MTD ZT 42, ZT 50 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
ZERO TURN TRACTOR
Model Numbers
ZT 42 w/42" Mower Deck
ZT 50 w/50" Mower Deck
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning:
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). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in 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.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORM NO. 769-01148C
(11/05)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRACTOR PREPARATION ................................................................................................... 2
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES .................................................................... 4
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS ........................................................................................... 7
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION ........................................... 9
CUSTOMER SUPPORT ......................................................................................................... 9
TO THE OWNER..................................................................................................................... 9
SLOPE GAUGE .................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 1: CONTROLS AND FEATURES ........................................................................ 11
SECTION 2: OPERATION ................................................................................................... 15
SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS .............................................................................................. 22
SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................. 23
SECTION 5: MOWER DECK ............................................................................................... 28
SECTION 6: PARTS LIST .................................................................................................... 34
WARRANTY ......................................................................................................... BACK PAGE
TRACTOR PREPARATION
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 (Refer to
SECTION 1, CONTROLS AND FEATURES); and carefully roll the tractor off the shipping pallet. Disengage the
bypass rods.
Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter and oil
drain tube from the manual bag and store for future use.
INSTALL OPERATOR’S SEAT
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. Remove any packing material.
NOTE: The seat is partially 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 through 6.
2. Pivot the seat pivot bracket partially upward. Refer
to Figure 1.
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.
5. 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 1.
Use the seat adjust lever to adjust the seat position. Refer to "Adjusting the Operator’s Seat" in Section 3 for
seat adjustment instructions.
Seat
Seat
Adjust
Spacer
Front/Left
Shoulder Bolt
Adjustment
Slots
Stop Bracket
Figure 1
Seat
Pivot
Bracket
Seat Adjust
Lever
2
POSITION DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS
The drive control levers are unfastened from their respective pivot brackets and lowered for shipping purposes. The control levers must be repositioned and
secured to the pivot bracket to operate the tractor. Reposition the control levers as follows:
• Remove the nut knob, bell washer, and carriage
bolt from either of the two control lever pivot
brackets. Refer to Figure 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 2.
• From the inside, insert the carriage bolt into the
pivot bracket and through the control lever slot. See
Figure 2.
• Slide the bell washer onto the carriage bolt, then
thread the nut knob onto the bolt. Fully tighten the
knob to temporarily secure control lever (See Figure
2). Refer to "Adjusting the Drive Control Levers" in
Section 3 for instructions on final adjustment of the
levers.
Carriage Bolt
Control Lever
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 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.
MODEL ZT42 ONLY
Remove The Chute Stop
• Locate the chute stop on the right side of the
mower, between discharge chute and cutting deck.
• While holding the discharge chute up, rotate the
chute stop clockwise and remove.
• Discard the chute stop.
Lift control
lever upward
Bell Washer
Nut Knob
Pivot
Bracket
Slotted
Hole
Figure 2
• 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.
CONNECT THE BATTERY
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Chute Stop
Figure 3
MODEL ZT50 ONLY
Lower Deck Discharge Chute
WARNING: Never operate the mower deck
without the discharge chute installed and
in the down position.
Locate the cable tie holding the deck discharge chute in
the up position for shipping purposes. Cut the cable tie
and lower the discharge chute.
3
WARNING
• The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used 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). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in 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 to federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available
at your nearest engine authorized service center.
IMPORTANT
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 YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— HEED ITS WARNING.
Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the
DANGER
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference.
2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine. Know the
controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or
near rotating parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by
the blades. A small object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to
you or a bystander. To help avoid a thrown
objects injury, keep children, animals, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while
it is in operation. Always wear safety glasses with
side shields or safety goggles during operation or
while performing an adjustment or repair, to
protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
part of the operator can result in injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating
hands and feet or throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Disengage the blades before shifting into reverse
and backing up. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off the blades, place the transmission
in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove key before dismounting.
11. Turn off blades when not mowing.
12. Stop the engine and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before (a) removing the grass
catcher or unclogging chute, or (b) making any
repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
4
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over
causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload
properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while the
engine is running if the operator must dismount to
do so.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals
or sneakers.
19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, wires, bridges or low hanging
tree branches, before entering or leaving
buildings, or in any other situation where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit,
which could result in serious injury.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, set the
parking brake in the on position, and put the lap
bars to the neutral or out position before
attempting to start the engine.
21. Your mower 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. Debris may
build up on the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
22. Use only accessories approved for this machine
by White Outdoor. Read, understand and follow
all instructions provided with the approved
accessory.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than
15° as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that
you will not have to stop while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for counterweights with attachments to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
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.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; if mowing
slopes, turn slowly and gradually uphill, if possible.
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 or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Do not use the grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
3. Before and when backing up, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
They may fall off and be seriously injured or may
interfere with safe machine operation.
5
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate the machine. Children 14 years and over
should only operate the machine under close
parental supervision and proper instruction.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.
7. Remove the key when the machine is left
unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the en-
gine running. Allow the engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and oth-
er sources of ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine
inside where there is an open flame or spark,
such as a gas hot water heater, space heater
or furnace.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage. Allow the machine to cool at
least 5 minutes before storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
5. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also visually
inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked). Replace with blades which meet
original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check the
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing blades.
11. Check the park brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot
during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to
cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can
harm the environment and the ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, contact your local
Environmental Protection Agency to
determine the proper method for disposing of
the waste. Recycling centers are established
to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids.
Do not use food or beverage containers that
may mislead someone into drinking from
them. Properly dispose of the containers immediately following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the
ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond,
lake, or other body of water. Observe Environmental Protection Agency regulations when
disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
15. We do not recommend the use of a pressure
washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They
may cause damage to electrical components;
spindles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The
use of water will result in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
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
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS
Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean. Replace any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, missing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replacement safety graphics are available through your dealer.
N
BATT.
OIL
HOURS 1/10
PT
O /
PARK
BLADE
BRAKE
STARTING
INSTRUCTI ON
To START, PARK BRAKE must be se
•
P.T.O. s
witch in OFF
(dow
n) pos
•
Lap bars in NEUTRAL and outward pos
•
S
Thro
ttle set properly, CHOKE position if "cold"
•
Turn key to ON, then START, release when engine runs
•
t
ition
ition
s
FOR FIRST-TIME
OPERAT ORS
Start Off In A Flat, Open Area.
•
Keep Bystanders Away
.
•
Set Throttle At A Low Speed.
•
Practice Maneuvering, (Forward, Reverse,
•
Left, Right) Without Deck Engaged
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– LOCATED ON LEFT CONSOLE
ASIDE OPERATOR’S SEAT
START
REVERSE
FORWARD
NEUTRAL
.
FORWARD
START
N
EUTRAL
REVERSE
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
– LOCATED ON RIGHT CONSOLE
ASIDE OPERATOR’S SEAT
OTICE
PTO Automatically
•
Disengages When
Both Lap Bars Are
Moved Into Reverse.
PTO Automatically
•
Reengages When
Levers Are Returned
T
o The Neutral
Or For
ward Positions.
DECK HEIGHT
INDICATOR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJU R Y, DO NOT
OPERATE
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATEL Y.
IF
PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR
ON
• Read The Operator's Manual.
• Go Across Slopes, Not Up And Down.
•
If Machine Stops Going Uphill, Stop Blade And Back Down Slowly.
• Avoid Sudden Turns.
• Do Not Mow When Children Or Others Are Around.
• Never Carry Children Even With Blades Off.
• Look Down And Behind Before And While Backing.
•
Keep Safety Devices (Guards, Shields, Sw itches, Etc.) In Place And Working.
• Remove Objects That Could Be Thrown By The Blade.
•
Do Not Operate Unit Where It Could Slip Or Tip.
BRAKE
PAR
K
P
• Know Location And Function Of All Controls.
•
Be Sure Blades And Engine Are Stopped Before Placing Hands Or Feet Near Blades.
•
Before Leaving Operator Position, Disengage Blades, Place In Neutral,
Engage Parking Brake, Shut Off And Remove Key.
•
When Using The Optional Grass Bagging Attachment, The Fr ont Counter
Weight Included With Bagger Must Be Installed.
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
WARNING
• Do not add fuel while the engine is hot or running.
•
Stop engine, disconnect spark plug before adjusting or servicing.
• Before leaving operator's position:
•
DISENGAGE IMPLEMENT DRIVE.
•
Place speed controls in neutral and set parking brake.
•
Wait for all movement to stop.
• Do not allow operation by untrained personnel.
OFF
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – LOCATED IN CENTER
OF SEAT BOX FRAME
ZT42
CHOKE
FAST
ZT50
FAST
HANDS AND FEET
SAFETY GRAPHIC
MOWER DECK
SAFETY GRAPHIC
SLOW
SLOW
THROTTLE CONTROL
INDICATOR – LOCATED ON
LEFT CONSOLE
7
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS
ZT42
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES WORKING.
SAFETY GRAPHIC – LOCATED ON
LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK
ZT50
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM
ROTATING PARTS
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE
THROWN BY THE BLADE IN ANY
DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR
OTHERS ARE AOUND. NEVER CARRY
CHILDREN
USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES. DO
NOT MOW SLOPES GREATER THAN 15°.
MOW UP AND DOWN, NOT ACROSS
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, USE LOW GEAR
.
.
.
.
INFORMATION GRAPHIC – BELT
ROUTING LOCATED ON
LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK
8
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate under the seat of the
tractor and copy the information in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also given below.
This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
Model Number Mfg. Date
Copy the model number here:
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
www.whiteoutdoor.com
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER:
CLEVELAND,OH
361131
44136
800-949-4483
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. To reach a local White Outdoor dealer or retailer, visit
www.whiteoutdoor.com or phone our Dealer Locator line at (800)-949-4483.
TO THE OWNER
Your local authorized White Outdoor dealer is interested in the performance you receive from your tractor, and with
the maintenance needed to ensure the satisfactory operation of your tractor. The dealer has trained service personnel familiar with the latest servicing information, is equipped with the latest tools, and has a complete line of genuine
White Outdoor service parts which assure proper fit and high quality.
All references to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR, unless specifically stated otherwise, indicate that relative position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the operator’s seat.
CAUTION: DO NOT tow your Model ZT42 or ZT50 tractor. Towing may cause severe damage the transmissions.
Place the tractor on a Level Surface before pulling the transmission bypass rods to the engaged position (transmission disengaged).
ENGINE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to performance, power-rating,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.
9
(Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.)
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
A POWER POLE
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
SLOPE GAUGE
E
OP
L
S
°
E
P
R
E
S
E
N
5
1
A
G
N
I
T
OR A FENCE POST
OT
D
R
,
E
N
I
L
D
E
T
15°
WARNING
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
F
L
O
ON
D
10
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is
extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
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.
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