DR SCOUT DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER, SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions Manual
DR SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER
Safety & Operating Instructions
Please read instructions before operating machine
And congratulations on your purchase of a new DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH
MOWER!
We have done our utmost to ensure that your DR
®
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH
MOWER will be one of the most trouble-free and satisfying pieces of equipment you
have ever owned. Please let us know of any questions or problems you may have. We
want to answer or correct them as quickly as possible. (When you do call, please have
your serial number and/or order number handy—it will speed things up!) We also
hope to hear from you on how much you like your new helper.
And, please tell your friends about your new DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH
MOWER! Having DR Owners spread the word about our products and our way of
doing business is the best advertising we can have, and the best way to help us provide
even better service in the years to come.
Thanks once again!
for all of us at
Country Home Products, Inc.
SALES MANAGER
COPYRIGHT
2004 Country Home Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
DOCUMENTATION
Written by: Ed Melen of EVM Technical Writing
Country Home Products, Inc.
Meigs Road
P.O. Box 25
Vergennes, VT 05491
Toll-free phone: 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637)
Fax: 1-802-877-1213
Web site: www.dr-owner.com
ii DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introducing the DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER ..............1
Conventions used in this manual.................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2: Safety Considerations.......................................................................... 2
Preparing to Use the DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER ................................................ 2
Safety Information Labels............................................................................................................... 2
Protecting Yourself ......................................................................................................................... 4
Operating the Machine Safely ........................................................................................................ 4
Safety with Gasoline-Powered Machines ....................................................................................... 5
A Note to All Users ......................................................................................................................... 6
Additional Information and Potential Changes................................................................................ 6
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER .............7
DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Controls and Features .............................................. 7
Unpacking the Mower..................................................................................................................... 8
Check the Tire Pressure................................................................................................................. 8
Adding Oil and Gasoline................................................................................................................. 9
Chapter 4: Operating Your DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER ............10
Before Starting the Engine ............................................................................................................10
Starting..........................................................................................................................................10
Engaging the Wheel Drive.............................................................................................................11
Engaging the Blade .......................................................................................................................11
Stopping the Blade ........................................................................................................................11
Stopping the Engine ......................................................................................................................12
Obstacle Tips ................................................................................................................................12
Slopes ...........................................................................................................................................13
If the machine gets hung up ..........................................................................................................13
Cutting Brush & Saplings...............................................................................................................14
Reverse.........................................................................................................................................14
DR
SCOUT
Chapter 5: Maintaining the DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER ............ 16
Regular Maintenance Check List...................................................................................................16
Lubrication.....................................................................................................................................17
Removing the Engine Oil...............................................................................................................18
Removing and Replacing the Blade Belt .......................................................................................19
Removing and Replacing the Drive Belt ........................................................................................20
Removing and Replacing the Blade ..............................................................................................21
Adjusting the Wheel Clutch ...........................................................................................................22
Removing and Replacing the Drive Chain.....................................................................................23
Adjusting the Blade Engagement Cable ........................................................................................24
Replacing the Blade Clutch Springs ..............................................................................................25
Removing the Wheels ...................................................................................................................26
End of Season & Storage ..............................................................................................................27
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Warranty .........................................................28
Troubleshooting Table...................................................................................................................28
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions iii
Chapter 1: Introducing the DR SCOUT FIELD and
BRUSH MOWER
Thank you for the purchase of your new DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER.
This manual will help you set up and safely operate your new DR SCOUT FIELD and
BRUSH MOWER. Careful adherence to the safety and operating instructions in this
manual will ensure many years of productive use.
Please let us know if you have any questions or problems by contacting us via or our tollfree phone number. Our contact information is listed inside the front cover of this manual.
When you call, please have your serial number or order number available so we can help
you quickly.
Conventions used in this manual
WARNING! The exclamation point within a triangle alerts you to
essential operating, safety, and maintenance (servicing) instructions.
Important! This information is important in the proper use of your
machine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in injury to you or
damage to your mower.
Tip: This is a helpful hint to guide you in getting the most out of your mower.
Tools Needed: This indicates you will need a special tool to perform a maintenance
function on your machine.
Note: This information may be helpful to you.
If you are ever unsure about an action you are about to take, contact Country Home
Product’s toll-free support at 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637).
1 DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions
A
Chapter 2: Safety Considerations
Taking the time to read and observe all safety instructions will ensure many years of
productive use from your DR
avoid injury. Please take a few moments to read the following guidelines for safely
operating your new machine.
SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER and help you
Preparing to Use the DR SCOUT FIELD and
BRUSH MOWER
Read these Safety & Operating Instructions and the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual
before you use the DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER. Become familiar
with the controls, engine and service recommendations to ensure the best performance
from your machine.
Inspect the area in which you will be working. Look for rocks, logs, sticks, rope, wire,
garden tools, etc., and remove these objects before mowing. Mowing over these objects
could damage the machine and cause injury.
Safety Information Labels
Take some time to become familiar with the following standard safety cautions applicable
to your mower. Replace damaged or missing safety labels immediately.
Read the Safety and
Operating Instructions.
Do not operate the
machine near people
or animals.
Remove all objects
that could be thrown
by the mower blade.
Make sure you add oil before starting the
engine; the unit is shipped without oil.
Fill the oil reservoir slowly to make sure
you don’t overfill it. (#12781)
lways wear safety glasses
or goggles while operating
the machine.
Keep body parts away
from the mower blade.
Use caution operating the
machine on slopes.
(#14823)
DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 2
Keep combustible substances away from
the engine when it is hot. (#13684)
(
To avoid injury, keep your hands
and feet away from the spinning
blade.
#13649)
This label shows the
proper routing of
the blade belt.
(#16437)
This label reminds
you about the
importance of
reading and
understanding the
Safety & Operating
Instructions
manual and of
paying attention to
the safety warnings.
(#16265)
3 DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions
Protecting Yourself
Always wear protective goggles while mowing to protect your eyes from possible
thrown objects.
Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your DR
SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH
MOWER. If you have safety shoes, we recommend wearing them. Do not use the
machine while barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear long pants while mowing.
Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry, which might be caught on the mower’s
moving parts.
Use hearing protection or earplugs to protect your hearing.
We recommend wearing gloves while mowing.
Operating the Machine Safely
Keep bystanders at least 100 feet away from your work area at all times. Objects can be
Be sure all blade and wheel controls are DISENGAGED before attempting to start the
NEVER remove the shields from the mower, or alter the deck in any way.
Keep your hands and feet away from the blade, belts, chains, blade pulleys, and
ALWAYS shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire before adjusting the
The exhaust area on the engine becomes very hot with use. Allow the engine to cool
Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.
When operating over uneven terrain and slopes, use EXTREME CAUTION to ensure
Use the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
Use extra caution when mowing in wet or slippery conditions.
WARNING! The items listed in this section will help you keep your
DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER running smoothly and, most
importantly, prevent injury to yourself or others. Please review them
carefully before starting your machine.
thrown far from the mower and at great speeds. To be safe, do not operate the
machine near small children or pets, and never allow children to operate the mower.
Disengage the blade and stop the engine when another person approaches.
engine. Engage and disengage the blade a few times to get used to it before mowing.
concealed areas while the engine is running. NEVER reach under the deck or grab
hold of any part of the deck when the engine is running.
machine. If you have to stop to remove grass or debris from the underside of the deck,
ALWAYS disconnect the spark plug wire first.
before doing maintenance or making adjustments.
solid and firm footing.
DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 4
ALWAYS OPERATE THE MOWER FROM BEHIND. Never pass or stand beside
or in front of machine when the engine is running.
Do not, under any conditions, remove, bend, cut, fit, weld, or otherwise alter standard
parts on the DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER. This includes all shields
and guards. Modifications to your machine could cause personal injuries and property
damage and will void your warranty.
While using the DR® SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER, don't hurry or take
things for granted. When in doubt about the equipment or your surroundings, stop the
machine and take the time to look things over. Make sure that you have 100% control
of the mower at all times.
Never allow children or people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the
SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER.
DR
Do not operate the machine when under the influence of alcohol or medication.
Watch for traffic when mowing near roadways.
Safety with Gasoline-Powered Machines
Do not run the engine in an enclosed area or without proper ventilation.
Store all fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Fill the gasoline tank outdoors with the engine off. Don't handle gasoline if you or
If you spill gasoline, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from
Allow the engine to cool completely before storing in any enclosure. Never store the
Do not change the engine governor settings or modify the engine speed.
WARNING! The items listed in this section will help you keep your
DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER running smoothly and, most
importantly, prevent injury to yourself or others. Please review them
carefully before starting your machine.
anyone nearby is smoking, or if you're near anything that could cause it to ignite or
explode.
the area of the spill and avoid creating any source of ignition until the gas vapors have
dissipated. Wipe up any spilled fuel to prevent a fire hazard and properly dispose of the
waste.
machine near an open flame or spark with gas in the tank.
5 DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions
A Note to All Users
Under California law, and the laws of some other states, you are not permitted to operate
an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels without an engine spark arrester.
All DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWERS shipped to California and Washington
State are provided with spark arresters. Failure of the owner / operator to maintain this
equipment in compliance with state regulations is a misdemeanor under California law and
may be in violation of other state and/or federal regulations. Contact your local fire
marshal or forest service for specific information in your area.
Additional Information and Potential Changes
Country Home Products, Inc. reserves the right to discontinue, change, and improve its
products at any time without notice or obligation to the purchaser. The descriptions and
specifications contained in this manual were in effect at printing. Equipment described
within this manual may be optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to your
machine.
DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 6
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your DR SCOUT FIELD and
BRUSH MOWER
This chapter outlines a few simple steps you will need to follow to set up your new machine
before you use it. It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the controls and features on
your mower by reviewing the picture in the next section before beginning the steps outlined
in this chapter.
DR SCOUT FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Controls
and Features
Operator
Presence
Control
Starter
Handle
Key
Switch
Blade
Clutch
Throttle
Control
Wheel
Clutch
Shift
Lever
7 DR
SCOUT
Figure 1
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions
A
Unpacking the Mower
Tools & Supplies Needed:
Screwdriver
Knife
Gloves
Eye protection
Metal shears
WARNING! Always wear eye protection when cutting the banding. The
banding may have a lot of tension on it and may snap, striking you when cut.
lways stand to one side when cutting the band.
1. Stand to one side and cut the banding.
2. Remove the top of the carton. Separate the stapled vertical cardboard ends from
the pallet to access the pallet straps. Be careful of the staples.
3. Pry off the fasteners and cut any ties holding the machine to the pallet.
Caution: Wear gloves and be very careful when handling the deck. The
blade is very sharp, and may spin as you maneuver the deck.
4. Roll the mower off the pallet. Do not discard your pallet and packaging material
until you are fully satisfied with your machine.
5. Remove blade protector from blade. (See caution note above).
Check the Tire Pressure
There should be 10 psi in each tire.
DR
SCOUT
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 8
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