replacement bags
should be checked to ensure compliance with the original
manufacturer's recommendations or specifications.
MAINTENANCE

BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE, SHUT
OFF ENGINE, ALLOWTO COOL AND DISCONNECT
SPARKPLUG.;

ENGINE
For complete engine operating and maintenance
information, refer to the engine operating and

maintenance, Instructions furnished by the engine
manufacturer and supplied with each mower.

BATTERY

Fill with electrolyte solution to lower ring of battery. After _
initial filling, fluid level may be maintained with distilled
water.

Procedure for off-season storage:

1. Charge battery.

2. Disconnect cables from battery terminals. Identify
cables so that they may be easily reconnected to the
correct terminal. (Disconnect ground cable first and
.reconnect last.)

3. Clean top of battery and terminals.

4. Do not remove battery from mower.

5. To reactivate, reconnect cables to correct terminals
and charge battery if needed.

BELT ADJUSTMENT
The best tension for a V-belt drive is the lowest tension at
which the belts will not slip under normal load condition.
Check the tension on a new belt frequently during first
hours of operation and every 10-15 hours or monthly
thereafter. Too much tension shortens belt and bearing
Too little tension causes slippage and damages belt. Be
sure the belts and pulleys are kept free of foreign

material.
If belt slippage occurs, tighten it just enough to prevent
slippage.
TRANSAXLE DRIVE BELT

No adjustment necessary; the spring-loaded Idler pulley
maintains proper belt tension throughout the belt life.
MOWER DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT

See the Technical
Data Brochure for belt adjustment procedure on each
model.

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

life.

DRIVE CHAIN ADJUSTMENT This mower Is equipped with
manually adjusted drive chain tension Idlers. One for each
chain at the rear of the mower. To adjust drive chains, simply
tighten nut on rod P/N1683, until spring P/N 5133 Is
compressed as shown in the drawing. Inspection of the
chains will show the need for adjustment when the spring
P/N 5133 is free of tension.
hours of operation.

Inspect chains after each 10-12

NEEDS ADJUSTMENT
PROPER TENSION

Proper lubrication is important for effective roller chain
operation. Use high quality lubricating oil or motorcycle
chain lube. (Do not use grease or extra heavy oil.) Apply
drops of oil to the chain joints every 10-15 hours of
operation. DO NOT LUBRICATE IF OPERATED IN HEAVY
DUST OR SAND. .

FRONT CASTER ASSEMBLY Each caster assembly has a
grease fitting located on the under side of the bearing. For
best results, use any good multipurpose grease every 10-15
hours of operation. All other bearings on your mower are
sealed and require no lubrication.

WHEELS AND TIRES

Correct tire pressure is essential to the correct operation of
the mower. The correct pressure for the rear drive tires is 8­10 Ibs. for size 18 X9.50-8 and 12-14 Ibs. for size
tires. The front tires should be inflated to 20­nuts should be checked periodically to assure they are
tight.

16 x 6.50-8

24 Ibs. Lug

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Keep all connections clean and tight. Maintain the fluid in
the battery at correct level.

BODY

The body may be washed with a mild detergent.

TRANSAXLE

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

OWNER INFORMATION

PARTS/SERVICE

See your dealer for replacement parts, warranty or any
service. For further information concerning specific
models, see the Technical Data Brochure that is included
in owner's packet.

Date Mower Purchased.

Mower Purchased from

Mower serial number.

Oil changed this date:

Engine tuned this date:

.Mower Model Number

Transaxle Serial Number

DIXON INDUSTRIES, INC.

Box 494 Coffeyville. Kansas 67337-0494 [phone]

PIN 8501 Form No. 7695-884 Litho in U.S.A. ® DIXON. ZTR. and 2EETER are

1

registered trademarks ol Dixon Industries. Inc.