Snapper 18HP User Manual
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
18HP Zero-Turn Riders
Mfg. No. Description
1694454 Simplicity 18HP Consumer Zero Turn Rider
5091000 Snapper Fast Cut ZT18440KH, 18HP Zero-Turn Rider with 44” Mower
1694744 Massey Ferguson ZT 1844
20HP Zero-Turn Riders
Mfg. No. Description
1694455 Simplicity 20HP Consumer Zero Turn Rider
1694460 Simplicity 20HP ZT 2050 (CE)
5091001 Snapper Fast Cut ZT20500BV, 20HP Zero-Turn Rider with 50” Mower
5091003 Snapper Fast Cut ZT20500BV, 20HP Zero-Turn Rider with 50” Mower (CE)
1694745 Massey Ferguson ZT 2050
1694781 Massey Ferguson ZT 2050 (CE)
44” Mower Decks
Mfg. No. Description
1694456 44” Mower Deck
1694459 44” Mower Deck (CE)
1694754 44” Mower Deck
50” Mower Decks
Mfg. No. Description
1694457 50” Mower Deck
1694461 50” Mower Deck (CE)
1694755 50” Mower Deck
1694782 50” Mower Deck (CE)
Form No. 1725764
Revision 05
Rev.Date 7/2004
TP 100-3885-05-CH-SMN
Table of Contents
1
WARNING
Engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service .......21
Troubleshooting the Rider .....................................21
Troubleshooting the Mower ...................................22
Seat Adjustments..................................................23
Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment .............23
Speed Balancing Adjustment................................23
Cutting Height Adjustment ....................................24
Roller Bar Adjustment ...........................................24
Neutral Adjustments..............................................24
Parking Brake Adjustment.....................................25
Front Suspension Adjustment...............................25
PTO Clutch Adjustment.........................................26
Blade Brake Check ...............................................26
Mower Deck Leveling ............................................27
Roller Bar Leveling................................................28
Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement..............29
Battery Charging ...................................................29
Mower Belt Replacement......................................30
Mower Belt Tension Adjustment ............................30
Specifications ....................................................31
Parts & Accessories..........................................32
Lawn Care & Mowing Information................LC-1
NOTE: In this manual, “left” and “right” are referred to as
seen from the operating position.
WARNING
You must read, understand and comply with all safety
and operating instructions in this manual before
attempting to set-up and operate your machine.
Failure to comply with all safety and operating
instructions can result in loss of machine control,
serious personal injury to you and / or bystanders,
and risk of equipment and property damage. The
triangle in the text signifies important cautions or
warnings which must be followed.
Safety Rules & Information.................................2
Identification Numbers........................................5
Safety Decals .......................................................6
Safety Icons .........................................................7
Safety Interlock System......................................7
Features & Controls ............................................8
Control Functions....................................................8
Operation ...........................................................10
General Operating Safety .....................................10
Checks Before Starting .........................................10
Starting the Engine ...............................................11
Stopping the Rider & Engine.................................11
Mowing..................................................................11
Pushing the Rider by Hand ...................................11
Zero Turn Driving Practice.....................................12
Attaching a Trailer..................................................14
Mower Removal & Installation...............................15
Regular Maintenance ........................................16
Schedule ...............................................................16
Lubrication ............................................................17
Servicing the Mower Blades .................................18
Checking Tire Pressures .......................................19
Checking/Adding Fuel...........................................19
Fuel Filter ..............................................................19
Engine Maintenance .............................................19
Check/Fill Transmission Oil ...................................19
Transmission Oil Filter Change .............................20
Battery Maintenance .............................................20
Storage..................................................................20
2
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
3. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit (local regulations
can restrict operator age).
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade(s).
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the unit if anyone enters the area.
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while travelling in reverse.
8. Never direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.
9. Do not operate the machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard (deflector), or other safety
devices in place and operational.
10. Slow down before turning.
11. Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage the blades (PTO), set parking brake, stop
engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
12. Disengage blades (PTO) when not mowing. Shut off
engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete
stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
13. Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
14. Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
15 Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit
into a trailer or truck.
17. Always wear eye protection when operating this unit.
18. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of power
equipment-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the equipment safely
enough to protect themselves and others from injury.
19. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights.
20. Keep in mind the operator is responsible for accidents
occurring to other people or property.
21. All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction.
22. Always wear substantial footwear and trousers.
Never operate when barefoot or wearing sandals.
23. Before using, always visually check that the blades
and blade hardware are present, intact, and secure.
Replace worn or damaged parts.
24. Disengage attachments before: refueling, removing
an attachment, making adjustments (unless the
adjustment can be made from the operator’s position).
25. When the machine is parked, stored, or left unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive
mechanical lock is used.
26. Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason,
engage the parking brake (if equipped), disengage
the blades (PTO), stop the engine, and remove the
key.
27. To reduce fire hazard, keep the unit free of grass,
leaves, & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry
leaves, grass, or combustible materials.
28. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code
Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on or near
any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered
land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting any applicable local or state
laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar
laws.
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 throwing objects.
The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
Safety Rules & Information
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
1. When transporting the unit on an open trailer, make
sure it is facing forward, in the direction of travel. If
the unit is facing backwards, wind lift could damage
the unit.
2. Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices when refueling the unit after transportation or
storage.
3. Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed poorly
ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace, water heater, etc.)
and cause an explosion. Fuel vapor is also toxic to
humans and animals.
4. Always follow the engine manual instructions for
storage preparations before storing the unit for both
short and long term periods.
5. Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.
6. 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.
TP 600-4103-00-ZT-UV
3
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.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
3. Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe unit operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
5. Never allow children to operate the unit.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
EMISSIONS
1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and
Air Index information on the engine emissions label.
IGNITION SYSTEM
1. This spark ignition system coplies with Canadian
ICES-002.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate
on it.
Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a
slope will not be regained by the application of the brake.
The main reasons for loss of control are: insufficient tire
grip on the ground, speed too fast, inadequate braking, the
type of machine is unsuitable for its task, lack of awareness
of the ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.
1. Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop
or change speeds while on the slope.
4. Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may loose traction.
5. Never mow down slopes.
6. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires
lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a
slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow
off the slope.
7. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to rollover.
8. Use extra care while operating machines with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the unit. Do not use on steeps slopes.
9. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground (ride-on units).
10. 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.
11. Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.
12. Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.
13. See your authorized dealer/retailer for recommendations of wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.
14. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
15. Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes
even through the brakes are functioning properly.
16. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never
mow down slopes.
TOWED EQUIPMENT (RIDE-ON UNITS)
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
weight limit for towed equipment and towing on
slopes. See attaching a trailer under OPERATION.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in
20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with rearmounted grass catchers.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down,use
caution when changing directions and DO NOT
START OR STOP ON SLOPE.
Safety Rules and Information
4
Safety Rules and Information
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Safe Handling of Gasoline
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only approved gasoline containers.
3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. Never fuel the machine indoors.
5. Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a
water heater or other appliance.
6. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
10. Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and
tighten securely.
11. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
12. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
13. Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Service & Maintenance
1. Never run the unit in an enclosed area where carbon
monoxide fumes may collect.
2. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
3. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly and make necessary repairs if
they are not functioning properly.
4. Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. and remove any fuelsoaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storage.
5. If you strike an object, stop and inspect the machine.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
6. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
7. Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
10. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
11. Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip
hoses firmly over the filter after installation.
12. Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline additives, or white gas because engine/fuel system damage could result.
13. If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained
outdoors.
14. Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.
16. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
17. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings and adjustments.
18. Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.
19. 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.
20. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
21. Do not change engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
22. Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine,
remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
before: clearing attachment blockages and chutes,
performing service work, striking an object, or if the
unit vibrates abnormally. After striking an object,
inspect the machine for damage and make repairs
before restarting and operating the equipment.
23. Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a
hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.
(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top
of the transaxle).
24. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors: 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.
25. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release
of springs can result in serious personal injury.
Springs should be removed by an authorized technician.
26. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily injury
from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never attempt to
remove the radiator cap while the engine is running.
Stop the engine and wait until it is cool. Even then,
use extreme care when removing the cap.
Unit ID Tag
Mower ID Tag
Identification Numbers
5
When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have
these numbers.
Record your model name/number, manufacturer’s identification numbers, and engine serial numbers in the
space provided for easy access. These numbers can be
found in the locations shown.
NOTE: For location of engine identification numbers,
refer to the engine owner’s manual.
CE Models: Place the extra copy of the identification tag
in the manual.
Mfg. No.: 169XXXX
Serial No.: XXXXX
kW: XX
Engine RPM XXXX
LpA: XXX dB(A)
Vibration @ Wheel: XXX m/s²
Vibration @ Seat: XXX m/s²
XXXXXXX
XXXX
dB(A)
Port Washington, WI USA 53074-0997
Simplicity Mfg. Inc.
SSAAMMPPLLEE
SSAAMMPPLLEE
North American
Models
CE Models
ENGINE REFERENCE DATA
Model Description Name/Number
Unit MFG
Number
PRODUCT REFERENCE DATA
Unit SERIAL Number
Dealer Name
Date Purchased
Engine Make
Engine Type/Spec
Engine Model
Engine Code/Serial Number
Mower Deck MFG Number
Mower Deck SERIAL
Number
Mfg. No.: 169XXXX
Serial No.: XXXXX
kW: XX
Engine RPM XXXX
LpA: XXX dB(A)
Vibration @ Wheel: XXX m/s²
Vibration @ Seat: XXX m/s²
XXXXXXX
XXXX
dB(A)
Port Washington, WI USA 53074-0997
Simplicity Mfg. Inc.
CE IDENTIFICATION TAG MARKINGS
A. Manufacturer’s Identification Number
B. Manufacturer’s Serial Number
C. Power Rating in Kilowatts
D. Maximum Engine Speed in Rotations per Minute
E. Manufacturer’s Address
F. Year of Manufacture
G. CE Compliance Logo
H. Mass of Unit in Kilograms
I. Sound Power in Decibels ***
J. Sound Pressure at Operator’s Position in Decibels **
K. Vibration at the Steering Wheel *
L. Vibration at the Seat *
M. Combination Number
This unit complies with European Harmonized Lawn Mower
Standard EN 836, European Machinery Directive 98/37/EC,
and European EMC Directive 89/336/EC
* Tested according to EN 836:1997/A2:2001, EN 1032: 1996,
EN 1033:1995
** Tested according to EN836:1997/A2:2001
*** Tested according to 2000/14/EC
A
B
C
D
J
K
L
E
F
G
H
M
I
CE Models:
Place copy of
Identification Tag here.
Identification Numbers
Safety Decals
1725703
Keep unit free of grass, leaves and excess
oil.
Do NOT add fuel while engine is hot or
running.
STOP engine and allow to cool for 5
minutes prior to adding fuel.
Do NOT add fuel indoors, in an enclosed
trailer, garage or other enclosed areas.
Clean up spilled fuel.
Do NOT smoke while operating this
machine.
Do NOT operate the engine in unventilated
area.
49658 A
61217
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.
NORTH AMERICAN MODELS
Decal - Danger / Operation Part No. 5061106
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, Fire /
Carbon Monoxide
Part No. 5049658
Decal - Danger,
Rotating Blades
Part No. 1704277
Decal - Danger,
Rotating Blades
Part No. 1704276
ALL MODELS
Decal - Danger Hot Surface
Part No. 1704473
Decal - Transmission
Release Valve
Part No. 1725941
CE MODELS
Decal - Warning, Main Part No. 5061108
Decal - Ignition
Switch
Part No. 5048970
Decal - Danger, Fire /
Carbon Monoxide
Part No. 5061217
6
Decal - Cutting
Height Adjustment
Part No. 1725703
Decal - Warning, Mower Deck
Part No. 1720389
Decal - Warning, Mower Deck
Part No. 5061042
Safety Icons & Interlock System
7
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 their NEUTRAL
positions.
TEST 2 — ENGINE SHOULD CRANK IF:
• PTO switch is NOT engaged, AND
• Parking brake is engaged, AND
• Motion control handles are locked in their NEUTRAL positions.
TEST 3 — ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:
• Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged, OR
• Operator rises off seat with parking brake disengaged, OR
• Operator moves motion control handles out of their
neutral positions before disengaging parking brake.
TEST 4 — BLADE BRAKE CHECK
The mower blades and mower drive belt should come
to a complete stop within five seconds after the 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, the PTO switch
must be turned off, parking brake must be engaged,
and the ground speed control handles must be locked
in their NEUTRAL positions 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.
Warning: Read Operator’s
Manual.
Read and understand the
Operator’s Manual before using
this machine.
Danger:Thrown Objects.
This machine is capable of throwing
objects and debris. Keep
bystanders away.
Warning: Remove Key Before
Servicing.
Remove the key and consult technical literature before performing
repairs or maintenance.
Danger: Machine Rollover.
Operating on steep slopes can
cause sliding and loss of steering,
control and rollover. Do not use this
machine on slopes greater than 10°.
Danger: Dismemberment.
This machine can amputate limbs.
Keep bystanders and children away
when engine is running.
Danger: Dismemberment.
This mower deck can amputate
limbs. Keep hands and feet away
from blades.
SAFETY ICONS
Danger: Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning.
Do not operate the engine in an
unventilated area.
Danger: Fire Hazard.
Keep unit free of grass, leaves and
excess oil. Do not add fuel while
engine is hot or running. Stop
engine and allow to cool for 5 minutes prior to adding fuel. Do not add
fuel indoors, in an enclosed trailer,
garage or other enclosed areas.
Clean up spilled fuel. Do not smoke
while operating this machine.
Danger: Dismemberment.
This machine can crush and cut.
Keep hands away from belts and
pulleys.
Danger: Machine Rollover.
Do not operate on any slopes when
wet or slippery. Do not operate near
drop-offs or near water.
Features & Controls
8
Ground Speed 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.
The further a lever is moved away from the neutral position the faster the drive wheel will turn.
See the OPERATION section for steering instructions.
Throttle Control
The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle forward to increase engine speed and back to decrease
engine speed. Always operate at FULL throttle.
Choke
Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke once
the engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking. Move the lever forward to close the choke. Move the
lever back to open the choke.
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.
Features & Controls
9
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.
Hour Meter / Maintenance Reminder
The hour meter measures the number of hours the key
has been in the RUN position. The hour meter will flash
an initial oil change indicator at 5 hours, and a lubrication
reminder every 50 hours. These reminders display for
approximately two hours and will automatically reset
themselves.
Note: The hour meter will register the passage of time
when the key is in the RUN position, even if the engine is
not running. The hour meter has a self contained power
source so the total hours are always visible.
PTO Switch
The PTO (Power Take-Off) switch engages and disengages attachments that use the PTO. To engage the
PTO, pull UP on the switch. Push DOWN to disengage.
Note that the operator must be seated firmly in the rider
seat for the PTO to function.
Transmission Oil Fill
Transmission oil is added through the transmission oil
expansion chamber. It also serves as extra holding
capacity for oil as the transmission heats up and the oil
expands. See CHECK TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL for
oil level check and fill procedures.
Transmission Release Valves
The transmission release valves deactivate the transmissions so that the unit can be pushed by hand. See
PUSHING THE UNIT BY HAND for operational information.
Seat Adjustment Knobs
The seat can be adjusted forward and backward. Tip the
seat forward, loosen the adjustment knobs, slide the seat
to the desired position, and tighten the knobs.
Fuel Tank & Gauge
To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise. The fuel
gauge is mounted in the fuel tank and indicates the
amount of fuel in the tank.
Mower Height of Cut Adjustment &
Attachment Lift Control Lever
To adjust cutting height, pull the large lever back fully to
lock the control in the attachment raised transport position. Position the cutting height selector pin on the
appropriate hole to achieve the desired cutting height.
Pull back on the small lift latch lever and large lever
simultaneously, and lower the mower into cutting position.
For attachment transport lift, pull the large lift lever back
fully to lock the control in the attachment raised transport
position.
Parking Brake
DISENGAGE Releases the parking brake.
ENGAGE Locks the parking brake.
Pull the parking brake lever back to engage the parking
brake. Move the lever fully forward to disengage the
parking brake.
NOTE: To start the unit the parking brake
must be engaged.
Do not load this zero-turn rider on a trailer or
truck using two separate ramps. Only use a
single ramp that is at least one foot wider than
the width of the rear wheels of this rider. This
rider has a zero turning radius and the rear
wheels could fall off the ramps, or the rider could
tip over injuring the operator or bystanders.
Operation
10
GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY
Before first time operation:
• Be sure to read all information in the Safety and
Operation sections before attempting to operate this
rider 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 driving the unit using the parking
brake.
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING
• Check that the crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick. See the engine owner’s manual for instructions
and oil recommendations.
• Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in
place and secure.
• Adjust the seat position, and make certain you can
reach all controls from the operator’s position.
• Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. Refer to the engine
owner’s manual for fuel recommendations.
WARNING
Never allow passengers to ride on the unit.
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, rider and
mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease.
Do not stop or park rider 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.
Figure 1. Pre-Start Checks
A. Fuel Tank Cap
B. Crankcase Oil Fill
C. Seat Adjustment Knobs
A
C
B
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm)
vertically in 20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto a
slope. Use extra caution when operating on
slopes with a rear-mounted grass catcher.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and
down,use caution when changing directions and
DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.
WARNING
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