Swisher ZT17542B User Manual

swisherinc.com

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.
ZT1436
ZT17542B
ZT1842
ZT20050

“Z” SERIES

IMPORTANT
Read and follow all
Safety Precautions
and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.

ZERO TURN HYDROSTATIC DRIVE

Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment

Rev.02.19.2003

Repair Parts

1602 CORPORATE DRIVE, P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093

PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]

Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945

Made In The

USA

ONZTR03

LIMITED WARRANTY

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The manufacturer’s warranty to the original consumer purchaser is: This product is free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by
the original consumer purchaser. We will repair or replace, at our discretion, parts found to be
defective due to materials or workmanship. This warranty is subject to the following limitations
and exclusions:

1) Commercial Use The warranty period for any product used for commercial or rental
is limited to ninety (90) days from the date of original purchase.

2) Limitations This warranty applies only to products which have been properly
assembled, adjusted, and operated in accordance with the
instructions contained within this manual. This warranty does not
apply to any product of Swisher Mower Co., Inc., that has been
subject to alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or
installation, or shipping damage.

3) Exclusions Excluded from this warranty are normal wear, normal adjustments,
and normal maintenance.

In the event you have a claim under this warranty, you must return the product to an authorize
service dealer. All transportation charges, damage, or loss incurred during transportation of parts
submitted for replacement or repair under this warranty shall be borne by the purchaser. Shoul
you have any questions concerning this warranty, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-222-8183.
The model number, serial number, date of purchase, and the name of the authorized Swisher
dealer from whom you purchased the mower will be needed before any warranty claim can be

rocessed.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME
PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR ALL EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some states do not
allow the limitation of consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warrant
may last, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state-to-state. This is
limited warranty as defined by the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

Thank you for choosing Swisher’s ZTR Mower. Before operating your
mower, please read, understand and follow all of the safety precautions and
other instructions explained in this manual . As with all power equipment,
lawnmowers can be potentially dangerous if improperly used.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & DECALS

This Safety Alert Symbol indicates important messages in this
manual. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that
follows and be alert to the possibility of personal injury.

Read this manual completely. This machine can amputate hands and feet, and
throw objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

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Read the manual. Learn to operate this machine safely.

Always disconnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cannot contact
the spark plug, to prevent accidental starting the engine when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.

Keep all shields and guards in place.

Understand the speed, steering and stability of this machine. Know the positions
and operations of all controls before you operate this machine. Check all of the
controls in a safe area before starting to work with this machine.

Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with these instructions to operate this
machine. Never allow children to operate this machine.

Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc. that can be picked up and
thrown by the blade.

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Be aware of the mower
discharge direction and do not point at anyone. Stop the machine if anyone enters the
mowing area. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Keep children
under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

No riders!

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

Do not mow in reverse. Always look down and behind before and during

backing.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & DECALS

The operation of any cutter can encounter foreign objects to be thrown into the
eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or
wide-vision safety goggles for over spectacles before staring any cutting machine
and while operating such a machine.

The operation of any cutter produces sound waves that are damaging to the
human ear. Ear protection is recommended.

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CAUTION!

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

them.

SLOPE OPERATION!

Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Use extra caution when mowing on slopes. Operate self-propelled units
up and down slopes. There is a significant risk of overturns when
operating across slopes. If you feel uneasy on a slope then do not mow it.

•Turn off the blades when not mowing. Before leaving the machine, turn off the blades
and stop the engine.

•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

•Do not operate the mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner or if the
mower vibrates excessively. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage.

Repair mower as necessary.

•Dress properly. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

•Never allow operation by untrained persons.

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

•Operate self-propelled machines up and down slopes. There is significant risk of

overturns when operating across slopes. Avoid sudden turns. Operate walk-behind
machines across slopes. There is a significant risk of slipping under a walk-behind
machine when operating up and down slopes.

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

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

restarting. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Mower blades
are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them. Do not operate at too fast a rate.

• Do not mow close to ditches, embankments or drop-offs. An edge could collapse. A

mower wheel over the edge could suddenly turn the unit over.

•Do not mow on wet grass if possible. Wet grass causes reduced traction and could cause

sliding. Do not park on a slope unless absolutely necessary.

• Always chock or block wheels and set parking brake if parked on slope.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & DECALS

WARNING: Hydraulic fluid can cause severe burns and penetrate skin causing

severe injury or death.

• Do not step on mower deck when operating, dismounting or mounting the
mower.

• Never push or pull unit with another vehicle. Transmission damage will
occur.

• When transporting be sure to secure mower frame to transport vehicle.
NEVER tie

down to moving parts or linkages which may become damaged or come loose.

• NEVER transport mower while engine is running.

• NEVER add fuel or remove gas cap while engine is running or hot.

• NEVER store unit near an open flame such as a water heater or furnace.

• NEVER modify or allow anyone to modify or alter any components or safety

devices.

• ALWAYS keep mower clean and free of debris and grass clippings.

• NEVER reverse battery cables. Electric shock will occur.

• ALWAYS keep battery away from open flame and sparks. Explosive gases

from

battery can cause serious injury or death.

• ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective gear when servicing battery.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Contact with battery acid on skin or clothing
can cause severe chemical burns.

• NEVER tip battery beyond a 45 degree angle in any direction.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & DECALS

Danger/Warning Decal – OD99155

Ignition/PTO/Throttle Decal – OD99154

Ignition/PTO/Throttle Decal 50” Mower Only – OD99157

Parking Brake Decal – OD99152

Flying Debris Decal – OD53

Triangle Danger Decal – OD55

No Step Decal – OD11

DECALS NOT SHOWN

36” Decal – OD108 & OD112 42” Decal (17.5 HP Engine) – OD109 & OD113

Height Indicator Decal - OD99151 Height of Cut Decal - OD99153

(18 HP Engine) – OD110 & OD114

Swisher Flag USA Decal – OD39

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50” Decal – OD111 & OD115

OPERATING YOUR NEW ZTR MOWER (cont.)

CONTROLS

● OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM: This

mower is equipped with an operator’s presence
system. Any attempt to leave the seated position
with the engine running, without first disengaging
the PTO switch and placing the steering levers in the
neutral position, will cause the engine to shut off.

● WARNING: Do not operate the machine unless

the Operator’s Presence System is functioning as
described.

● PARKING BRAKE: Always set the parking

brake before starting. The parking brake is located
on the drivers left hand side. Engage the parking
brake by pushing the lever rearward and down until
lever locks into position. Be sure to release parking
brake before operating the machine.

● IGNITION: The ignition switch is located on the

drivers right hand side toward the rear of the seat.
The ignition switch has three positions: OFF, ON,
START.

● THROTTLE: The throttle\choke control is

located on the drivers right hand side towards the
front of the seat. For maximum performance and
battery charging, operate mower at full throttle.
When starting a cold engine, place lever forward in
the full choke position. After start up, move throttle
rearward to full throttle position. Move lever all the
way to the rear for lowest setting before shutting off
engine. The 50” Model has a choke mounted on the
right side fender for easier cold weather starts.

● PTO SWITCH: The PTO, or Power Take Off

switch is used to engage the blades of the mower.
When the PTO switch is pulled out the blades will be
engaged. When the PTO switch is pushed in the
blades will be disengaged. The PTO switch must be
pushed in to complete the Operator’s Presence
System to start engine.

● NEUTRAL LOCK: The steering levers must be

in the outward and locked position for the mower
to start. ( See page 12)

STARTING MOWER

• TO START: Position steering handles outward to

neutral locked position. Engage parking brake.
Extend throttle to full choke position*. Start ignition
and slide throttle lever back to full throttle position.
Allow engine to warm up for 1 minute. Release
parking brake

• * Model ZT20050 has a remote choke assembly
located on the right fender, behind the rider.

• FORWARD MOVEMENT: To move the mower

forward gently push both steering levers forward equal
distance from the neutral position. The further you
move the levers forward the faster you will travel.
CAUTION steering levers have quick response
timing.

• BACKWARD MOVEMENT: To move the

mower backwards, gently pull back on the steering
levers the same distance from neutral. The further you
pull back the faster you will travel.
normal for the reverse speed to be less than the
forward for easier turning.

• TURNS: For left turn, move the right lever farther

forward then the left. For right turn, move the left
lever farther forward than the right. To obtain a tight
turning radius, GENTLY reverse one lever and push
the other lever forward. CAUTION: Aggressive
turns can damage lawns. Do not make turns with the
inside wheel stopped. It it better to keep both wheels
turning slightly.

• DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: To raise the

mower deck up and down, simply rotate the lever
located in front of the seat above the floor plate.
Clockwise raises the deck. Counterclockwise lowers
the deck. The deck is adjustable from 1 ½” to 3 ½”.

• For best performance, grass over 6 ½” in height should
be mowed once in the highest position and once again
at desired cut height.

• ENGAGING BLADES: Operator must be seated

for operation of blades. With engine to full throttle
position, pull UP on PTO switch located between the
throttle and the key switch. To disengage blades, push
DOWN on PTO switch.

NOTE it is

• STOPPING ENGINE: Place both levers in the

outward neutral locked position. Push PTO switch in
to disengage. Place throttle lever to lowest setting and
let idle for 30 seconds. Turn off ignition key and
engage parking brake.

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OPERATING YOUR NEW ZTR MOWER (cont.)

MOWING

• WARNING: Do not operate mower at too fast of a rate. Sudden movements forward
and backward at fast speeds can cause accidents resulting in personal injury

• Start out slowly moving steering levers SLOWLY forward and backward until you
learn to operate the unit. NOTE: This mower has been designed to be very
maneuverable. Practice in open, flat areas is extremely necessary to become
comfortable and efficient with the controls.

• BEGIN TO MOW: Before starting the engine, set the desired deck height.

• Start the mower engine.

• Position the throttle lever about halfway and engage PTO switch. Reposition throttle
lever to full throttle position.

• Move steering levers forward to begin mowing.

• CAUTION: Always make sure the deck is not plugged with grass or other debris.

Failure to do this will cause damage to the PTO belt.

• STOPPING: Hydrostatic mowers use hydrostatic braking through the transmissions.
To slow or stop the unit move the steering levers to the neutral position

• STOPPING THE ENGINE: Move the throttle lever to slow position, allow engine
to idle for 30 seconds and turn ignition to off position. CAUTION: Failure to
position the ignition key to any position except off will cause discharge of the battery.

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