DR Walk-behind 13 - 17 HP User Manual

DR® ALL-TERRAIN FIELD and BRUSH MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions iii

And congratulations on your purchase of a new

ALL-TERRAIN

™

FIELD and BRUSH

MOWER!

We have done our utmost to ensure that your

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 or write, 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® 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

DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions iii

Safety Information

We want you to enjoy years of productive use from your DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER. We don't want you to get injured, so please take a few moments to read the following guidelines for safely operating your new machine.

Dress Appropriately

· Wear safety glasses while mowing to protect your eyes from thrown objects.

· Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your DR

you have safety shoes, we recommend that you wear them. Do not use the machine while barefoot or wearing open sandals.

· Wear long pants while mowing, and avoid loose clothing or jewelry, which might get caught

in brush or on the mower's moving parts.

· Use ear muffs or ear plugs to protect your valuable hearing.

· We recommend wearing gloves while mowing.

Preparation

· Read these Safety & Operating Instructions as well as the engine manufacturer's owner's

manual before you use the DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER. Become familiar with the controls, engine and service recommendations to ensure the best performance from your machine.

FIELD and BRUSH MOWER. If

· Inspect the area you'll be working in for hidden objects such as large rocks, logs, rope, wire,

garden tools, etc., and remove these obstacles before mowing. Mowing over such obstacles could damage the machine and cause injury.

Operating the Machine Safely

· Keep bystanders at least 100 feet away from your work area at all times. Objects can be

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.

· Be sure all blade and wheel controls are DISENGAGED before attempting to start the

engine. Engage and disengage the blade a few times to get used to it before mowing.

· 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 concealed

areas while the engine is running. NEVER reach under the deck or grab hold of the deck deflector when the engine is running.

· ALWAYS shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire prior to making any

adjustments to the machine. If you have to stop to remove grass or debris from the underside of the deck, always disconnect the spark plug wire first.

· The exhaust area on the engine becomes very hot. Allow the engine to cool before doing

maintenance or making adjustments.

iv DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions

· Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.

· When operating over uneven terrain and slopes, use EXTREME CAUTION and make sure

you're on firm footing at all times.

· Mow only during the daylight hours.

· Use extra caution when mowing in wet, slippery conditions.

· ALWAYS OPERATE THE MOWER FROM BEHIND. Never pass or stand on the

discharge (right) side or in front of machine when the engine is running.

· DO NOT, under any conditions, remove, cut, bend, weld or otherwise alter standard parts on

your DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER. This includes all shields and guards. Unauthorized modifications can make the equipment unsafe and may void your warranty.

· While using the DR

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.

FIELD and BRUSH MOWER, don't hurry or take things for granted.

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. Plastic containers are more

likely to prevent sediment and condensation problems.

· Fill the gasoline tank outdoors with the engine off. Don't handle gasoline if you or anyone

nearby is smoking, or if you're near anything that could cause it to ignite or explode.

· If gas is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from 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.

· Allow the engine to cool completely before storing in any enclosure. Never store the

machine near an open flame or spark with gas in the tank.

· Do not change the engine governor settings or modify the engine speed.

Warning to all Californian and Other 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 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.

The Fine Print…

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® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions v

Safety/Operation Labels

Always replace damaged or missing safety and operation labels immediately.

#109831

#136491

#127811

#136501

#136821

#136841

#153331

#153311

vi DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions

Table of Contents

SAFETY INFORMATION............................................................................................................. ..................................iv

RESS APPROPRIATELY ...................................................................................................................................................iv

REPARATION..................................................................................................................................................................iv

PERATING THE MACHINE SAFELY .................................................................................................................................iv

ARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIAN AND OTHER USERS .......................................................................................................v

BEFORE STARTING........................................................................................................................................................2

DD OIL AND GAS............................................................................................................................................................2

ONNECT THE BATTERY WIRE .........................................................................................................................................2

HECK THE TIRE PRESSURE..............................................................................................................................................2

CONTROLS & FEATURES............................................................................................................................................. 3

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.......................................................................................................................................4

EFORE STARTING THE ENGINE........................................................................................................................................4

TARTING THE ENGINE .....................................................................................................................................................4

NGAGING THE WHEEL DRIVE .........................................................................................................................................4

NGAGING THE BLADE .....................................................................................................................................................4

TOPPING THE BLADE .......................................................................................................................................................5

TOPPING THE ENGINE......................................................................................................................................................5

TIPS FOR BEST PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................................6

LOPES .............................................................................................................................................................................6

F THE MACHINE GETS HUNG UP... .....................................................................................................................................6

UTTING BRUSH & SAPLINGS ..........................................................................................................................................7

EVERSE...........................................................................................................................................................................7

R C

UTTING IN WET & HEAVY GROWTH ..............................................................................................................................7

GENERAL MAINTENANCE...........................................................................................................................................8

EGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST .............................................................................................................................8

ATTERY CARE ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

UBRICATION ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

REASE FITTINGS........................................................................................................................................................... 10

G B

ELTS .............................................................................................................................................................................11

O REMOVE/REPLACE THE BLADE .................................................................................................................................13

O ADJUST THE WHEEL CLUTCH....................................................................................................................................13

O REMOVE/REPLACE THE DRIVE CHAIN.......................................................................................................................14

O ADJUST THE BLADE ENGAGEMENT CABLE ...............................................................................................................14

O REMOVE THE WHEELS ..............................................................................................................................................15

T T

O ADJUST THE PARKING BRAKE ...................................................................................................................................15

RANSMISSION ...............................................................................................................................................................15

O REMOVE OR CHANGE THE DECK............................................................................................................................... 16

END OF SEASON & STORAGE....................................................................................................................................17

TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................................................18

DAILY CHECKLIST FOR THE DR

FIELD AND BRUSH MOWER..............................................BACK COVER

DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 1

Before Starting

Before you operate your DR®, please read these operating instructions and the engine manufacturer's

owner's manual. Then, just ADD OIL and GAS, attach the battery wire and you're ready to go!

Tools & Supplies Needed:

· (2) 5/16 wrenches or sockets

· SAE30 HD (High Detergent) oil

· fresh unleaded gas

Add Oil and Gas

1. Place the machine on a level surface and add SAE30 HD (High Detergent) oil to the reservoir. Check the dipstick frequently while filling to avoid overfilling.

Important! To get accurate oil level reading:

• on Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh engines the dipstick should be screwed in completely.

• On the Kawasaki engine the dipstick should not be screwed in.

THIS MACHINE IS SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL!

TRACES OF OIL MAY BE IN THE

RESERVOIR FROM FACTORY TESTING, BUT

YOU MUST ADD OIL BEFORE STARTING

THE ENGINE. FILL THE RESERVOIR

SLOWLY, CHECKING THE DIPSTICK

FREQUENTLY TO AVOID OVERFILLING.

WARNING!

2. Fill the gas tank with clean, unleaded

gasoline.

Note: See your engine manufacturer's owner's manual for detailed fuel and oil recommendations.

3. Open the fuel shut-off valve (on the bottom of the gas tank) if your model is equipped with one.

Connect the Battery Wire

For safety, we've disconnected one of the battery wires for shipping. Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal on the

battery (Figure 1).

Check the Tire Pressure

There should be 14 psi in each tire.

Figure 1

2 DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions

Controls & Features

Note: Kawasaki Model shown.

Figure 2

DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 3

Operating Instructions

Before Starting the Engine

1. Check the oil level every time you use the machine.

2. Check the gas level.

3. Open the fuel shut-off valve (on the bottom of the gas tank), if your model is equipped with one.

Starting the Engine

Electric-Starting

1. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral). Note: Shift lever MUST be in neutral or the engine will not start.

2. Move the throttle to the CHOKE position (to the RUN position if the engine is already warm).

3. Turn the key to START and hold it until the engine starts.

4. Release the key, it will snap to the RUN position.

5. Move the throttle to the RUN position.

Manual-Starting (8 & 10 HP Models only)

1. Move the throttle to the CHOKE position (to the RUN position if the engine is already warm).

2. Turn the key to START.

3. Pull the recoil rope slowly until you feel resistance, then pull with a rapid stroke to start the

engine.

4. Move the throttle to the RUN position.

Engaging the Wheel Drive

The DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER has a four-speed forward transmission and single-speed reverse. Forward speeds range from 1.1 mph in first gear to 4.5 mph in fourth gear. Use the lower gears for mowing in thick, woody vegetation and the higher gears for wide-open areas and lighter vegetation, or as "travel gears." Reverse is ideal for maneuvering in tight spots.

Note: Always release the wheel clutch lever when shifting gears.

1. Disengage the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever to the desired gear.

3. Gently squeeze the wheel clutch lever to engage a gear.

Engaging the Blade

1. Hold down the operator presence lever.

2. Engage the blade control lever.

Note: If you engage the blade control lever before holding down the operator presence lever the engine will shut off.

Caution! Always disengage the blade before shifting into reverse.

4 DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions

Stopping the Blade

Pull the blade control lever back to the DISENGAGED position.

Note: Releasing the operator presence lever while the blade is engaged will cause the engine to shut off.

Stopping the Engine

1. Disengage the blade.

2. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral).

3. Move the throttle control to IDLE.

4. Turn the key to OFF and remove it for safety.

5. Set the parking brake.

If your machine is equipped with a fuel shut-off valve, close it when transporting or storing the mower.

DR® ALL-TERRAIN™ FIELD and BRUSH MOWER Safety & Operating Instructions 5

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