Snapper LT23460AWS User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for

NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. * Actual sustained engine power will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. Please refer to ‘Engine Power Rating Information’ for further details.

Manual No. 7102845 (Rev. ‘-’, 2/18/2009)

LAWN TRACTOR

SERIES 0

Models

LT23460AWS (49-State) (7800478)

LT23460AWS (California) (7800541)

Thank you for purchasing this quality-built Snapper product. We are pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Snapper brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your Snapper mower will provide many years of dependable service.

This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with mowers and how to avoid them. Because Snapper does not necessarily know all the applications this mower could be used for, it is important that you read and understand these instructions. Keep this manual near the mower for convenient reference.

This mower requires final assembly before use. Refer to the

Assembly

section of this manual for instructions on final assembly

procedures. Follow the instructions completely.

Where to Find Us

You never have to look far to find Briggs & Stratton support and service for your mower. Consult your Yellow Pages. There are over 30,000 Briggs & Stratton authorized service dealers worldwide who provide quality service. You can also contact Snapper Customer Service at 1-800-317-7833, or on the Internet at www.snapper.com.

Mower

Model Number _____________________________________

Serial Number _____________________________________

Engine

Model _____________________________________

Type _____________________________________

Trim _____________________________________

Date Purchased

It is very important that you register your purchase with Snapper to ensure warranty coverage. Please mail your product registration card to:

Snapper at P.O. Box 1379, McDonough, Georgia 30253.

Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group

SNAPPER is a trademark of Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC Jefferson, WI, USA.

Table of Contents

Operator Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Important Operator Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

International Pictorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Parts Bag - Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Installing the Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Assembling the Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Maintenance Free Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

IMPORTANT! Before You Start Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Attachments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Driving and Stopping the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Engine Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

General Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Maintenance Free Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Mower Deck Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Misc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Slope Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

General Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

EnglishEnglish

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or other reproductive harm.

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WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-317-7833).

Protection for Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. 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. 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 a responsible adult other than the operator.

2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated (even with the blade OFF).

3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine, attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.

5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.

6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing.

7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

Protection against Tipovers

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover 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 the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these affect the handling and the stability of the machine. Refer to the Slope Guide at the end of this manual.

1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 degrees (27% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with blades off.

4. AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and back slowly straight down the slope.

5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.

Protection against Tipovers

(Continued From Previous Column)

6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over if an edge caves in.

7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.

8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass catcher.

9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the machine.

10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

11. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.

13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll release) and coast downhill.

Preparation

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the machine and only after proper instruction.

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

4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.

5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to learn controls and develop skills.

6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.

Important Operator Safety Instructions

English

! !

Protection against Tipovers

(Continued From Previous Column)

7. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP machine if anyone enters the area.

8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices frequently for proper operation and location.

9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged.

10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, a dust mask, long pants and substantial footwear.

11. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in preparation for emergencies.

12. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

13. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown objects going through weak or worn spots.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

2. Use only an approved fuel container.

3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.

4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.

5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances.

6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the containers on the ground away from the vehicle before filling.

7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel equipment using a portable container, rather than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed vehicles or trailers.

9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device

10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

11. Never overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten securely.

Operation

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.

2. Start engine from operator’s seat, if possible. Make sure blades are OFF and parking brake is set.

3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP engine, STOP blades, SET brake, and Remove key before leaving operators position of any reason.

4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with feet on feet rests or pedal(s).

5. STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades have stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.

6. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blades in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.

8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or guards in place and working. DO NOT point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.

9. Slow down before turning.

10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.

11. STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction. Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming operation.

12. Operate machine only in daylight or with good artificial light.

13. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate as specified with SNAPPER attachment instructions.

14. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. When towing, travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.

16. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.

17. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories.

Important Operator Safety Instructions (Continued)

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Towing

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 recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3. DO NOT allow children or others 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.

Maintenance

1. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.

2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.

3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame.

4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as needed.

5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.

Maintenance

(Continued From Previous Column)

6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.

7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could cause injury.

8. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.

9. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).

10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or overspeed engine.

11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to prevent controls from binding.

12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling them.

13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

14. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices.

15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary.

16. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to assure that original standards are maintained.

Important Operator Safety Instructions (Continued)

International Pictorials

IMPORTANT: Some of the following pictorials are located on your unit or on literature supplied with the product. Before you operate the unit, learn and understand the purpose for each pictorial.

Figure 1: Safety warning pictorials

max 15°

A - Warning B - Shield Eyes. Explosive Gases Can

Cause Blindness Or Injury. C - No Sparks, Flames or Smoking. D - Sulphuric Acid Can Cause Blindness

Or Severe Burns E - Flush Eyes Immediately With Water.

Get Medical Help Fast.

F - IMPORTANT: Read Owner’s Manual

Before Operating This Machine.

G - WARNING: Thrown Objects. Keep

Bystanders Away. Read User Instructions Before Operating This Machine.

H - WARNING: Do Not Use This

Machine On Slopes Greater Than 15 Degrees.

I - DANGER: Keep People, Especially

Children, Away From Unit.

J - DANGER: No Step.

K - DANGER: Keep Feet And Hands

Away From Rotating Blade.

L- DANGER: Keep Hands Away From

Rotating Blade.

M - DANGER: Disconnect Spark Plug

Wire Before Servicing Unit. N - WARNING: Hot Surface. O - WARNING: Use Caution When

Connecting Or Disconnecting Accessories.

P - WARNING: Crushed Fingers.

A - Engine start B - Lights C - Engine off D - Engine on E - Brake

F - Parking brake G - Clutch H - Slow I - Fast J - Choke

K - Oil L - Blade rotation control M - Raise N - Fuel

max± 90N max± 150N

Figure 2: Control and operating pictorials

English

Assembly

Read and follow the assembly and adjustment instructions for your mower. All fasteners are in the parts bag. Do not discard any parts or material until the unit is assembled.

NOTE: In this instruction book, left and right describe the location of a part with the operator on the seat.

WARNING: Before doing any assembly or maintenance to the mower, remove the wire from the spark plug.

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Parts Bag - Contents

The fasteners and other loose parts are shown below. The fasteners are shown full size. The quantity is shown in brackets ( ).

Figure 3: Parts bag components

A - (2) Carriage bolt B - (2) Hex nut C - (1) Bolt

D - (1) Washer E - (2) Knob F - (2) Washer

G - (1) Keys & ring H - (1) Terminal cover

Installing the Seat

How to Install the Seat

1. Carefully remove the plastic bag from the seat. Use the fasteners shown below to install the seat. The fasteners are shown at full size.

Figure 4: Seat parts

A - Wing bolt (Also see ‘E’ in Figure 3) B - Washer (Also see ‘F’ in Figure 3)

NOTE: Fasteners may be attached to seat for shipping purposes, if so remove fasteners before proceeding.

2. Align the holes in the seat hinge to the holes in the seat (Figure 5). Fasten the seat to the seat hinge with the fasteners as shown.

3. Check the operating position of the seat. If the seat needs to be adjusted, loosen the two wing bolts. Slide the seat forward or backward along the seat adjusting holes as shown. Tighten the wing bolts (A).

Figure 5: Seat

A - Wing bolt B - Washer C - Seat adjusting hole D - Seat hinge E - Seat

Assembling the Steering Wheel

How to Assemble the Steering Wheel Tools Required: 3/8" Socket Wrench Attach the steering wheel as follows:

Figure 6: Steering wheel parts

A - Screw (Also see ‘C’ in Figure 3) B - Washer (Also see ‘D’ in Figure 3)

1. Make sure the front wheels point forward.

2. Slide the bellows over the steering post (Figure 7).

NOTE: Before attachment of the steering wheel, make sure that the front wheels point forward and are straight. For proper alignment of the steering wheel, see Figure 7.

3. Slide the steering wheel onto the steering post.

4. Use the fasteners shown above to secure the steering wheel. The fasteners are shown at full size. Tighten the screw until snug and then add 1/4 turn. DO NOT over tighten.

5. Attach the cover to the steering wheel.

6. Some models have an

optional

decal in the parts bag. Attach the decal to the center of the steering wheel as shown.

English

A B

Figure 7: Steering post

A - Screw B - Washer C - Cover D - Decal (Optional) E - Steering wheel F - Bellows G - Steering post H - Straight

Maintenance Free Battery

IMPORTANT: Before you attach the battery cables to the battery, check the battery date. The battery date tells if the battery must be charged.

1. Check the top and the side of the battery for the location of the battery date (Figure 9).

2. If the battery is put into service before the battery date, the battery cables can be attached without charging the battery. See “How To Install The Battery Cables”.

3. If the battery is put into service

after

the battery date, the battery must be charged. See “How To Charge The Maintenance Free Battery”.

How to Charge the Maintenance Free Battery

WARNING: When you charge the battery, do not smoke. Keep the battery away from any sparks. The fumes from the battery acid can cause an explosion.

1. Remove the battery and battery tray.

2. Remove the protective cap from the battery terminal.

3. Use a 12 volt battery charger to charge the battery. Charge at a rate of 6 amperes for one hour. If you do not have a battery charger, have an authorized service center charge the battery.

4. Install the battery and battery tray. Make sure the positive (+) terminal is on the left side.

How to Install the Battery Cables

WARNING: To prevent sparks, fasten the red cable to the positive (+) terminal before you connect the black cable.

Use the fasteners shown below to install the battery cables. The fasteners are shown at full size.

Figure 8: Battery cable parts

A - Carriage bolt (Also see ‘A’ in Figure 3) B - Hex nut (Also see ‘B’ in Figure 3)

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1. Remove the protective cap from the battery terminal.

2. Fasten the red cable and terminal cover (if equipped) to the positive (+) terminal with the fasteners as shown (Figure 9).

3. Fasten the black cable to the negative (-) terminal with the fasteners as shown.

Figure 9: Battery

A - Carriage bolt B - Hex nut C - Black cable D - Positive (+) terminal E - Red cable F - Battery G - Battery tray H - Terminal cover (Also see ‘H’ in Figure 3)

IMPORTANT! Before You Start Mowing

• Check the engine oil.

• Fill the fuel tank with gasoline.

• Check the air pressure of the tires.

• Check the level of the mower housing.

• Make sure the battery cables are attached.

• Make sure the wire is attached to the spark plug. WARNING: Before doing any assembly or

maintenance to the mower, remove the wire from the spark plug.

NOTE: In this instruction book, left and right describe the location of a part with the operator on the seat.

Operator Presence System (Seat) The seat has an Operator Presence System to shut off the

engine when the operator leaves the seat. This system is not intended for regular use in stopping the engine or the blade(s). Before leaving the seat, move the blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE position, shift to neutral, set the parking brake, and stop the engine.

How To Check The Safety Interlock Switches To check the function of the safety interlock switches, follow

the steps below.

1. Check the blade rotation control switch. Sit in the seat. Depress the clutch/brake pedal. Move the blade rotation control to the ENGAGE position. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The engine should not start. If the engine starts, the switch is defective and must be replaced.

2. Check the clutch/brake switch. Sit in the seat. Move the blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE position. DO NOT depress the clutch/brake pedal. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The engine should not start. If the engine starts, the switch is defective and must be replaced.

3. Check the Operator Presence System switch. DO NOT sit in the seat. Depress the clutch/brake pedal. Move the blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE position. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The engine should not start. If the engine starts, the switch is defective and must be replaced.

4. Check the Reverse Mowing Option (RMO) switch. Sit in the seat. Depress the clutch/brake pedal. Move the blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE position. Start the engine and move the drive control to the reverse (R) position. With the engine running, move the blade rotation control to the ENGAGE position. The engine should stop running. If the engine continues to run, the RMO switch is defective and must be replaced.

English

How to Prepare the Engine NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with

oil. Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed. NOTE: The operation of a new engine will sometimes result

in a slight amount of smoke. This smoke is caused by paint or oil on or around the muffler. This is normal and only expected during initial operation.

A separate engine manual is also included with the unit. See this engine manual for the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of gasoline and oil to use. Before you use the unit, read the information on safety, operation, maintenance, and storage.

WARNING: Follow the engine manufacturer’s instructions for the type of gasoline and oil to use. Always use a safety gasoline container. Do not smoke when adding gasoline to the engine. When inside an enclosure, do not fill with gasoline. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine. Let the engine cool for several minutes.

IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and must not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it must be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. See an Authorized Service Center for a spark arrester for the muffler.

In some areas, local law requires the use of a resistor spark plug to control the ignition signals. See an Authorized Service Center for a resistor spark plug for the engine.

NOTE: Actual sustained horsepower will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors.

Check the Tires NOTE: The tires may be over inflated for shipment. Check the air pressure in the tires. Tires with too much air

pressure will cause the unit to ride rough. Also, the wrong air pressure will keep the mower housing from cutting level. Recommended air pressure is 14 PSI (1 BAR).

Check the Level of the Mower Deck Make sure the level of cut is still correct. After you mow a

short distance, look at the area that was cut. If the mower deck does not cut level, see the instructions on “How To Level The Mower Deck” in the Maintenance section of this instruction book.

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Features and Controls

A - Throttle Control / Choke Control Levers — Throttle control increases or decreases the speed of the engine. Choke control engages the choke to start a cold engine.

B - Steering Wheel (Removed for clarity) — Steers the unit.

C - Brake Pedal — Quickly stops the unit.

D - Deck Lift Lever — Changes the height of cut.

E - PTO Switch — Starts and stops the rotation of the blades.

F - Cruise Control — Locks ground speed in forward.

G - Reverse Mowing Option (RMO) — Allows engaging of mowing deck while traveling in reverse.

H - Ignition Switch — Starts and stops the engine. (Note: The headlight switch is incorporated into the ignition switch.)

I - Parking Brake Lever — Engages the brake when you leave the unit.

J - Speed Control Pedal — Changes the speed and the direction of the unit.

K - Automatic Drive Disconnect (not shown, located under the seat) — Disengages the transmission.

English

Operation

Attachments

This unit can use many different attachments. For all pull-behind attachments or trailers, the maximum

gross weight is 250 pounds. Gross weight is the weight of the attachment or trailer and any load that might be on or in it.

Do not operate on a slope that is greater than 10 degrees when using a pull-behind attachment or trailer. We have included a slope guide in this book to help you determine the slope on which you will be operating your unit. Never allow someone to stand or ride on or in an attachment or trailer.

Using Controls

How to Use the Throttle Control Use the throttle control to increase or decrease the speed of

the engine. CAUTION: Always operate the engine with the throttle control

in the FAST position. If the engine runs for several minutes at slower than the FAST position, the engine and transmission will overheat and can be damaged.

1. The FAST position is marked with a detent. For normal operation and when using a grass bagger, move the throttle control to the FAST position. For maximum charging of the battery and for a cooler running engine and transmission, operate the engine in the FAST position.

2. For transport and to tow pull behind attachments, control the ground speed with the speed control pedal.

3. The engine governor is set at the factory for maximum performance. Do not adjust the governor to increase the speed of the engine.

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How to Engage the Blades The PTO switch is above and to the right of the steering

wheel (Figure 10). Use the PTO switch to engage the blades.

Figure 10: PTO switch A - PTO switch (shown in the DISENGAGE position)

1. Before you start the engine, make sure the PTO switch is pushed down in the DISENGAGE position.

2. Pull the PTO switch up to the ENGAGE position to rotate the blades.

NOTE: If the engine stops when you engage the blades, the seat switch is not activated. Make sure you sit in the middle of the seat. Also, make sure the wire is connected to the seat switch.

3. Push the PTO switch down to the DISENGAGE position to stop the blades. Before you leave the operator’s position, make sure the blades have stopped rotating.

4. Before you ride the unit across a sidewalk or a road, push the PTO switch down to the DISENGAGE position.

WARNING: Always keep your hands and feet away from the blade, deflector opening, and the mower housing when the engine runs.

How to Use the Speed Control Pedal The drive system uses a Hydrostatic Automatic Drive

transmission. The Hydrostatic transmission is very easy to operate. This type of drive system does not require a shift lever or a clutch pedal.

The speed and direction of travel is controlled by a single speed control pedal operated with your right foot. Do not use the left brake pedal in normal operation. Only use the left brake pedal to quickly stop in an emergency.

Driving and Stopping the Unit

How to Drive Forward

1. The automatic drive disconnect must be in the DRIVE position (Figure 13).

2. Slowly release your left foot from the brake pedal.

3. Move the throttle control to the FAST position.

4. Slowly push the speed control pedal forward to the desired speed (Figure 11).

5. To increase forward speed, slowly move the speed control pedal forward. To reduce forward speed, slowly release the speed control pedal until the unit slows to the desired speed.

Figure 11: Speed control operation

A - Reverse B - Neutral C - Forward D - Forward movement E - Reverse movement F - Speed control pedal

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A B C

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