Gravely 785007, 785006, 885001 User Manual

30-Inch Rot ary Mower

Owner/Operator & Parts Manual

Model

785006 - Short Mower Drive Kit

785007 - Long Mower Drive Kit

885001 - 30-Inch Mower Deck

08699300 9/06

Printed in USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

INTRODUCTION

THE MANUAL

Before operation of unit, carefully and completely read
this Manual and the unit’s Owner/Operator Manual. The
contents will provide you with an understanding of safety
instructions and controls during normal operation and
maintenance.

All reference to left, right, front, or rear are given from
operator sitting in operation position and facing the
direction of forward travel.

MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS

When ordering replacement par ts or

Transfer

model & serial

number label
from product

registration

here.

making service inquiries, know the
Model and Serial numbers of your
unit.

Numbers are located on the product
registration form in the unit literatur e
package. They are printed on a serial
number label, located on the frame of
your unit.

Serial Number Label

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

The Gravely dealer must register the product at the time
of purchase. Registering the product will help the
company process warranty claims or contact you with the
latest service information. All claims meeting
requirements during the limited warranty period will be
honored, whether or not the product registration card is
returned. Keep a proof of purchase if you do not register
your unit.

Customer Note: If the dealer does not register your
product, please fill out, sign, and return the product
registration card to Ariens or go to www.gravely.com.

UNAUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use only Gravely replacement parts. The replacement of
any part on this vehicle with anything other than an
Gravely authorized replacement part may adversely
affect the performance, durability, or safety of this unit
and may void the warranty. Gravely disclaims liability for
any claims or damages, whether warranty, property
damage, personal injury or death arising out of the use of
unauthorized replacemen t parts.

Figure 1

• Record Unit Model and Serial numbers here.

DISCLAIMER

Gravely reserves the right to discontinue, make changes
to, and add improvements upon its products at any time
without public notice or obligation. 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
unit.

DELIVERY

Customer Note: If you have purchased this product

without complete assembly and instruction by your
retailer, it is your responsibility to:

1. Read and understand all assembly instructions in
this manual. If you do not understand or have
difficulty following the instructions, contact your

nearest Gravely Dealer for assistance.
all assembly has been properly completed and
safety interlock system works properly.

Make sure

2

© Copyright 2006 Ariens Company

NOTE: To locate your nearest Gravely Dealer, go to
www.gravely.com on the internet.

WARNING: Improper assembly or adjustments
can cause serious injury.

2. Understand all Safety Precautions provided in the
manuals.

3. Review control functions and operation of the unit.
Do not operate unit unless all controls function as
described in this manual.

4. Review recommended lubrication, maintenance
and adjustments.

5. Fill out a Product Registration Card and return the
card to the Ariens Company or go to
www.gravely.com.

SAFETY

SAFETY ALERTS

Look for these symbols to point out
important safety precautions. They mean:

Attention!
Personal Safety Is Involved!
Become Alert!
Obey The Message!

The safety alert symbols above and signal words below
are used on decals and in this manual.

Read and understand all safety messages.

DANGER: IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, WILL RESULT in
death or serious injury.

WARNING: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, COULD RESULT in
death or serious injury.

CAUTION: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, MAY RESULT in
minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to
alert against unsafe practices.

NOTATIONS

NOTE: General reference information for proper

operation and maintenance practices.
IMPORTANT: Specific procedures or information

required to prevent damage to unit or attachment.

REQUIRED OPERATOR TRAINING

Original purchaser of this unit was instructed by the seller
on safe and proper operation. If unit is to be used by
someone other than original purchaser; loaned, rented or
sold, ALWAYS provide this manual and any needed
safety training before operation.

SAFETY DECALS AND LOCATIONS

ALWAYS replace missing or damaged safety decals.
Refer to figure 1 for safety decal locations.

1

DANGER/PELIGR

07742300B

2

O

07731400D

WARNING/AVERTISSEMENT/ADVERTENCIA

Do

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protecteu
canal d'ejection ou
san

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No

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esten e
operacion o e

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.

recogedor est

unle

ss guards are i

op

erati

bagger i

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s attached

Figure 2

operar segadora a

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1

DANGER/PELIGR

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07731400D

PRACTICES AND LAWS

Practice usual and customary safe working precautions,
for the benefit of yourself and others. Understand and
follow all safety messages. Be alert to unsafe conditions
and the possibility of minor, moderate, or serious injury or
death. Learn applicable rules and laws in your area.
Always follow the practices set forth in this manual.

3

1. DANGER!

Always keep feet and hands away from
rotating parts.

OL1809

Always stand clear of discharge area. Do not
direct discharge toward other people.

OL1810

Keep people away from unit while operating.

OL18111

Shut off engine, remove key, and read manual
before you adjust or repair unit.

OL1812

NO STEP! Always keep feet away from
rotating parts.

OL1813

2. WARNING!

Always stand clear of discharge area.

OL1814

Do not operate mower unless bagger is
attached or guards are in operating position.

OL1815

SAFETY RULES

Read, understand and follow all safety practices in
Owner/Operator Manual before beginning assembly.
Failure to follow instructions could result in personal
injury and/or damage to unit.

ALWAYS remove key (if equipped) and disconnect wire
from spark plug before assembly. Unintentional engine
start up can cause death or serious injury.

Complete a walk around inspection of unit and work area
to understand:

• Work area

• Your unit

• All safety decals

ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances carefully
before operation.

AL WAYS be aware of traffic when operating along streets
or curbs.

Keep children and people away.
Keep children out of work area and under watchful care

of a responsible adult.
Keep area of operation clear of all toys, pets, and debris.

Thrown objects can cause injury.
Check for weak spots on docks, ramps or floors. Avoid

uneven work areas and rough terrain.

ALWAYS be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on
handlebar. Walk, NEVER run.

DO NOT operate on wet grass.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and cause an

accident. Operate unit only when there is good visibility
and light.

Read the entire Owner/Operator manual and other
training material. If the operator or the mechanic cannot
read the manual, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain
it to them. Only the user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.

• Only trained adults may operate or service unit

• Training includes actual operation
NEVER allow children to operate or play on or near unit.
Be alert and shut off unit if children enter area.
Never carry passengers.
NEVER operate unit after or during the use of

medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation requires
your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.

NEVER allow anyone to operate this unit when their
alertness or coordination is impaired.

Wear adequate safety gear, protective gloves and
footwear.

NEVER wear open sandals or canvas shoes during
operation.

Protect eyes, face and head from objects that may be
thrown from unit. Wear appropriate hearing protection.

Sharp edges can cut. Moving parts can cut off fingers or
a hand. Wrap mower blade(s), wear sturdy gloves and
use extreme caution when servicing. On multi-blade
mowers, rotation of one mower blade will cause all
mower blades to rotate.

ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all rotating
parts during operation. Rotating parts can cut off body
parts.

ALWAYS keep hands away from all pinch points.
DO NOT touch unit parts which might be hot from

operation. Allow parts to cool before attempting to
maintain, adjust or service.

NEVER place your hands or any part of your body or
clothing inside or near any moving part while unit is
running.

DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry . Tie back hair that
may get caught in rotating parts.

Keep children and people away from unit during
operation.

Fumes from engine exhaust can cause injury or death.
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always provide

good ventilation.

4

Thrown objects can cause injury and property damage.
DO NOT point discharge at anyone or discharge directly
onto paved or gravel surfaces.

Always stand clear of the discharge area when operating
this unit.

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting. Understand:

• How to operate all controls

• The functions of all controls

• How to STOP in an Emergency

• Braking and steering characteristics

• Turning radius and clearance

ALWAYS keep protective structures, guard s, and panels
in good repair, in place and securely fastened.

NEVER modify or remove safety devices.
ALWAYS keep discharge cover or complete grass

catcher in place and in proper working condition.
Check steering control operation frequently. Adjust and

service as required.
Safety Interlock System must function properly. DO NOT

operate unit if operator presence control is damaged or
disabled.

If you strike an object, or if equipment vibrates
abnormally, stop engine at once, disengage PTO, wait for
all moving parts to stop, and remove key. Check for any
damage or loose parts. Repair before restart.

Before starting engine: disengage PTO, engage parking
brake and place unit in neutral.

Before starting engine: disengage PTO and place unit in
neutral.

DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. DO NOT change
engine governor settings or over-speed engine. Slow
down and turn corners slowly.

Disengage PTO when attachment is not in use. DO NOT
raise deck with mower blades running. ALWAYS turn off
power to attachment when travelling, crossing driveways,
etc.

Avoid uneven and rough terrain. DO NOT operate near
drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. Unit can suddenly
turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if
an edge caves in.

DO NOT try to stabilize unit by putting foot on ground
when operating with applicable riding attachments.

When engine is running and speed control lever is
forward, holding only one steering lever will cause unit to
circle around one drive wheel.

Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure view.

ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and engine, set
parking brake, remove key and allow moving parts to
stop before clearing clogs or cleaning unit.

ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and engine, remove
key and allow moving parts to stop before clearing clogs
or cleaning unit.

Never leave a running unit unattended. ALWAYS shut off
engine before leaving unit.

ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use.
DO NOT operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

ALW AYS backup slowly. AL W AYS look down and behind,
before and while backing.

DO NOT operate on steep slopes. DO NOT operate on
slopes of more than 10°. Operate across the face of
slopes, not up and down.

Turf conditions can affect the unit’s stability.
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. DO NOT

make sudden changes in speed or direction. Use a slow
speed to avoid stopping or shifting on slopes. Avoid
starting or stopping on a slope.

DO NOT park unit on a slope unless absolutely
necessary. When parking on a slope always engage
parking brake and block wheels.

DO NOT park unit on a slope unless absolutely
necessary. When parking on a slope always chock or
block wheels.

Use extra care when loading or unloading unit onto trailer
or truck.

Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle. NEVER secure
from rods or linkages that could be damaged.

DO NOT transport machine while engine is running.
Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris. Clean up

oil or fuel spills.
This product is equipped with an internal combustion

engine. DO NOT use on or near any unimproved, forest
covered or brush covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark arrester, if
used, must be maintained in effective working order by
the operator.

Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive.
Handle with care. Use an approved fuel container.

No smoking, No sparks, No flames. ALWAYS allow
engine to cool before servicing.

NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot from
operation.

NEVER fill or drain fuel tank indoors.
Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or

trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

When practical, 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.

5

Keep the 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.

If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
NEVER store fuel inside where there is an open flame,

such as a water heater.
Avoid Electric Shock. Objects contacting both battery

terminals at the same time may result in injury and unit
damage. DO NOT reverse battery connections.

Reverse connections may result in sparks which can
cause serious injury. Always connect positive (+) lead of
charger to positive (+) terminal, and negative (-) lead to
negative (-) terminal.

ALWAYS disconnect negative (-) cable FIRST and
positive (+) cable SECOND. ALWAYS connect positive
(+) cable FIRST, and negative (-) cable SECOND.

Explosive Gases from battery can cause death or serious
injury. Poisonous battery fluid contains sulfuric acid and
its contact with skin, eyes or clothing can cause severe
chemical burns.

No flames, No sparks, No smoking near battery.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective gear near

battery. Use insulated tools.
DO NOT TIP battery beyond a 45° angle in any direction.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain

lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

Reverse connections may cause sparks which may result
in injury. ALWAYS connect/disconnect cables in proper
order.

Poisonous battery fluid con tains sulfuric acid and its
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing can cause severe
burns.

Explosive Gases! No flames, No sparks, No smoking
near battery.

ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective gear near
battery.

ALWAYS keep batteries out of reach of children.
Before making any inspections, repairs, etc.: disengage

PTO, stop unit and engine, set parking brake, remove
key, allow moving parts to stop.

Before making any inspections, repairs, etc.: disengage
PTO, stop unit and engine, remove key, allow moving
parts to stop.

ALWAYS keep body and hands away from pin holes or
nozzles which eject hydraulic fluid under pressure.

Allow hot parts to cool.
ALWAYS block wheels, engage parking brake and know

all jack stands are strong, secure and will hold weight of
unit during maintenance.

An extension spring, when extended, stores energy and
can be dangerous. Always use tools specifically
designed for installing or removing an extension spring.
Always compress or extend springs slowly.

ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating condition.
Damaged or worn out muffler can cause fire or explosion.

Keep hardware, especially mower blade attachment
bolts, tight.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

For unit storage or extended storage:

• NEVER store with fuel in fuel tank, inside a building

where any ignition sources are present.

• Allow engine to cool completely.
Use only attachments or accessories designed for your

unit and that can be used safely on your terrain.
Check attachment components frequently for wear,

damage or deterioration. Replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts for safety.

To reduce fire hazard and overheating, keep equipment
free of grass, leaves, debris or excessive lubricants.

Use extra care with grass catchers and othe r
attachments. These can change the stability of the unit.
Use only approved hitch points.

ALWAYS be aware of attachments when turning.
ALWAYS allow adequate clearance between
attachments, personnel, and other objec ts.

6

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and

understand the entire Safety section before
proceeding.

INSTALLING THE DRIVE UNIT TO THE
MOWER DECK FOR RAPID UNITS

NOTE: The long mower drive kit (78500700) must be

installed onto the mower deck before the mower is
connected to Rapid Units.

IMPORTANT: Only use the long mower drive kit
(78500700) to attach the 30-inch mower to Rapid units.

Install Long Mower Drive Kit (78500700)
(Figure 3)

1. Place the drive kit down through the circular
opening in the top of the mower deck.

2. Install drive kit (78500700) on mower deck and
seven counterweights (p/n 08691200) with five 1/2”
x 3-1/4” hex bolts (p/n 05960000), flat washers (p/n

06442000), and 1/2” locknuts (p/n 06540600).

2

4

1

NOTE: See the Mower Height Adjustment on page 11 for
additional information about adjusting mower height

using additional spacers.

WARNING: A minimum of one 1/4” (6.4 mm)
spacer must always be located between the
mower blades and the locknut.

The locknut to the mower shaft must be
tightened to a torque of 100 lbf-ft (135 N•m).

3. Install mower blade(s) onto shaft. If two mower
blades are used, they should be installed at right
angles to each other with one 1/8” spacer located
between mower blades. See figure 9 on page 11 for
an illustration on how to install the mower blade.

4. Install the locknut to the mower shaft and tighten it
to a torque of 100 lbf-ft (135 N•m).

INSTALLING THE DRIVE UNIT TO THE
MOWER DECK FOR GEAR TWO-WHEEL
TRACTORS

NOTE: Depending on the type of gear two-wheel tractor,

the long mower drive Kit (78500700) or the short mower
drive kit (78500600) must be installed onto the mower
deck before the mower is connected to the gear
two-wheel tractor.

3

5

6

1. Mower Deck

2. Drive Kit (78500700)

3. Counterweight

Figure 3

WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can
cut. Wrap mower blade(s) or wear gloves to
service.

4. 1/2” Locknut

5. flat washer

6. 1/2” x 3-1/4” Hex Bolt

OHh0480

Install Drive Kit (Figure 4)

1. Place the drive unit down through the circular
opening in the top of the mower deck.

2. Install drive kit on mower deck and one
counterweight (p/n 08691200) with five 1/2” x 1-3/4”
hex bolts (p/n 05970600), flat washers (p/n

06442000), and 1/2” locknuts (p/n 06540600).

NOTE: See the Mower Height Adjustment on page 11 for
additional information about adjusting mower height

using additional spacers.

WARNING: A minimum of one 1/4” (6.4 mm)
spacer must always be located between the
mower blades and the locknut.

The locknut to the mower shaft must be
tightened to a torque of 100 lbf-ft (135 N•m).

3. Install mower blade(s) onto shaft. If two mower
blades are used, they should be installed at right
angles to each other with one 1/8” spacer located
between mower blades. See figure 9 on page 11 for
an illustration on how to install the mower blade.

7