Simplicity ZT2148, ZT2352 User Manual

Print Instructions for Print Vendors (Paper Manuals)

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Paper Size: • 11 x 17

• Body - 50 lbs brilliant white offset or equivalent

• Cover - on 80 lbs cover stock

Press: • Body - 1-color, 2-sided

• Cover imprint - 1-color, 2-sided

Bindery: • Staple (2X), Face Trim

COVERS: • Covers are located at the beginning of this package.

• Back cover is the page IMMEDIATLEY AFTER the front cover.

• Check the front cover for the individual part number (typically a 2xxxx or 182xxxx number).

• Check the front cover for the document number (TP 1xx - xxxx - xx - xx - x)

BODY: •ODD number pages are ALWAYS right hand pages, and EVEN number are ALWAYS left hand

pages.

General: • This instruction page is NOT part of the manual and must NOT be printed.

• Pages labeled with the text “THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK” are placement pages ONLY,
and should NOT be printed.

If you have any further questions regarding this manual, please contact Ken Cehonski in
Ferris Industries Engineering Department at [phone] ext. 249.

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

22820

Rev. 11/2001

TP 100-7033-01-CT-D

Models:

ZT2148
ZT2352

Colt

Zero-Turn Riding Mower

mowers are built by
Ferris Industries, a
Simplicity company.

Ferris Industries

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

TM

TM

Ferris Industries

5375 North Main Street
Munnsville, NY 13409

800-933-6175
www.ferrisindustries.com
© Copyright 2001 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.

FERRIS

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............................................8

Control Functions ....................................................8

Safety Interlock System..........................................9

Operating the Tractor........................................10

General .................................................................10

Checks Before Starting.........................................10

Starting the Engine ...............................................11

Stopping the Rider................................................11

Mowing..................................................................11

Pushing the Rider by Hand...................................11

Zero Turn Driving Practice....................................12

Storage..................................................................14

Starting After Long Ter m Storage.........................14

Regular Maintenance........................................15

Maintenance Schedule .........................................15

Checking Tire Pressures.......................................15

Checking/Adding Fuel ...........................................16

Fuel Filter..............................................................16

Oil & Filter Change ...............................................16

Check / Change Air FIlter .....................................16

Check Hydraulic Oil Level.....................................16

Lubrication ............................................................17

Battery Maintenance.............................................17

Checking Battery Fluid ......................................17

Cleaning the Battery and Cables.......................17

Servicing the Mower Blades.................................18

Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service .......19

Troubleshooting the Tractor...................................19

Troubleshooting the Mower...................................20

Seat Adjustment....................................................21

Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment.............21

Speed Balancing Adjustment................................21

Parking Brake Adjustment ....................................22

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

Blade Brake Check...............................................23

Neutral Adjustment ...............................................24

Neutral Position & Return Spring Adjustment.......24

Cutting Height Adjustment....................................25

Deck Leveling Adjustment.....................................25

Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement..............26

Mower Belt Replacement......................................26

Battery Service .....................................................27

Checking the Battery Voltage ............................27

Charging A Completely Discharged Battery ......27

Jump Starting with

Auxiliary (Booster) Battery .............................27

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 2001 Ferris Industries
All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.

TP 100-7033-01-CT-D

1

IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATIONS

Identification
Numbers

When contacting your
Authorized Dealer for
replacement parts, service,
or information YOU MUST
HA

VE THESE NUMBERS.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

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

• The Tractor I.D. tag is located on the inside of the

main frame rail, behind the deck height plate.

• 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

Unit MODEL Number

PRODUCT REFERENCE DATA

Unit SERIAL Number

Dealer Name

Date Purchased

Engine Make/Model

Engine ID/Serial Number

Mower Deck MODEL Number

Mower Deck SERIAL

Number

Tractor

identification tag

XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

N/A

N/A

2

FERRIS

FERRIS INDUSTRIES, INC.

MUNNSVILLE, NY 13409

MADE IN THE USA

MODEL NO.

SERIAL NO.

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 f

eet and throwing objects.

The triangle in

text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.

Safety Rules

& Information

TRAINING

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting. If the opera­tor(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the
owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.

• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equip­ment, operator controls, and safety signs.

• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.

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

• Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.

• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.

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

PREPARATION

• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and safely
perform the job. Use only accessories and attach­ments approved by the manufacturer.

• Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes,
safety glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.

• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire,
which can be thrown by the machine.

• 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.

• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.

OPERATION

• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.

• Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light.

• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is

engaged before starting engine. Only start engine
from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provid­ed.

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

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone.Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher or the deflec­tor in place.

• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.

• Never raise deck with the blades running.

• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disen-

gage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands and
feet away from the cutting units.

• Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades
when not mowing.

• Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly
and functioning properly.

• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or over­speed the engine.

• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator’s position for any reason includ-
ing emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the
chute.

• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make neces­sary repairs before resuming operations.

3

4

Safety Rules & Information

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

• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.

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

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

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
drive on it.

Do

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of

available weights to improve stability.

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

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you
will not have to stop or change speed while on the
slope.

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

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

Do Not

• Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessar y, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, 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 unit by putting your foot on
the ground.

• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not aler t 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 during reverse operation, look behind and

down for small children.

• Never carry children.They may fall off and be seri­ously injured or interfere with safe unit operation.

• 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.

WARNING

Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10
feet horizontally. In the forward direction, this
machine will climb a slope too steep to mow
safely.

• Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra cau­tion when operating on slopes with rear-mounted
grass catcher.

• Watch for any changes in the terrain such as ditches,
holes, rocks, dips and rises, which change the oper­ating angle of the machine.

• Carefully follow the “Do’s” and “Dont’s” listed below.

OPERATION Continued

5

Safety Rules & Information

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

• 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 recom-
mended 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 service
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.

WARNING

STORED ENERGY DEVICE: Improper release of
the deck lift assist spring can result in serious
personal injury.

• Spring should be removed by an authorized dealer
only.

WARNING

Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may
have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury.

If foreign fluid is injected into the skin it must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor
familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may
result.

Keep body and hands away from pin holes or nozzles
that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure. Use
paper or cardboard and not hands to search for leaks.

Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and
all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
before applying pressure to the system.

If leaks occur, have the unit serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer.

6

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.

Decal - Danger

Part No. 1704276

Decal - Danger

Part No. 1704277

Decal - Danger

Part No. 22143

Decal - Operation & Controls

Part No. 45559

Decal - Caution

Part No. 46481

Decal - Warning

Part No. 46884

Safety Rules & Information

Decal - Danger

Part No. 46885

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S).
KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS & SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND - BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
IF YOU CANNOT BACK UP A HILL - DO NOT OPERATE ON IT.
GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADES AND BACK
DOWN SLOWLY.
BE SURE BLADES AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLACING
HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADES.
WHEN LEAVING MACHINE, SHUT OFF ENGINE, REMOVE KEY,
AND SET PARKING BRAKE.

DANGER

ROTATING CUTTING BLADE

Do not put hands or feet

under mower deck while
blade is rotating.

1704276

46884

ROTATING CUTTING BLADE

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

OPERATING ON
SLOPES CAN BE
DANGEROUS

SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

IF YOU CANNOT BACK-UP A
HILL - DO NOT DRIVE ON IT.

ROTATING BLADES
CUT OFF ARMS
AND LEGS

STOP MOWER WHEN
CHILDREN ARE NEAR.

NO RIDERS

- THEY FALL OFF.

DANGER

1704277

46885

To Start Engine:

Seat must be occupied, PTO
Switch OFF , P arking Brak e ON
and both control handles are
locked in Neutral.

To Stop Engine:

Engage Parking Brake, Throttle at
half to full, turn Ignition Switch Off.

Before Leaving Machine:

Turn PTO s witch off , shut off engine ,
remove key, and set Parking
Brake

GROUND SPEED AND
STEERING LEVERS

Right lever controls speed
and direction of right drive
wheel. Notch is neutral
lock.
Left lever controls speed and
direction of left drive wheel.
Notch is neutral lock.
Steer by slowing the lever in
the direction of the turn.

PARKING BRAKE
LEVER

Pull to set Parking Brake.
Push to release Parking
Brake.

DECK LIFT PEDAL

Push to raise deck.

CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT PIN

OPERATION

To Operate PTO Clutch:

Operator must be in seat.
Pull up to Engage.
Push down to Disengage.

When Operator Leaves Seat:

Engine will shut off if PTO is on.
Engine will shut off of Parking Brake
is off.
Engine will shut off if both control
levers are not locked in neutral.

DO NOT TOW!

Damage may result to
Hydrostatic Transmission.

DANGER

ROTATING PARTS UNDER ENGINE.
KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR.
STOP ENGINE BEFORE SERVICING.

7

Notes

Features & Controls
of the Zero Turn Rider

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 lear n what combination and sequence
of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section.

A. Ground Speed Control Levers

These levers control the ground speed of the rider.The
left lever controls the left rear drive wheel and the right
controls the right rear drive wheel.

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

Note:The further a lever is moved away from the neutral
position the faster the drive wheel will turn.

See the Operating the Zero Turn Rider section for steer­ing instructions.

B. Seat Adjustment Lever

The seat can be adjusted forward and back.Move the
lever forward, position the seat as desired, and release
the lever to lock the seat in position.

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.

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

A

K

Figure 1. Control Locations

H

8

C

I

B

J

E

D

F

G

L

Features & Controls

SAFETY INTERLOCK
SYSTEM

This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches.
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

Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if:

• PTO switch is engaged, OR

• Parking brake is not engaged, OR

• Motion control handles are not in the NEUTRAL

position, OR

• Operator is not on the seat.

Test 2 — Engine SHOULD crank if:

• PTO switch is NOT engaged, AND

• Parking brake is engaged, AND

• Motion control handles are locked in the NEUTRAL

position, AND

• Operator is on the seat.

Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:

• Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged, OR

• Operator rises off seat with parking brake disen-

gaged.

• Operator moves motion control handles inward
before disengaging parking brake.

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 rises off seat). 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, parking brake must be engaged, and the
motion control handles must be locked in the NEUTRAL
position after the operator returns to the seat 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.

D. Parking Brake Handle

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

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 & G. Deck Lift Pedal & Cutting Height
Adjustment Pin

These control the cutting height of the mower deck.
Depress the pedal until it locks into the TRANSPORT

position. Place the adjustment pin in the desired cutting
height and release the lift pedal.

H & I.Throttle / Choke Control

Pulling the round choke control knob (I) out fully chokes
the engine for cold starts. (A warm engine may not
require choking.) Moving the throttle control (H) fully for­ward is FULL throttle position. Always operate the unit
at FULL throttle when mowing.

J. Headlight Switch

Tur n the switch ON to light the front headlight.

K. Hour Meter

Measures the time of the PTO being engaged.

L. Fuel Shut Off Valve

Tur ning the handle to the desired position deter mines
which tank will be supplying fuel. With the handle point­ing forward, it will draw fuel from the left-hand tank. With
the handle pointed towards the rear, it will draw fuel from
the right-hand fuel tank. With the handle pointing
towards the right, it will shut off fuel flow to the engine.

9