Simplicity HW1436 User Manual

TM

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

1822417

4/2000

TP 100-7007-00-PA-D

The Pacer

Walk Behind Mower

Model:

HW1436

mowers are built by
Ferris Industries, a
Simplicity company.

Ferris Industries

5375 North Main Street
Munnsville, NY 13409
800-933-6175

TM

Ferris Industries

5375 North Main Street
Munnsville, NY 13409

800-933-6175
www.ferrisindustries.com
© Copyright 2000 Ferris Industries

All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.

DERBY LIMITED WARRANTY

IMPORTANT

This warranty shall apply ONLY if the warranty registration form has been completed and
returned to Ferris Industries, Inc. within 20 days from the date of delivery.

Ferris Industries, Inc. (Ferris) warrants, in accordance with the provisions below, to the
original purchaser for the period of twenty-four (24) months, twelve (12) months for com­mercial use, from the date of delivery of a Derby mower that the mower is free from
defects in material or workmanship. Derby’s obligation under this warranty is to repair or
replace, at Derby’s election, without charge and at the place of business of a dealer
authorized to handle Derby mowers, any part or par ts of the machine which, in the judg­ment of Derby, prove to be defective.

THIS WARRANTY AND DERBY’S OBLIGATION HEREUNDER IS IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FIT­NESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, and all other obligations or liabilities of Derby for
incidental and consequential damages resulting from the design, manufacture, sale or use
of the machine. No person is authorized to make any warranty or assume for Derby any
liability not strictly in accordance with this warranty.

This warranty shall not apply to any mower part which, in the judgment of Derby, has been
altered or tampered with in any way or has been subjected to misuse, neglect or accident,
or has had the serial numbers altered, effaced or removed. This warranty does not apply
to component parts not manufactured by Derby (motors, tires, belts) except to the extent
of their individual manufacturer’s guarantees.

Ferris Industries, Inc. is continually striving to improve its products, and therefore reserves
the right to make improvements or change when it becomes practical and possible to do
so, without incurring any obligation to make changes or additions to the equipment sold
previously.

WARNING

Engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause
cancer,birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Table of Contents

Identification Numbers .......................................2

Safety Rules & Information................................3

Features & Controls............................................6

Control Functions ....................................................6

Safety Interlock System..........................................7

Operating the Walk Behind Mower....................8

General ...................................................................8

Checks Before Starting...........................................8

Starting the Engine .................................................8

Driving & Steering the Mower.................................8

Operating On a Slope.............................................9

Stopping the Mower................................................9

Mowing....................................................................9

Pushing the Mower by Hand...................................9

Storage..................................................................10

Starting After Long Term Storage .........................10

Regular Maintenance........................................12

Maintenance Schedule .........................................12

Checking Tire Pressures.......................................12

Checking/Adding Fuel ...........................................13

Fuel Filter..............................................................13

Oil & Filter Change ...............................................13

Check / Change Air FIlter .....................................13

Check Hydraulic Oil Level.....................................13

Lubrication ............................................................14

Battery Maintenance.............................................14

Checking Battery Fluid..................................14

Cleaning the Battery and Cables..................14

Servicing the Mower Blades.................................15

Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service .......17

Troubleshooting the Mower...................................17

Troubleshooting the Mower Deck..........................18

Cutting Height Adjustment....................................19

Steering Lever Height Adjustment........................20

Ground Speed Lever Location Adjustment...........20

Steering Brake Adjustment...................................20

Brake Pad Replacement.......................................21

Belt Removal & Replacement ...............................22

Belt Tension & Adjustment....................................22

PTO Clutch Adjustment ........................................23

Battery Service .....................................................24

Checking the Battery Voltage ............................24

Charging A Completely

Discharged Battery .......................................24

Jump Starting with

Auxiliary (Booster) Battery............................24

Lawn Care & Mowing Information.............LC—1

International Symbols ................................LC—8

Technical Manuals ......................................LC—8

NOTE: In this manual, “left” and “right” are referred to as
seen from the operating position.

© Copyright 2000 Ferris Industries
All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.

TP 100-7007-00-PA-D

1

IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATIONS

Identification
Numbers

When contacting your
Authorized Dealer for
replacement parts, service,
or information YOU MUST
HAVE THESE NUMBERS.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

Record your model name/number, unit and mower deck
manufacturer numbers and engine serial number in the
space provided for easy reference.

• The Walker I.D. tag is located on the left side of the

handle bars.

• For location of Engine Serial Number, refer to the

Engine Owner’s Manual.

Be sure to fill out and return the Warranty Registration
Card supplied with your unit.

ENGINE REFERENCE DATA

Model Description Name/Number

Unit MFG Number

PRODUCT REFERENCE DATA

Unit SERIAL Number

Dealer Name

Date Purchased

Engine Make/Model

Engine ID/Serial Number

Mower Deck MFG Number

Mower Deck SERIAL

Number

2

Walker

identification tag

XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

N/A

N/A



  

  

   

 

 

3

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of con­trol of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.

This mo

wing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and thr

owing objects.

The triangle

in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.

Safety Rules

& Information

WARNING

Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10
feet horizontally.

Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with
side-mounted grass catcher.

Mow ACROSS the slope, never up and down the
face, use caution when changing directions and
DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall acci­dents, which can result in severe injury or death. All

slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it.

Do

• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

Do Not

•

Do not

mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-

ments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

•

Do not

mow excessively steep slopes.

•

Do not

mow on wet grass.Reduced footing could

cause slipping.

GENERAL OPERATION

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

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

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit.

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

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop unit if anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec­essary. Look down and behind before and while
moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective
devices in place.

• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Use only acces­sories approved by the manufacturer.

• Disengage the PTO when crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads.

• Shut off the engine whenever you leave the equip­ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the
chute.

• Disengage the PTO and shut off the engine and wait
until the blades come to a complete stop before
removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

• Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing;keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.

• Disengage the PTO and engage the parking brake
before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnor mally,
disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, and
shut off the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating mower.

Safety Rules & Information

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil­dren will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and tur n unit off if children enter the area.

• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and

down

for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the unit.

•

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

• Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling
practices when refueling the unit after transportation
or storage.

• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
storage preparations before storing the unit for both
short and long term per iods.

• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.

• Never store the unit or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a
water heater.Allow unit to cool before storing.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels.They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.

c) Never refuel the unit indoors.

• Never run a unit in an enclosed area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

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

• Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris build­up.Clean up oil or fuel spillage.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running unless specified otherwise in the engine
manufacturer’s manual.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam­age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s recom­mended parts, when necessary.

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

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and ser vice
as required.

• Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.

• Always comply with factory specifications on all
settings and adjustments.

• Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.

• Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit
unless you have been properly trained.Improper
service procedures can result in hazardous opera­tion, equipment damage and voiding of manufactur­er’s warranty.

4

SAFETY DECALS

This unit has been designed and manufactured to pro­vide you with the safety and reliability you would expect
from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment
manufacturing.

Although reading this manual and the safety instructions
it contains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effec­tively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to
remind you of this important information while you are
operating your unit.

All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional
messages on your rider and mower should be carefully
read and obeyed.Personal bodily injury can result when
these instructions are not followed.The information is for
your safety and it is important! The safety decals below
are on your rider and mower.

If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them
at once. See your local dealer for replacements.

These labels are easily applied and will act as a con­stant visual reminder to you, and others who may use
the equipment, to follow the safety instructions neces­sary for safe, effective operation.

5

DANGER

ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
Do not operate mower
without deflector or entire
grass catcher in place.

1704277

Safety Rules & Information

Decal - Danger

Part No. 1704276

Decal - Danger

Part No. 1704277

Decal - Operation

Part No. 45564

WARNING

BEWARE OF

POWER DRIVEN PARTS

Decal - Warning

Part No. 20337

DANGER

ROTATING CUTTING BLADE

Do not put hands or feet

under mower deck while
blade is rotating.

1704276

Features & Controls
of the Walk Behind Mower

CONTROL FUNCTIONS

The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing
require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences.To learn what combination and sequence
of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section.

Please take a moment and familiarize
yourself with the name, location, and
function of these controls so that you will

better understand the safety and operating
instructions provided in this manual.

A. Ground Speed Control Levers

These levers control the ground speed of the mower.
The left and right levers are tied together so you can
operate either lever to control the mower’s ground
speed.

Moving a lever forward increases the FORWARD speed
of the mower, and pulling back on a levers increases the
REVERSE speed.

Note:The further a lever is moved away from the neutral
position the faster the mower will travel.

See the Operating the Walk Behind Mower section for
steering instructions.

B. Steering Control Levers

These levers aid in the steering of the mower. The left
control lever when squeezed will apply braking to the left
drive wheel. The right control lever, when squeezed will
apply braking to the right drive wheel.

See the Operating the Walk Behind Mower section for
steering instructions.

F

H

D

E

B

C

G

A

A

G

B

Figure 1. Control Locations

6

Features & Controls

SAFETY
INTERLOCK SYSTEM

This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and
other safety devices.These safety systems are present
for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switch­es, and never tamper with safety devices.Check their
operation regularly.

Operational SAFETY Checks

Your unit is equipped with an operator presence switch
safety system. Check the operator presence switch
operation every fall and spring with the following tests.

Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if:

• PTO switch is engaged, OR

• Parking brake is not engaged.

Test 2 — Engine SHOULD crank if:

• PTO switch is NOT engaged, AND

• Parking brake is engaged.

Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:

• Operator releases the operator presence handles
with PTO engaged, OR

• Operator releases the operator presence handles
with parking brake disengaged.

Test 4 — Blade Brake Check

Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO
switch is turned off (or operator releases operator pres­ence handles). If mower drive belt does not stop within
five seconds, see your dealer.

NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, PTO switch must
be turned off and the parking brake must be engaged in
order to start the engine.

WARNING

If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer.Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety interlock system.

C. Ignition Switch

The ignition switch starts and stops the engine, it has
three positions:

OFF Stops the engine and shuts off the

electrical system.

RUN Allows the engine to run and powers the

electrical system.

START Cranks the engine for starting.

NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN posi­tion with the engine stopped–this drains the battery.

D. Parking Brake Handle

The parking brake is applied by pushing DOWN on the
parking brake handle until it locks over-center.To release
the parking brake, pull the handle UP.

E. PTO (Power Take Off) Switch

The PTO switch engages and disengages the mower.
Pull UP on the switch to engage, and push DOWN to
disengage.

F. Throttle / Choke Control

Moving the throttle control (H) fully forward is the
CHOKE position, which fully chokes the engine for cold
starts. (A war m engine may not require choking.) Moving
the throttle control slighty back from the CHOKE position
is the FULL throttle position. Always operate the unit at
FULL throttle when mowing.

G. Operator Presence Handles

These handles are a major factor in the safety interlock
system of the mower. Both handles are tied together so
depressing one handle depresses both. The operator
must depress the handles in order to disengage the

parking brake and engage the PTO switch.

H. Hydraulic Release Handle

This places the transmission in either the DRIVE posi­tion or the FREE-WHEEL position. The FREE-WHEEL
position allows the operator to push the mower by hand.

I. Fuel Shut Off Valve (not shown)

The fuel shut off valve is located under the fuel tank
when viewed from the front of the mower. Turning the
handle until it is VERTICAL will allow fuel to be supplied
to the engine. Turning the handle until it is HORIZON­TAL shuts off the fuel supply to the engine.

7

Operating
the Walk Behind Mower

GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY

Before first time operation:

• Be sure to read all information in the Safety and
Operation sections before attempting to operate this
tractor and mower.

• Become familiar with all of the controls and how to
stop the unit.

• Drive in an open area without mowing to become
accustomed to the unit.

CHECKS BEFORE STARTING

• Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick.
See the engine Operator’s Manual for instructions
and oil recommendations.

• Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in
place and tight.

• Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. Refer to engine man­ual for fuel recommendations.

WARNING

If you do not understand how a specific control
functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the
FEATURES & CONTROLS section, do so now.

Do NOT attempt to operate the tractor without
first becoming familiar with the location and
function of ALL controls.

WARNING

Before leaving the operator’s position for any
reason, engage the parking brake, disengage the
PTO, stop the engine and remove the key.

To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, tractor and
mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease.
Do not stop or park tractor over dry leaves, grass
or combustible materials.

Gasoline is highly flammable and must be
handled with care. Never fill the tank when the
engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not
allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area.
Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.

ST ARTING THE ENGINE

1. While standing in the operator’s position, engage the
parking brake and make sure the PTO switch is dis­engaged.

2.

NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.

Set the engine throttle control (F, Figure 1) beyond
the FAST throttle position into the CHOKE position.

3. Insert the key into the ignition switch (C, Figure 1)
and turn it to START.

4. After the engine starts, move the throttle control to
the mid-throttle position.

Warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute
before engaging the PTO switch or driving the rider.

5. After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the
unit at FULL THROTTLE when mowing.

In the event of an emergency the engine can be
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to
STOP. Use this method only in emergency situations.

For normal engine shut down follow the procedure given
in STOPPING THE MOWER.

DRIVING & STEERING THE MOWER

1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO
switch is disengaged.

2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).

3. Set the throttle control to FULL.

4. With one hand, grasp the operator presence handle
and the handle bar grip at the same time.

5. Disengage the parking brake.

6. With your thumbs, pressing the ground speed control
levers forward will move the mower forward. Pulling
them back will move the mower backwards. The far­ther the levers are pushed or pulled will result in a
faster ground speed.

7. To steer to the r ight, gently squeeze the right steer­ing control lever. To steer to the left, gently squeeze
the left steering control lever.

NOTE:The harder the steer ing handle is squeezed, the
sharper the turn will be. Reduce the ground speed
before executing a turn. Steering in this fashion will
wear the brake pads faster than if the machine is turned
manually with the handle bars.

8. To slow the mower, gently release your thumb pres­sure on the ground speed control levers.

8

OPERATING ON A SLOPE

While it is not recommended, traveling up and down
slopes may be required from time to time. These guide

lines are listed for your safety.

Traveling Up a Slope

Since the hill climbing ability of the machine will probably
far exceed any other machine you may have operated,
caution should be observed.

1. Never make abrupt speed or directions changes on a
slope.

2. Never push down on the handle bars while going up
a grade. A slight lifting pressure is recommended to
keep the front wheels on the ground.

Traveling Down a Slope

A very slow ground speed should always be used when
traveling down a slope. This can be accomplished by
GENTLY moving the ground speed control levers
towards the reverse direction.

Traveling Across a Slope

To hold a straight mowing line, apply pressure to the
uphill side steering control lever. In most cases, a con­stant pressure will yield better results than an “ON-OFF”
action.

STOPPING THE MO WER

1.Returning the ground speed control levers (A, Figure

1) to the neutral position will stop movement.

2.Disengage the PTO by pushing down on the PTO
switch (E, Figure 1).

3.Engage the parking brake by pushing the handle (D,
Figure 1) DOWN until it locks over-center.

4.Move the throttle control (F, Figure 1) to mid-throttle
position and turn the ignition key to OFF. Remove
the key.

MOWING

1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO
switch is disengaged.

2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).

3. Set the throttle control to FULL.

4. With one hand, grasp the operator presence handle
and the handle bar grip at the same time.

5. Disengage the parking brake.

6. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch (E,
Figure 1).

7. Begin mowing. See Section C for tips on mowing
patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting information.

8. When finished, shut off the PTO and engage the
parking brake.

9. Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE MOWER).

PUSHING THE MOWER BY HAND

1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn
the ignition OFF, and remove the key.

2. Lift up on the hydraulic release handle (H, Figure 1)
and pull out to disengage the transmission (FREE­WHEEL position). DO NOT turn handle.

3. Disengage the parking brake.
The mower can now be pushed by hand.

4. After moving the mower, re-engage the transmission
(DRIVE position) by lifting up on the hydraulic
release handle while pushing in.

NOTE: Make sure the handle is fully pushed in before
operating the mower. If the handle is not fully pushed in,
it will cause a partial by-pass which will result in trans­mission damage.

DO NOT TOW MOWER

Towing the unit will cause hydraulic trans­mission damage. Do not use another vehi­cle to push or pull this unit.

Operating the Walk Behind Mower

WARNING

OPERATING ON SLOPES
CAN BE DANGEROUS

Never operate on excessively steep slopes.
Always mow ACROSS the face of slopes, hills or

terraces; never up and down. Avoid situations
which require you to pull the mower backwards.

This machine will climb a slope greater than it is
safe to be on. Always reduce ground speed when
working on a slope.

Do not mow wet grass. Wear substantial foot
wear which provide good traction. Be certain of
secure footing.

9

Operating the Walk Behind Mower

STORAGE

Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less)

Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so
never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel
vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also
toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used
for human or animal habitation.

Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit
temporarily or in between uses:

• Keep the unit in an area away from where children may
come into contact with it. If there’s any chance of unau­thorized use, remove the spark plug (s) and put in a
safe place.Be sure the spark plug opening is protected
from foreign objects with a suitable cover.

• If the unit can’t be stored on a reasonable level surface,
chock the wheels.

• Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.

Long Term Storage (Longer Than 30 Days)

Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules
section, then perform the following steps:

1. Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with a
grade of oil that will be required when unit is used
again.

2. Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows:

a. Remove mower deck from the unit.
b. Clean underside of mower deck.
c. Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or light coat of

oil to prevent rusting.

3. Clean external surfaces and engine.

4. Prepare engine for storage.See engine owner’s
manual.

5. Clean any dirt or grass from cylinder head cooling fins,
engine housing and air cleaner element.

6. Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with plastic
or other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt
and insects.

7. Completely grease and oil unit as outlined in the
Normal Care section.

8. Clean up unit and apply paint or rust preventative to any
areas where paint is chipped or damaged.

9. Be sure the battery is filled to the proper level with
water and is fully charged. Battery life will be increased
if it is removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully
charged about once a month. If battery is left in unit,
disconnect the negative cable.

WARNING

Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or
fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated enclosures. Gasoline fumes may
reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as
a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and
cause an explosion.

Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable
and careless use could result in serious fire
damage to your person or property.

Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors
away from open flame or sparks.

10. Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabiliz­er to the fuel system. If you have chosen to use a fuel
stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow
all safety instructions and storage precautions in this
manual to prevent the possibility of fire from the ignition
of gasoline fumes. Remember, gasoline fumes can trav­el to distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk
of explosion and fire.

NOTE: Gasoline, if permitted to stand unused for extended
periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits
which can adversely affect the engine carburetor and cause
engine malfunction.To avoid this condition, add a gasoline
stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the engine a few minutes,
or drain all fuel from the unit before placing it in storage.

STARTING AFTER
LONG TERM STORA GE

Before starting the unit after it has been stored for a long
period of time, perform the following steps.

1. Remove any blocks from under the unit.

2. Install the battery if it was removed.

3. Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.

4. Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine
manual for recommendations.

5. See engine owner’s manual and follow all instructions
for preparing engine after storage.

6. Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if
necessary.If any condensation has developed during
storage, drain crankcase oil and refill.

7. Inflate tires to proper pressure. Check fluid levels.

8. Start the engine and let it run slowly.DO NOT run at
high speed immediately after starting. Be sure to r un
engine only outdoors or in well ventilated area.

10

Notes

11

Regular
Maintenance

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE & PROCEDURES

The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. You will need to keep a record of
your operating time.Determining operating time is easily accomplished by multiplying the time it takes to do one job
by the number of times you’ve done the job, or you can install an hour meter.

See Before Before Every Every Every Spring

SAFETY ITEMS Page First Use Each Use 5 Hours 25 Hours 100 Hours & Fall

Check Safety Interlock System 7 X X
Check Brakes 19 X X
Check Mower Blade Stopping Time 23 X X

See Before Before Every Every Every Spring

NORMAL CARE ITEMS Page First Use Each Use 5 Hours 25 Hours 100 Hours & Fall

Check Mower for loose hardware — X X
Check Engine Oil Level 13* X X X X
Check Engine Air Filter 13* X ***X
Change Engine Oil & Filter ** 13* ***X Every 50 Hours ***X
Lubricate Mower 14 ***X
Check Tire Pressure 12 X ***X
Check Hydraulic Fluid 13 X ***X
Check Fuel Filter 13 X
Clean Battery & Cables 14 X
Clean & Sharpen Mower Blades 15 X
Inspect Spark Plug 13* X

* See the engine manufacturer's owner's manual.

** Change original engine oil after first 5 hours of operation.

*** More often in hot (over 85° F: 30° C) weather or dusty operating conditions.

Tire Pressure

Front 20 psi (138 kPa)

Rear 15 psi (103 kPa)

Figure 2. Checking Tire Pressure

CHECK TIRE PRESSURES

Tire Pressure should be checked periodically, and main­tained at the levels shown in the chart. Note that these
pressures may differ slightly from the “Max Inflation”
stamped on the side-wall of the tires.The pressures
shown provide proper traction, improve cut quality, and
extend tire life.

12

CHECKING / ADDING FUEL

To add fuel:

1. Remove the fuel cap.

2. Fill the tank.
Do not overfill.Leave approximately 1” of room in the

tank for fuel expansion. Refer to your engine manual
for specific fuel recommendations.

3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.

4. Repeat same process for opposite tank.

FUEL FILTER

The fuel filter is located in the fuel line between fuel shut
off valve and carburetor, near the fuel pump. If filter is
dirty or clogged, replace as follows:

1. Shut off the fuel valve.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

3. Place a container below the filter to catch spilled fuel.

4. Using a pliers, open and slide hose clamps from fuel
filter.

5. Remove hoses from filter.

6. Install new filter in proper flow direction in fuel line.

7. Secure with hose clamps.

8. Reconnect the negative battery cable when finished.

OIL & FILTER CHANGE

Refer to engine owners manual.

CHECK / CHANGE AIR FILTER

Refer to engine owners manual.

REPLACE SPARK PLUG

Refer to engine owners manual.

CHECK HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL

NOTE: Do not open the hydraulic reservoir unless oil is
being added.

1. Locate the oil reservoir on the left side of the
machine, mounted to the fuel tank heat shield.

2. Look at the oil reservoir (A, Figure 3) and observe
the oil level. The oil level should not exceed 1” of oil
in the reservoir while cold.

3. If necessary, open the reservoir and add S.A.E. 20W­20 motor oil. Make sure area around the reser voir is
free of dust, dirt, or other debris.

WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and must be
handled with care. Never fill the tank when the
engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not
allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area.
Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.

Do not remove fuel filter when engine is hot, as
spilled gasoline may ignite. DO NOT spread hose
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps
grip hoses firmly over filter after installation.

Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL,
gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol,
gasoline additives, premium gasoline, or
white gas because engine/fuel system
damage could result.

Regular Maintenance

Figure 3. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level

A. Hydraulic Oil Reser voir

A

13

LUBRICATION

Lubricate the unit at the following lubrication points.

Grease:

• front caster wheel axles

• front caster wheel pivots

• blade spindle housings

• jackshaft spindle housing

Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to
apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are
not installed.

Not all greases are compatible.Ferris Red Grease is
recommended, automotive-type high-temperature, lithi­um grease may be used when this is not available.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Checking the Battery Fluid

1. Remove the rubber strap and battery box cover.

2. Remove the battery filler cap (A, Figure 4). Fluid
must be even with the split ring full mark. If not, add
distilled water.

3. Reinstall the filler cap.

4. Reinstall the the battery box cover and rubber strap.

Cleaning the Battery and Cables

1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative
cable first (C, Figure 4).

2. Remove the battery and clean the compartment with
a solution of baking soda and water.

3. Clean the battery ter minals and cable ends with a
wire brush until shiny.

4. Reinstall the battery and reattach the batter y cables,
positive cable first (see B, Figure 4)

5. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petro­leum jelly or non-conducting grease.

WARNING

Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid
spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away
from the battery.

When removing or installing battery cables,
disconnect the negative cable FIRST and
reconnect it LAST. If not done in this order,the
positive terminal can be shorted to the frame by a
tool.

Figure 4. Battery Maintenance

A. Vent Cap(s)
B. Positive (+) Ter minal & Cable
C. Negative (-) Terminal & Cable

C

B

A

Regular Maintenance

Oil:

• ground speed control lever pivots

• steering lever pivots

• parking brake handle pivot

• brake link pivots

Generally, all moving metal par ts should be oiled
where contact is made with other parts. Keep oil and
grease off belts and pulleys. Remember to wipe fit­tings and surfaces clean both before and after lubri­cation.

14

SER VICING THE MOWER BLADES

1. Blades should be sharp and free of nicks and dents.
If not, sharpen blades as described in following
steps.

2. To remove blade for sharpening, use a wood block to
hold blade while removing the blade mounting bolt
(Figure 5).

3. Use a file to sharpen blade to fine edge. Remove all
nicks and dents in blade edge.If blade is severely
damaged, it should be replaced.

4. Balance the blade as shown in Figure 6. Center the
blade’s hole on a nail lubricated with a drop of oil. A
balanced blade will remain level.

5. Reinstall each blade with the tabs pointing up toward
deck as shown in Figure 7.The five (5) blade spac­ers, blade, washer and bolt must be reinstalled in the
exact same order in which they were removed.
Secure with a bolt and hex nut.Use a wooden block
to prevent blade rotation and torque bolts to 70 ft.lbs.
(94 N.m.).

A

B

TIGHTEN

Figure 5. Removing the Blade

Figure 6. Balancing The Blade

Figure 7. Installing The Blade

A. 4x4 Wood Block
B. Flat Washer
C. Bolt

Nail

Regular Maintenance

WARNING

For your personal safety, blade mounting bolts
must each be installed with a flat washer then
securely tightened. Torque blade mounting bolts
to 70 ft.lbs. (94 N.m.)

15

LOOSEN

16

Notes

Troubleshooting

Adjustments & Service

TROUBLESHOOTING

While normal care and regular maintenance will extend
the life of your equipment, prolonged or constant use
may eventually require that service be performed to
allow it to continue operating properly.

The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common
problems, their causes and remedies.

See the information on the following pages for instruc­tions on how to perform most of these minor adjust­ments and service repairs yourself. If you prefer, all of
these procedures can be performed for you by your local
authorized dealer.

WARNING

To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on
the tractor or mower only when the engine is
stopped and the parking brake engaged.

Always remove the ignition key,disconnect the
spark plug wire and fasten it away from the plug
before beginning the maintenance, to prevent
accidental starting of the engine.

TROUBLESHOO TING THE MOWER

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Engine will not turnover or start. 1. Parking brake not engaged. 1.Engage parking brake.

2. PTO (electric clutch) switch 2. Place in OFF position.
in ON position.

3. Out of fuel. 3. If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then refill

the fuel tank.

4. Engine flooded. 4. Move throttle control out of CHOKE position.

5. Fuse blown. 5. Replace fuse.

6. Battery terminals require 6. Clean the battery terminals
cleaning.

7. Battery discharged or dead. 7. Recharge or replace.

8. Wiring loose or broken. 8.Visually check wiring & replace broken or

frayed wires.Tighten loose connections.

9. Solenoid or starter motor faulty. 9. Repair or replace. See authorized service dealer

10. Safety interlock switch 10. Replace as needed. See authorized
faulty. ser vice dealer.

11. Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled 11. Clean and gap or replace.
or incorrectly gapped. See engine manual.

12. Water in fuel. 12. Drain fuel & refill with fresh fuel.

13. Gas is old or stale. 13. Drain fuel & replace with fresh fuel.

Engine starts hard or runs poorly. 1. Fuel mixture too rich. 1. Clean air filter.Check choke adjustment

(throttle control).

2. Spar k plug faulty, fouled, or 2. Clean and gap or replace.
incorrectly gapped. (See engine manual.)

Engine knocks. 1. Low oil level. 1.Check/add oil as required.

2. Using wrong grade oil. 2. See engine manual.

Excessive oil consumption. 1. Engine running too hot. 1. Clean engine fins, blower screen and

air cleaner.

2. Using wrong weight oil. 2. See engine manual.

3. Too much oil in crankcase. 3.Drain excess oil.

Engine exhaust is black. 1. Dirty air filter. 1. Replace air filter.See engine manual.

2. Engine choke control 2.Open choke control.
is in closed position.

17

Mower Troubleshooting Continued.

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Engine runs, but rider will 1. Hydraulic release valve(s) 1.Turn valve(s) clockwise to close.
not drive. in “open” position.

2. Belt is broken. 2. See Drive Belt Replacement.

3. Dr ive belt slips. 3.See problem and cause below.

4. Brake is not fully released. 4. See authorized service dealer

Rider drive belt slips. 1. Clutch is out of adjustment. 1.See authorized ser vice dealer.

2. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. 2. Clean as required.

3. Belt stretched or wor n. 3. Replace belt.

Brake will not hold. 1. Brake is incorrectly adjusted. 1. See Brake Adjustment.

2. Brake caliper pads worn. 2. Replace with new brake pads.

Rider steers or handles poorly. 1. Steering linkage is loose. 1. Check and tighten any loose connections.

2. Improper tire inflation. 2. See Regular Maintenance Section.

TROUBLESHOO TING THE MOWER DECK

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Mower cut is uneven. 1. Mower not leveled properly. 1. See Mower Adjustment.

2. Dr ive tires not inflated 2. See Regular Maintenance Section.
equally or properly.

Mower cut is rough looking. 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Set throttle to full.

2. Ground speed too fast. 2. Decrease Ground Speed.

3. Blades are dull. 3. Shar pen or replace blades.

See Mower Blade Service.

4. Mower drive belt slipping 4. Clean or replace belt as necessary.
because it is oily or worn.

5. Blades not proper ly fastened 5. See Servicing the Mower Blades.
to arbors.

Engine stalls easily with 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Set to full throttle.
mower engaged. 2. Ground speed too fast. 2. Decrease Ground Speed.

3. Cutting height set too low. 3. Cut tall grass at maximum cutting

height during first pass.

4. Discharge chute jamming 4. Cut grass with discharge pointing toward
with cut grass. previously cut area.

Excessive mower vibration. 1. Blade mounting screws 1.Tighten to 70 ft.lbs. (94 N.m.).

are loose.

2. Mower blades, arbors, 2. Check and replace as necessary.
or pulleys are bent.

3. Mower blades are out 3. Remove, sharpen, and balance blades.
of balance. See Maintenance Section.

4. Belt installed incorrectly. 4. Reinstall Correctly.

Excessive belt wear or breakage. 1. Bent or rough pulleys. 1. Repair or replace.

2. Using incorrect belt. 2. Replace with correct belt.

Mower drive belt slips 1. Idler pulley spring broken or not 1. Repair or replace as needed.
or fails to drive. proper ly attached.

2. Mower drive belt broken. 2. Replace dr ive belt.

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

18

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

CUTTING HEIGHT

Juncture of Mower Deck to Engine Deck

1. Install the eight (8) 1/2” bolts and nylon lock nuts in
the lower set of bracket holes with the nuts on the
inside of the engine deck (see Figure 8).

NOTE:This set of mounting holes will accommodate
approximately 95% of all mowing conditions. The upper
set of holes should only be used for cutting 2” and
below.

2. Place 1 caster spacer below the caster mount arm
and 2 on top of the caster mount arm (see figure 9).

3. Square the cutter deck to the engine deck (see
Figure 10). This will ensure proper belt alignment
and prevent premature belt wear. Once the cutter
deck and engine deck are square, secure the mount­ing bolts to 60-70 ft.lbs. (81-94 N.m.).

4. Measure the cutter deck at the front and rear corners
by placing a straight edge along the top of the cutter
deck (see Figure 11). The distance between “X-X”
and the rear of the deck should always be 1/16”­3/16” greater than the distance between “Y-Y” at the
front of the cutter deck.

5. If a cutting height nearing 3” is desired, 2 caster
spacers need to be placed below the caster mount
arm and the cutter deck should be measured again.
If the rear of the deck is lower than the front, loosen
the eight (8) mounting bolts and rock the engine
deck until the above specified measurement is
achieved.

Caster Wheels

1. With the cutter deck and engine deck square, place
one caster spacer below the caster mount arm and 2
above the caster mount arm. This will accommodate
a cutting height of 2-1/4” to 2-3/4”. For a cutting
height of 2-3/4” to 3-1/4”, place 2 caster spacers
below the caster mount arm and 1 above.

2. If a cutting height below 2” is desired, lower the cut­ter deck on the eight (8) mounting bolts and place all
three (3) caster spacers above the caster mount
arm. Measure the cutter deck again and adjust as
necessary.

Y-Y

X-X

Figure 11. Mower Deck Measurement

90

Figure 10. Mower Deck to Engine Deck Measurement

Figure 9. Caster Spacers

A. Caster Spacer(s) C. Caster Mount Arm
B. Caster Y oke D. Lynch Pin

Figure 8. Mower Deck Mounting Bolts

A. Mount Bolts (shown in most common setting)
NOTE: 4th bolt is hidden from view by the tire

A

B

C

D

WARNING

Always remove the ignition key,disconnect the
spark plug wire and fasten it away from the plug
before beginning the maintenance, to prevent
accidental starting of the engine.

A

19

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

STEERING LEVER HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT

The distance between the steering lever and the handle
bar can be adjusted to the operator’s preference.
Adjusting the clevis (see Figure 12) will adjust the loca­tion of the steering lever.

Adjust here

Adjust here

Figure 12. Steering Lever Adjustment

Figure 13. Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment

GROUND SPEED CONTROL LEVER
LOCATION ADJUSTMENT

Loosening the bolt (see Figure 13) and adjust the lever
do it is most comfortable at your average cutting speed.

NOTE: The ground speed control levers must run paral­lel with the handle bars in both forward and reverse with­out rubbing together.

STEERING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

This adjustment should be made when steering lever
travel becomes excessive.

1. Loosen jam nut (J, Figure 14).

2. Tur n the adjuster bolt (I, Figure 14) clockwise until
snug.

3. Tur n the Adjuster bolt (I,Figure 14) counter-clockwise
1/2 turn.

4. Hold the adjuster bolt from turning and tighten jam
nut.

A

Figure 14. Brake Caliper

A. Brake Caliper Housing G. Housing Bolt
B. Anvil H. Housing Nut
C. Brake Lever I. Adjuster Bolt
D. Actuator Pin J. Jam Nut
E. Backing Plate K. Lever Retaining Pin
F. Brake Pad

I

J

K

H

G

BC

D

F

E

20

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT

1. Remove the adjuster bolt (I, Figure 14) from the
brake caliper housing (A, Figure 14), disconnect the
clevis pin from the brake lever (C, Figure 14) and
remove the bolts holding the brake mount to the
engine deck.

2. Remove the brake caliper assembly from the mount,
remove the two housing bolts (G, Figure 14) and
separate the caliper halves.

3. Remove the brake pad (F, Figure 14) and backing
plate (E, Figure 14) and discard worn brake pad.

4. Remove the actuator pin (D, Figure 14) and inspect
the pin and brake lever (C, Figure 14) for galling or
cracks. If either is defective, these parts should be
replaced in sets.

5. Grease the spherical end of the actuator pin, the
spherical end of the adjuster bolt and the ramp areas
of the brake lever with a good TEFLON-additive
grease. Replace the actuator pin into the caliper
housing, spherical end first. Replace the adjuster
bolt only by a few threads to hold it in place.

6. Place the back plate into the brake caliper housing,
then the new brake puck on top of the back plate.

7. If the brakes are severely worn, it may be necessary
to replace the anvil side (B, Figure 14) of the brake
caliper.

8. Reassemble the brake caliper and tighten the hous­ing bolts to 24 ft.lbs. (32 N.m.).

9. Replace the caliper in the brake mount, reassemble
the brake mount to the engine deck, reconnect the
clevis to the brake lever.

10.See STEERING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT for proper
adjustment.

21

BELT TENSION & ADJUSTMENT

Mower Blade Belt

1. Loosen the guard hold-downs and remove the
mower deck guard.

2. Loosen the nuts (G, Figure 15) securing the eyebolt
(E, Figure 15) the anchor (F, Figure 15).

3. Tighten the outside nut until the belt is tight enough
not to slip on the pulleys when the PTO is engaged.

4. Lock the nuts against the anchor.

Transmission Drive Belt

This belt is spring tensioned and requires no adjustment.

Jackshaft Drive Belt

This belt is spring tensioned and requires no adjustment.

BELT REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

Mower Blade Belt

1. Loosen the guard hold-downs and remove the
mower deck guard.

2. Loosen the nuts (G, Figure 15) securing the eyebolt
(E, Figure 15) the anchor (F, Figure 15).

3. Remove the hardware fastening the electric clutch to
the rubber pad and unplug the electric clutch.

4. Remove the belt from the pulleys.

5. Replace with the new belt in reverse order. See
BELT TENSION & ADJUSTMENT for proper belt ten­sion.

Transmission Drive Belt

1. Remove the nylon lock nut from spring anchor bolt
on the idler arm.

2. Release the spring tension by sliding the spring off of
the anchor bolt.

3. Remove the old belt and replace with the new. Be
sure the belt is properly seated in the transmission
pulley before connecting the belt tension spring and
reinstalling the lock nut. Failure to do so can cause
belt and/or pulley damage upon starting the engine.

Jackshaft Drive Belt

1. Remove the transmission drive belt (see instructions
above).

2. Remove the nylon lock nut from the spring anchor
bolt and the idler arm.

3. Release the spring tension by sliding the spring off of
the anchor bolt.

4. Remove the old belt and replace with the new.
Reconnect the spring and replace the lock nut.

5. Install the transmission drive belt (see instructions
above).

Figure 15. Mower Blade Belt Routing

A. Spindle Pulley E. Eyebolt
B. Idler Pulley F. Eyebolt Anchor
C. Clutch Pulley G. Nut
D. Mower Drive Belt

A

F

G

D

A

B

C

E

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

22

PTO CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT

Check the PTO clutch adjustment after the initial 50 hour
break-in period and then after every 250 hours of opera­tion. Also perform the following procedure if the clutch is
slipping or will not engage, or if a new clutch has been
installed.

1. Remove key from ignition switch and disconnect
spark plug wires to prevent the possibility of acciden­tal starting while the PTO is being adjusted.

2. See Figure 16. Note the position of the 3 adjustment
windows (A) in the side of the brake plate and the
nylock adjustment nuts (B).

3. Insert a .010”-.015” (2.5-4mm) feeler gauge (C)
through each window, positioning the gauge between
the rotor face and the armature face as shown in
Figure 17.

4. Alternately tighten the adjustment nuts (B, Figure 16)
until the rotor face and armature face just contacts
the gauge.

5. Check the windows for an equal amount of tension
when the gauge is inserted and removed, and make
any necessary adjustments by tightening or loosen­ing the adjustment nuts.

NOTE: The actual air gap between the rotor and arma­ture may vary even after performing the adjustment pro­cedure. This is due to dimensional variations on compo­nent parts, and is an acceptable condition.

6. Check the mower blade stopping time. The mower
blades and mower drive belt should come to a com­plete stop within five seconds after the electric PTO
switch is turned off.

WARNING

To avoid serious injury, perform adjustments only
with engine stopped, key removed and tractor on
level ground.

Blade Brake Check

Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO
switch is turned off.

1.With parking brake engaged, PTO disengaged, start
the engine.

2.Remove the mower deck guard and observe the
mower drive belt. Engage the PTO and wait several
seconds. Disengage the PTO and check the amount
of time it takes for the mower drive belt to stop.

3.If the mower drive belt does not stop within five sec­onds, perform the PTO Clutch Adjustment. If the belt
still does not stop within 5 seconds, see your dealer.

C

A

B

B

B

A

B

Figure 16. PTO Clutch Adjustment

A. Adjustment Window (Qty. 3, one shown)
B. Adjustment Nut

Figure 17. Adjust PTO Clutch

A. Window
B. Adjustment Nut
C. .010”-.015” (2.5-4mm) Feeler Gauge

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

23

BATTERY SERVICE

Checking Battery Voltage

A voltmeter can be used to determine condition of bat­tery. When engine is off, the voltmeter shows battery
voltage, which should be 12 volts. When engine is run­ning, the voltmeter shows voltage of charging circuit
which normally is 13 to 14 volts.

A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine may
not mean the battery needs to be replaced. For exam­ple, it may mean that the alternator is not charging the
battery properly.If there is any doubt about the cause of
the problem, see your dealer. If you need to replace the
battery, follow the steps under Cleaning the Battery &
Cables in the Regular Maintenance Section.

CHARGING A COMPLETELY
DISCHARGED BATTERY

1. Be aware of all the safety precautions you should
observe during the charging operation. If you are
unfamiliar with the use of a battery charger and
hydrometer, have the battery serviced by your dealer.

2. Add distilled water sufficient to cover the plate (fill to
the proper level near the end of the charge).If the
battery is extremely cold, allow it to warm before
adding water because the water level will rise as it
warms. Also, an extremely cold battery will not
accept a normal charge until it becomes warm.

3. Always unplug or turn the charger off before attach­ing or removing the clamp connections.

4. Carefully attach the clamps to the battery in proper
polarity (usually red to [+] positive and black to [-]
negative).

5. While charging, periodically measure the tempera­ture of the electrolyte. If the temperature exceeds
125° F (51.6° C), or if violent gassing or spewing of
electrolyte occurs, the charging rate must be reduced
or temporarily halted to prevent battery damage.

WARNING

Keep open flames and sparks away from the
battery; the gasses coming from it are highly
explosive.Ventilate the battery well during
charging.

6. Charge the battery until fully charged (until the spe­cific gravity of the electrolyte is 1.250 or higher and
the electrolyte temperature is at least 60° F).The
best method of making certain a batter y is fully
charged, but not over charged, is to measure the
specific gravity of a cell once per hour.The battery is
fully charged when the cells are gassing freely at low
charging rate and less than 0.003 change in specific
gravity occurs over a three hour period.

JUMP STARTING WITH AUXILIARY
(BOOSTER) BATTERY

Jump starting is not recommended. However, if it must
be done, follow these directions. Both booster and dis­charged batteries should be treated carefully when using
jumper cables.Follow the steps below EXACTLY, being
careful not to cause sparks. Refer to Figure 43 .

1. Both batteries must be of the same voltage.

2. Position the vehicle with the booster battery adjacent
to the vehicle with the discharged battery so that
booster cables can be connected easily to the batter­ies in both vehicles.Make certain vehicles do not
touch each other.

3. Wear safety glasses and shield eyes and face from
batteries at all times. Be sure vent caps are tight.
Place damp cloth over vent caps on both batteries.

4. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post of dis­charged battery (wired to star ter or solenoid).

5. Connect the other end of same cable to same post
marked positive (+) on booster battery.

6. Connect the second cable negative (-) to other post
of booster battery.

7. Make final connection on engine block of stalled
vehicle away from battery. Do not lean over batteries.

8. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster bat­tery. Wait a few minutes, then attempt to start the
engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

9. If the vehicle does not start after cranking for thirty
seconds, STOP PROCEDURE. More than thir ty sec­onds seldom starts the engine unless some mechan­ical adjustment is made.

10.After star ting, allow the engine to return to idle
speed. Remove the cable connection at the engine
or frame.Then remove the other end of the same
cable from the booster battery.

11.Remove the other cable by disconnecting at the dis­charged battery first and then disconnect the oppo­site end from the booster battery.

12.Discard the damp cloths that were placed over the
battery vent caps.

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

24

WARNING

Any procedure other than the preceding could
result in:

(1) personal injury caused by electrolyte

squirting out the battery vents,

(2) personal injury or property damage due to

battery explosion,

(3) damage to the charging system of the

booster vehicle or of the immobilized
vehicle.

Do not attempt to jump start a vehicle having a
frozen battery because the battery may rupture or
explode. If a frozen battery is suspected, examine
all fill vents on the battery. If ice can be seen or if
the electrolyte fluid cannot be seen, do not
attempt to start with jumper cables as long as the
battery remains frozen.

WARNING

For your personal safety, use extreme care when
jump starting. Never expose battery to open flame
or electric spark – battery action generates
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive.
Do not allow battery acid to contact skin, eyes,
fabrics, or painted surfaces. Batteries contain a
sulfuric acid solution which can cause serious
personal injury or property damage.

When removing or installing battery cables, dis­connect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect
it LAST. If not done in this order, the positive ter­minal can be shorted to the frame by a tool.

To avoid engine damage, do not disconnect bat­tery while engine is running. Be sure terminal
connections are tight before starting.

Figure 18. Jump Starting

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

25

THIS HOOK-UP FOR NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLES

To
Starter
Switch

Starting
Vehicle
Battery

To Ground

To
Starter
Switch

Jumper Cable

Discharged
Vehicle
Battery

Jumper Cable

Engine
Block

MAKE CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT TOUCH

Lawn Care

& Mowing Information

TYPES OF GRASS, CLIMATE AND
CONDITIONS

A variety of grasses are commonly grown in household
lawns, but two main groups known as cool-season
grasses (varieties of bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue),
and warm-season grasses (typically bermuda, buffalo
grass, and zoysia varieties) are the most common.

The cool-season grasses are better suited to cooler cli­mates, and do not endure hot and dry weather as well as
warm-season grasses, but conversely, the warm-season
grasses do not grow as well in cooler climates. Most resi­dential lawns are typically seeded with a mixture of these
grasses. (A local nursery or lawn center may help you to
identify what kind of grass your lawn contains from a
sample.)

Knowing your climate and conditions is also important to
proper lawn care. Drier climates or conditions will require
additional watering, while wetter climates may require
more frequent mowing.

HOW AND WHEN TO WATER,
FERTILIZE & AERATE

Every lawn’s watering needs are unique and are depen­dent upon the type of grass and soil, the amount of local
rainfall, and other conditions. Most lawns are watered
too often, but with too little water. However too much
water can allow development of diseases with your lawn.

It is best to water the lawn only when necessary, and
then to water it slowly, evenly, and deeply—imitating
a slow, soaking rain.

WHEN TO WATER YOUR LAWN

When the lawn begins to wilt, the grass’s color dulls, or
footprints stay compressed for more than a few seconds,
the lawn is beginning to dry out, and needs additional
moisture. The best time to water is early morning to allow
the water to soak deeply into the lawn and reduce the
amount that evaporates in the hot afternoon sun.

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HOW TO WATER YOUR LAWN

The best method of watering a lawn is to imitate a slow,
soaking rain, applying about 1 inch of water. A method
of verifying the amount that you have watered, is to place
several empty tin cans (low shallow cans work best) in
various spots around the lawn, and check the depth of
water in the can during the watering process.

HOW TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN

Fertilizing with a slow-release fertilizer provides missing
nutrients which help create slow, even growth. While
opinions vary on the need for fertilizing, when and how
much to fertilize will be more a factor of the condition of
the lawn and soil than any routine. Remember that over­fertilizing can cause harm, and that most fertilizing
should be applied in the spring so that it will release into
the lawn through the summer. For more information,
check with a local nursery or lawn care specialist, and
read and follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions.

AERATING YOUR LAWN

Consider aerating your lawn in spring. Using an aerator
to remove cores of soil from the lawn increases the
speed of clipping decomposition and encourages deeper
root growth by opening up the soil and permitting greater
movement of water, fertilizer and air.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Proper mowing is an important part of maintaining your
lawn in the best possible condition. A healthy and well
maintained lawn is better able to resist drought, weeds,
and other stresses. But too much maintenance is as
detrimental to your lawn as neglect. Proper care for your
lawn involves more than just “cutting the grass.” To have
a healthy lawn, you need to know:

• Types of Grass, Climate and Conditions

• How and When to Water, Fertilize & Aerate

• How High to Mow the Grass

• When and How Often to Mow

• What Mowing Patterns to Use

• Proper Mowing Methods

• How to Solve Common Mowing Problems

TP 600-7000-01-UV-FD

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

HOW HIGH TO
MOW THE GRASS

Often cutting height is a
matter of personal prefer­ence. Typically, you should
mow the grass when it is is
between three and five
inches high.

The proper
cutting height range for a
specific lawn will depend
upon several factors,
including the type of grass,
the amount of rainfall, the
prevailing temperature, and
the lawn’s overall condition.

Cutting the grass too short
causes weak, thin grass
plants, which are easily
damaged by dry periods
and pests. Cutting too short
is often more damaging
than allowing the grass to be slightly higher.

Letting grass grow a bit longer—especially when it is hot and
dry—reduces heat build-up, preserves needed moisture and
protects the grass from heat damage and other problems.
However, allowing grass to grow too high can cause thin turf
and additional problems.

Cutting off too much at one time shocks the plant’s growth
system and weakens the grass plants. A good rule of

thumb is the 1/3 rule: to cut no more than one third of
the grass height, and never more than 1 inch at a time.

The amount of grass you are able to cut in one pass is also
effected by the type of mowing system you are using (for
example, broadcasting with side discharge decks can
process a much larger volume of grass than mulching does).

NOTE: We cover some specific mowing instructions for
mulching and broadcasting later in this Lawn Care section.

Proper Cutting Height

Cut
Here On
Second
Pass

Cut Here On
First Pass

Optimal
cutting point
at less than
1/3 from top
of grass blade

Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting

For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at maxi­mum for the first pass, and then reset it to the desired
height and mow a second or third time.

Don’t cover the grass surface with a heavy layer of
clippings. Consider using a grass collection system
and starting a compost pile.

Cutting down to this
area contributes to
thatch problems

Cut less than

1/3

1 inch

1/3

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

Where possible, make one or two passes around the
outside of the area discharging the grass INTO the lawn
to keep the cut grass off fences and walks.

WHEN AND HOW OFTEN TO MOW

The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect
the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results,
follow these guidelines:

l Mow when the grass is between three and five inches

high.

l Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings of grass one

inch or shorter decompose more quickly than longer
blades. Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and
efficiently, preventing frayed edges which harm the
grass.

l Mow at time of day when the grass is cool and dry.

Late afternoon or early evening often provide these
ideal mowing conditions.

l Avoid mowing after rain or even heavy dew, and

never mulch when the grass is wet (moist grass does
not mulch well, and clumps beneath the mower
deck).

WHAT MOWING PATTERNS TO USE

Always start mowing on a smooth, level area.
The size and type of area to be mowed will determine

the best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as
trees, fences and buildings, and conditions such as
slopes and grades must also be considered.

l Cut long straight strips overlapping slightly.
l Where possible, change patterns occasionally to

eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appear­ance.

l For a truly professional cut, mow across the lawn in

one direction, then recut the lawn by mowing perpen­dicular to the previous cut.

The remainder of the mowing should be done in the
opposite direction so that the clippings are dispersed
OUT onto the area of lawn previously cut.

Note: Always operate the engine at full throttle when
mowing.

If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too
fast—using a slower ground speed will improve the cut­ting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common
cutting problems. Use an appropriate ground speed for
the thickness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd
gear or slower for manual gear models). If you hear the
engine slowing down you are mowing too fast, use a
slower ground speed.

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

MOWING METHODS

Proper Broadcast Mowing

Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clip­pings evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use
this method. Your mower has a deep dish deck to allow
freer circulation of clippings so they are broadcast evenly
over the lawn.

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR BROADCASTING

Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing.
If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too
fast—using a slower ground speed will improve the cut­ting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common
cutting problems.

ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thick­ness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or
slower for manual gear models). If you hear the engine

slowing down you are mowing too fast, use a slower
ground speed.

HOW MUCH GRASS TO CUT OFF WHEN BROADCASTING

Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the
grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more
that 1 inch of grass in a single pass.

Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower
deck which cuts and recuts clip­pings into tiny particles and
which then blows them down
INTO the lawn. These tiny parti­cles decompose rapidly into by­products your lawn can use.
UNDER PROPER CONDI­TIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate
noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.

NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a
rumbling sound may be present and is normal.

MULCHING REQUIRES EXCELLENT MOWING
CONDITIONS

Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is
wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more
than normal mowing, mulching requires that the grass be
dry and the the appropriate amount is cut.

Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the
first two or three mowings in the spring. The long grass
blades, quick growth, and often wetter conditions are
more suitable for broadcasting (side-discharging) or
grass bagging operation.

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR BROADCASTING

Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground
speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed
while mulching should be HALF of the speed that would
be used when broadcasting (side discharging) under
similar conditions. Since mulching requires more horse­power than broadcasting, using a slower ground speed is
vitally important for proper mulching operation.

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

The best mulching action typical­ly results from cutting only the
top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass
blade. This provides short clip­pings which decompose properly
(much more quickly than longer

clippings). The ideal cutting
height will vary with climate, time of year, and quality of
your lawn. We recommend that you experiment with both
the cutting height and ground speed until you achieve
the best cut. Start with a high cutting height and using
progressively lower settings until you find a cutting height
that is matched to your mowing conditions and prefer­ences.

Mulching Action

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

TIPS On Dealing With Clippings

Clippings are beneficial to your lawn. A common mis­conception about clippings is that they automatically
lead to thatch—this is untrue. Short clippings produced
by broadcasting and clippings produced by mulching
methods actually contribute to a healthy lawn
because they:

• Reduce the evaporation of water from your lawn.

• Provide a cushioning layer to reduce lawn wear.

• Moderate soil temperature.

• Clippings act as a safe, non-polluting and inexpen­sive fertilizer that nourishes your lawn. Fresh cut
grass blades are 85% water, and are a rich source
of nitrogen which is essential to lush growth. And
one garbage bag of clippings contains about 1/4 lb.
of usable organic nitrogen.

COMPOSTING

The best way to recycle excess clippings and leave your
lawn looking immaculate is to collect them with an effi­cient collection system and deposit them in a compost
pile. A compost pile is a collection of grass, leaves, and
other organic wastes which—when properly tended—
decompose into an odorless, topsoil material. This
material, in turn, acts as an inexpensive fertilizer for your
lawn and garden.

How to start a healthy compost pile:

1 Build a bin using bricks, fencing, cement blocks, etc. or pur-

chase a prefabricated bin from a garden store. The bin
should also have venting on each side and from the bottom
to the top.

2 Fill the bin with alternating layers of yard waste. Follow this

recipe:
First layer: 3-4 inches of chopped brush or other coarse

material.
Second layer: 6-8 inches of mixed leaves, grass clippings,

sawdust, etc. Materials should be "sponge damp."
Third layer: 1 inch of soil to add micro-organisms that help

break down organic matter.

Fourth layer: 1-2 inches of manure to provide the nitrogen
needed by micro-organisms.

Keep adding layers until the bin is almost full. Top off with
a 4-6 inch layer of straw and scoop out a "basin" to catch
rain water.

3 Four or five days later the pile will reach temperatures of

140-160 degrees. At this time you'll notice it settling, a
good sign your compost is working properly.

4 After 5-6 weeks, fork materials into a new pile, turning the

outside of the old heap into the center of the new one. Add
water if necessary. The compost should be ready to use
within three to four months when dark brown, crumbly, and
earthy-smelling.

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

Stepped Cutting

Stepped cutting is sharp ridges or uneven levels left in
the lawn surface. Stepped cutting is usually caused by
mower deck damage or misadjustment, or damage to
mower blades.

CAUSE SOLUTION

Deck is not leveled correctly Level the deck correctly
Tires are not properly inflated Check and inflate the tires
Blades are damaged Replace the blades
Deck shell is damaged Repair or replace the deck
Mower spindle is bent or loose Repair or replace the spindle
Blades are installed incorrectly Reinstall the blades correctly

Stepped Cutting

Streaking

Streaking

Streaking is when thin strips of uncut grass are left
behind the mower. Streaking is usually caused by
operator error or poor blade maintenance.

CAUSE SOLUTION

Blades are not sharp Sharpen your blades
Blades are worn down too far Replace your blades
Engine speed is too slow Always mow at full throttle
Ground speed is too fast Slow down
Deck is plugged with grass Clean out the mower
Not overlapping cutting rows enough Overlap your cutting rows
Not overlapping enough when turning When turning your effective cutting width

decreases–overlap more when turning

SOLUTIONS FOR COMMON MOWING PROBLEMS

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Lawn Care & Mowing Information

Stingers

Stingers are sparse patches of uncut grass left behind
the mower. Stingers are usually caused by operator
error or poor blade maintenance.

CAUSE SOLUTION

Blades are not sharp or are nicked Sharpen your blades
Blades are worn down too far Replace your blades
Engine speed is too slow Always mow at full throttle
Ground speed is too fast Slow down
Deck is plugged with grass Clean out the mower

Uneven Cutting

Uneven cutting is waviness or smooth troughs in the
lawn surface. Uneven cutting is usually caused by
mower deck damage or misadjustment.

CAUSE SOLUTION

Deck is not leveled correctly Level the deck correctly
Blades are dull or worn Sharpen or replace the blades
Blades are damaged Replace the blades
Deck is clogged with grass clippings Clean out the deck
Deck shell is damaged Repair or replace the deck
Mower spindle is bent or loose Repair or replace the spindle
Blades are installed incorrectly Reinstall the blades correctly

Scalping

Scalping is when the mower deck comes close to or hits
the ground. Scalping can be caused by the mower deck
misadjustment, unevenness in the lawn, or by mower
deck bouncing because the ground speed is too fast.

CAUSE SOLUTION

Lawn is uneven or bumpy Roll or level the lawn
Mower deck cutting height is set too low Raise the cutting height
Ground speed is too fast Slow down
Deck is not leveled correctly Correctly level the deck
Tire pressure is low or uneven Check and inflate the tires

Uneven Cutting

Scalping

Stingers

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Common International Symbols

Technical Manuals

Additional Technical Literature Available

Operators Manuals

Additional copies of this manual are available, (and as part
of our product support commitment, we maintain a stock of
printed operators manuals going back many years!)

Parts Manuals

Fully illustrated parts manuals are also available —
these manuals show all of the product’s components in
exploded views (“3D” illustrations which show the relationship of
the parts and how they go together), as well as giving the replace­ment part numbers and quantities used. Important assembly notes and
special torque values are included in these manuals.

For the applicable manuals currently available for
your model, contact your local dealer. Have the
information listed in the box at the right available
when making in your request.

Model:
Serial No.:
Your Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Visa/Mastercard No.:
Card Expiration Date:

Choke

Fast (Throttle)

Slow (Throttle)

Throttle

Fuel

PTO Clutch

Parking Brake

Brake

Headlights

Mower Cutting
Height Adjustment

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Notes