John Deere L2048, L17.542, L1742, L2548 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
GX20928
I1
Scotts Lawn Tractors
L1742, L17.542, L2048 and L2548
OMGX20928 I1
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
North American Version
Litho in U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Thank You for Purchasing a Scotts Product
We appreciate having you as a customer and wish you
many years of safe and satisfied use of your machine.
Using Your Operator’s Manual
This manual is an important part of your machine and
should remain with the machine when you sell it.
Reading your operator’s manual will help you and others
avoid personal injury or damage to the machine.
Information given in this manual will provide the operator
with the safest and most effective use of the machine.
Knowing how to operate this machine safely and correctly
will allow you to train others who may operate this machine.
This manual and safety signs on your machine may also be
available in other languages (see your John Deere dealer
to order).
Sections in your operator’s manual are placed in a specific
order to help you understand all the safety messages and
learn the controls so you can operate this machine safely.
You can also use this manual to answer any specific
operating or servicing questions. A convenient index
located at the end of this book will help you to find needed
information quickly.
The machine shown in this manual may differ slightly from
your machine, but will be similar enough to help you
understand our instructions.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! This text is used to tell
the operator of actions or conditions that might
result in damage to the machine.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the
manual that may help the operator in the operation or
service of the machine.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
W
arning:
g
The Engine Exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, bir
defects or other reproductive harm
t
h
.
RIGHT-HAND and LEFT-HAND sides are determined by
facing in the direction the machine will travel when going
forward. When you see a broken line arrow (------>), the
item referred to is hidden from view.
Before delivering this machine, your dealer performed a
predelivery inspection to ensure best performance.
Special Messages
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention
to potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as
helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all
the information carefully to avoid injury and machine
damage.
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! This symbol and text
highlight potential hazards or death to the
operator or bystanders that may occur if the
hazards or procedures are ignored.
Introduction
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Product Identification
Record Identification Numbers
Scotts Lawn Tractors
L1742, L17.542, L2048 and L2548
PIN ( 010001- )
If you need to contact an Authorized Service Center for
information on servicing, always provide the product model
and identification numbers.
You will need to locate the model and serial number for the
machine and for the engine of your machine and record the
information in the spaces provided below.
DATE OF PURCHASE:
_________________________________________
DEALER NAME:
_________________________________________
DEALER PHONE:
_________________________________________
B
A
C
MX10531a
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (A):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (B):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
MOWER DECK SERIAL NUMBER (C):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Register Your Product and Warranty Online
To register your product through the Internet, simply go to
www.JohnDeereWarrantyRegistration.com. Completing the
information, either online or with the product warranty card,
will ensure the customer that their product receives all post
sales service and important product information.
Product Identification
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Safety ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Operating................................................................................................................................................................................9
Replacement Parts ............................................................................................................................................................... 27
Service Intervals...................................................................................................................................................................28
Service Lubrication...............................................................................................................................................................30
Service Engine .....................................................................................................................................................................32
Service Transmission ...........................................................................................................................................................39
Service Mower......................................................................................................................................................................40
Service Electrical..................................................................................................................................................................47
Service Miscellaneous.......................................................................................................................................................... 50
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................................53
Storage................................................................................................................................................................................. 57
Assembly..............................................................................................................................................................................59
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................................................62
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Index.....................................................................................................................................................................................70
All information, illustrations and
specifications in this manual are based
on the latest information at the time of
publication. The right is reserved to
make changes at any time without
John Deere Worldwide Commercial and
Consumer Equipment Division
notice.
COPYRIGHT© 2001
Deere & Co.
All rights reserved
Previous Editions
COPYRIGHT©
OMGX20928 I1 - English
Table of Contents
SAFETY
Safety
Understanding The Machine Safety Labels
Safety Alert Symbol
The machine safety labels shown in this section are placed
in important areas on your machine to draw attention to
potential safety hazards.
On your machine safety labels, the words DANGER,
WARNING, and CAUTION are used with this safety-alert
symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards.
The operator’s manual also explains any potential safety
hazards whenever necessary in special safety messages
that are identified with the word, CAUTION, and the safetyalert symbol.
WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GX20207; MX7692
• Drive up and down slopes, not across.
• Avoid sudden turns.
• If machine stops going uphill, stop blades and back
down slowly.
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and switches) in
place and working.
DANGER: ROTATING BLADES CUT OFF ARMS AND LEGS
GX20207; MX7692
• Do not mow when children or others are around.
• Do not mow in reverse.
• Look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children even with blades off.
• Remove objects that could be thrown by blades.
• Read operator’s manual.
• When leaving machine:
–Stop engine
–Set park brake
–Remove key
DANGER - CAUTION: POISON
M128699; MX7686
Picture Note: Located on battery
Safety - 1
SAFETY
• Shield eyes, explosive gases can cause blindness or
injury.
• No sparks, flames, smoking.
• Sulfuric acid can cause blindness or severe burns.
• Flush eyes immediately with water. Get medical help
fast.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not tip.
• Keep vent caps tight and level.
DANGER: ROTATING BLADE-THROWN OBJECTS
DANGER: ROTATING BLADE
MX7694; M118610
Picture Note: Located on left side of deck. 42 (3 in
1) shown.
• Do not put hands or feet under or into mower when
engine is running.
MX7693; M89504
Picture Note: Two on right side of deck. 42 (3 in 1)
shown.
• Rotating blade.
• Do not put hands or feet under or into mower when
engine is running.
• Thrown objects.
• Before mowing, clear area of objects that may be thrown
by blade.
• Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire
grass catcher in place.
WARNING
MX7683; MX4878
Picture Note: Located on 20 and 25 hp Briggs and
Stratton engines.
• Read and follow Operating Instructions before running
engine.
• Gasoline is flammable. Allow engine to cool at least 2
minutes before refueling.
• Engines emit carbon monoxide, DO NOT run in
enclosed area.
Safety - 2
SAFETY
Emission Control System Certification Label
NOTE: Tampering with emission controls and
components by unauthorized personnel may result in
severe fines or penalties. Emission controls and
components can only be adjusted by EPA and/or CARB
authorized service centers. Contact your John Deere
Commercial and Consumer Equipment Retailer
concerning emission controls and component
questions.
The presence of an emissions label signifies that the
engine has been certified with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or California
Air Resources Board (CARB).
The emissions warranty applies only to those engines
marketed by John Deere that have been certified by the
EPA and/or CARB; and used in the United States and
Canada in off-road mobile equipment.
Emission Compliance Period
If your engine has the emission compliance category listed
on the emission control system certification or air index
label, this indicates the number of operating hours for which
the engine has been certified to meet EPA and/or CARB
emission requirements. The following table provides the
engine compliance period in hours associated with the
category found on the certification label.
Agency Category Hours
EPA C 250
EPA B 500
EPA A 1000
CARB Moderate 125
CARB Intermediate 250
CARB Extended 500
Certification
Your mower has been certified by an independent
laboratory for compliance with American National Standard
B-71.1, “Safety Specifications” for Power Lawn Mowers,
Lawn and Garden Tractors, and Lawn Tractors.
Operating Safely
MIF
• Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
manual, on the machine and on the safety video before
starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware
is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing
parts. Be sure guards and shields are in good condition
and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments
before you operate.
• Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire
grass catcher in place.
• Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or
service brakes as necessary.
• Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• If you hit an object, stop the machine and inspect it.
Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine and
attachments properly maintained and in good working
order.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and make
sure that no one is in the path of the discharge direction.
• Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Be careful of traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while operating
the machine. Safe operation requires your full attention.
• Older adults are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower accidents involving injury. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate a mower safely enough to
protect the operator and others from serious injury.
Safety - 3
SAFETY
Checking Mowing Area
• Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown.
Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
• Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do
not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.
• Test drive area with mower lowered but not running.
Slow down when you travel over rough ground.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades.
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
4. Lock the park brake.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the key.
Rotating Blades are Dangerous
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
• Rotating blades can cut off arms and legs, and throw
objects. Failure to observe safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from mower deck
when engine is running.
• Be alert at all times, drive forward carefully. People,
especially children can move quickly into the mowing area
before you know it.
• Before backing up, stop mower blades or attachments
and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially
for children.
• Do not mow in reverse.
• Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
• Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you
leave the operator’s seat.
Safety - 4
• Park machine safely before inspecting, removing, or
unplugging mower or bagger.
PROTECT CHILDREN:
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Keep children out of the mowing
area and under the watchful care of another responsible
SAFETY
adult.
• Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay
alert to the presence of children.
• Keep children indoors when you are mowing. Turn the
machine off if a child enters the mowing area.
• Use extra care when you come to blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your vision.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate the
machine.
• Do not carry or let children ride on any attachment or
machine even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a
cart or trailer.
Avoid Tipping
attachments. Remove weights when not required.
• Drive up and down a hill - not across.
• Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If machine
stops going up hill, disengage mower blades and back
down slowly.
• Mowing when grass is wet can cause reduced traction
and sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Keep Riders Off
• Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate on
a slope. Choose a low gear or speed so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary. Turn slowly and
turn downhill. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the
terrain. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Keep away from drop-offs, ditches and embankments.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
• Use recommended weights for added stability when
operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted
MIF
• Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.
• Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by
foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious
injury.
• Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the
machine being operated in an unsafe manner.
Towing Loads Safely
• Limit loads to those you can safely control. Use only
approved hitches when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment. Use counterweights or wheel weights as
required in this manual or your attachment manual.
• Do not tow children in a cart or trailer.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch
point.
• On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.
Safety - 5
SAFETY
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate for the job.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating the mower.
• Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs.
Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service
and operation requires your full attention.
Driving Safely on Public Roads
Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a collision
with another vehicle on public roads:
Practice Safe Maintenance
• Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep
area clean and dry.
• Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is
moving. Keep safety devices in place and in working
condition. Keep hardware tight.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away
from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting
caught.
• Lower attachments to the ground before servicing
machine. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock
park brake and remove the key. Let machine cool.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tightened, especially blade
attachment bolts.
• Securely support any machine elements that must be
raised for service work.
• Never run engine unless park brake is locked.
• Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving machines
when driven on public roads are hard to see, especially at
night.
• Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing
warning lights and turn signals according to local
regulations. Extra flashing warning lights may need to be
installed.
Safety - 6
• Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed.
Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts.
Replace all worn or damaged safety and instruction decals.
• To prevent fires, remove any buildup of grease, oil, or
debris from the machine, especially the engine
compartment.
• Charge battery in an open, well-ventilated area, away
from sparks. Unplug battery charger before connecting or
disconnecting from the battery. Use insulated tools.
• Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized
modifications may impair its function and safety.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while servicing
the machine. Safe service requires your full attention.
SAFETY
Prevent Fires
• Never remove fuel cap, or add fuel with engine running
or hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes.
• Never store equipment with fuel in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves,
or excessive grease.
• Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged
rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.
Handling Fuel Safely
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable:
• Do not refuel machine while you smoke, when machine
is near an open flame or sparks, or when engine is running.
stop engine and allow to cool before filling.
Tire Safety
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause
serious injury or death:
• Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper
equipment and experience to perform the job.
• Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate
the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or
heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an
increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion.
Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.
• When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension
hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and
NOT in front of or over the tire assembly.
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
• Never fill fuel tank or drain fuel from a machine in an
enclosed area. Fill fuel tank outdoors.
• Prevent fires. Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
• Do not store machine with fuel in tank in a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric
discharge. Use only non-metal, portable fuel containers
approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the
American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). If using a
funnel, make sure it is plastic and has no screen or filter.
• Static electric discharge can ignite gasoline vapors in an
ungrounded fuel container. Remove the fuel container from
the bed of a vehicle or the trunk of a car and place on the
Safety - 7
SAFETY
ground away from the vehicle before filling. Keep nozzle in
contact with container opening while filling.
• When practical, remove equipment from trailers or truck
beds and refuel them on the ground. If this is not possible,
use a portable, plastic fuel container to refuel equipment on
a truck bed or trailer.
• For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol.
Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environment.
Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid,
and batteries, can harm the environment and people:
• Do not use beverage containers for waste fluids someone may drink from them.
• See your local Recycling Center or John Deere dealer to
learn how to recycle or get rid of waste products.
• A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides specific
details on chemical products: physical and health hazards,
safety procedures, and emergency response techniques.
The seller of the chemical products used with your machine
is responsible for providing the MSDS for that product.
Safety - 8
OPERATING
Operating
Daily Operating Checklist
❏ Test safety systems.
❏ Check tire pressure.
❏ Check fuel level.
❏ Check engine oil level.
❏ Remove grass and debris from machine.
❏ Clean air intake screen.
❏ Check area below machine for leaks.
Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
• Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.
• Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted
surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.
• Be careful not to spill fuel on machine. Fuel may
damage surface. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight will damage the hood
surface.
Operator Station Controls
F - Reverse Implement Option Switch
A
G
B
C
D
E
F
MX10501
Picture Note: Console on Models L2048 and L2548
A - Throttle Lever
B - Choke Lever
C - Service Reminder/Hour Meter
D - Electric PTO Switch
E - Cruise Control Lever
F - Key Switch
G - Reverse Implement Option Switch
B
A
F
C
D
E
MX7697
Picture Note: Console on Models L1742 and
L17.542; Model L17.542 shown.
A - Throttle/Choke Lever
B - Service Reminder/Hour Meter
C - Mechanical PTO Lever
D - Cruise Control Lever (On Model L17.542 Only);
Storage Retainer (On Model L1742)
E - Key Switch
A
B
MX7694
A - Park Brake Lock Lever
B - Brake/Clutch Pedal
Operating - 9
OPERATING
A
B
MX7696
Picture Note: Automatic/Foot Control Models Only
A - Forward Travel Pedal
B - Reverse Travel Pedal
A
MX10503
Picture Note: Gear Model Only
A - Transmission Shift Lever
A
MX7698
A - Seat Adjustment Lever
Miscellaneous Controls
A
MX10513
A - Mower Deck Leveling Bracket
A - Attachment Lift Lever
B - Mower Deck Height Reminder Tab
B
A
MX7695
Operating - 10
A
MX7695
A - Fuel Level Window
OPERATING
A
A
A - Free-Wheeling Lever (Foot Control Models)
A
A - Power Port (On models 2048 and 2548 Only)
Miscellaneous Accessories
A
MX7691
MX7696
MX10524
A - Glove Storage Pocket
Adjusting Seat
A
MX7698
1. Sit in seat.
2. Lift up on bracket (A).
3. Lean forward and slide seat forward or rearward to
desired position. Do not lean back on seat to push
rearward.
A - Front and Rear CargO Mount System™
A
MX7694
Operating - 11
4. Release bracket to lock in position.
Adjusting Cutting Height
Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 25–100
mm (1–4 in.). When mower deck is in transport position,
cutting height is approximately 100 mm (4 in.).
Mower Setting Approximate Cutting Height
1 25 mm (1 in.)
– 38 mm (1 1/2 in.)
2 50 mm (2 in.)
– 65 mm (2 1/2 in.)
OPERATING
Mower Setting Approximate Cutting Height
3 75 mm (3 in.)
– 90 mm (3 1/2 in.)
4 (Transport) 100 mm (4 in.)
A
B
MX7695
1. Put attachment lift lever (A) into the slot adjacent to
desired cutting height.
• Slide the height reminder tab (B) to the desired
cutting height for the next time you mow.
2. Adjust mower deck wheels.
NOTE: Bottom of wheels should be approximately 3-13
mm (1/8-1/2 in.) from the ground.
C
A
B
MX10509
4. Check mower wheel position. Remove bolt (A), bushing
(B), and nut (C) and move mower wheels to proper hole.
A
B
Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing
mower:
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent
engine from starting accidently.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The mower deck can
be damaged if mower wheels are adjusted wrong:
• Wheels must not ride on ground supporting
mower weight.
• Check wheel adjustment each time cutting height
is changed.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY section.)
2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.
3. Lower mower deck to the desired mowing position.
C
D
M92897 mif
A - 38 mm (1.5-In.)
B - 51 mm (2-In.)
C - 64 mm (2.5-In.)
D - 76 mm (3-In.) and above
5. Install bolts, bushings and nuts to lock wheels in
position. Tighten nuts to 34 N•m (25 lb-ft).
Checking Mower Level
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing
mower:
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent
engine from starting accidently.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground
when leveling the deck.
Operating - 12
OPERATING
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY section.)
2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.
3. Move mower lift handle to preferred cutting height.
4. Measure mower level (side-to-side).
B
A
MX4871
Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge (A)
(AM130907) is available from your John Deere
dealer.
a. Position mower blades as follows and measure from
each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.
E
MX4896a
a. Turn right blade (E) so blade tip points straight
forward.
b. Measure from blade tip to the surface. Take
measurement for both blades.
The front blade tip must be 3–6 mm (1/8 -1/4 in.) lower
than rear blade tip.
c. Adjust mower level, if necessary.
Adjusting Mower Level
C
Picture Note: 42 (3 in 1) shown.
b. Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold drive belt and turn
right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both
blades.
The difference between blade measurements must not
be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).
c. Adjust mower level, if necessary.
5. Measure mower level (front-to-rear).
D
MX4896
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing
mower:
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent
engine from starting accidently.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground
when leveling the deck.
1. Make sure machine is on a flat level surface.
2. Raise mower deck to highest position.
Operating - 13
OPERATING
E
D
C
A
B
MX7674; MX7674b
Picture Note: 42 (3 in 1) used for illustration.
3. Place a straight 2x4 piece of wood (A) or a 38 mm (1.5
in.) thick block under the edge (B) of each side of mower
deck.
• Shims can be added, on both sides, between block of
wood and mower deck edge to obtain a specific deck
height, if desired.
C
MX7674
8. Loosen leveling nut (D), one on each side, and make
sure bolts and leveling brackets (E) slide freely in slots.
9. Raise lift handle to highest position and then lower back
down to 25 mm (1 in.) cutting height to position the deck
and brackets.
10.Apply slight pressure on leveling brackets (E), one on
each side, by pulling down to remove slack in linkage.
Tighten nuts (D), one on each side, to 55 N•m (40 ft-lbs).
11.Turn adjusting nut (C) on front draft arm clockwise until
deck begins to raise off wood blocks.
12.On 48 (3 in 1): Put lift lever in the lowest position and
install mower drive belt on engine drive sheave.
13.Set preferred cutting height.
14.Check front-to-rear mower level again and adjust if
necessary.
C
4. Put mower lift handle in the lowest position, bringing
deck down onto blocks.
5. Check that blocks are positioned under each edge.
Make sure blocks do not interfere with gage wheels.
6. Check that there is no tension on the front draft arm. If
necessary, loosen adjusting nut (C) on front draft arm so
front of deck rests on wood blocks.
7. On 48 (3 in 1) deck: Remove mower drive belt from the
engine drive sheave to release belt tension.
Operating - 14
MX10529
Picture Note: 42 (3 in 1) shown.
• Turn front adjusting nut (C) clockwise to raise front of
mower deck or counterclockwise to lower front of mower
deck.
OPERATING
Testing Safety Systems
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide and can cause
serious illness or death.
Move the vehicle to an outside area before
running the engine.
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area
without adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine
exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of
the area.
• Allow fresh outside air into the work area to
clear the exhaust fumes out.
A
MX7694
3. Unlock the park brake (A).
4. Try to start engine.
Result: Engine must not start. If engine starts, there is a
problem with your safety interlock circuit.
Testing Park Brake
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
A
Use the following checkout procedure to check for normal
operation of machine.
If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, Do
not operate machine. See your John Deere dealer for
service.
Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders
away.
Testing Park Brake Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
2. Sit on seat.
MX7694
2. Lock the park brake (A).
3. Put transmission in neutral. Engage free-wheeling lever
on units with an automatic transmission.
4. Try to push machine manually.
Result: Park brake must prevent machine from moving. If
machine moves, parking brake needs to be adjusted.
Testing PTO Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
2. Sit on seat.
Operating - 15
OPERATING
e. Raise up off seat. Do not get off tractor.
B
A
C
Result: Engine and mower blades should begin to stop. If
engine and mower blades do not begin to stop, there is a
problem with your safety interlock circuit.
3. Second test:
MX10501; MX7697
3. Lock the park brake (A).
4. Engage PTO:
• On models 2048 and 2548: Pull PTO switch (B) up.
• On all other models: Push PTO lever (C) forward.
5. Try to start engine.
Result: Engine must not start. If engine starts, there is a
problem with your safety interlock circuit.
Testing Seat Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
2. First test:
a. Start engine.
B
C
MX7697
Picture Note: Machine with mechanical PTO
shown.
a. Disengage PTO (C).
b. Start engine.
c. Unlock park brake and release brake pedal (B).
d. Raise up off seat. Do not get off tractor.
Result: Engine should begin to stop. If engine does not
begin to stop, there is a problem with your safety interlock
circuit.
4. Third test:
A
B
C
MX7697
Picture Note: Machine with mechanical PTO
shown.
b. Move throttle lever (A) up to maximum engine speed.
c. Unlock park brake and release brake pedal (B).
d. Engage PTO (C).
Operating - 16
C
MX7697
Picture Note: Machine with mechanical PTO
shown.
a. Disengage PTO (C).
b. Start engine.
c. Lock park brake.
d. Raise up off seat. Do not get off tractor.
Result: Engine should continue to run. If engine stops,
OPERATING
there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.
Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY section.)
2. Start engine.
3. Engage PTO to start attachment.
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Children or bystanders may be
injured by runover and rotating blades.
Before backing up, carefully check the area
around the machine.
4. Look behind the vehicle to be sure there are no
bystanders.
5. Begin reverse travel by depressing reverse foot pedal for
automatic transmission or moving gear shift lever to R
(reverse) position for gear transmission.
Result: Mower and engine should stop operation. If mower
or engine continues to operate as tractor begins travel in
reverse, do not continue to operate mower.
2. Pull park brake lever (B) up to lock park brake.
3. Release brake pedal. Pedal should stay down and park
brake lever should stay locked.
Unlocking park brake:
1. Push and hold brake pedal down.
2. Push park brake lever down to unlock park brake.
3. Release brake pedal.
Using the Fuel Gauge
A
MX7695
Check fuel level at fuel window (A).
Using the Park Brake
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders
may attempt to move or operate an unattended
machine.
Always lock the park brake and remove the key
before leaving the machine unattended.
Locking park brake:
B
A
MX7694
1. Push and hold brake pedal (A) down.
Using the Service Reminder
NOTE: Service hours will continue to run and service
intervals will be wrong if key is not returned to STOP
position.
B
A
• The service reminder (A) shows the number of hours
the engine has run and will indicate that service is
necessary for the engine (B) or the mower (C). Follow the
service timetable on the maintenance schedule located
under the seat and the SERVICE INTERVALS section.
• Turn the key to STOP position when not using the
machine. The hours will continue to increase if the key is
C
MX7697
Operating - 17
OPERATING
left in the on or run position but, will automatically shut off
after two hours.
Starting the Engine
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide and can cause
serious illness or death.
Move the vehicle to an outside area before
running the engine.
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area
without adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine
exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of
the area.
• Allow fresh outside air into the work area to
clear the exhaust fumes out.
1. Sit in seat.
2. Disengage mower blades.
3. Lock the park brake.
4. Put transmission in neutral.
5. Check starting conditions:
A
B
the choke position.
• If engine is warm: Move throttle lever to the halfspeed position.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Starter may be
damaged if starter is operated for more than 20
seconds at a time:
• Wait two minutes before trying again if engine
does not start.
E
D
M94336a
6. Turn key to start position (D) for no more than five
seconds.
7. Release key to run position (E) when engine starts and
on models 2048 and 2548, gradually move choke lever
down to the off position.
• If engine does not start, wait 10 seconds.
• Turn key to start position again for no longer than 5
seconds.
• Repeat procedure if necessary.
C
MX10501; MX7697
• If engine is cold:
On Models 2048 and 2548, move throttle lever (A) to the
half-speed position and move choke lever (B) up to the
choke position.
On all other Models, move throttle/choke lever (C) up to
Operating - 18
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine
idling may cause engine damage. Excessive idling
can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and
poor performance.
8. Let engine run at half-speed position for a couple of
minutes to warm-up before operating machine.
Idling Engine
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine
idling may cause engine damage. Excessive idling
can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and
poor performance.
OPERATING
A
MX10526
Picture Note: Model 17.542 used for photo
purposes.
Engine is air cooled and needs a large volume of air to
keep cool. Keep air intake screen (A) on top of engine
clean.
B
M94336a
2. Turn key to STOP position (B). Engine will stop and
headlights will turn off.
3. Remove key.
4. Lock the park brake.
Using Headlights
Stopping the Engine
A
MX7697
Picture Note: Model 17.542 used for photo
purposes.
1. Move throttle lever (A) to slow position and let engine
run at low throttle a few seconds.
B
C
A
D
M94336a
A- STOP Position
B - Headlights On Position
C - Run Position
D - Start Position
Engine Off
NOTE: Headlights will drain the battery rapidly if key
switch is left in headlights on position (B) with the
engine off.
• To turn headlights on, turn key switch to headlights on
position (B).
• To turn headlights off, turn key switch to STOP position
(A).
Engine On
• To turn headlights on, start engine, then turn key switch
from run position (C) to headlights on position (B).
Operating - 19
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