HUSTLER Z4 Owner's Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

This manual applies to the following Hustler equipment
lines:

Hustler Z4

To the new owner

The purpose of this manual is to assist owners and operators
in maintaining and operating the Z4 tractor and deck. Please
read it carefully; information and instructions furnished can help
you achieve years of dependable performance.

A separate Engine Owner’s Manual is included with your
owner’s packet which contains additional engine information
that will not be repeated in this manual. You are urged to read it
before attempting any operation or repair of the engine.

The decals are designed to give the operator brief information
needed in the daily operation and service of the machine. These
decals are not intended to be used in place of this manual but
instead are to be used as an extension of this manual. These
decals should not be removed or obliterated. Replace these
decals if they become unreadable.

It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the
operators and mechanics read and understand this manual and
all decals before operating this machine. It is also the owner’s
responsibility to make certain that the operators and mechanics
are qualified and physically able individuals, properly trained in
the operation of this equipment. All operator and mechanics
must become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls and safety signs.

Never let children or untrained people operate or service the
equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.

The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or
injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property.

IMPORTANT: For more detailed maintenance and adjust­ment information refer to the proper parts manual for your
machine. Refer to the Product Literature section of this manual
for ordering information.

The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or
injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property.

Using this manual

General operation, adjustment and maintenance guidance is
outlined for both the experienced and novice Hustler user.
Operating conditions vary considerably and cannot all be
addressed individually. Through experience, however,
operators should find no difficulty in developing good operating
skills suitable to most conditions.

Directions used in this manual, for example RIGHT or LEFT,
refer to directions when seated on tractor facing forward, unless
otherwise stated.

Photographs and illustrations used were current at the time of
printing, but subsequent production changes may cause your
machine to vary slightly in detail. Hustler Turf Equipment
reserves the right to redesign and change the machine as deemed
necessary, without notification. If a change has been made to
your machine which is not reflected in this operator’s manual or
the parts manual, see your Hustler dealer for current information
and parts

Warranty registration

The Delivery and Warranty Registration form must be
completed and signed to validate your warranty protection. As
the new equipment owner, you are expected to see that the form
is completed and forwarded to Hustler Turf Equipment at time
of delivery.

Be sure to register the tractor plus each attachment that
displays a model and serial identification number plate with
Hustler Turf Equipment.

IMPORTANT: Any unauthorized modification, alteration, or
use of non-approved attachments voids the warranty and
releases Hustler Turf Equipment from any liability arising from
subsequent use of this equipment.

Model and serial number

Tractor model and serial numbers are found on the serial
identification plate, located on the frame directly below and to
the left of the operator’s platform.

These numbers are required on the Warranty Registration
form. They will also assure you of the correct service parts
when replacement becomes necessary.

Parts and service

Use original Hustler replacement parts only. These parts are
available through your local Hustler dealer. To obtain prompt,
efficient service, always provide the following information
when ordering parts:

1. Correct part description

2. Correct part number

3. Correct model number.

4. Correct serial number.

All warranty repair and service must be handled through an
authorized Hustler dealer. Arrangements should be made
through your local service center.

602223_0609 1-1

NOTICE OF REQUIRE MENT OF SPARK AR REST ER MUFFLER

This eq uipme nt may c reate sp arks that ca n start fires around dry ve getation. California Public Resources Code Sec ­tion 4442.6 provides that it is unlawful to use or operate an internal combustion engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective
working orde

r. A s park arres ter is a device co nstructed of nonf lammable mate rials spec if ically for the purp ose of
removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 of an inch in size from the exhaust flow of
an internal combustion engine that uses hydrocarbon fuels or which is qualified and rated by the United States For­est Service. Other s tates or federal areas may have similar laws. T

he Op erator Should Contact Loc al Fire A genc ies
For Laws o r Re gulatio ns Relating to Fire Pre ventio n Requirements . T HIS EQ UIPMENT DOE S NO T HAVE A
SPARK ARRESTER AND YOUR SHOULD CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HUSTLER DEALER FOR THE PUR­CHASE OF A SPARK ARRESTER.

Inspect s park arr ester daily; rep lace every 500 hours or as ne eded .

The Engine Owner ’s Manual provide s information reg arding the U.S. Environmenta l

Pro tection Agen cy

(EPA) and the California Emission Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance and warranty.

Keep Engine Owner ’s Manual with yo ur un it. Should the Engine Owner ’s Manual beco me da mage d or illegi­ble, replace immediately. Replacements may be ordered per the information found in the Product Informa­tion section of the owner’s manual.

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of Californi a to cause cancer, bi rth

defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING:

1-2 602223_0609

HUSTLER Z4 TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

FOR TRACTORS AND DECKS

(THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON DECK

SPINDLE BEARING & DECK GAUGE FORK BEARING)

OR

FOUR YEAR (500 HOURS) LIMITED WARRANTY FOR TRACTORS AND DECKS

OR

90 DAYS LIMITED WARRANTY IN RENTAL APPLICATIONS

WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY

Hustler Turf Equipment, makes the following warranty to the original
purchaser only:

a. Tw o (2) Year Limited Warranty:

Three (3) Year Limited Warranty (Deck Spindle & Gauge
Fork Bearings)
First and Second Year: Hustler Turf Equipment Tractors and
Power Units are warranted for two (2) years from date of deliv­ery on all materials and workmanship.

If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a defect in
materials or workmanship:

z He must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment, or an autho-

rized dealer, in writing of the defect. In no event shall such
notification be received by Hustler Turf Equipment, or an
authorized dealer later than twenty-five (25) months from date
of delivery.

z Within a reasonable time after such notification, Hustler Turf

Equipment, will correct any defect in material or workmanship
on the Hustler Turf Equipment, by repairing or replacing
part(s) with either new or used replacement parts.

z Such repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of

Hustler Turf Equipment, and,

b. Third Year: At the conclusion of the two year limited warranty

described in paragraph (a) above, there shall be an additional one
year limited warranty on deck gauge fork bearings and deck
spindle bearings only, no labor.
If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a defect in
either of these bearings:

z He must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment, or an autho-

rized dealer, in writing of the defect. In no event shall such
notification be received by Hustler Turf Equipment, or an
authorized dealer later than thirty-seven (37) months from date
of delivery.

z Within a reasonable time after such notification, Hustler Turf

Equipment, will provide new replacement bearing to install on
the Hustler Turf Equipment.

z The labor to install the deck gauge fork bearing and deck spin-

dle bearing shall be at the expense of the owner, and,

c. Four Year (500 Hours) Limited Warranty:

Hustler Turf Equipment Tractors and Power Units are warranted
for four (4) years or 500 hours, whichever comes first from
date of delivery on all materials and workmanship.
If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a defect in
materials or workmanship:

z He must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment, or an autho-

rized dealer, in writing of the defect. In no event shall such
notification be received by Hustler Turf Equipment, or an
authorized dealer later than forty-nine (49) months from date
of delivery.

z Within a reasonable time after such notification, Hustler Turf

Equipment, will correct any defect in material or workmanship
on the Hustler Turf Equipment, by repairing or replacing
part(s) with either new or used replacement parts.

z Such repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of

Hustler Turf Equipment, and,

d. Rental Units (90 days): Within 90 days of date of delivery Hus-

tler Turf Equipment, provides a limited warranty on all materials
and workmanship for units used for rental purposes.

z If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a defect

in materials or workmanship:

z He must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment, or an autho-

rized dealer, in writing of the defect. In no event shall such
notification be received by Hustler Turf Equipment, or an
authorized dealer later than 120 days from date of delivery.

z Within a reasonable time after such notification, Hustler Turf

Equipment, will correct any defect in material or workmanship
on the Hustler Turf Equipment, by repairing or replacing
part(s) with either new or used replacement parts.

z Such repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of

Hustler Turf Equipment, and,

e. Hustler Turf Equipment provides a limited warranty for the

entire length of ownership by the original purchaser for the

following items:

z Against all defects in the frame resulting from frame breakage.
z Against all defects in the mowing deck which results in the

front edge of the deck being bent into the the blades.

z Against hydraulic hose and fitting leaks.

If the original Purchaser discovers within this warranty period
such a defect:

z He must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment or an autho-

rized dealer, in writing of the defec t. Such no tifi catio n mu st be
received by Hustler Turf Equipment or an authorized dealer
during the period when the equipment is owned by the original
purchaser.

z Hustler Turf Equipment will correct any defect in the frame

resulting in frame breakage by repairing or replacing part(s)
with new or used replacement parts.

z Hustler Turf Equipment will correct any defect in the deck

resulting in the front edge of the deck being bent into the
blades by repairing or replacing part(s) with either new or used
replacement parts.

z Such repair, including parts and labor, shall be at the expense

of Hustler Turf Equipment, and,

f. The engine warranty is covered by the engine manufacturer, to

the original owner (commercial or residential) only, and,

g. The battery is covered by a one (1) year limited warranty to the

original owner only.

WHO MUST PERFORM THE WARRANTY SERVICE

All warranty service will be performed by dealers authorized by
Hustler Turf Equipment. Service calls and/or transportation expense
of the product to and from the authorized dealer, for warranty work,
will be paid by the owner of the product. For warranty service you can
contact an authorized dealer or write Hustler Turf Equipment, 200
South Ridge Road, Hesston, Kansas 67062, or call 1-620-327-4911.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY

Hustler Turf Equipment, does not warranty:

z Some product, components or parts not manufactured by Hus-

tler Turf Equipment

z Repairs made by unauthorized persons

602223_0609 1-3

z

Damage caused by use of the Hustler Turf Equipment for pur­poses other than those for which it was designed

z Damages caused by disasters such as fire, flood, wind, and

lightening

z Damages caused by neglect, abuse, abnormal use, improper or

unreasonable use, accident, negligence or misuse

z Repairs or replacement resulting from the use of unauthorized

parts, accessories or attachments

z Repairs or replacement as the result if any alterations or modi-

fications, in the determination of Hustler Turf Equipment,
which adversely affects the operation, performance or durabil­ity of the equipment.

z Hustler Turf Equipment which has the serial number removed

or made illegible

z Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, lack of rea-

sonable and proper maintenance, failure to follow the product’s
owner’s manual operating, maintenance and adjustment
instructions or other operational instructions provided by Hus­tler Turf Equipment.

z Normal maintenance parts and service including, but not lim-

ited to, filters, fuel, lubricants, tune-up parts, belts, blades,
blade sharpening, bearings, brake or steering adjustments

z Repairs necessary due to improper fuel, contaminates in the

fuel system, or failure to properly prepare the fuel sys tem prior
to any period of non-use over three months

z Damage caused by foam filled or solid filled tires.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
However, if the Hustler Turf Equipment is purchased as a
consumer product, any implied warranty of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose is limited to the duration of this
limited warranty. Some states do not allow limit ations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to
you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.

LIMITATION OF REMEDIES

In no case shall Hustler Turf Equipment, be liable for any special,
incidental, or consequential damages based upon breach of warranty,
breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort, or any other legal
theory.
Such damages include, but are not limited to:

z Loss of profits
z Loss of savings or revenue
z Loss of use of Hustler Turf Equipment or any associated equip-

ment

z Cost of capital
z Cost of any substitute equipment, facilities, services or down-

time

z The claims of third parties including customers, and injury to

property
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.

TIME LIMIT

a. Two (2) Year Limited Warranty

Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within
twenty-five (25) months following delivery of the goods in a
non-rental application.

Three (3) Year Limited Warranty (Deck Spindle & Deck
Gauge Fork Bearings)

Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within
thirty-seven (37) months following delivery of the goods in a
non-rental application.

b. Four Year (500 Hours) Limited Warranty

Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within
forty-nine (49) months following delivery of the goods.

c. Rental

Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within
120 days following delivery of the goods in a rental application.

NO OTHER WARRANTIES

Unless modified in writing, signed by both parties, and approved by the
President of Hustler Turf Equipment, this agreement is understood to
be the complete and exclusive agreement between the parties,
superseding all prior agreements, oral or written, and all other
communications between the parties relating to the subject matter of
this agreement. No employee of Hustler Turf Equipment, or any other
party is authorized to make any warranty in addition to those made in
this agreement.

ALLOCATION OF RISKS

This agreement allocates the risks of product failure between Hustler
Turf Equipment, and the purchaser. This allocation is recognized by
both parties and is reflected in the price of the goods.

OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY

You must maintain your Hustler Turf Product following the
maintenance procedures described in your owner's manual. Such
routine maintenance, whether performed by a dealer or by you, is at
your expense.

This machine like any other powered equipment is potentially
dangerous unless properly operated. Any operator must be cautious

and keep safety in mind at all times. Any operator, prior to using the
Hustler Turf Equipment, should thoroughly familiarize himself with the
owner's manual regarding operation and safety of the machine, as well
as all safety warnings on the machine itself.

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

1.

Dealers must register the unit on-line at

www.Hustlerdealer.com or by filling out the Warranty
registration form, provided in the owner’s packet. If using the
Warranty registration form it MUST be completed and signed
by the authorized dealer and original purchaser.

2. For validation, the completed Warranty registration form

MUST be forwarded to Hustler Turf Equipment, within ten (10)
days following date of purchase.

3. The date of purchase constitutes delivery.

1-4 602223_0609

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

warning log.eps

This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a

message intended to provide a reasonable degree of
PERSONAL SAFETY for operators and other persons
during the normal operation and servicing of this equipment.

DANGER – denotes immediate hazards which WILL result

in severe personal injury or death.

WARNING – denotes a hazard or unsafe practice which

COULD result in severe personal injury or death.

This manual uses two other words to highlight information.

IMPORTANT calls attention to special mechanical
information and NOTE: emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.

All operators and mechanics should read this manual, and
be instructed about safe operating and maintenance
procedures. If the operators or mechanics cannot read and
understand English, it is the owner ’s responsibility to explain
this material to them.

Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner
can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions and always pay
attention to the safety alert V symbol, which means
DANGER or WARNING - “perso nal safety instructions.”
Failure to comply with the instructions may result in
personal injury or death.

Incorrect usage of this machine may result in severe injury.
Personnel operating and maintaining it should be trained in
the proper use and should read the manuals completely and
thoroughly before attempting to set-up, operate, adjust, or
service this machine.

The decals are designed to give the operator brief
information needed in the daily operation and service of the
machine. These decals are not intended to be used in place of
this manual but instead are to be used as an extension of this
manual. These decals should not be removed or obliterated.
Replace these decals if they become unreadable.

• It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the

operators and mechanics read and understand this manual
and all decals before operating this machine.

• It is also the owner’s responsibility to make certain that

the operators and mechanics are qualified and physically
able individuals, properly trained in the operation of this
equipment.

• All operators and mechanics must become familiar with
the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls and
safety signs.

• Never let children or untrained people operate or service
the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of
the operator.

• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for acci­dents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or
property.

• The owner should also ensure that the operator/mechanic
know that they are responsible for their own safety as
well as the safety of other persons within the vicinity.
Remember, the operator is responsible for accidents or
hazards occurring to other people or their property.

Safety and Instruction Decals

V Specific safety warning decals are located on the equipment near the immediate areas of potential hazards. These decals

should not be removed or obliterated. Replace them if they become non-readable.

The following illustrations show the various decals that are located on the machine. A brief explanation, for those requ iring

one, is shown to help the operator understand the meanings of these decals.

602223_0609 2-1

Read Owner’s Manual and decals before

779280 REV. B

601624

2%6"



engine compartment fire decal.ai

602041

attempting to operate this machine.

Read OM decal.eps

• Do not smoke while refueling.

• Do not remove the fuel tank cap or fill with engine running or while

the engine is hot.

• Allow engine to cool before storing machine inside a building.

• Store away from open flame or spark if there is fuel in tank.

• Clean up any gasoline spills.

• Do not refuel while in enclosed trailer or other enclosed areas.

Part Number 601892

WARNING:
Thrown objects!

• Always maintain a safe distance from peo-

ple and pets when mowing.

• Always stop machine if someone enters the

area.

• Inspect area to be mowed for hazards such

as rocks, metal objects and other debris
which may be thrown or entangled by
mower blades. Remove these objects
before mowing.

Part
Number
601967

Part
Number
779280

WARNING: Hot surface!

Part
Number
601624

WARNING: Thrown objects!

779280_om.ai

• Avoid skin contact with hot surface

• Never operate the mower deck

with side deflector damaged,
altered, removed or in raised
position, except when the entire
grass catcher attachment or
mulching system is being used.

Part Number 601837

DANGER:
Rotating blades, pulleys & belts!

WARNING: Fire!

Part Number
602041

WARNING: Hot surface!

• Clean flammable material from machine.

Prevent fires by keeping engine com­partment, top of deck, exhaust area, bat­tery, fuel line, fuel tank and operator’s
station clean of accumulated trash,
grass clippings, and other debris.
Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.

• Keep a safe distance from machine

Part Number 600899

• If you loose steering control while operating the machine, place the

steering control levers in the park brake position immediately.
Inspect the machine and involve your Hustler dealer to resolve the
problem before continuing to operate.

• If pump belt fails, steering control will be lost. Refer to owner’s

manual for inspection and replacement intervals and refer to above
paragraph for emergency procedures.

• Keep shields and covers in place while machine is in operation

• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from rotating pulleys and

belts.

2-2 602223_0609

Part Number 601968

601635

601635

•

WARNING: Fluid
under pressure!

601968

• •Avoid hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure

• •Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can pene-

trate skin.

• •Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have

sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause serious
injury. Foreign fluid injected into the skin must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor,
familiar with this form of injury, or gangrene may
result.

• •Before applying pressure to hydraulic system,

make sure all connections are tight and all hoses
and lines are in good condition.

• •Relieve all pressure in the system before discon-

necting or working on hydraulic lines.

• •To find a leak under pressure, use a piece of card-

board or wood – never use your hands.

• •T o relieve all pressure in system, lower attachment

and turn engine off.

Part Number
601635

Read Owner’s Manual and decals before attempting to operate t his
machine.

WARNING: This structure’s protective capability may be impaired by
structural damage, overturn, or alteration. If any of these conditions
occur, this structure must be replaced.

• Avoid crushing, use seat belt.

• Do not jump if machine tips.

• To minimize chance of injury or death from rollover; keep ROPS in the

raised and locked position and use the seat belt.

• Never operate machine on a slope with the ROPS folded down (lowered

position).

• There is no roll over protection when the ROPS is in the lowered position.

• Lower the ROPS only when absolutely necessary. Drive slowly and care-

fully. Raise the ROPS as soon as clearance permits.

• Read and follow slopes operation instructions and warnings.

• Do not wear seat belt when the ROPS is in the lowered position.

• Always pull from the tractor hitch.

• Do not attach chains or ropes to the ROPS for pulling purposes, as the

machine can tip backwards.

602223_0609 2-3

Part Number 601981

:

WARNING: Read Owner’s Manual and
decals before attempting to operate
this machine.

WARNING: Roll over!

•Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet)
away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage
ditches, embankments, water, and other types
of hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the
edge or to avoid the ground from breaking
away.

WARNING: Back over!

•Do not carry passengers

•Always stop machine if someone enters the
area.

•Always be aware of what is behind the
machine before backing up. Do not mow in
reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing
up.

WARNING: Roll over!

•Slow down before turning.

•Do not operate on slopes greater than 15
degrees.

•Keep all movement on slopes slow and
gradual. Never make sudden changes in
speed and direction.

•Do not mow on slopes above a retaining wall
or drop-off.

WARNING: Ejection!

•Do not operate on slopes greater than 15
degrees.

•Keep all movement on slow and gradual when
going up or down slopes.

•Do not remove or modify stabilizer wheels or
injury can result.

WARNING: Loss of traction/control
on slopes!

•Shut off blades.

•Back slowly down the slope when loss of
traction occurs.

2-4 602223_0609

602233

F

I

G

A

Part Number 602233

C

D

H

L

K

Part Number 601815

601815 FA.eps

B

A. Fast
B. Slow
C. Choke
D. Mower blade engage/disengage switch
E. Ignition switch - insert key

F. OFF
G. ON
H. If warning light comes on, check engine oil

I. Engine start position

J. Before starting the engine:

Read Owner’s Manual
Disengage mower blades
Place control levers in park brake position

K. Wear ear protection, eye protection and safety shoes when operating this equipment.

L. Read Owner’s Manual before attempting to operate this machine. Read Owner’s Manual

before attempting to service this manual.

J

DANGER: Battery Hazards!

E

• Avoid skin contact

with battery acid.

• Do not overfill battery.

• Electrolyte may overflow and

damage paint, wiring or struc­ture. When cleaning the battery,
use soap and water into the bat­tery. Be careful not to get soap
and water into the battery. Use
soda mixed in water to clean cor­rosion off the terminals.

• Always wear eye protection

when checking the battery, acid
can cause serious injury to skin
and eyes. If contact occurs,
flush area with clean water and
call physician immediately. Acid
will also damage clothing.

602223_0609 2-5

601815

• Do not allow open flame near the

battery when charging.

• Hydrogen gas forms inside the bat-

tery. This gas is both toxic and
flammable and may cause an
explosion if exposed to flame.
Always remove the negative ground
first and replace it last.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

As a guide to the operation of your tractor, various international symbols have been used on instruments and controls.

These symbols are depicted and described below.

internation symbols.jpg

Hours Recorded

Engine Water

Temperature

Air Filter

Engine Oil

Pressure

Full Time AWD

Auto AWD

Continously

Variable

Neutral

Diesel Fuel

Glow

Engine Stop

Engine Oil

Engine Start

Parking Brake

Battery

Power Take-off

(ON)

Power Take-off

(OFF)

Slow

Fast

Control Lever

Hold

Attachment

(Raised)

Increase

Decrease

Fuel Level

High Range

Low Range

Lock

Release Lock

Differential Lock

Volume Empty

Attachment

(Lowered)

Remote Cylinder

(Retracted)

Remote Cylinder

(Extended)

Volume Full

2-6 602223_0609

SLOPE GUIDE

Use this diagram when determining the degree of slope to be mowed.

o

C (5o)

)

Slope Guide Lines

E (15

D (10o)

Line B

Line A

1. Hold this sheet of paper in front of you. Make sure that Line A is horizontal.

2. Align Line B with a vertical surface such as pole, tree or building.

3. Fold the paper along the slope guide lines (C, D or E).

4. Align the closest slope guide line with the ground slope. This will give you a close estimation of the ground slope to be

mowed.

602223_0609 2-7

2-8 602223_0609

OPERATION

Safe Operating Practices

Some of the following safety instructions are from ANSI
Standard B-71.4-2004 while others are specific to the Hustler
Mid Mount Z line.

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid
serious injury or death.

Operation

V Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and

attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.

V Never leave a running machine unattended. Always stop

on level ground, disengage deck clutch, place steering
control levers in park brake position, stop tractor engine,
and remove ignition key before leaving operator’s seat
for any reason including emptying the catcher or unclog­ging the chute.

V Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed

the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.

V Always remain seated while operating machine.
V Always keep safety shields and covers in place, except

for servicing.

V Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets

when mowing. Always stop machine if someone enters
the area.

V Always operate machine in daylight or with adequate

working lights.

V Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses

are tightly secured and bolts are tightened.

V Always observe traffic laws while driving machine from

one location to another. Watch for traffic when operating
near or crossing roadways.

V Always be alert for hazards such as rocks, metal objects

and other debris which may be thrown or entangled by
mower blades. Watch out for holes or deep depressions.

V Inspect area to be mowed for hazards such as rocks,

metal objects and other debris which may be thrown or
entangled by mower blades. Remove these objects
before mowing.

V Always inspect machine for damage after striking a for-

eign object. If damage is found, repair machine immedi­ately. Be sure to stop on level ground, disengage deck
clutch, place steering control levers in park brake posi­tion, stop tractor engine, and remove ignition key when
leaving operator’s seat to inspect damage.

V Always wear adequate ear protection, such as earplugs,

when operating this equipment as prolonged exposure to
uncomfortable or loud noises can cause impairment or
loss of hearing. Do not wear radios or music headphones
while operating the machinery. Safe operation requires
your full attention.

V Do not operate the equipment while wearing sandals, ten-

nis shoes, sneakers, shorts or any type of loose fitting
clothing. Do not use a towel as a headband or neck wrap

and do not hang towel from the waist. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
Always wear long pants, safety glasses, ear protection
and safety shoes when operating this machine.

V Always be aware of what is behind the machine before

backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before and
while backing up.

V Never push forward suddenly on your control levers

while the machine is in rearward motion because
machine may tip backwards.

V Never pull back suddenly on your control levers while

the machine is in forward motion.

V When moving in reverse, push forward slowly on control

levers and avoid sudden movement. Rapid movement of
the control levers in either direction could result in a
reaction of the tractor that can cause serious injury.

V Never operate a poorly maintained machine.
V Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in

crowded or congested areas.

V Never allow persons to operate this machine without

proper instruction or allow children to operate machine.
Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with
these instructions to operate this machine.

V Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine

while it is running.

V Never carry passengers.
V Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid

discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Mate­rial may ricochet back towards the operator. Always dis­engage the blades and wait for them to stop before
crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

V Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments

during their operation.

V Turn off blades when not mowing.
V

Slow down before turning.

V Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or

unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the dis­charge chute with the engine running. Turn off the
engine and be sure the blades have stopped before clean­ing. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area. Never

use your hand!

V Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments

during operation.

V Do not operate the machine if you are fatigued, sick o r

while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, if your are
pregnant or under 18 years old.

V Exercise caution when loading or unloading the machine

onto a trailer or truck.

V Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side

shields when operating the mower.

V 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 mower safely enough to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.

602223_0609 3-1

V Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel

weights or counterweights.

V If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the

rear of the unit, any rapid movement of the control levers
in either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor
that can cause serious injury.

V Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent

fires by keeping engine compartment, exhaust area,
battery, fuel line, fuel tank and operator’s station
clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and other
debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.

V Always secure the ROPS in the raised position and

buckle seat belt before starting tractor.

Using a ramp

V Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a unit

onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.

V Use only a single, full width ramp; do not use individual

ramps for each side of the unit. Having a full width ramp
provides a surface for the tractor frame to contact if the
unit starts to tip backwards. It also reduces the risk of a
wheel going off and the machine tipping over.

V Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and

the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.

V When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor in 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. REMINDER: Only
operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.

V Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.

• Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope.
Slow down.

• Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.

• Turn slowly

• Turn on the most level part of the slope

• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the
machine uphill, rather than downhill. If drive tires

lose traction, steering control is lost which could
cause serious injury or death.

• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn slowly
and gradually, if possible.

V Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
V Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden

objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. T all
grass can hide obstacles.

V Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
V Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not

make sudden changes in speed or direction.

V Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac-

tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.

V Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from

drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embank­ments, water, and other types of hazards to avoid a wheel
dropping over the edge or to avoid the ground from
breaking away. This will reduce the risk of the machine
suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death.

V Use a walk behind, push mower or hand-held trimmer on

slopes and near drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage
ditches, embankments and water to avoid machine roll ­over and serious injury or death.

V Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce

traction which could cause sliding and loss of control.

V Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip-

ment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

V Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot

on the ground.

V If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on

slopes, disengage the blades, place the control levers in
the park brake position, turn the engine off and get help.

V Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direc-

tion, especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steer­ing is designed for sensitive response. Rapid movement
of the control levers in either direction could result in a
reaction of the tractor that can cause serious injury.

V Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This

action may result in a reaction of the tractor that can
cause serious physical injury.

V The Hustler mower is capable of operating horizontally

(traverse) on moderately steep slopes. When operating
on slopes up to 15 degrees, be aware of any conditions
that may cause the tractor drive tires to lose traction
resulting in a possible loss of control of the machine. An
operator should not operate on a slope until he is thor­oughly familiar with the equipment.

Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.

Refer to the Slope Guide, page 2-7, when determining the
degree of slope to be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the
machine off of the slope, using extreme caution, if any
sign of loss of traction is detected. Wait until the condi­tion that caused the problem is resolved before attempt­ing to operate on the slope again.
T errain conditions can affect traction resulting in possible
loss of control of the machine. Some of the conditions to
be aware of are:

1.Wet terrain

2.Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts, washouts

3.Mounds of dirt

4.Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay

5.Grass type, density, and height

6.Extremely dry conditions of grass

7.Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the tractor will also affect
the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each attach­ment’s characteristics vary.
Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip­ment may cause loss of traction and loss of steering con­trol.
Another consideration to safe mowing on slopes is to be
aware of what is located at the bottom of the slope.
Extreme caution should be used when there is a hazard
located at the bottom of the slope. Some examples are:

1.Water; i.e. lake, river

2.Cliffs, retaining walls

3.Roads, highways

4.Buildings

3-2 602223_0609

A

B

C

D

E

F

5.Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when caution
must be used when operating on a slope. There are many
other possibilities too numerous to mention. Just remem­ber to always exercise extreme caution when operating
on any slope.

V The ROPS will minimize chance of injury or death from

rollover. Seat belt must be fastened while operating a
machine equipped with ROPS in the raised and secured

position. Both retaining pins and hair pins must be
installed. Failure to use seat belt will result in serious

injury in the event of a roll over.

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.

V Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in

switch, especially with children present.

V Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or

attempt to operate the tractor while it is unattended.

Figure 3-1

Control Panel

IMPORTANT: When access is required under the seat

platform and the seat is equipped with the optional arm
rests, make certain to place the control arms in the park
brake position and pivot the arm rests upward before plac­ing the seat platform in the full forward position to prevent

arm rest damage.

A. Choke control (Figure 3-1) — a cable is linked to

manually operate the engine choke. When the lever is in
the down position, the choke is in the off (run) position.
When the lever is pulled up, the choke is in the on (start)
position. Do not operate the machine in the on (start)
position.

B. Throttle control (Figure 3-1) — a cable is linked to

engine throttle for controlling engine speed. Move lever
forward to increase engine rpm, move lever rearward to
decrease engine rpm.

C. Deck clutch switch (Figure 3-1) — this switch engages

the deck. Pull the switch up to engage and push switch
down to disengage the clutch.
IMPORTANT: Never engage clutch with engine runnin g
at high rpm or when the deck is under load. Clutch, belts
or deck could be damaged.

D. Ignition switch (Figure 3-1) — a three position switch:

602223_0609 3-3

Always disengage deck clutch, place control levers in
park brake position, stop tractor engine, and remove igni­tion key when leaving operator’s seat.

V Keep children out of the mowing area and under the

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the opera­tor.

V Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the

area.

V Before and while backing, look behind and down for

small children.

V Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may

fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine 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.

V Never allow children to operate the machine.
V Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
V Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,

the end of a fence or other objects that may obscure
vision.

“OFF”, “RUN”, and “START”. With key inserted, rotate
it clockwise to “START” position; release key when
engine starts, and switch will automatically return to the
RUN position.

E. Oil pressure light (Figure 3-1) — this light comes on

when the ignition switch is placed in the RUN position
and stays lit until the engine is running and a safe oil
pressure is developed. If light comes on during
operation, shut engine off immediately and locate and
correct the problem.

F. Electronic hour meter (Figure 3-1) — registers 1/10

hour increments up to 9,999.9 total hours. Connected to
the ignition switch, the meter records the accumulative
time while the ignition key is switched to the RUN
position.

Controls

A. Control levers (Figure 3-2) — these levers control the

tractor’s speed, direction, stopping, and park brake.
Levers are used to steer, accelerate, decelerate and change
direction. When the control levers are in the park brake
position (3-3) the tractor will not move when the engin e
is on and drive pumps are operating.

WARNING: The parking brake may not hold the trac­tor if parked on a slope. Block or chock the machin e
when parked on a slope.

B. Deck lift pedal (Figure 3-3) — the deck lift pedal is used

to raise or lower the deck. Push on the pedal to raise the
deck and then place the deck height locking pin into the
desired cutting height hole.
Push the deck lift pedal to raise the deck when going over

obstructions.

Safety start interlock system

The tractor is equipped with a safety start interlock system

consisting of the park brake switches, seat switch, and deck

Figure 3-2

Control levers

shown in neutral position

Control lever

shown in park brake position

Deck lift pedal

B

operation. This system is an important tractor safety feature. It
should be repaired immediately if it malfunctions. The machine
incorporates a separate seat switch which will stop the tractor
engine when the operator is unseated for any reason while the
tractor is operating. This is a safety feature designed to prevent
runaway or accidental entanglement. To inspect the system:

1. The operator must be on the seat when testing the seat

switch.

2. Set both control levers in the park brake position.

3. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating

temperature.

4. With the deck clutch switch down and the control levers

in the park brake position, slowly raise off of the seat.

The engine should continue to run.

5. With the deck clutch switch up and/or the control levers
in the neutral position, slowly raise off of the seat. The
engine should stop.

6. If the engine fails to stop when the deck clutch switch is

up or one or both of the control levers is up and the
operator is off the seat, check the function of the seat
switch. If the seat switch is not operating properly (is not
opening or closing) and if the cause can not be
determined, replace the seat switch.

If the problem can not be located, contact your Hustler Dealer.

Figure 3-3

Figure 3-4

clutch switch.

Check tractor safety start interlock system daily, prior to

WARNING: The safety interlock system should
always function per steps 4 and 5. If it does not fun c­tion properly, it should be corrected immediately. Do
not operate machine without properly functioning seat
safety switch.

Engine starting

The tractor’s safety start interlock system is also designed to
protect the operator and others from accidental injury due to
unintentional engine starting. The engine starting motor will not
engage until:

A. Control levers are in the park brake position.

B. Deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF) position.

WARNING: The safety interlock system must not be
disconnected or bypassed. Doing so could cause the
machine to operate unexpectedly resulting in personal
injury.

NOTE: The operator’s seat is equipped with a separate

safety switch. If for any reason the operator should become
unseated when the control levers are not in the park brake posi­tion (park brake switches are disengaged) or the deck clutch
switch is engaged the engine will stop.

The following steps are the correct procedures for starting the
engine. If difficulty is encountered, contact the Hustler Dealer
in your area.

1. Before starting tractor each day, perform daily pre-

operation checking. (See Safety Start Interlock System
section)

2. Make sure the control levers are in the park brake

position and deck clutch switch is disengaged. Only start
the engine from the operator’s position.

3. Use choke, if unit is equipped with one, when engine is

cold, or if warm engine fails to start within 5 seconds of

3-4 602223_0609

cranking. Avoid flooding and operate engine without

Tow valve

ROPS

Retaining rings

Clevis

pin

choking as soon as possible.

4. Set throttle at approximately 1/2 open position.

5. Insert key in ignition switch and rotate full clockwise to

engage starting motor. Release key when engine starts.

IMPORTANT: The engine starter should not be operated

for periods longer than 30 seconds at a time. An interval of at
least two minutes should be allowed between such cranking
periods to protect the starter from overheating and burn-out.

6. Perform test to make sure safety start interlock system is

operating properly. Refer to Safety start interlock system
section.

7. As soon as engine begins to run, check to make certain

the oil warning light, check engine light and alternator
warning light (if applicable) are off. If not, stop engine
immediately and check for the cause.

8. Allow the engine to idle a few minutes before advancing

the throttle and/or engaging the deck clutch.

Stopping the engine

Use the following procedure to shut off the engine after

operating the equipment.

1. Place the control levers in the park brake position

2. Disengage the deck clutch

3. Throttle back to low idle for a couple of minutes

4. Rotate ignition key counter-clockwise to the “OFF”

position. Remove the key from switch before leaving the
tractor.

Figure 3-5

Moving tractor with stalled engine

If it becomes necessary to move the tractor when the engine is
inoperative, the hydraulic pumps are equipped with bypass
valves. Before moving the unit, turn bypass valves counter
clockwise one-half to one revolution. The valve stems on each
hydraulic pump are located near the top and are identified as a
hex stud. The valve is located per Figure 3-5.

The steering control levers must be placed in the neutral
position, to release the park brakes, so that the tractor can be
moved.

Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch to
load on a trailer for transporting.

When transporting on another vehicle, the tractor should be
facing forward and it must be secured.

IMPORTANT: Always make certain the two bypass valves

are returned to their operating position before running the trac­tor following repairs.

ROPS
(Roll Over Protective Structure)

A Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and seat belt is
provided with the equipment. Do not remove the ROPS and
seat belt. ROPS when used with seat belt is effective in
reducing injuries during unit overturn accidents. Overturning
the unit without ROPS can result in serious injury or death.

NOTE: Inspect the ROPS after t he first 20 hours of opera-

tion. Following the initial inspection, check the ROPS after
every 500 hours of operation or every six months, whichever
comes first. Figure 3-6

1. Check the torque of the ROPS mounting bolts. Tighten

the bolts to the correct torques as shown below if

Figure 3-6

necessary. Figure 3-7

2. Inspect the operator’s seat and the mounting parts for the

seat belt. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque as shown
below if necessary and replace parts that show wear or
damage.

Torque values are given below:

Ft-lbs. Nm

Hustler Z4 ROPS mounting bolts . . . . . . 73. . . . . 99

Seat belt mounting hardware. . . . . . . . . . 48. . . . . 65

The two-post ROPS can be pivoted down by removing the
right and left retaining rings and pulling out on the clevis pins so
that the machine can operate under low hanging tree limbs or

602223_0609 3-5

other obstructions. Do not wear the seat belt when the ROPS is

ROPS

mounting

bolts

in the lowered position. Use the ROPS in the “folded”
position only when it is absolutely necessary. Figure 3-6

Figure 3-7

WARNING: Do not operate the mower with the

ROPS folded (lowered position) as a standard operat­ing mode. A folded ROPS does not provide rollover
protection.

WARNING: Always wear your seat belt unless the
tractor is not equipped with a ROPS or if the ROPS is
folded down. In this case, the seat belt should never be
worn.

WARNING: To minimize chance of injury or death
from rollover: keep ROPS in the raised and locked
position and use the seat belt.
Never operate machine on a slope with the ROPS
folded down (lowered position).
There is no roll over protection when the ROPS is in
the lowered position.
Lower the ROPS only when absolutely necessary.
Drive slowly and carefully. Raise the ROPS as soon
as clearance permits. Read and follow slope operation
instructions and warnings.
Do not wear seat belt when the ROPS is in the lowered
position.

WARNING: Always pull from the tractor hitch. Do
not attach chains or ropes to the ROPS for pulling pur­poses, as the machine can tip backwards.

Always fasten seat belt during operation of the machine

(mower equipped with ROPS in “raised/up” position).

Inspect the area to be mowed for proper overhead clearance

(tree limbs, guy wires, doorways, etc)

Do not contact any overhead object with the ROPS.

Inspect the seat belt system (all seat, seat belt parts, seat pan
and seat pan latch) daily prior to mowing for signs of any
damage. These parts should be replaced if any parts indicate
signs of:

1. cuts

2. fraying

3. extreme or unusual wear

4. significant discoloration due to UV exposure

5. dirt or stiffness

6. abrasion to the seat belt webbing

7. damage to the buckle, latch plate or hardware.

8. or any other problem

If the seat belt is to be cleaned, use soap and water. Do not use
carbon tetrachloride, naphtha, etc., as these will weaken the
webbing. For the same reason, do not bleach or dye the
webbing. Replace seat belt if worn or damaged.

Possible damage to the ROPS

If the unit has rolled over or the ROPS has been in some other
type of accident (such as hitting an overhead object during
transport), the ROPS must be replaced to retain the best
protection.

Following an accident, check the ROPS, the operator’s seat,
and the seat belt and seat belt mountings for possible damage,
Before operating the machine, replace all damaged parts.

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to weld or straighten the

ROPS.

WARNING: If the ROPS or cab is removed or
replaced, make sure that the proper hardware is used
and the recommended torque values are applied to the
attaching bolts.

WARNING: The ROPS structure’s protective
capability may be impaired by structural damage,
overturn or alteration. Do not remove or alter any of

the ROPS parts. Do not attempt to weld or straighten
ROPS. Failure to adhere to these instructions could
result in severe injury or death.

Driving the tractor

DANGER: Never make sudden stops or reverse

direction, especially when maneuvering on a slope.
The steering is designed for sensitive response. Rapid
movement of the control levers in either direction
could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause

serious injury .

After starting engine, engage the control levers and steer as
follows:

To go forward, push control levers forward an equal distance
(Figure 3-8).

To go in reverse, pull control levers rearward an equal
distance (Figure 3-8).

To turn left, move the right control lever farther forward from
neutral than the left control lever.(Figure 3-8)

To turn right, move the left control lever farther forward
from neutral than the right control lever. (Figure 3-8)

“0” degree turn, move one control lever forward and the
other control lever back of neutral. This will allow the drive
wheels to counter-rotate. (Figure 3-8)

To stop or decrease speed, move control levers to neutral.
When going forward pull back gently on control levers. When
going in reverse push forward gently on control levers.

3-6 602223_0609

FRONT OF TRACTOR FACES THIS DIRECTION

NN

FORWARD TRAVEL ZERO DEGREE

TURN

FORWARD TRAVEL

RIGHT TURN

REVERSE TRAVEL

RIGHT TURN

REVERSE TRAVEL

mmz_steering.eps

N= NEUTRAL POSITION
Direction of arrows indicate direction of tractor movement

Figure 3-8

For emergency stop, when traveling forward or rearward,

place the steering control levers in the park brake position
immediately.

DANGER: When moving in the rearward direction
push forward gently on steering control levers and
avoid sudden movement. Any sudden movement
could cause the front of the mower to come off of the
ground resulting in possible loss of control, causing
serious injury or death.

To make a three point turn to the right, move the left

control lever farther forward from neutral than the right contro l
lever and start the turn. Next, pull back on the control levers
until they are past neutral and the machine starts to go rearward.
Pull right control lever farther rearward from neutral than the
left control lever until the rear of the machine has pivoted
around. Then, push the control levers forward until they are
both past neutral and the machine starts to go forward. Push the
left control lever farther forward from neutral than the right
control lever and finish the turn. (Figure 3-9)

IMPORT ANT: Rapid movement of control levers is not rec-

ommended as damage to the hydraulic system components may
occur.

To increase speed, increase control lever’s distance from

neutral. The farther forward control levers are from neutral, the
faster tractor will travel forward. The farther back control levers
are from neutral, the faster tractor will go in reverse.

Tractor towing

The tractor has a maximum towing capacity of 500 pounds.

This includes the trailer weight and the payload.

The trailer tongue is limited to a maximum of 50 pounds.
No other applications are approved.

Operating suggestions

DANGER: Prior to operating the tractor the operator

should be thoroughly familiar with the proper use and
operation of the equipment, should read the manual
completely and thoroughly, and should have attempted
slow moving maneuvers to become familiar with the
operation of the equipment before attempting normal
speed operation. An inexperienced operator should
not mow on slopes or on uneven terrain.

WARNING: If you lose steering control while oper­ating the machine, place the steering control levers
in the park brake position immediately. Inspect
the machine and involve your Hustler dealer to
resolve the problem before continuing to operate.

WARNING: The unit’s steering control levers are
very responsive: Easy does it! For smooth operation,
move lever slowly, avoid sudden movement. Skill and
ease of operation come with practice and experience.
The machine can spin very rapidly. Use caution when
making turns and slow down before making sharp
turns.

Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer and
lose control. Slow-moving practice maneuvers are
recommended to become familiar with these characteristics
before attempting normal speed operation.

WARNING: Sharp depressions or raised obstacles
(such as gutters or curbs) should not be directly
approached at high speed in an attempt to “jump”
them as the operator could be thrown from the equip­ment. Approach at a slow speed and angle one drive
wheel at the obstruction. Continue at an angle until
the wheel clears and then pivot the opposite wheel
around.

602223_0609 3-7

When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling either

forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel can

Step 1

Three point turn

Step 2

Step 3

R

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Neutral

Left control leverRight control lever

mmz_steering_1.eps

damage turf. This is especially important when mowing.

Tractor performance is maximum when the throttle is set at
full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels and
deck when needed. Use the control levers to control ground
speed rather than engine rpm.

Keep blades sharp. Many professional mowing companies
have additional sets of blades and change blades twice a day:
once in the morning and again at noon. Many problems with
incorrect cutting patterns are due to dull blades or blades which
have been sharpened incorrectly. Information on sharpening
blades is listed in this manual’s maintenance section. In
addition, most communities have individuals or companies
which specialize in sharpening mower blades. Blade sharpness

should be checked daily.

DANGER: Never work with blades while engine is
running or deck clutch switch is engaged (on).
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged
position, place control levers in the park brake posi­tion and turn engine off and disconnect negative bat­tery cable. Block up mower when you must work
under it. Wear gloves when handling blades. Always
check for blade damage if mower strikes rock,
branch or other foreign object during mowing!

Use high blade speed. Your mower is designed to operate at
full throttle. The throttle setting directly controls blade speed.
The highest blade speed generally gives best cut.

Direct grass discharge to right, away from unmown area.
Select a mowing pattern that directs grass discharge towards the
outside, not towards center, of mowing area. Generally, this
means using a pattern utilizing left turns because side discharge
is to right. In any case, avoid throwing grass discharge onto
unmowed area because grass is then mowed “twice”. Mowing
twice puts an unnecessary load on the unit and reduces mowing
efficiency.

When mowing a lawn for the first time cut grass slightly
longer than normal to avoid scalping uneven terrain. When
possible, it is best to use the cutting height that was used in the
past. When cutting grass taller than six inches, you may want to
mow the lawn twice to achieve a better quality of cut.

During normal mowing cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade. Cutting more than that is not recommended u nless grass

is sparse or it is the end of the mowing season.

Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass growing
straight and better dispersion of the clippings.

Remember, grass grows at different rates at different time
of the year. Mow more often in the early spring to maintain the
same cutting height. As the growth rate slows in mid summer,
mow less frequently. If you cannot mow at a regular interval,
mow at a high cutting height; then mow again two days later at a
lower cutting height.

Raise the cutting height of the mower if the cutting width of
the mower is wider than the previous mower. This ensures that
uneven turf is not cut too short.

Raise the cutting height of the mower if the grass if slightly
taller than normal or if it contains a high degree of moisture.
Then mow it again with the cutting height set lower.

Figure 3-9

3-8 602223_0609

Discharge

chute

Height adjusting bar

Height adjusting stop

Anti-scalp wheel

Mount holes

If the machine’s forward motion must be stopped while

mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn.
To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the blades
engaged.

WARNING: Never direct discharge of material from
mower deck towards bystanders. Do not operate the
mower without either the discharge chute or the entire

grass collection system in place. Figure 3-10

Figure 3-10

Mower deck operation

DANGER: Never attempt to make any adjustments to

the mower deck while the engine is running or with
the deck drive clutch engaged. Mower blades cannot
be seen and are located very close to deck housing.
Fingers and toes can be cut off instantly.

With the engine running, engage the deck clutch switch

(Figure 3-1) and advance engine throttle to full rpm.

NOTE: Engaging the deck clutch at high engine rpm or

when under heavy load (in tall grass for example) can cause
belts and/or electric clutch to slip, resulting in premature wear or
possible damage.

The notch located at the rear of the height adjusting bar is to

be used when the deck is placed in the transport mode.

Figure 3-11

Anti-scalp wheels

Anti-scalp wheel kits are standard on Hustler Mid Mount Z
units. These anti-scalp wheels are designed to minimize
scalping when mowing on rough uneven terrain.

After setting the cutting height, adjust the front anti-scalp
wheels so they extend below the deck but do not contact the
ground. They should always be at least 1/4” to 3/4” (6.35m m
to 19.05mm) below the deck. With the unit sitting on a flat level
surface, the front wheel position can be adjusted up or down as
needed from 3/4” to 1-3/4” (19.05mm to 44.45mm) below the
blade surface. Move the front wheels up or down, in 1/2”
(12.70mm) increments, using the different axle mount holes in
the wheel mount bracket. Figure 3-12

When adjusting the rear anti-scalp wheels, the wheel should
be in the lower axle mount hole when the front anti-scalp wheels
are in the lower or middle axle mount holes. When the front
wheels are in the upper axle mount hole, the rear wheels should
be in the upper axle mount hole as well.

NOTE: When the anti-scalp wheels are installed, the mini-

mum cutting height is 1-1/2” (3.81 cm) with the anti-scalp
wheels set at 3/4” (1.91cm).

Deck cutting height adjustment

Deck height is adjustable from 1-1/2” to 4-1/2” (3.81 cm -

11.43 cm) in 1/4” (.64 cm) increments. The holes in the height
adjusting bar are spaced at 1/2” (1.27 cm) intervals. By turning
the height adjusting stop around, 1/4” (.64 cm) increments can
be attained due to the 1/4” (.64 cm) plate that is part of the stop.
Figure 3-11

EXAMPLE: When the height adjusting stop is placed in the

1-1/2” (3.81 cm) hole, with the 1/4” (.64 cm) plate facing to
the front of the unit, the cutting height is at 1-1/2”. When the
height adjusting stop is placed in the 1-1/2” (3.81 cm) hole,

with the 1/4” (.64 cm) plate on the operator’s side of the
hole, the cutting height is at 1-3/4” (4.45 cm).

602223_0609 3-9

Figure 3-12

3-10 602223_0609

MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS

Safe Servicing Practices

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid
serious injury or death.

Service

V Unless specifically required, DO NOT have engine run-

ning when servicing or making adjustments to tractor.
Park the machine on level ground. Place steering control
levers in the park brake position, disengage deck clutch,
lower deck, remove ignition switch key and disconnect
negative battery cable before doing any maintenance.
Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning
or repairing. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine
power should be performed by trained maintenance per­sonnel only. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoni ng, be
sure proper ventilation is available when engine must be
operated in an enclosed area. Read and observe safety
warnings in front of manual.

V Before working on or under the deck, make certain

engine cannot be accidentally started. Shut engine off,
remove ignition switch key and disconnect negative bat­tery cable for maximum safety. Repairs or maintenance
requiring engine power should be performed by trained
maintenance personnel only.

V Except when changing or checking belt, always keep belt

covers on mower deck for safety as well as cleanliness.

V Use a stick or similar instrument to clean under the

mower making sure that no part of the body, especially
arms and hands are under mower.

V Keep your machine clean and remove any deposits of

trash and clippings, which can cause engine fires and
hydraulic overheating as well as excessive belt wear.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool
before storing.

V Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent

fires by keeping engine compartment, top of deck,
exhaust area, battery, hydraulic lines, fuel line, fuel
tank and operator’s station clean of accumulated
trash, grass clippings, and other debris. Always clean
up spilled fuel and oil.

V Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing the

hydraulic system and battery, or when grinding mower
blades and removing accumulated debris.

V Use extra caution when handling gasoline and other

fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

V Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong odor

of gasoline fumes present. Locate and correct cause.

V Never remove the fuel cap or refuel tractor while engine

is running; never refuel near an open flame or near
devices which can create a spark. Refuel outdoors. Never
refuel or drain the fuel from the machine indoors.

V Never run the engine in an enclosed area unless exhaust

is vented to the outside. Exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide which is odorless and deadly poison.

V Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to the

tractor drive system, mower deck or any attachment

602223_0609 9-1

while the tractor engine is running or deck clutch is
engaged. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power
should be performed by trained maintenance personnel
only.

V Never work under the machine or attachment unless it is

safely supported with jack stands. Make certain machine
is secure when it is raised and placed on the jack stands.
The jack stands should not allow the machine to move
when the engine is running and the drive wheels are
rotating. Use only certified jack stands. Use only
appropriate jack stands, with a minimum weight rating of
2000 pounds to block the unit up. Use in pairs only. Fol­low the instructions supplied with the vehicle stands.

V Do not touch hot parts of machine.
V Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment

bolts. Keep equipment in good working condition.

V Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly.

V Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or

unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the dis­charge chute with the engine running. Turn off the
engine and be sure the blades have stopped before clean­ing. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area. Never

use your hand!

V Grass collection system 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.

V Exercise caution when working under the deck as the

mower blades are extremely sharp. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.

V Use only genuine Hustler replacement parts to ensure that

original standards are maintained

Introduction

Regular maintenance is the best prevention for costly
downtime or expensive, premature repair. The following pages
contain suggested maintenance information and schedules
which the operator should follow on a routine basis. The
following pages contain suggested ma intenan ce inf ormation an d
schedules which the operator should follow on a routine basis.
For more detailed information order the correct parts manual for
your unit. Refer to the Product Literature section of this
manual.

Remain alert for unusual noises, they could be signaling a
problem. Visually inspect the machine for any abnormal wear
or damage. A good time to detect potential problems is while
performing scheduled maintenance service. Correcting the
problem as quickly as possible is the best insurance.

Clear away heavy build-up of grease, oil and dirt, especially
in the engine and under the seat platform areas; minute dust
particle are abrasive to close-tolerance engine and hydraulic
assemblies.

Daily inspect mower for grass clippings and wire and string
tangles. The underside of the mower deck will collect a build­up of grass clippings and dirt, especially when grass is wet or
has high moisture content. This build-up will harden, restricting

blade and air movement and will probably show a poorer quality

Hydraulic reservoir

Battery

Hydraulic

filter

of cutting. Therefore it should be removed routinely.

To do this it will be necessary to raise and block the deck,
using jack stands or blocks, in the full up position and scrape the
build-up from underneath.

Some repairs require the assistance of a trained service
mechanic and should not be attempted by unskilled personnel.
Consult your Hustler service center when assistance is needed.

Torque values

WARNING: Particular attention must be given to

tightening the drive wheel lug nuts and blade spindle
bolts. Failure to correctly torque these items may
result in the loss of a wheel or blade, which can cause
serious damage or personal injury.

Torque values are given below:

Ft-lbs. Nm

Wheel (lug) nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-75. . . . . 88.14-101.7

Blade spindle bolt top . . . . . . . . . . . . 118. . . . . . . . .160.01

Blade spindle bolt bottom. . . . . . . . .118. . . . . . . . .160.01

Wheel motor nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200-210. . . . 271.2-284.7

Lug nuts only - It is recommended that these be checked after
the first 2 hours of operation, initially, every 50 hours and
following removal for repair or replacement.

For all other torques refer to the various tractor parts manuals
for standard torque chart. See Product Literature section for
ordering information.

For engine torque values, see engine owner’s manual.

Tires

It is important for level mowing that the tires have the sam e
amount of air pressure. The recommended pressure are:

Drive wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12 psi (55-83 KPa)

Gauge wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12 psi (55-83 KPa)

Solid fill tires are not recommended for Hustler turf
equipment. On any machine, with solid filled tires, the warranty
claim will be denied.

Lubrication

Use SAE multi-purpose grease.

WARNING: Avoid skin and clothing contact with
battery acid.
Always wear eye protection when checking the bat­tery, acid can cause serious injury to skin and eyes. If
contact occurs, flush area with clean water and call
physician immediately. Acid will also damage cloth­ing.
Do not drink the battery electrolyte.
Do not allow open flame near the battery when charg­ing.
Hydrogen gas forms inside the battery. This gas is
both toxic and flammable and may cause an explosion
if exposed to flame. Always remove the negative
ground first and replace it last.
Do not overfill battery.
Electrolyte may overflow and damage paint, wiring or
structure. When cleaning the battery, use soap and
water. Be careful not to get soap and water into the
battery. Clean the battery terminals with a solution of
four parts water and one part baking soda when they
become corroded.

WARNING: Shorts caused by battery terminals or
metal tools touching metal tractor components can
cause sparks. Sparks can cause a battery gas explo­sion which will result in personal injury.
Prevent the battery terminals from touching any metal
tractor parts when removing or installing the battery.
Do not allow metal tools to short between the battery
terminals and metal tractor parts.

WARNING: Incorrect battery cable routing could
cause damage to the tractor and battery cables. This
can cause sparks which can cause a battery gas explo­sion which will result in personal injury.
Always disconnect the negative (black) battery
cable(s) before disconnecting the positive (red)
cable(s).
Always connect the positive (red) battery cable(s)

before connecting the negative (black) cable(s).

Electrical system

The electrical system is a 12 volt, negative ground.
Recommended battery size is a garden tractor BCI group U1R
with 225 or better cranking AMP rating. A maintenance-free
battery is recommended. Otherwise, follow battery
manufacturer’s maintenance, safety, storing and charging
specifications. Figure 9-1

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: Charge batteries in an open well venti­lated area, away from sparks and flames. Unplug
charger before connecting or disconnecting from bat­tery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.

Figure 9-1

9-2 602223_0609

Hydraulic system

Fuel filter

IMPORTANT: Never use hydraulic or automatic transmis-

sion fluid in this system; use only motor oil as specified.
Remember, dirt is the primary enemy of any hydraulic system.

WARNING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury. Foreign fluid injected into the skin must
be surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor,
familiar with this form of injury, or gangrene may
result.
Before applying pressure to hydraulic system, make
sure all connections are tight and all hoses and lines
are in good condition. To find a leak under pressure,
use a piece of cardboard or wood — never use your
hands. Relieve all pressure in the system before dis­connecting or working on hydraulic lines. To relieve
pressure, lower all attachments and shut off engine.

Check oil level in hydraulic system after every 50 hours of
operation or weekly, whichever occurs first. Check more often
if system appears to be leaking or otherwise malfunctioning.

Fluid level should be 1” (2.54cm) from top of reservoir. Use
only SAE 20W50 SL/SM service motor oil. Figure 9-1

Change hydraulic system filter element after first 50 hours of
tractor operation, then replace filter and oil in reservoir every
500 hours thereafter. Figure 9-1

The system filter is located in front of the hydraulic reservoir.
A standard oil filter wrench is used to change filter, threads are
right handed. Use a Hustler approved filter element only.

IMPORTANT: Prefill the filter element with clean oil,

before installing, to prevent drawing air into the system pump.

• Do not remove fuel cap or fill tank with engine running
or while engine is hot. Clean up any fuel spills.

• Allow engine to cool before stori ng machine inside a
building.

• Keep fuel away from open flame or spark and store
machine away from open flame or spark or pilot light
such as on a water heater or appliances.

• Use extreme care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and vapors are
explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you
and others and can damage property.

• Refuel outdoors. Never refuel or drain the fuel from the
machine indoors.

• Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong
odor of gasoline or diesel fuel fumes present. Locate
and correct cause.

• Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of
the reach of children. Never buy more than a 30 day
supply of fuel.

• Do not fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with interior carpets or plastic truck
bed liners. Always place fuel containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.

• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel the equipment with its
wheels on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on the truck or trailer using a
portable container and not a fuel dispenser nozzle. If a
gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used, keep the noz­zle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container
opening at all times until fueling is complete. D o not
use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Never use gasoline for cleaning parts.

• Read and observe safety precautions elsewhere in this
manual.

Fuel system

DANGER: To avoid personal injury or property dam-

age, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

DANGER: Observe usual fuel handling precautions:
Do not smoke while refueling. Extinguish all ciga­rettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Figure 9-2

WARNING: Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swal-

lowed.
Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury
and illness.
Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank or fuel con­tainer opening.
Keep gas away from eyes and skin.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi­ately.

The fuel tanks are located in the tractor’s fenders.
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or

higher. IMPORTANT: Never use methanol, gasoline
containing methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10%
ethanol because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix
oil with gasoline.

The fuel filter is an in-line filter located in the fuel line

between the fuel tank and the fuel pump. Figure 9-2

A fuel shut-off valve is located on each tractor. The location

and operation of the fuel valve will vary depending upon the
unit. Close the fuel valve to prevent fuel flow to the engine.
The valve’s two other positions will allow fuel to be drawn from
either one or the other fuel tank. Figure 9-3

602223_0609 9-3

Figure 9-3

Fuel shutoff valve

(shown in closed position)

Left fuel tank

Right fuel tank

Engine oil fill

& dipstick

Oil filter

Oil drain

Air cleaner

Safety filter

Engine oil and filter

Check engine oil daily and after every 4 hours of operation.
Tractor must be setting level when checking oil. Refer to
engine manual and maintenance schedule for oil
recommendation and capacities. Figure 9-4

Change the engine oil and filter after the first 5 hours of
operation, per the engine manufacturer’s recommendations after
that. If tractor is being operated in extremely dirty conditions,
then it is recommended oil be changed more frequently.

Figure 9-4

Engine air filter

Perform engine air filter maintenance per the Service Interval
chart shown elsewhere in this manual.

A specially designed dry filter is standard equipment on these
tractors and supplies clean combustion air to the engine. Figure
9-5.

These units are equipped with a safety filter. The filter
element slides over the safety filter. Figure 9-6

NOTE: The safety filter does not require servicing unless it

becomes contaminated with dirt or moisture.

Recommended service procedure

1. Release clamps and remove element. Clean the canister

Figure 9-5

Figure 9-6

with a damp cloth.

2. Before installing a new element, inspect it by placing a

bright light inside and rotate the element slowly, looking
for any holes or tears in the paper. Also check gaskets for
cuts or tears. Do not attempt to use a damaged element
which will allow abrasive particles to enter the engine.

3. Reinstall the dust cup. Make sure it seals all the way

around the air cleaner body, then tighten the clamps.

4. Check all fittings and clamps periodically for tightness

and inspect hoses for holes or cracks.

5. Periodically check the intake hose for signs of ingested

dust. Locate and repair the source of ingested dirt.

6. Never operate a machine without an air filter installed.

Overservicing

Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is removed
for cleaning or replacement before it is necessary . Each time the
filter is removed a small amount of dirt and dust could fall in the
intake system. This accumulated dirt can cause a dusted engine.
It only takes a few grams of ingested dirt over the normal

9-4 602223_0609

service life of an engine to cause a dusted engine.

Bladeshp.eps

Resharpening

pattern

Do not sharpen to original pattern (below). It is

easier to get a straight cutting edge following

the resharpening pattern shown above.

Original edge

Do not clean element, replace with a new element only.

Cleaning used air filter elements, through improper cleaning
procedures, can get dust on the inside of the filter causing dirt
ingestion and engine failure.

It is important to note that whenever an air filter element is

cleaned by any method, the person or company performing
the cleaning assumes responsibility for the integrity of the
filter from then on. The warranty for air filters expires

upon cleaning or servicing in any manner because the
condition of the filter after servicing is completely out of
their control. Therefore, on a dust ingested engine
failure, there will be no warranty consideration if the air
filter element has been cleaned or serviced in any manner.

A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new
element. Therefore, a dirty filter element is not bad for the
engine unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and
engine performance is affected. The reason is simple. The
media in the filter must be porous to allow air to pass through
it. When dirty air passes through the filter, the dirt plugs
some of the holes in the media and actually acts as part of the
filter media. When the next round of dirt enters, the first dirt
helps filter out even smaller particles making the filter more
efficient at stopping dirt from entering the engine. This is
referred to as barrier filtration.

Of course, at some point the filter media becomes too
clogged to allow air to pass.

The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of air
filter element changing.

General engine maintenance

Detailed instructions and recommendations for break-in
and regular maintenance are specified in the Engine Owner’s
manual. Please refer to this manual for engine servicing,
lubricating oil levels with quality and viscosity
recommendations, bolt torques, etc. The engine warranty is
backed by the manufacturer. Special attention should be paid
to applicable data which will not be duplicated here.

damage the fibers of the belt covering.

Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt
dressings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a
very short time.

Mower blade maintenance

Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power
efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep them sharp, a dull
blade will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown
ragged top on the grass within a few hours. A dull blade also
requires more power from the engine.

Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.

WARNING: Never attempt to straighten a bent
blade by heating, or weld a cracked or broken blade
as the blade may break and cause serious injury.
Replace worn or damaged blades.

DANGER: Never work with blades while engine is
running or deck clutch switch is engaged (on).
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged
position, place control levers in the park brake posi­tion and turn engine off and disconnect negative
battery cable. Block up mower when you must
work under it. Wear gloves when handling blades.
Always check for blade damage if mower strikes
rock, branch or other foreign object during mow­ing!

WARNING: Always wear adequate eye protection
when grinding mower blades.

Belts

Inspect belts frequently for wear and serviceability.
Replace a belt that shows signs of severe cuts, tears,
separation, weather checking and cracking, or burns caused
by slipping. Slight raveling of belt covering does not indicate
failure, trim ravelings with a sharp knife.

WARNING: If the pump belt fails, loss of control
will occur especially when operating on a slope. If

you lose steering control while operating the
machine, place the steering control levers in the
park brake position immediately. Inspect the
machine and involve your Hustler dealer to
resolve the problem before continuing to oper­ate.

Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A
new belt, or one in good condition, should never run against
the bottom of the groove. Replace the pulley when this is the
case, otherwise belt will lose power and slip excessively.

Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or

602223_0609 9-5

Figure 9-7

Figure 9-8

Bladewrp.ai

Warped Blade (Replace)

Straight Blade

Cutting

plane

Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades

Bladetwt.ai

Cutting edge

Twisted Blade Edge

(replace)

Cutting edgeCutting Plane

Straight Blade Edge

End view of blades, comparing

twisted and straightened blades

Forward/rearward

travel lever

Back angle

control

Seat adjustment

There are two seat options available for this machine;
standard and suspension. The following are the adjustments for
each of these seats.

Standard seat

The standard seat has one adjustment; forward and rearward
travel. Figure 9-10

Figure 9-9

Mower blade removal

Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the 5/8" cap screw holding the

blade to the spindle shaft from underneath. NOTE: A blade
holding tool (part number 381442) is available from Hustler
Turf Equipment. It is designed to prevent the blades from
rotating when they are being removed or installed on the
spindle. Contact your Hustler dealer for more information.

Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown

(Figure 9-7). Touch-up sharpening can be done with a file.

Check the blades for balance following grinding. A
commercial balancing tool is available through most hardware
supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on
an inverted line punch or 1/2" bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt.
Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out
of balance, true it up before reinstalling.

Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion
(Figure 9-8 & Figure 9-9). Replace any distorted blade.

Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or
undercut threads. Torque bolts on spindles to 118 foot-pounds
(160.0 nm) when reinstalling blades.

IMPORTANT: When mounting blades, rotate them after

installation to ensure blade tips do not touch each other or sides
of the mower.

WARNING: Failure to correctly torque the bolt may
result in the loss of the blade which can cause serious
injury.

WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution
when servicing them.

Figure 9-10

Suspension seat

The suspension seat can be adjusted four different ways to

obtain the most comfortable position:

1. Back angle Figure 9-11

2. Forward and rearward travel Figure 9-12

3. Weight Figure 9-12

4. Lumbar Figure 9-13

Figure 9-11

Control lever adjustment

The steering control levers can be adjusted for operator
comfort. By loosening the cap screws that attaches the upper
control lever to the lower lever (Figure 9-14), the upper control
lever can be pivoted to fit the operator’s personal preference.

The steering control levers should be adjusted so that they
align with each other when in the neutral position

9-6 602223_0609

Figure 9-12

Weight adjusting control

Forward/rearward

travel lever

Lumbar control

Cap screws

Upper

control

arm

Lower

lever

Figure 9-13

.

602223_0609 9-7

Figure 9-14

Hustler Z4 48/54/60

Maintenance Schedule

Refer to Fig. 4-15

SERVICE AT

INTERVALS INDICATED

Verify safety start interlock system Prior to each use
Visually inspect unit for loose

hardware and/or damaged parts Prior to each use
Visually inspect tires Prior to each use
Check oil level, engine (1) Prior to each use or every 4 hours
Clean air intake screen (8) Prior to each use or every 4 hours
Check fuel level Prior to each use
Blades - sharpen & securely fastened Prior to each use
Discharge chute - securely in place &

in lowest position Prior to each use
Clean engine and pump

compartment Daily
Replace air cleaner paper element

(5)
Grease deck pusher arms X
Grease pump idler X
Grease deck height pivots X
Grease gauge wheel bearings X
Change engine oil and filter (1) (4) X
Clean cylinder and head fins(a) X
Check battery connections X
Check tire pressure with a gauge X
Check hydraulic oil level X
Clean engine exterior (a) X
Clean & regap spark plugs (a) X
Check pump and deck belt tension

and condition (6) X
Check fuel and hydraulic lines (7) X
Check fuel valve and grommet (7) X
Tighten lug nuts on wheels (2) X
Change fuel filter X
Clean or replace hydraulic fill cap X
Change hydraulic filter & oil (3) X
Grease deck spindle housings X
Replace spark plugs X
Check ROPS mounting hardware (9) X

WEEKLY

OR 50

HOURS

MONTHLY

OR 100
HOURS

As needed

ANNUALLY

OR 500

HOURS

NOTES:

1. Initial oil change is after 5 hours of operation. Thereafter, change oil after every 40 hours

operation. Change more often under dusty or dirty conditions and during hot weather periods.

2. Torque initially and after first 2 hours of operation.

3. Perform initial hydraulic filter change after 50 hours (one week) of operation.

4. Change engine oil filter per the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Refer to Engine

Owner’s Manual for recommendations and other maintenance items.

5. Service more often under dusty or dirty conditions. Use caution when servicing to prevent dust

contamination in the engine. Do not clean filter element. Replace with a new one.

6. Pump drive belt only - Inspect every 100 hours and replace if worn or cracking is noticed.

Otherwise, replace every 400 hours or 2 years whichever comes first.

7. Check fuel line hoses, fuel valve and grommets for any cracks or leaks

8. More often under dusty or dirty conditions and during hot weather.

9. Inspect ROPS after the first 20 hours of operation and then after every 500 hours of operation or

yearly whichever comes first.

REFERENCES:

a — Refer to Engine Owner’s Manual

NOTE: After completing maintenance cycle, repeat cycle.

9-8 602223_0609

13

13

14

16

17

17

17

15

1

3

4

5

6

6

7

11

10

9

12

9

11

12

2

8

Hustler Z4 48/54/60

Maintenance Locator Chart

Maintenance Locator Chart

1. Engine Oil Fill & Dipstick

2. Fuel Filter

3. Engine Air Cleaner

4. Engine Oil Drain Plug

5. Battery

6. Fuel Tanks

7. Hydraulic Oil Expansion Tank

8. Hydraulic Oil Filter

9. Gauge Wheel Bearing Zerks (2)

10. Engine Oil Filter

11. Deck Height Pivot Zerks (4)

12. Park Brake Switch

13. Drive Tire

14. Pump Idler Zerk (1)

15. Deck Belt

16. Pump Belt

17. Blades

602223_0609 9-9

Figure 9-14

9-10 602223_0609

HUSTLER Z4 TROUBLESHOOTING

SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES

Steering control levers not
in park brake position or
switch not adjusted

Deck clutch switch
engaged

Starting motor does not
crank

The engine will not start,
starts hard or fails to
keep running

Engine:
Runs with continuous
misfiring or engine runs
unevenly or erratically

Loss of power or sys­tem will not operate in
either direction

Overheating Air intake screen or clean-

Low engine oil pressure

High oil consumption Numerous See your dealer

Weak or dead battery Recharge or replace

Electrical connections are
corroded or loose

20 amp fuse is blown Replace the 20 amp

For additional causes See engine manual

No fuel or line plugged Fill tank or replace line

Fuel valve is turned off Open the fuel valve

There is incorrect fuel in
the fuel system

There is dirt in the fuel fil­ter

Dirt, water or stale fuel in
the fuel system

The choke is not on Move the choke lever to

Numerous See engine manual

Numerous See engine manual

Restrictions in air cleaner Serv ice air cleaner

Hydraulic line blockage See your dealer

Internal interference or
leakage in wheel motor

Insufficient hydraulic oil
supply

Poor compression See your dealer

Steering linkage needs
adjustment

Tow valve open Close tow valve

The traction drive belt is
worn, loose or broken

Air in system Check filter and fittings

For additional causes See engine manual

ing fins clogged

For additional causes See engine manual

Low oil level Add oil

Oil diluted or too light Change oil and check for

Failed oil pump See your dealer

602223_0609 5-1

SUGGESTED

REMEDIES

Place steering control
levers in park brake posi­tion or re-adjust switch

Disengage clutch switch

Check the electrical con­nections

fuse

(See Fuel System section
for more details)

Drain the tank and replace
the fuel with the proper
type

Replace the fuel filter

Contact your Hustler
Dealer

ON

See your dealer

Check level in reservoir

Have dealer check
hydraulic pump

Adjust linkage

Install a new traction drive
belt

Clean screen and fin

source of contamination

SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES

Steering control linkage

Tractor jerky when start­ing or
operates in one direc­tion only

Hydraulic system oper­ates hot (oil in reservoir
smells rancid)

Tractor creeps when
steering control levers
are in neutral

Tractor circles or veers
in one direction

Tractor creeps when
parking brake engaged

There is abnormal vibra­tion

Uneven cutting height

Blades do not rotate The deck drive belt is

needs adjustment

Pump or wheel motors
faulty

Tow valves not closed
completely

Low hydraulic oil level Fill reservoir

Hydraulic pump faulty See your dealer

Steering linkage needs
adjustment

Steering linkage needs
adjustment

Wheel motors faulty See your dealer

Tires improperly inflated Adjust air pressure to 8 -

Hydraulic pump faulty See your dealer

Steering linkage out of
adjustment

Brakes need adjustment Adjust parking brakes

The engine mounting
bolts are loose

The engine pulley, idler
pulley or blade pulley is
loose

The engine is pulley is
damaged

The cutting blade(s) is/are
bent or unbalanced

A blade mounting bolt is
loose

Spindle bearing is worn or
loose

A blade spindle is bent Contact your Hustler

The blade(s) are not
sharp

A cutting blade(s) is/are
bent

The deck is not level Level the deck per the

An anti-scalp wheel is not
set correctly

The underside of the deck
is dirty

Tires improperly inflated Adjust air pressure to 8 -

A blade spindle is bent Contact your Hustler

worn, loose or broken

The deck drive belt is off
the pulley

Electric clutch is not
engaging

SUGGESTED

REMEDIES

Adjust linkage

See your dealer

Close tow valves

Adjust linkage

Adjust linkage

12 psi

Adjust steering linkage

Tighten the engine mount­ing bolts

Tighten the appropriate
pulley

Contact your Hustler
Dealer

Install new cutting
blade(s)

Tighten the blade mount­ing bolt

Replace or tighten spindle
bearing

Dealer

Sharpen the blades

Install new cutting
blade(s)

Deck leveling and height
adjustment section of the
parts manual

Adjust the height of the
anti-scalp wheel

Clean the underside of the
deck

12 psi

Dealer

Install a new deck drive
belt

Install the deck drive belt
and check for a reason

Check and/or replace 10
amp fuse.
Contact your Hustler
dealer

STORAGE

When storing the unit at the end of the mowing season, the
following steps should be taken to ensure readiness for the next
mowing season.

1. Remove all grass, dirt, and trash from tractor and cutting

units.
IMPORTANT: Wash the machine with a mild detergent
and water. Do not pressure wash the machine. Avoid
excessive use of water
Clean tractor and mower and touch up all scrapes with
touch-up paint.

2. Replace air filter element.

3. Check thoroughly for any worn or damaged parts that

need replacing and order them from your dealer.

4. Block tractor up so weight is of f tires. Check tire pressure

and inflate to proper operating pressure.
NOTE: Do not deflate tires.

5. Perform separate engine and battery preparation as listed

below.

6. Store tractor in a clean, dry place.

Preparation of engine for storage

When engine is to be unused for long periods, proceed as
follows:

1. Run engine for a minimum of 15 minutes.

2. Drain oil from crankcase while engine is still warm.

3. Refill with fresh oil of proper viscosity.

4. Drain fuel tanks.

5. Remove and replace fuel filter.

6. Clean exterior surface of engine. Spread a light film of

oil over any exposed metal surfaces of engine that are
subject to corrosion.

7. Check oil filler cap and fuel tank cap to make certain they

are securely in place.

Preparation of battery for storage

When the machine is to be unused for long periods, it is best
to disconnect the batteries and remove them from the unit. At
this time perform the following battery maintenance:

1. Remove the battery from machine

2. Clean battery , terminals and cable connectors

3. Charge the battery, if necessary

4. Store battery in a cool, dry place (do not expose to

freezing temperatures)

5. Always keep the battery fully charged. (Especially

important to prevent battery damage when the
temperature is below 32

New season preparation

Before starting the tractor following post season storage, the
following servicing is required:

1. Clean tractor, removing trash and dirt accumulation.

2. Check engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant levels.

3. Fill fuel tanks with fresh fuel. Bleed fuel system as

outlined in Maintenance section. Run machine at half
speed for 5 minutes, checking operation of steering
control lever. Stop engine and check for oil leaks, loose
fittings and so forth.

WARNING: At start of new season always check that
fresh oil and coolant have been added to machine. If
oil and coolant are drained at season’s end and not
replaced, engine damage will result.

4. Tighten any bolts that have loosened and make sure all

hair pins, cotter pins and clevis pins are in place.

5. Install all safety shields and review safety precautions

listed in this manual.

6. Check and inflate tires to 8-12 psi (55-83 kpa).

7. Install fully charged batteries and attach the battery

cables.

o

F.)

If you would like to view or print a copy of the Hustler Z4 product manuals go online to www.hustlerturf.com and click on the

MANUALS button.

PRODUCT LITERATURE

5-2 602223_0609

INDEX

PAGE PAGE

Anti-scalp wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Belts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Children
Control lever adjustment
Control Panel
Controls
Deck cutting height adjustment
Driving the tractor
Electrical system
Engine air filter
Engine oil and filter
Engine starting
Fuel system
General engine maintenance
Hydraulic system

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Mower deck operation

New season preparation

Operating suggestions

Operation safety

Parts and service

Preparation of battery for storage

Preparation of engine for storage

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure)

Safe operating practices

Safe servicing practices

Safety and instruction decals

Safety start interlock system

Seat adjustment

Service safety

Slope guide

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

. . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Lubrication
Maintanence introduction
Maintenance locator chart
Maintenance schedule
Model and serial number

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Moving tractor with stalled engine
Mower blade maintenance
Mower blade removal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Slope Operation

Stopping the engine

Tires

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

To the new owner

Torque values

Using a ramp

Using this manual

Warranty registration

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

602223_0609 6-1

6-2 602223_0609