Ferris Industries BGF48KAV15, BGF36KAV15 User Manual
23230
Revision 02
Rev. Date: 8/2004
TP 100-7131-02-UB-F
Ferris Industries
5375 North Main Street
Munnsville, NY 13409
800-933-6175
UltraBelt GD Series
Belt-Drive Walk Behind Mower
Beginning S/N: 5409 & above
Model Number:
BGF36KAV15
BGF48KAV15
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
1
Safety Rules & Information ................................2
Identification Numbers .......................................7
Features & Controls............................................8
Control Functions....................................................8
Safety Interlock System ..........................................9
Operating the Walk Behind Mower ..................10
General .................................................................10
Checks Before Starting.........................................10
Starting the Engine ...............................................10
Driving the Mower.................................................11
Operating On A Slope...........................................11
Stopping the Mower..............................................11
Mowing..................................................................11
Pushing the Rider by Hand...................................11
Storage..................................................................12
Starting After Long Term Storage .........................12
Regular Maintenance ........................................13
Maintenance Schedule .........................................13
Checking Tire Pressure.........................................13
Checking/Adding Fuel...........................................14
Fuel Filter..............................................................14
Oil & Filter Change ...............................................14
Check / Change Air Filter......................................14
Lubrication ............................................................15
Servicing the Mower Blades .................................16
Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service.......17
Troubleshooting the Mower...................................17
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck..........................18
Steering Lever Adjustment....................................19
Brake Adjustment..................................................20
Mowing Height Adjustment ...................................20
PTO Clutch Adjustment ........................................21
PTO Drive Belt......................................................22
Gearbox Drive Belt................................................23
Lawn Care & Mowing Information.............LC—1
NOTE: In this manual, “left” and “right” are referred to as
seen from the operating position.
WARNING
Engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
You must read, understand and comply with all safety
and operating instructions in this manual before
attempting to set-up and operate your machine.
Failure to comply with all safety and operating
instructions can result in loss of machine control,
serious personal injury to you and / or bystanders,
and risk of equipment and property damage. The
triangle in the text signifies important cautions or
warnings which must be followed.
Table of Contents
2
TP 600-7124-03-UV-F
OPERATION
1. Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
2. Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
3. Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine
from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
4. Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled equipment, especially when backing up. Walk,
don’t run. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
5. Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure
to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides.
Turf conditions can affect the machines stability. Use
caution when operating near drop-offs.
6. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while traveling in reverse.
7. Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place.
8. Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
9. Never raise deck with the blades running.
10. Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands and
feet away from the cutting units.
11. Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades
when not mowing.
12. Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly
and functioning properly.
13. Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
14. Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
15. Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator’s position for any reason including emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the
chute.
16. Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before resuming operations.
17. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
18. Look behind and down before backing up to be sure
of a clear path.
19. Never carry passengers and keep pets and
bystanders away.
20. Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
21. Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.
22. Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
TRAINING
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the
owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.
2. Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
3. All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
4. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit.
5. Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
6. The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.
7. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
PREPARATION
1. Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and safely
perform the job. Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.
2. Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes,
safety glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
3. Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire,
which can be thrown by the machine.
4. Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
c) Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
5. Check that operator’s presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control
of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.
This mowing deck is capab
le of amputating hands and f
eet and throwing objects.
The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
Safety Rules & Information
Safety Rules & Information
23. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
24. To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves
& excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves,
grass or combustible materials.
25. The engine in this unit is not factory equipped with a
spark arrester. It is a violation of California Public
Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the
engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered,
or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal area
may have similar laws.
26. OSHA regulations may require the use of hearing
protection when exposed to sound levels greater
than 85 dBA for an 8 hour time period.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not drive on it.
Do
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down.
2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
3. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4. Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you
will not have to stop or change speed while on the
slope.
5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the unit.
6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
7. See your authorized dealer for recommendations of
available weights to improve stability.
Do Not
1. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If
tires lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion
on a slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive
slow off the slope.
2. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never
mow down slopes.
3. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance or
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
4. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction could cause sliding.
5. Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on
the ground. (ride-on units)
6. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
7. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
8. Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.
TOWED EQUIPMENT (RIDE-ON UNITS)
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed
for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at
the hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
weight limit for towed equipment and towing on
slopes. See attaching a trailer under OPERATION.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
3. Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe unit 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.
5. Never allow children to operate the unit.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
EMISSIONS
1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and
Air Index information on the engine emissions label.
CAUTION
This machine produces sound levels in
excess of 85 dBA at the operator’s ear and
can cause hearing loss though extended
periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this
machine.
3
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in
20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with rearmounted grass catchers.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down,use
caution when changing directions and DO NOT
START OR STOP ON SLOPE.
Safety Rules & Information
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
To av
oid per
sonal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only approved gasoline containers.
3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. Never fuel the machine indoors.
5. Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as
near a water heater or other appliance.
6. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
bed with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. Keep 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.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
10. Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and
tighten securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
12. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors have dissipated.
13. Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling
practices when refueling the unit after transportation
or storage.
2. Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage preparations before storing the unit for both
short and long term periods.
3. Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.
4. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as in a water
heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
5. Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not
store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
6. Keep all hardware, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep all parts in good working condition.
Replace all worn or damaged decals.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
8. Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect
spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop before
adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
9. Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives,
mufflers, and engine to prevent fires. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage.
10. Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
11. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
12. Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine.
13. Use jack stands to support components when
required.
14. Carefully release pressure from components with
stored energy.
15. Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first
and negative last.
16. Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing
them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld
them.
17. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If
possible, do not make adjustments with the engine
running.
18. Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area,
away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before
connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothes and use insulated tools.
19. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
20. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
21. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
22. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings and adjustments.
23. Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.
24. Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit
unless you have been properly trained. Improper
service procedures can result in hazardous operation, equipment damage and voiding of manufacturer’s warranty.
25. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors:
WARNING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin
it must be surgically removed within a few hours by a
doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrene
may result. Keep body and hands away from pin
holes or nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high
pressure. Use paper or cardboard, and not hands, to
search for leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines
are in good condition before applying pressure to the
system. If leaks occur, have the unit serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
26. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release
of springs can result in serious personal injury.
Springs should be removed by an authorized technician.
27. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily
injury from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never
attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine
is running. Stop the engine and wait until it is cool.
Even then, use extreme care when removing the
cap.
4
5
Identification Numbers
Identification Numbers
ENGINE REFERENCE DATA
Unit Model Number
PRODUCT REFERENCE DATA
Unit SERIAL Number
Dealer Name
Date Purchased
Engine Make
Engine Model
Mower Deck Model Number
Mower Deck SERIAL Number
Engine Type/Spec.
Engine Code/Serial Number
SSAAMMPPLLEE
When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have
these numbers.
Record your model/serial number and engine serial
numbers on the space provided for easy access. These
numbers can be found in the locations shown.
NOTE: For location of engine identification numbers,
refer to the engine owner’s manual.
Identification Tag
01
6
Decal - Danger
Part No. 1704276
Decal - Danger
Part No. 1704277
Decal - Dash Panel
Part No. 48963
Decal - Warning
Part No. 20337
GENERAL
This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect
from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment
manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions
it contains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to
remind you of this important information while you are
operating your unit.
All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional
messages on your rider and mower should be carefully
read and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when
these instructions are not followed. The information is for
your safety and it is important!
If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them
at once. See your local dealer for replacements.
These labels are easily applied and will act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use
the equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective operation.
Safety Decals
01
7
SAFETY
INTERLOCK SYSTEM
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and
other safety devices. These safety systems are present
for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their
operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Your unit is equipped with an operator presence switch
safety system. Check the operator presence switch
operation every fall and spring with the following tests.
Test 1 — Engine WILL NOT start if:
• PTO switch is engaged and ground speed selector
lever is in gear.
Test 2 — Engine WILL start if:
• PTO switch is NOT engaged and ground speed
selector lever is in NEUTRAL.
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
• Operator releases the operator presence handles
with PTO engaged.
• Operator releases the operator presence handles
with ground speed selector lever in gear.
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO
switch is turned off (or operator releases operator presence handles). If mower drive belt does not stop within
five seconds, see your dealer.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, PTO switch must
be turned off and/or the ground speed selector lever
returned to neutral in order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety interlock system.
Safety Interlock System
8
Features & Controls
A. Ground Speed Selector Lever
This unit is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. This lever
control the ground speed of the mower.
From the neutral position, moving a lever towards the
right engages the FORWARD TRAVEL gears. The higher the number gear selected, the higher the speed of the
mower. From the neutral position, pushing the lever
down and to the left engages the REVERSE TRAVEL
gear.
B. Steering Levers
These levers are used to steer the unit.
Gently squeezing the right steering lever will turn the
unit right. Gently squeezing the left steering lever will
turn the unit left.
Squeezing both levers together will slow the unit by declutching the drive belts and engage the brake.
Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the name, location, and function of
these controls so that you will better understand the safety and operating instructions
provided in this manual.
F
A
Figure 1. Control Locations
A. Ground Speed Selector Lever
B. Steering Levers
C. Clutch Lock Levers
D. Operator Presence Handles
E. Engine Ignition Switch
F. Throttle Control
G. Choke
H. PTO Engagement Switch
I. Fuel Tank Cap
C. Clutch Lock Levers
These lock levers will disengage the power to the
ground drive belts.
To engage the clutch lock levers, squeeze both steering
levers and push the lock levers forward.
To disengage the clutch lock levers, squeeze both steering levers and pull the lock levers backward.
NOTE: When disengaging the clutch lock levers with the
ground speed selector lever in gear, release both steering levers gradually and evenly to prevent the unit from
lunging forward or reverse.
D. Operator Presence Handles
This control deactivates the engine kill system when
depressed. Release the handles to activate the engine
kill system. The engine will shut off if the operator
releases the handles with the PTO engaged or the
ground speed selector lever in gear.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing
require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences. To learn what combination and sequence
of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section.
E
B
C
D
I
C
B
D
H
G
9
Features & Controls
E. Engine Ignition Switch
Rotate the key switch to the ON position before pulling
on the starter rope.
F. Throttle Control
The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle forward to increase engine speed and back to decrease
engine speed. Always operate at FULL throttle.
G. Choke
Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke once
the engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking. Pull the knob up to close the choke.
H. PTO Engagement Switch
The PTO Engagement Switch engages and disengages
the mower blades.
To engage the mower blades, pull up on the switch. To
disengage the mower blades, push down on the switch.
When the PTO engagement switch is in the Engaged
position, the Engine Kill system is activated.
I. Fuel Tank Cap
To remove cap, turn counterclockwise.
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