Congratulations on your selection of Grasshopper equipment. We believe you have exercised
excellent judgment in the purchase of Grasshopper equipment. We are most appreciative of
your patronage.
We recommend that you carefully read this entire manual before operating the unit. Time
spent becoming fully acquainted with its performance features, adjustments and maintenance
will add a longer and more satisfactory life to
your Grasshopper.
The Grasshopper equipment you have purchased has been carefully engineered and
manufactured to provide dependable and satisfactory use. Like all mechanical products it will
require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate it as
specified in the manual. Observe all safety information in this manual and all safety decals on
the tractor and attachments.
The illustrations and data used in this manual
were current at the time of printing, but due to
possible in-line production changes your machine may vary slightly in detail. The
manufacturer reserves the right to make changes
or add improvements to its products at any time
without incurring any obligation to make such
changes to products manufactured previously.
ATTENTION:
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n Read the instructions and warnings care-
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fully before using this machine.
n Read your Grasshopper warranty, en-
closed with the tractor manual. To validate
warranty, fill in the required information
and return the warranty form within 10
days of purchase to:
THE GRASSHOPPER CO.
P.O. Box 637
Moundridge, Kansas 67107
Use only genuine Grasshopper service parts.
Substitute parts will void the warranty and may
not meet standards required for safe and satisfactory operation. Record serial number of your
EDGE-E
ZE
TM
.
SERIAL NUMBER:
(Serial tag is located on the lever mount.)
Provide this information to your dealer to obtain
correct repair parts.
As with all lawn and grounds equipment, if
handled carelessly this machine is a dangerous
piece of equipment. If used incorrectly thismachine can cause severe injury. You, the operator, are responsible when operating it.
Therefore, safety is of the utmost importance.
Throughout this manual, the term IMPORTANT
is used to indicate that failure to observe can cause
damage to equipment. The terms CAUTION,WARNING and DANGER are used in conjunction with the Safety Alert Symbol (a
triangle with an exclamation mark) to indicate
the degree of hazard for items of personal safety.
CAUTION
Is used for general reminders of good
safety practices or to direct attention
to unsafe practices.
WARNING
Denotes a specific potential hazard.
DANGER
Denotes the most serious specific
potential hazard.
4
WORK SAFELY - FOLLOW THESE RULES
CAUTION
The designed and tested safety of this
equipment depends on it being
operated within the limitations as
explained in this manual. Read manual
before operating.
TRAINING
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n Safety instructions are important! READ
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THIS MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY
RULES.
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n Know your equipment’s controls and how to
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stop tractor, engine and attachments quickly
in an emergency.
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n To avoid accident or injury, do not allow any-
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one to operate this equipment without proper
instruction. Any person who operates this
equipment MUST be instructed in and capable of the safe operation of the unit, its
attachments and all controls.
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n Do not allow children or unqualified individu-
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als to operate equipment.
PREPARATION
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n Always wear relatively tight and belted cloth-
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ing to avoid entanglement in moving parts.
Wear sturdy, rough soled work shoes. Never
operate tractor or implements in bare feet,
sandals or sneakers.
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n This machine produces sound levels in excess
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of 85 dBA at the operator ear and can cause
hearing loss through extended periods of exposure. Wear hearing protection when
operating this machine.
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n Ensure attachments are properly mounted,
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adjusted and in good operating condition.
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n Make sure driveline spring-activated locking
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collar slides freely and is seated firmly in the
tractor PTO groove.
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n Check brake action before you operate. Ad-
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just or service brakes as necessary.
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n Ensure all safety switches function properly.
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See Operation section for details.
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n Remove accumulated debris from attachment
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and tractor to avoid fire hazard.
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n Ensure all safety shielding is in good condition
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and properly installed.
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n Ensure either the discharge shield, restriction
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plate, or complete vacuum attachment is installed.
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n Ensure all safety decals are installed and in
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good condition.
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n Use correct counterweights when certain at-
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tachments are installed (see specific
accessory installation instructions).
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n Inspect area to be cut removing stones,
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branches and other debris that might be
thrown causing injury or damage.
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n Evaluate the terrain to determine what acces-
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sories and attachments are needed to
properly and safely perform the job.
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n Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles
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can injure the operator or interfere with mowing
operation. Before mowing, identify potential
obstacles such as low-hanging branches, and
trim or remove those obstacles.
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n Never permit any person, other than the op-
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erator, to ride or board the tractor or
implements at any time.
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n Operate only in daylight or good artificial
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light.
FUEL HANDLING SAFETY
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n In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely flam-
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mable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion
from gasoline can burn you and others and can
damage property.
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n Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area,
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when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline
that spills.
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n Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. Add
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gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is ¼" to ½"
(6 mm to 13 mm) below the bottom of the filler
neck. This empty space in the tank allows
gasoline to expand.
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n Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
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away from an open flame or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
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n Store gasoline in an approved container and
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keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy
more than a 30-day supply of gasoline.
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n Always place gasoline containers on the ground
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away from your vehicle before filling.
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n Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or
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on a truck or trailer bed because interior carpets
Rev. 06-08
5
or plastic truck bed liners may insulate the container and slow the loss of any static charge.
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When practical, remove gas-powered equip-
n
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ment from the truck or trailer and refuel the
equipment with its wheels on the ground.
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If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment
n
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on a truck or trailer from a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
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If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used,
n
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keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling
is complete.
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n
Never use cellular phones or other portable
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electronic devices when handling fuel.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
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n Read “Operation” section of this manual be-
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fore attempting to operate this unit.
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n Do not operate without ROPS deployed.
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n Fenders serve as shields. Do not operate
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without them.
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n Keep bystanders away from equipment while
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it is in operation.
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n Keep children and pets a safe distance away.
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Never direct discharge toward anyone.
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n Start engine from operator’s seat after disen-
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gaging tractor power takeoff and placing
steering levers into the neutral swing-out position.
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n Keep hands and feet away from underneath
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mower while engine is running. Stay clear of
all moving parts on tractor and attachments.
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n Wear suitable hearing protection when oper-
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ating this machine.
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n Never allow anyone behind tractor or in front
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of implements when operating.
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n Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely
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necessary and then only after careful observation of the entire area behind you.
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n If operator must dismount to make adjust-
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ments the engine must not be running.
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n If machine is equipped with a fixed ROPS, al-
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ways wear seatbelt.
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n If machine is equipped with a foldable ROPS,
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always wear seatbelt when ROPS is deployed.
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n When foldable ROPS must be down (i.e. load-
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ing or unloading on an enclosed trailer), DO
NOT use seatbelt and drive with extra care.
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Do not move steering levers from forward to
n
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reverse or reverse to forward position rapidly. The sudden change could cause loss of
control and/or damage to equipment.
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n
Do not operate on steep slopes.
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n Do not stop, start or change directions sud-
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denly on slopes.
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n
Use extreme care and maintain minimum
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ground speed when traveling or operating on
a hillside, over rough ground, or when operating close to ditches and fences.
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n Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to
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minimize tipping and avoid loss of control. Be
careful when changing directions on slopes.
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n Stay alert for holes, rocks, roots and other
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hidden hazards in the terrain. Keep away
from drop-offs.
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n Stop mower or other attachment and tractor
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immediately upon striking an obstruction.
Turn engine off, inspect attachment and tractor. Repair any damage before resuming
operation.
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n Disengage power to attachment, stop engine,
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remove key and wait for all movement to stop
before dismounting, making adjustments,
cleaning, or unclogging the machine.
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n Never transport attachments with PTO running.
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n Watch for traffic when operating near or
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crossing roadways.
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n This unit is not equipped for highway use, es-
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pecially when safety lighting and marking is
required. It is not a recreational vehicle.
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n This unit is not equipped with a drawbar. Do
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not pull loads.
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n Take all possible precautions when leaving
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tractor unattended: disengage PTO, lower attachment, place controls in neutral, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key
from ignition.
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n Move very slowly when attachment is re-
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moved. Never carry passengers.
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n Do not run engine in an enclosed area without
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adequate ventilation. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
poison.
6
Rev. 06-08
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
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n Always perform maintenance with the machine
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parked on a hard level surface; with the engine
stopped and the PTO disengaged; with the park
brake set; and with the key removed from the
ignition.
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Always remove the grounded (-) clamp from
n
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the battery when performing maintenance on the
engine, clutch, or any other electrical system.
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Never work under the machine without jack
n
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stands or other equivalent safety blocks. Do
NOT rely solely on mechanical or hydraulic
jacks or lifts for support. Always use adequate wheel chocks on tires remaining on
the ground.
the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the
hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic or other lines. Tighten all
connections before applying pressure. If an
accident occurs, see a doctor immediately.
Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene
may result.
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n Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard.
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Protect hands and body from high pressure
fluids.
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n If it is necessary to run an engine in an en-
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closed area, remove the exhaust fumes from
the area with an exhaust pipe extension. If an
exhaust pipe extension is not available, work
near open doors and get outside air into the
area.
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n Waste products such as used oil, fuel, cool-
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ant, and batteries can harm the environment
and people. Dispose of waste products
properly.
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n Never attempt to disconnect or alter any part
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of the safety interlock systems.
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n Keep engine free of grass, leaves, or excess
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grease to reduce fire hazard and minimize engine overheating.
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n Do not change engine governor settings.
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n Keep tractor and attachments in good oper-
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ating condition and all safety devices in place.
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Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws.
n
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Check that all cotter pins are properly installed to ensure equipment is in a safe
condition.
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n Check brake operation frequently. Adjust
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and service as required.
STORING SAFELY
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Never store equipment with gasoline in the
n
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tank inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or other
gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before
storing in an enclosure.
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n If engine is to be unused for 30 days or more,
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add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system. Fuel
stabilizer (such as STA.BIL®) is an acceptable additive in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage
container. Always follow mix ratio found on
stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10
minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to
reach the carburetor.
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n If draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an ap-
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proved container outdoors and away from
open flame.
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n Always provide adequate ventilation when
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running engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
poison.
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n Remove attachments from tractor. Remove
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all accumulated debris from attachments and
tractor.
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n Sand areas where paint is chipped and re-
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paint to prevent rust. Lubricate all locations
to prevent moisture damage during storage.
EDGER SAFETY
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n The EDGE-Eze
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can become extremely sharp after use. To
avoid cutting injury, avoid contact with the
blade edge.
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n Keep bystanders and children a safe dis-
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tance away, even when not in use.
TM
rolling disc blade edge
7
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n Use extreme care when removing or ser-
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vicing disc blade. Do not handle disc with
bare hands. Use heavy leather gloves or
other protective material over the disc’s
edge.
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n The blade hub assembly is heavy (21 lbs.)
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and can cause bodily injury if dropped or
lifted improperly.
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n Inspect area to be edged and remove ob-
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stacles. Be mindful of irrigation systems to
avoid damage.
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n Always operate the machine slowly, to
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avoid injury or accident from the disc
blade contacting a stationary object.
8
GENERAL INFORMATION
The purpose of this manual is to assist the operator in
maintaining and operating GRASSHOPPER tractors. Read it carefully. It furnishes information and
instructions that will help you achieve years of dependable performance.
These operating and maintenance instructions have
been compiled from extensive field experience and
engineering data. Some information may be general
in nature due to unknown and varying conditions.
However, through experience and these instructions
you should be able to develop operating procedures
suitable to your particular situation.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were
current at the time of printing, but due to possible inline production changes your machine may vary
slightly in detail. GRASSHOPPER reserves the
right to redesign and change the machine as necessary without notification.
LEFTRIGHT
04068
WARNING
Some illustrations in this manual show the
equipment with safety shields removed to
provide a better view. The mower should
never be operated with any safety
shielding removed.
Fig. 1
Throughout this manual, references are made to
right and left directions. These are determined by
standing at the rear of the equipment and facing the
direction of forward travel.
Mower blade rotation is clockwise as viewed from
the top of mower.
9
INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: If a Universal or Limited Wiring Harness is present on the tractor, order a 605860
Universal/Power Harness Y-adapter. This
adapter permits utilization of the Universal/
Limited Wiring Harness while supplying power
for the Electric Lift Edge-Eze.
Edger kit numbers 533127 and 533128 mount
on any 48, 52, 61 or 72 inch mower deck with
clevis mount discharge shield. Edger kit numbers 533131 and 533132 mount on any 48,
52, 61 or 72 inch mower deck with 3 prong
stud bolt mount discharge shield.
ATTACHING EDGER TO MOWER
• Remove the 3 prong stud bolt or hitch pin
which secures the discharge shield in
place.
• Rotate the shield away from the lever
mount bracket and lift it out of the pivot
mount.
• If installing edger on a 48 inch mower deck
the pivot mount must be reinstalled on the
outside of mower deck as shown in Figure
2.
• Install the edger disc with hub to the fork.
Determine the area to be edged and the
desired position of tractor when edging.
Place the disc with hub so that the hub
rides on the concrete (sidewalk or curb).
Secure with 5/8" x 5 5/8" carriage bolt and
5/8" lock nut.
CAUTION
The EDGE-Eze rolling disc blade edge
can become extremely sharp after use.
To avoid cutting injury, avoid contact
with the blade edge.
• If edger is equipped with electric actuator,
attach switch box with magnetic mount to
the right seat side member. Attach the two
way connector to the actuator. If the tractor is equipped with a Universal or Limited
Wiring Harness, install the 605860 Universal/Power Harness Y-adapter. You will
not be using the 605950 Power Harness
included in this kit. If the tractor is not
equipped with a Universal or Limited Wiring Harness, install the 605950 Power
Harness.
• Route wires in such a manner to remain
clear of any moving parts.
Pivot
Mount
Whiz
Nuts
Carriage
Bolts
06106
Fig. 2
• Attach the discharge with edger mount by
sliding its pivot shaft in the pivot mount.
Make certain the disk offset plate has been
attached to edger mount.
• Rotate the edger mount to bring it into
contact with the lever mount bracket on
the mower deck.
• Secure edger mount in place with the 3
prong stud bolt or hitch pin.
10
Rev. 06-08
MANUAL LIFT EDGER HEIGHT
ELECTRIC LIFT EDGER
ADJUSTMENT
(Refer to pages 15 & 19)
• When edger is not in use, pull back on the
disc lift lever (item 28) until edger is in its
highest position.
• When using edger, adjust the disc lift lever
forward until the edger hub (item 7) is in
contact with the supporting surface and
springs are slightly extended.
NOTE: The edger depth can be adjusted
while moving by using the lift lever on the
deck.
• A higher edger setting can be achieved by
utilizing the back hole on the front of the
edger linkage tube as shown in Fig. 3. This
may be helpful when edging curbs from the
street.
Linkage Tube
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
(Refer to pages 17 & 21)
• To set desired disc depth with the electric
edger, move the disc lift lever (item 28)
forward to the lowest notch. Adjust the
actuator with the rocker switch until the
edger hub (item 7) is in contact with the
supporting surface and springs are slightly
extended.
NOTE: The edger depth can be adjusted
while moving by using the lift lever on the
deck.
• When the edger is not in use, move the disc
lift lever back to the highest notch, then activate the rocker switch so the disk is fully
raised.
Back Hole
06107
Fig. 3
• Additional height or depth adjustment can
be made by adjusting deck height.
11
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION
• Do not let excess grease collect on or
around parts, particularly when operation
in sandy areas.
• Lubricate the disc hub and the disc fork
pivot every 8 hours of usage with a grease
application of ½ to 1 stroke applied
slowly.
• Use an SAE multipurpose type grease for
all locations shown. Be sure to clean fitting
thoroughly before using grease gun.
DISC INSPECTION
CAUTION
Do not handle disc with bare hands.
Use heavy leather gloves or other
protective material over the disc’s
edge when removing disc. Careless
or improper handling may result in
serious injury.
• Inspect disc before each use to determine
that it is mounted securely and is in good
condition. Replace any disc that is bent,
cracked or excessively worn.