Operator and Parts Manual
Collection System
M-ZT 52 /966793002
M-ZT 61 /966793003
CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of a new
collection system. 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 the nearest authorized service
center/ department. They have competent, welltrained technicians and the proper tools for service
and repairs.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions
will enable you to assemble and maintain the
collection system properly. Always observe the
SAFETY RULES.
KNOW YOUR BLOWER SYSTEM
READ THIS OPERATION MANUAL AND SAFETY
RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING THE
BLOWER SYSTEM. Compare the illustrations with the
carton contents and become familiar with the parts
before starting the assembly. Study the operating
instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to
insure proper functioning of the Grass Catcher and to
prevent injuries. Save this manual for future reference.
CAUTION
BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS
CATCHER TO MOWER:
• Set parking brake.
• Place motion control levers in
NEUTRAL position.
• Turn ignition key OFF and remove
key.
• Make sure the blades and all moving
parts have completely stopped.
CAUTION
• DO NOT operate mower with grass
catcher partially installed.
• Disengage blades and stop engine
before leaving mower seat to empty
containers, unclogging chutes, etc.
• Close cover before starting.
• Disengage mower blades when
crossing driveways or gravel
surfaces and other areas where
thrown objects could be a hazard.
• DO NOT attempt to vacuum cans
or other potentially hazardous
projectiles.
CAUTION
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 the mower and
while mowing. Standard safety glasses
are recommended or a wide vision safety
mask for over spectacles.
CAUTION
Do not leave grass in bagger containers.
Empty containers after each use and
before storing. Failure to do so may
result in spontaneous combustion which
could develop into a fire.
CAUTION
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.
©2013 HTC. All Rights Reserved.
Swainsboro, GA. Printed in U.S.A.
CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES .........................................................4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................5
OPERATION .............................................................11
BLOWER ASSEMBLY ......................................12
CHUTES ...........................................................14
BAGGER .......................................................... 16
MOUNT, GUARD, BELT ...................................18
TOOLS REQUIRED
7/16" Wrench or ratchet and socket
9/16" Wrench or ratchet and socket
½" Wrench or ratchet and socket
¾" Wrench or ratchet and socket
7/8" Socket
Torque Wrench
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Hacksaw
Pliers
Drill and 3/8" drill bit
NOTE: When the terms RH (right hand) or
LH (left hand) are used, it refers to when the
operator is seated on the mower.
CONTAINER CONTENTS
• Blower/Bagger Assembly • Drive Pulley
• Belt Shield • Belt
• Mounting Brackets • Bag of Hardware
SAFETY RULES
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand and follow all instructions 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.
• Do not operate the mower without either the entire
grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• 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.
• If the collection system has front weights
included, DO NOT operate mower with the 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.
• Allow machine to cool before storage.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control 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
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of
the machine.
• 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.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. 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.
DO NOT
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, 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.
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 the mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs. Wide
vision safety mask over spectacles or standard
safety glasses are recommended.
• 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.
• 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.
4
ASSEMBLY
DRIVE PULLEY
1
1. Remove the discharge chute from the deck
by removing the side hardware from the chute
bracket. Retain the hardware for reuse if the
collection system is removed.
2. Lower deck to the lowest cutting position.
3. Remove the right hand (discharge side) belt cover
from the deck.
Belt Cover
Discharge
Chute
Hardware
4. Relieve the tension from the deck belt and remove
the belt from the center deck pulley.
(See Operator Manual if necessary)
5. Remove the nut securing the right hand deck
pulley to the spindle.
6. Install drive pulley included in collection system
kit on top of the current deck pulley.
7. Reinstall the nut on the spindle and torque to 5575 ft/lbs.
8. Reinstall the deck belt.
Drive Pulley
TRIMMING BLOWER
2
1. Place blower assembly on secure table or stable
surface.
2. Remove the bolts securing the rear mount
bracket.
3. Using the hacksaw, trim the blower housing along
the recessed grooves.
4. Reinstall the rear mount bracket with previously
removed bolts.
Mount Bracket
Rear
Trim Line
MOUNTING BLOWER ASSEMBLY
3
1. Position blower over the discharge tabs on the
deck and set blower onto the deck.
2. Install the front mount bracket to the deck with the
pin and hairpin cotter supplied with the kit.
Outer Pulley Cover
Pin
5
ASSEMBLY
DRIVE BELT
4
1. Make sure the tension release lever is forward
(disengaged).
2. Place the belt over the pulley on the deck. Refer
to illustration for proper routing.
3. Move the tension release arm to the rear and
engage in the latch.
Outer Pulley
BELT COVERS
5
1. Place the deck belt shield on the deck over the
drive pulley and secure with hardware removed
from steel belt shield.
2. Place retainer on the outer pulley cover.
3. Align the tab end of the belt cover into the slot on
the deck belt shield and the other end over the
end of the outer pulley cover.
4. Secure with knob.
Knob
Deck Belt Shield
Belt Cover Tab
Middle Chute
Latch
Idler Pulleys
Belt Twist
Outer Pulley
Cover
Retainer
6