MTD 17AD2ACP004 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up •Operation • Maintenance • Service •Troubleshooting • Warranty

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

PrintedIn USA

RZT Series Tractor

with 50" OR 54" Mower Deck

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FormNo.769-03660

(Dec,2007)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

Thank you for purchasing an RZT series tractor manufactured
by MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and

maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent

product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various

models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC.

Tableof Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 8

Controls & Features ................................................ 10

Opera tion ................................................................ 13

Maintenance & Adjustment ................................ 20

1

reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing

laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning the
machine, phone a authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD's Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

IMPORTANT: In this manual, all references to rightand leftside
of the machine are observed from the operating position.

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's
Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your

machine, for more information.

Service .................................................................... 26

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 31

Replacement Parts ............................................... 32

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 34

Warranty ................................................. Back Cover

RecordProductInformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the

information in the provided area to the right. Pivot the seat
assembly forward to locate the model plate on the underside of

the seat pivot bracket.This information will be necessary, should
you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support
Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

DDDDDDDDDDD

SERIAL NUMBER

DDDDDDDDDDD

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

0 Write us at MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

ImportantSafeOperationPractices

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply

with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in

this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the

operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

2

General Operation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them

quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised

by an adult.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

S.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet

from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other
foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by
the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal
injury.

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back

toward the operator.

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be

caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in
bare feet or sandals.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction
and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its
proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate
hands and feet.

12. Amissingordamageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactorthrownobjectinjuries.

13. Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,or
roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.

14. Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseonany
publicroadway.

15. Donotoperatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof
alcoholordrugs.

16. Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

17. Nevercarrypassengers.

18. Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeand
whilebackingtoavoidaback-overaccident.Beaware

andpayattentiontothesafetysystemfunctionthat
stopspowertothebladeswhendrivinginreverse.Ifnot
functioningproperly,contactanauthorizedMTDService
Dealerforsafetysysteminspectionandrepair.

19. Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.
Avoiderraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

20. Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineand
waituntiltheblade(s)cometoacompletestopbefore
removinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,
removinganygrassordebris,ormakinganyadjustments.

21. Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff
blade(s),placedrivecontrolleversinneutral,setparking
brake,stopengineandremovekeybeforedismounting.

22. Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineinto
atrailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor

downramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causing
seriouspersonalinjury.Themachinemustbepushed
manuallyonramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.

23.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.

24.

Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunder
lowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,

wheretheoperatormaybestruckorpulledfromthe
machine,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

25.

Disengageallattachmentclutches,settheparkingbrake
tothe'ON' position and move the RH and LH drive

control levers fully outward to the neutral position before
attempting to start the engine.

26.

Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of
a height no more than 10". Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or

build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire
hazard.

27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand

and follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.

28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related

injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.

29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service

representative for assistance.

SlopeOperation

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.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this
manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as

shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.

Do:

I.

Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on slopes.

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

3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that you
will not have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting
or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to maintain
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and

carefully straight down the slope.

4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.

5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.

6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid

acceleration or deceleration could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which

could cause serious injury.

DoNot:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly
uphill and use extra care while turning.

2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

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

4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.

6. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded
dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5
degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to
push the tractor and may cause you to loose control (e.g.

tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to

overturn).

4 I SECTION 2-- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Children

I. 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. They do not understand

the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off ifa child enters the

area.

c. To avoid back-over accidents, always look behind

and down for small children.

d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off.

They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere

with safe machine operation.

e. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,

doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may
block your vision of a child who may run into the

path of the machine.

f. Keep children away from hot or running engines.

They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

g. Remove key when machine is unattended to

prevent unauthorized operation.

2. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

Towing

I. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for

towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

2.

Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3.

Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4.

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

5.

Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

Service

SafeHandlingofGasoline:

I. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin

and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle

before filling.

c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on

a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d. 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.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.

f. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

I. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

m. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before

storing.

GeneralService

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,

and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the

spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after

operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades
do not stop within the this time frame, your machine

should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD
Service Dealer.

4.

Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety
interlock system does not function properly, have your

machine serviced professionally by an authorized MTD
Service Dealer.

SECTION2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s)
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace

the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer's
(O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!"

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

7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wires) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.

10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the
machine while the engine is running.

11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are
subject to wear and damage which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection,
frequently check components and replace immediately

with original equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!"

12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

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

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

_ ARNING: This machine is equipped with an

effective working order by the operator. 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.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 270
hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy a
new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an

authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively.

Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

Ira spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in

Donot modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway

engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 I SECTION 2-- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Sight andh01dthis levelwith averticaltree...

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or a corner of a building...

or afencepost

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Usethis page asa guide to determine slopeswhere you may not operate safely.

WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise

of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and
down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

OPERATE RZT zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass across the bottom of

the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible.

Assembly&Set-Up

Contentsof Crate

3

• One Lawn Tractor •

• One RZT Tractor Operator's •
Manual

One Oil Drain Tube
One Briggs & Stratton Engine

Operator's Manual

TRACTORPREPARATION

Remove the upper crating material from the shipping
pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor
to the pallet.

Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position.
Engage the transmission bypass rods on each side of the
tractor; then carefully roll the tractor off the shipping

pallet. Disengage the bypass rods. See Figure 3-1.

RHTransmission Pull out

Bypass Rod Bypass Rod

Then Lower

in Slot

k._,3

Keystone
Slot

Figure 3-1

Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter from the
manual bag and store for future use.

Install Operator'sSeat

The operator's seat was partially inserted into the seat
pivot bracket for shipping purposes. To install the seat
proceed as follows:

1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the
drive control levers to the tractor. Remove any packing

material.

NOTE: The seat ispartially inserted into the slots of the seat
pivot bracket. If the seat does not become disengaged from

the pivot bracket when removing the packaging material, the
pivot bracket may be pivoted upward and the seat pushed
into place as described in step 6. If the seat does disengage the
pivot bracket, install the seat as instructed in steps 2 thru 6.

2. Pivot the seat pivot bracket partially upward. Refer to
Figure 3-2.

3. Note the grooves in the seat adjust spacers attached
to the bottom of the seat, then lift the seat and

position above and to the rear of the pivot bracket.

4. Align the grooves in the seat adjust spacers with the
sides of the adjustment slots in the pivot bracket.

• One Deck Wash Hose Coupler

• One Product Registration Card

S.

Slide the seat adjust spacers into the slots of the pivot
bracket.

6.

Continue to push the seat forward in the pivot bracket
until the front/left shoulder bolt of the seat assembly

passes forward of the stop bracket on the seat pivot
bracket. See Figure 3-2.

Seat

Seat

Bracket

Seat

Ad

ShoulderBolt

Refer to "Adjusting Operator's Seat" in Maintenance &
Adjustments for seat adjustment instructions.

Sto Bracket-_

Figure 3-2

SeatAdjust

Lever

Position DriveControllevers

The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for
shipping purposes. The flange lock nuts, hex screws, and

flat washers that normally secure the control levers in
their operating position are unfastened and installed in

the slotted holes of the control levers for shipment. The
control levers must be repositioned to operate the tractor.
To reposition the control levers for operation, proceed as

follows:

1. Remove the hex screw, flat washer, and flange lock nut
from the slot of one of the drive control levers.

2. Lift and swing that control lever upward until the
slotted hole in the lever bracket aligns with one of the
holes in the pivot bracket. Refer to Figure 3-3.

3. Slide the flat washer onto the hex screw. From the
outside, insert the hex screw w/washer through the

control lever slot and the hole of the pivot bracket.
Secure with the flange lock nut. Refer to Figure 3-3.

Flange Lock Nut ',, ,.

\\

Lever

Pivot \

Slotted ........\,___Bracket -4 Hole

Figure 3-3

4. Note the relative position of the control lever to
the pivot bracket, then repeat the previous steps to
reposition the other control lever in approximately the
same position.

5. Refer to "Adjusting Drive Control Levers" in Maintenance
& Adjustments for instructions on final adjustment of

the levers.

The tractor is shipped with an activated sealed battery,
with the positive battery cable factory connected. The

negative cable must be connected.

NOTE: Make sure the ignition switch is in the "OFF"position
before attaching the battery cable.

1. Pull the protective cap (if present) off the negative
terminal of the battery, and remove the hex cap screw

and nut from the free end of the negative battery
cable.

2.

Connect the negative battery cable (heavy black) to
negative terminal (NEG) of the battery using the hex

cap screw and nut. Slide the black terminal cover over
the negative terminal of the battery.

Mulching Plug(If Provided)and Shipping BraceRemoval

WARNINGh Never operate the mower deck
without the chute deflector installed and in the

down position.

Position RearBumper(If Equipped)

Some models are equipped with a rear bumber. For ship-
ping purposes the rear bumper is rotated upward from its

normal position. To reposition the rear bumper, refer to
Figure 3 and proceed as follows:

1. From inside the tractor frame, just behind the rear
tires, remove the internal cotter pins from the clevis

pins securing the bumper to each side of the frame.

2. While supporting the rear bumper, cut the cable tie
fastening the bumper to the engine lift bracket, and

remove the clevis pins from each side. See Figure 3-4.

Mulching Plug(If Provided)

Some models equipped with a 50" mowing deck also have
a mulching plug provided. If your tractor is equipped with
a mulching plug, remove the plug as follows:

• Fully raise the chute deflector so that the locking tabs
atthe the top of the mulching plug are free of the

deflector; then slide the mulching plug out of the deck
discharge opening. Lower the chute deflector.

Check the mower deck for a shipping brace (w/tag) that
may be holding the chute deflector upward for shipment.

If a brace is present, it must be removed before operating
the tractor. Holding the chute deflector fully upward,
remove the shipping by grasping it and rotating it
clockwise. Lower the chute deflector. See Figure 3-5.

Mulching Plug

Figure 3-4

3.

Remove the bumper and reposition to align the notch
at each end of the bumper with the spacer on each

side of the frame. Slide the bumper notches onto the
spacers. Refer to Figure 3-4.

Connectthe Battery

_ WARNINGh Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds. Wash hands after handling.

Figure 3-5

SECTION2 -- ASSEMBLY • SET-UP 9

ControlsandFeatures

K

4

J

/ /

!

Figure4-1

A. Deck Height Index
B. Deck Lift Handle

C. RHand LH Drive Control Levers
D. Ignition Switch

E. PTO Switch
F. Transmission Bypass Rod (Not Shown)

G. Cup Holder
H. Storage Tray

NOTE: References to LEFT,RIGHT,FRONT,and REARindicate
that position on the tractor when facing forward while seated
in the operator's seat.

A. Deck Height Index

The deck height index consists of six index notches
located on the front/right of the seat box frame. Each
notch corresponds to a 1/2 inch change in the deck height

position ranging from 1-1/2 inches at the lowest notch to 4
inches at the highest notch.

B. Deck Lift Handle

The deck lift handle is located on the front/right of the seat
box frame, and is used to raise and lower the mower deck.

Pull the handle to the left out of the index notch and push
downward to lower the deck, or pull upward to raise the

deck. When the desired height is attained, move the lift
handle to the right until fully in the index notch.

J.

Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Visible)

K.

Fuel Tank Cap

L.

Hour Meter/Indicator Panel

M.

Throttle Control

N.

Choke Control

O.

Parking Brake Engagement Lever

P.

Trans. Oil Expansion Reservoir (ZT 54" ONLY)

C. RH and LH Drive Control Levers

The RH and LH control levers are located on each side of
the operator's seat. These hinged levers pivot outward

to open space to permit the operator to either sit in the
tractor seat, or to dismount the tractor. The levers must be
fully opened out and in the neutral position to start the
tractor engine.

Each lever controls the respective RH or LH transmission.
Consequently, these levers control all of the movements
of the tractor. Driving and steering utilizing these control
levers is quite different from conventional tractors, and

will take some practice to master. Refer to "Operation" for
instructions on using the control levers.

D. Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the
right of the operator's seat. The ignition switch has three

positions as follows:

_-'iOFF

Figure 4-2

OFF -The engine and electrical system is turned off.
ON - The tractor electrical system is energized.
START - The starter motor will turn over the engine. Release

the key immediately when the engine starts

NOTE: Toprevent accidental starting and/or battery
discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch when the

tractor isnot in use.

E. Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch

The PTO switch is located on the RH console to the right of
the operator's seat.

K. Fuel Tank Cap

The fuel tank cap is located at the rear of the LH console.
Turn the cap counterclockwise to unscrew and remove

from the fuel tank. Always re-install the fuel cap tightly
onto the fuel tank after removing.

engine is running. If the engine is hot from

_ ARNINGh Never fill the fuel tank when the

recently running, allow to cool for several
minutes before refueling. Highly flammable

gasoline could splash onto the engine and
cause a fire.

L. Hour Meter / Indicator Panel

The hour meter/indicator panel is located on the LH
console to the left of the operator's seat.

Battery

Indicator-

D -6}-0

Oil Pressure

- Indicator

Hour Meter

/-%

Figure 4-3

The PTO switch operates the electric PTO clutch mounted
on the bottom of the engine crankshaft. Pull the switch
knob upward to engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob
downward to disengage the clutch.

The PTO switch must be in the "disengaged" position
when starting the engine.

/

F. Transmission Bypass Rods (Not Visible)

The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RHand LH
transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just

inside each rear wheel.
When engaged, the two rods open a bypass within the

hydrostatic transmissions, which allows the tractor to be
pushed short distances by hand. Refer to Maintenance &
Adjustments for instructions on using the bypass feature.

CAUTION: Never tow your tractor. Towing
the tractor with the rear wheels on the

ground may cause severe damage to the
transmissions.

G. Cup Holder

The cup holder is located toward the rear of the RHconsole
to the right of the operator's seat.

H. Storage Tray

The storage tray is located at the rear of the RHconsole.
J. Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Seen)

The seat adjustment lever is located below the right/front
of the seat. The lever allows for adjustment of the fore to

aft position of the operator's seat. Refer to Maintenance
& Adjustments for instructions on adjusting the seat
position.

PTO

Engaged -
Indicator

Figure 4-4

Hour Meter Features

The hour meter records the hours that the tractor has been
operated in the digital display (tenths of an hour- right

most digit).

NOTE: The hour meter isactivated whenever the ignition
switch is turned to the "ON" position. Record actual hours of
operation to assure all maintenance iscompleted according
to the instructions in this manual, and the engine manual

When key is turned to the "ON" position, the battery
indicator light briefly illuminates and the battery voltage
is briefly displayed. The display then changes to the

accumulated hours.
The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of

maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil. The
LCD will alternately flash, "CHG" ; "OIL" and the recorded

hours for five minutes after every 50 hours of recorded
operation. The maintenance interval lasts for two hours

(from 50-52, 100-102, 150-152, etc.). The LCD will flash as
described for five minutes every time the tractor's engine

is started during this maintenance interval. Follow the oil
change intervals provided in the engine manual.

Indicator Panel Features

Battery Indicator (Refer to Figure 4-4)

Illuminates and the battery voltage isdisplayed briefly
when the ignition switch it turned to the "ON" position.

Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has dropped
below 11.5 (+0.5/-1.0) volts. The battery voltage is also
displayed on the hour meter. If this indicator and display

SECTION4 -- CONTROLS AND FEATURES 11

Parking Brake

- Engaged
Indicator