And
Parts Manual
For
48 Inch Consumer Z
Grass Catcher
MANUAL NO. 539108087 REV. IR (1/02/03)
968999211 / CZ48
SAFETY RULES
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS
DANGER !
THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING
OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand and follow all instruc-
tions in the manual and on the machine
before starting.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate the
machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
stones, toys, wire etc., which could be
picked up and thrown by the blades.
•Be sure the area is clear of all people and
pets before mowing. Stop the machine if
anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers or children even with
blades off.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mower discharge direction
and do not direct it towards anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire
grass catcher or the guard in place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave the machine unattended when
the engine is running. Always turn off the
blades, set the parking brake, stop the
engine and remove the key before leaving
the machine.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass catcher
or unclogging chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch out for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading and unloading
the machine onto a trailer or truck.
•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.
•DO NOT operate mower with grass catcher,
unless the front weights are installed.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other
debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust/
engine parts and burn. Do not allow the
mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause buildup to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool
before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofcontrol and tip-over 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 mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes (10° Max.), not
across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low speed so
that you will not have to stop while on the
slope.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the
stability of the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow andgradual. Do not make sudden changes in
speed or direction.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill,
if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-off, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could suddenly
turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff
or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the machine and the mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
•NEVER allow children to operate the
machine.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and
under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn off the machine if children
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind and
down for small children.
•Never carry children. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation.
•Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•The operation of any mower can result in
foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which
`can result in severe eye damage. Always
wear safety glasses or eye shields while
operating your mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
wide vision safety mask over spectacles or
standard safety glasses.
•Use extra care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and vapors
are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such
as a water heater.
•Never run a machine inside a closed area.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment
in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check
there proper operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage.
Allow machine to cool before storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike
an object. Repair, if necessary, before
restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the
engine running.
•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.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap
the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as shown in the Operator’s manual.
3
SAFETY RULES
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS
CAUTION
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY
IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION
In order to prevent accidental starting when
setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug.
WARNING
DO NOT tow any trailers, etc. with this
mower. They may jackknife or over turn
causing damage to the mower and possibly serious injury to the operator.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals know to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
4
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a
new Grass Catcher. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best
possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot
easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ department. They have
competent, well-trained technicians and the
proper tools to service or repair this mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain
your Grass Catcher properly. Always observe the
"SAFETY RULES”.
NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon
(3.0 mil) plastic trash bags may be inserted in
plastic grass containers.
KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER
READ THIS OPERATION MANUAL AND SAFETY
RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING
YOUR GRASS CATCHER. Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly.
Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of
your Grass Catcher and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
WARNING
The operation of any mower can result in
foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage. ALWAYS
wear safety glasses or eye shields before
starting your mower and while mowing. We
recommend a wide vision safety mask for
over the spectacles or standard safety
glasses.