McCulloch MC19538LT User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

MODEL NO. MC19538LT

19.5 HP* 38 INCH
LAWN TRACTOR

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor:

call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886

WARNING:

Read this Man u al and follow all Warnings
and Safety Instructions. Fail ure to do so
can re sult in serious in ju ry.

*As rated by the engine manufacturer

www.mcculloch.biz

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.

The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

02.13.12 BD

532 44 85-27 Printed in the U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
ad just ing or making repairs, al ways dis con­ nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it can not contact spark plug.

WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neut­ral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that
are rec om mend ed by and comply with
spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the low est possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while
on a slope, is dan ger ous. Tires can lose
trac tion with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u ents, and cer tain
vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals
known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer
and birth de fects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related ac ces so ries
contain lead and lead compounds, chem i cals known
to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash hands
after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

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

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
in struc tions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

• Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while back ing.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.

• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road ways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.

• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them­ selves and others from serious injury.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up
which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip­over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden ob­jects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.

Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catch­ers or other at tach ments; they can affect the stability of
the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

III. CHILDREN

WARNING. CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY
THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends that children be a
minimum of 12 year of age before operating
a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a
minimum of 16 years of age before operating
a riding lawn mower.

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.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small
children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut 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.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the equipment is
in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build­up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
run ning.

• Check grass catcher components and the discharge chute
frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended
parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as nec­essary.

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch
point.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle when filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Al ways look down and behind before and while backing.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut 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.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small
children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

• When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed
the maximum recommended operation angle of 15°.

3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity
and type:

Oil Type:
(API: SG-SL)

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 56 Oz./1,65 L

Spark Plug:

Ground Speed (Mph/
Kph):

Charging
System:

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm

1.5 Gallons/5,67 L
Regular Unleaded

SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C)
SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C)

W/out Filter: 48 Oz./1.4 L
Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030"/0.76 mm)
Forward: 1st 1.0/1,6

2nd 1.4/2,3
3rd 2.1/3,4
4th 3.1/5,1
5th 4.0/6,4
6th 5.1/8,2
Reverse: 2.9/4,7

3 Amps Battery
5 Amps Headlights

Min. CCA: 230
Case size: U1R

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to
give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. We have competent, well-trained tech ni­ cians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor prop erly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions in the Maintenance and Storage
sections of this manual.

• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
while operating this machine, including (at a minimum)
sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Do not mow in shorts and/or open toed footwear.

• Always let someone know you are outside mowing.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal
com bus tion engine and should not be used on or near
any un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass­cov ered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.

In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 6-7

OPERATION .............................................................8-13

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 14

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 14-17

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................ 18-23

STORAGE .................................................................... 24

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ............................................ 25-26

WARRANTY ................................................................. 28

4

Steering

Wheel Insert

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Steering Wheel

(1) Large

Steering

Wheel

Flat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt

(1) Lock

Washer

Steering Wheel

Adapter

Keys

Steering Boot

(1) Seat

Oil Drain Extension

Seat

(1) Cup Washer

Slope Sheet

Steering

Extension

Shaft

(1) Knob

Battery

Key(s)

(2) Hex Bolts

(2) Nut Keps

5

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench Utility knife
(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge
(2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench
When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means

when you are in the operating po si tion (seated be hind the
steer ing wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton .

• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton.

Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift seat to raised position.

NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and
year indicated on label (label is located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
(See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual
for charging instructions).

• For battery and battery cable installation see "RE­PLACING BATTERY" in the "Service and Adjustments"
section in this manual.

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 2)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.

• Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel
and slide adapter onto steer ing shaft ex ten sion.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are hor i zon tal
(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapt er.

• Assemble large flat washer, lock washer, hex bolt and
tighten se cure ly.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steer ing
wheel.

• Remove protective materials from trac tor hood and
grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN
SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO
ROLL OFF SKID.

INSERT

BOLT
LOCK

WASHER

LARGE
FLAT WASHER

STEERING
WHEEL

STEERING
BOOT

Fig. 1

LABEL

ADAPTER

LOWER
STEERING
SHAFT

Fig. 2

EXTENSION SHAFT

6

ASSEMBLY

02617

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.

• Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing
seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly
of seat to tractor.

• Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack­ing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

• Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolts are
positioned over the large slotted holes in pan.

• Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolts in slots
and pull seat towards rear of tractor.

• Pivot seat and pan forward and as sem ble adjustment
knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.

• Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat.

• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way
down.

• Get off seat without moving its ad just ed position.

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

SEAT

SHOULDER

BOLTS

SEAT
PAN

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory
for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important
for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER” in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments sec­ tion of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed cor rect ly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is operating properly. See “TO CHECK BRAKE”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

✓CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, WE
WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST
PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS
QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

WASHER

ADJUSTMENT
KNOB

02615

Fig. 3

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the

instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

WARNING: Before start ing, read, un der stand and fol low
all in struc tions in the Op er a tion section of this man u al. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in
front of tractor is clear of other peo ple and objects.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion
section for location and function of con trols)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest po si tion.

• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake ped al.

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) po si tion.

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against

tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

✓ All assembly instructions have been com plet ed.
✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged.
✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
✓ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

✓ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).

✓ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

✓ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:

✓ Engine oil is at proper level.
✓ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

✓ Become familiar with all controls, their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.

✓ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
✓ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the
Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).

7

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

REVERSE

ENGINE OFF

LIGHTS ON

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

NEUTRAL

REVERSE

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

FUEL

HIGH

ENGINE ON

BATTERY

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

REVERSE

LOW

ENGINE START

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

CHOKE

PARKING BRAKE

FORWARD

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.

FAST

MOWER HEIGHT

CRUISE CONTROL

KEEP AREA CLEAR

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

SLOW

15

SLOPE HAZARDS

IGNITION SWITCH

MOWER LIFT

CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL

15

Failure to follow instructions
could result in serious injury or
death. The safety alert symbol
is used to identify safety inform­ation about hazards which can
result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.

8

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments.
Save this manual for future reference.

G

E

B

D

H

A

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise, lower,
and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted
to your tractor.

(B) CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for declutching and
brak ing the tractor and starting the engine.

(C) PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake pedal into the
brake position.

(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for starting
and con trol ling engine speed.

(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage the
mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your tractor.

C

F

J

Fig. 4

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping

the engine.

(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) “ON” POSI­TION - Allows operation of mower deck or other powered

attachment while in reverse.

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
(J) GEARSHIFT LEVER - Selects the speed and direction

of tractor.

9