Walker S14 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Safety, Assembly, Operating, and Maintenance Instructions

Please Read and Save These Instructions

For Safety, Read All Safety and Operation
Instructions Prior to Operating Machine

Beginning S/N: 127922

Eective Date: 05.05.14

P/N 5000-28

Foreword

Thank you. . .for purchasing a Walker mower. Every effort has been made to provide you with the

most reliable mower on the market, and we are sure you will be among our many satised custom­ers. If for any reason this product does not perform to your expectations, please contact your local
dealer. Every customer is important to us. Your satisfaction is our goal.

Please. . .read this manual thoroughly! This manual is to be used in conjunction with the engine

manufacturer’s manual for the specic engine on the mower model you have purchased. Before

you operate your new mower, please read this entire manual. Some of the information is crucial for
proper operation and maintenance of this mower - it will help protect your investment and ensure
that the mower performs to your satisfaction. Some of the information is important to your safety,
and must be read and understood to help prevent possible injury to the operator or others. If any­thing in this manual is confusing or hard to understand, please contact your local authorized dealer

or call our service department, at [phone], for clarication before operating or servicing this

mower.
This manual covers Model S14 with the Subaru Robin, EX40 (14 HP) gasoline engine.

All shields and guards must be in place for the proper and safe operation of this machine.
Where they are shown removed in this manual, it is for illustration purposes only. Do not operate
this machine unless all shields and guards are in place.

Specications given are based on the latest information available at the time this manual was pro­duced for a tractor with standard equipment. Optional equipment is available and may affect the

standard specications listed.

Walker Mfg. Co. is continually striving to improve the design and performance of its products. We
reserve the right to make changes in specications and design without thereby incurring any obliga­tion relative to previously manufactured products.

Sincerely,
WALKER MANUF ACTURING COMP ANY

Bob Walker, President

Table of Contents

General Information ________________ 1

HIGHLIGHTED INFORMA TION _____________ 1
GLOSSARY ____________________________ 1
IDENTIFYING NUMBER LOCA TIONS ________ 1
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCA TION _______ 2
SERVICING OF ENGINE AND
DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS ______________ 2

Specications ________________________ 3

ENGINE ________________________________ 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ___________________ 3
TRANSMISSION _________________________ 3
BLADE DRIVE __________________________ 4
TIRE SIZE ______________________________ 4
TIRE PRESSURE ________________________ 4
DIMENSIONS (Tractor and Mower) _________ 5
GHS SYSTEM ___________________________ 5
MOWER DECK __________________________ 6
DRIVE BELTS ___________________________ 6
SEAT __________________________________ 6
FRAME/BODY CONSTRUCTION ___________ 6

Component Identication ___________ 7 Safety Instructions _________________ 10

BEFORE OPERA TING ___________________ 10
OPERATING ___________________________ 12
MAINTENANCE ________________________ 14
SAFETY , CONTROL, AND
INSTRUCTION DECALS _________________ 15

Assembly Instructions ______________ 18

SETUP INSTRUCTIONS __________________ 18

Tire Installation (T ractor) _______________ 18
Battery Service _______________________ 18

Wet Battery Service __________________ 18
Dry Battery Service ___________________ 18
Battery Charging _____________________ 19
Battery Installation ___________________ 19

Mower Deck Assembly _________________ 19

Deck Caster Wheels Installation _________ 19
Deck Discharge Chute Installation _______ 20
Deck Discharge Deector
Shield Installation ____________________ 20
PTO Shaft Guard Installation ___________ 20
Tilt-Up Roller Wheel Installation _________ 20

Mower Deck Installation on Tractor _______ 21

Deck Installation _____________________ 21
Deck Leveling _______________________ 22

PREOPERA TING CHECKLIST _____________ 23

Operating Instructions _____________ 25

CONTROL IDENTIFICA TION,
LOCA TION, AND FUNCTION _____________ 25

Ignition Switch _______________________ 25
Engine Choke ________________________ 25
Engine Throttle _______________________ 26
Forward Speed Control (FSC) ___________ 26
Front Body Latch Release ______________ 26
Steering Levers_______________________ 26
Blade Clutch (PTO) ____________________ 26
Parking Brake ________________________ 27
Transaxle Lockout Arms _______________ 27
Hourmeter ___________________________ 28

ST ARTING THE ENGINE _________________ 30
ADJUSTING GROUND
SPEED AND STEERING __________________ 30
ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE ___________ 32
STOPPING THE MACHINE _______________ 33
ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT ____________ 34
TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS ________________ 34
RECOMMENDA TIONS FOR MOWING ______ 35
RECOMMENDA TIONS FOR TIL T -UP DECK
OPERATION/TRANSPORT _______________ 37
GRASS HANDLING SYSTEM (GHS) ________ 38

General Information ___________________ 39
Clogging Checklist ____________________ 40
Using the Tilt-Up Deck _________________ 41
Using the GHS Catcher ________________ 41

Powerl

“Full” Signal Horn ____________________ 41

Cleaning the GHS Exhaust Screen _______ 42
Dumping the Catcher __________________ 42

T ailgate Dumping ____________________ 42
Using the Dump Bag __________________ 43

®

__________________________ 41

Table of Contents

Maintenance Instructions __________ 44

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART _______ 44
IMPORT ANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE
SUBARU ENGINE _______________________ 45

Fuel System _________________________ 45
Starting/Stopping _____________________ 45
Cooling System ______________________ 45
Air Cleaner System ____________________ 45
Oil__________________________________ 45

LUBRICATION _________________________ 46

Engine Oil ___________________________ 46

Engine Break-In Oil ___________________ 46
Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level ____ 46
Changing Engine Crankcase Oil _________ 47

Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication __ 47
Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication ________ 50
Mower Deck Spindle Lubrication ________ 50
Transaxle Lubrication _________________ 50
Transaxle Oil and Filter Change _________ 51

CLEANING ____________________________ 52

Engine Air Cleaner System _____________ 52

Donaldson Radialseal™ Air Cleaner ______ 52

Fuel Filter ___________________________ 54
Engine Cooling System ________________ 55

Cooling Air Intake Screen ______________ 55
Cylinder Head Cooling Fins ____________ 55

Grass Buildup in Mower Deck Housing ___ 56
GHS Blower __________________________ 56
GHS Exhaust Screen __________________ 56
Transaxle Housing ____________________ 57

CHECKING/SERVICING __________________ 57

Security of Air Filtration Components ____ 57
Battery ______________________________ 57

Electrolyte Level _____________________ 57
Cleaning the T erminals ________________ 58
Charging the Battery __________________ 58

Tire Pressure _________________________ 58
Wheel Nut T orque _____________________ 58
Sharpen Mower Blades ________________ 58
Drive Belts ___________________________ 60
Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals __________ 60
Spark Plug ___________________________ 60
Ignition _____________________________ 60
Fuel Lines and Clamps _________________ 60
Blade Brake Action ____________________ 60
Safety Switch System__________________ 61
Forward Speed Control Friction Lock _____ 61

REPLACING/REPAIRING _________________ 62

Drive Belts ___________________________ 62

Engine Belt _________________________ 63
PTO Drive Belt ______________________ 64
Ground Drive Belt ____________________ 65

Blade Overload Shear Bolts_____________ 66
PTO Shear Pin (If Equipped) ____________ 66
Mower Blades ________________________ 67

ADJUSTMENTS ________________________ 68

Transmission Control__________________ 68

Steering Lever Position Adjustment ______ 68
Steering Handles Adjustment ___________ 69
Neutral Position Adjustment ____________ 69
Full Forward Speed Adjustment _________ 71
Straight Tracking Adjustment ___________ 71
FSC Neutral Switch Adjustment _________ 71
Forward Speed Control
Friction Adjustment ___________________ 72

Blade Clutch (PTO) ____________________ 73

Clutch Engagement/Belt T ension ________ 73

Blade Brake Band Adjustment __________ 74
Tilt-Up Deck Adjustable Stop ____________ 75
GHS “Full” Signal Horn Adjustment ______ 76

Operator’s Notes _______________ 77

Warranty _____________________ 79

General Information

HIGHLIGHTED INFORMA TION

Walker Manufacturing recommends that any service
requiring special training or tools be performed by
an authorized Walker Mower dealer . There are sev­eral general practices to be aware of in the area of
safety. Most accidents associated with the opera­tion or maintenance of a Walker Mower are caused

by disregarding basic safety precautions or specic

warnings. Such accidents, in most cases, can be
prevented by being aware of the dangers present.

Information of special importance has been high­lighted in bold type in this manual. Refer to Safety

Instructions for the meanings of DANGER, WARN-
ING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT, and NOTE.

GLOSSARY

There are many terms that are either unique to this
equipment or that are used as acronyms. The fol­lowing terms and their denitions will help while us­ing this manual:

• DECK is the mowing attachment mounted on

the front of the tractor which includes the carrier
frame, deck housing, belt or gear drive compo­nents, and cutter blades.

• FORW ARD SPEED CONTROL (FSC) controls

the maximum forward speed of the tractor;
functioning as a cruise control.

• GRASS HANDLING SYSTEM (GHS

mowed material and deposits it in the catcher.

• GRASS-PAK

grass delivery spout (in the catcher) and acti­vates the “full” signal horn when the grass
catcher is full.

®

SWITCH is mounted on the

®

) collects

• GROUND DRIVE refers to the dual transaxles

which drive the main wheels.

• LEFT HAND (LH) refers to the left-hand side of

the tractor when the operator is seated facing
forward in the tractor seat.

• POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) transmits engine

power to run the cutter blades and GHS blower.

• POWERFIL

throughout the interior of the grass catcher by
an oscillating delivery spout.

®

spreads the mowed material

• RIGHT HAND (RH) refers to the right-hand side

of the tractor when the operator is seated facing
forward in the tractor seat.

• SIDE DISCHARGE (SD) discharges mowed

material from the right side of the mower deck.

• STEERING LEVERS steer the tractor by con-

trolling the two transaxles.

• TRACTOR is the prime mover , including the en-

gine, drivetrain, operator seat, and controls to
operate the mower.

• TRANSAXLE transmits and controls power

from the ground drive belt to the main drive
wheel.

• TRANSAXLE LOCKOUT ARMS release the

transaxles to permit freewheeling the tractor.

IDENTIFYING NUMBER LOCA TIONS

The tractor serial number plate is afxed to the trac­tor body just below the left rear corner of the seat.

The mower deck serial number plate is afxed

alongside the angle iron framing on the LH side of
the LH mower blade drive. Model and serial num­bers are helpful when obtaining replacement parts
and maintenance assistance. For ready reference,
please record these numbers in the space provided.

Tractor Model No. ______________________
Tractor Serial No. ______________________
Deck Serial No. ______________________
Engine Model No. ______________________
Engine Serial No. ______________________
Date of Purchase ______________________

Fill In By Purchaser

1

General Information

Serial Number

Tractor Serial Number Location

SERVICING OF ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS

The detailed servicing and repair of the engine,
transaxles and gearboxes are not covered in this
manual. Only routine maintenance and general
service instructions are provided. For the service
of these components during the limited warranty

period, it is important to nd a local, authorized

servicing agent of the component manufacturer.
Any unauthorized work done on these compo­nents during the warranty period may void the
warranty. If you have any difculty nding an au-
thorized outlet or obtaining warranty service,
please contact our Service Department for assis­tance:

Serial Number

Mower Deck Serial Number Location

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCA TION

Refer to the engine manual that accompanies this
manual or the photo below for the location of the
engine serial number.

Serial Number

Walker Manufacturing Company

5925 E. Harmony Road

Fort Collins, CO 80528

1-970-221-5614

www.walkermowers.com

Service manuals are available for each of these
components from their respective manufacturers as
follows:

Subaru Engine Subaru Robin America Inc.
A division of Fuji
Industries, Ltd. Group
905 T elser Rd.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
800-277-6246
www.subarupower.com

Transaxle Hydro-Gear
141 1 South Hamilton St.
Sullivan, IL 61951
877-728-7410
www.hydro-gear.com

Gearboxes (Deck) Peerless Gear
1555 South Jackson St.
Salem, IN 47167 USA
866-536-8310
www.peerlessgear.com

Engine Serial Number Location

2

Specications

MODEL S14

ENGINE

Manufacturer/Model Subaru Robin, EX40, 1 Cyl. (Air-Cooled)
Displacement cu. in. (cc) 24.65 (404)
Max. Power HP (kW) 14.0 (10.4) @ 3600 RPM
Governed RPM 3600
Max. Torque lb·ft (N·m) 19.9 (27.0) @ 2400 RPM
Idle RPM 1300
Spark Plug Type NGK BPR5ES
Spark Plug Gap in. (mm) .030 (0.75)
Crankcase Capacity qt (L) 1.35 (1.3)

Crankcase Lubricant
Fuel Tank Capacity gal (L) 1.9 (7.2)
Fuel
Cooling System Air Cooled

Air Cleaner Remote mounted Donaldson Radialseal

API SC/SD/SE/SF/SG/SH Grade Oil Only with 10W-30/10W-40
Viscosity or 40W Above 68° F (20° C) Only

Regular Grade Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum,
10% Ethanol Maximum)

TM

(Walker P/N 5090-1 Primary/5090-3 Safety Filter)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery 12 Volt, 300 CCA (Interstate SP-35)
Charging System Flywheel Alternator
Charging Output 13 Amp DC (Regulated)
System Polarity Negative Ground
Ignition Transistorized Electronic Magneto
Starter 12 Volt Electric Key and Solenoid Operated

Interlock Switches
Circuit Breaker Replaceable Fuse (20A)

TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer/Model Dual, Independent Hydro-Gear
Steering Hand Lever Control / Individual Wheel

Forward Speed Control

Service Brake Dynamic Braking through Transaxles

Parking Brake

Neutral Transmission Release by Manual Dump Valve

Ignition Lockout by Seat Switch, Transmission Neutral and Blade

Clutch

®

ZT3100 Integrated Transaxles

Precision Friction Lock Lever, Cruise Control, with
Neutral-Park Position

Internal Mechanical Cog Lock for each Transaxle
(Single Lever Control)

3

Specications

MODEL S14

TRANSMISSION (continued)

Final Drive Transaxle Direct to Drive Wheel

Transmission Fluid

Factory Service 20W-50 Multi-Viscosity Motor Oil (Minimum SL Grade Oil)
Transmission Oil Capacity  oz (ml) 79 (2336)
Transmission Cooling Cooling Fan Mounted on Drive Pulley
Oil Filter Hydro-Gear

Ground Travel Speed

Forward MPH (km/h)
Reverse MPH (km/h)

BLADE DRIVE

PTO Shaft Sliding Spline Shaft with Two (2) High-Speed U-Joints

Blade Drive Clutch and Brake

®

P/N 52114 (Walker P/N 2026-6)

0-6.5 (0-10.5) Innitely Variable
0-5 (0-8) Innitely Variable

Manual Belt Tightener Clutch and Band Brake
[Stops Blades within Five (5) Seconds of Disengagement]

TIRE SIZE

Deck Caster 8 x 3.00-4 (Pneumatic 4-Ply, Optional Foamed Rubber)
Drive

Tailwheel 13 x 6.50-6 (Pneumatic 4-Ply)

TIRE PRESSURE PSI (KPA)

Deck Caster Wheel 20 (137)
Drive 15 (103)
Tailwheel 20 (137)

18 x 7.00-8 (Pneumatic 4-Ply, Standard)

18 x 8.50-10 (Pneumatic 4-Ply, Optional Low-Prole)

4

Specications

MODEL S14

DIMENSIONS (Tractor and Mower)
Length in. (cm)

Tractor Only 63.75 (162)
Tractor Wheel Base 43 (109)

Tractor with Tilted Deck
(Approximate)

Tractor with 36" Collection Deck
(DC36R-1)

Tractor with 42" Collection Deck
(DC42-1)

Width in. (cm)

Tractor Only (Outside Tire) 36 (91.5)
Tractor with 36" Collection Deck

(DC36R-1)
Tractor with 42" Collection Deck

(DC42-1)

Height in. (cm)

77 (196)

87 (221)

88.5 (225)

37.25 (95)

43.25 (110)

Tractor 46.75 (119)

Weight lb (kg)

Tractor Only 595 (270)
Tractor with 36" Collection Deck

(DC36R-1)
Tractor with 42" Collection Deck

(DC42-1)

GHS SYSTEM

Blower 12.5 in. Diameter, Three-Blade Paddle Wheel

Blower Brake

Max. Blower RPM 2900

Grass Catcher Capacity
gal / bu / L

Full Signal

Powerl

®

766 (347)
786 (356)

Band Brake [Works in Combination with PTO Clutch, Stops Blower
within Five (5) Seconds of PTO Disengagement]

65 / 7 / 246
Oscillating Vane Switch Mounted on Grass Delivery Spout Triggers

Horn Signal
Oscillating Delivery Spout Driven by 12 Volt Electric Gearmotor

Spreads Material throughout Interior of Catcher @ 35 Cycles/Min

5

Specications

MODEL S14

MOWER DECK

Recommended Cut Width
Cutting Height 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10 cm) in 1/2 in. (1 cm) Increments

Deck Suspension

DRIVE BELTS

Engine Walker P/N 5234-3
Ground Drive Walker P/N 5232-1

PTO Drive Walker P/N 5234-4

36 or 42 in. (91 or 107 cm)
(Collection, SD, Mulch)

Independent Torsion-Flex Frame with Caster Wheels and
Counterweight Springs

SEAT

FRAME/BODY CONSTRUCTION

Frame All Welded Unitized Steel Chassis
Body 14 Gauge Steel
Deck 11 Gauge Steel
GHS Catcher and Chutes Molded Cross-Linked Polyethylene (UV Stabilized)

Contour-Molded, with Nylon Backed Vinyl Cover and Integral
Foam Cushion

NOTE: The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes in specications shown herein at any time

without notice or obligation. The specications listed are for a standard conguration tractor, and may

change with the addition of optional equipment.

6

Component Identication

Grass Handling System

7.0 Bushel Catcher

NOTE: Control Identication

shown in Operating
Instructions section.

Tilt-Up Latch

Spring Clip

Anti-Scuff

Roller

Catcher Lift /

Dump Handle

Deck Support Arm

Deck Lift Handle

(Cutting Height Adjustment)

Deck Support Arm

Counterweight Spring

and Protective Cover

Deck Support Pins

and Height Adjustment

Hitch Pins

Tilt-Up

Deck Handle

Footrests

Tilt-Up Hook
(Not Visible)

Deck

Caster Wheels

Front View and Right Side View

7

Component Identication

Catcher Lift /

Dump Handle

Catcher Door

Gas Spring

(Not Visible)

Removable Grass

Catcher Screen

(Not Visible)

Catcher Door

Catcher

Air Exhaust

Catcher

Door Handle

Anti-Scuff

Roller

Left Hand

Drive Wheel

8

Mufer

Tailpipe

Rotating Engine

Screen

Rear View and Left Side View

T ailwheel Fork

and Wheel

Component Identication

Fuel T ank

Fuel T ank

Cap

Battery Cable

BatteryNegative (-)

Positive (+)

Battery Cable

Air Intake Hose

Donaldson

Air Cleaner

Tailpipe

Air Cleaner

Cover

Mufer

Heat Shield

PTO Clutch

Lever

RH Transaxle

Lockout Arm

RH Transaxle

Parking Brake

Lever

GHS Blower

LH Transaxle

Lockout Arm

LH Transaxle

Neutral Safety

Switch

T op View (Body Raised)

9

Safety Instructions - Before Operating

Pay particular attention to any information labeled
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT,
and NOTE in this manual.

When you see the Safety Alert Symbol ( ), read,
understand, and follow the instructions. Fail ure to
comply with safety instructions may result in person­al injury .

The seriousness or degree of importance of each

type of information is dened as follows:

DANGER

An IMMEDIATE hazard that WILL result in
severe personal injury or DEATH, if warn­ing is ignored and proper safety precau­tions are not taken.

WARNING

A POTENTIAL hazard that COULD result in
severe personal injury or DEATH, if warn­ing is ignored and proper safety precau­tions are not taken.

Walker Manufacturing cannot predict every poten­tially dangerous situation. Therefore, items labeled
as such in this manual do not cover all conceivable
situations. Any person using procedures, tools, or
control techniques not recommended by Walker
Manufacturing must take full responsibility for safety .

The Walker Rider Lawnmower has been designed
with many safety features to protect the operator from
personal harm or injury . However , it is necessary for
the operator to use safe operating procedures at all
times. Failure to follow safety instructions con-

tained in this manual may result in personal in­jury or damage to equipment or property .

If you have any questions concerning setup, opera­tion, maintenance, or safety, please contact your
authorized Walker Mower dealer or call Walker
Manufacturing Company at [phone].

BEFORE OPERA TING

1. Read and understand the contents of this

Operator’s Manual before starting and oper­ating the machine. Become thoroughly famil-

iar with all machine controls and how to stop the
machine and disengage the controls quickly.
Replacement Operator’s Manuals are available
by sending the Model and Serial Number to:

Walker Manufacturing Company

5925 East Harmony Road

Fort Collins, CO 80528

10

CAUTION

Possible hazards or unsafe practices that
MAY result in MODERATE personal injury
or property damage, or machine damage, if
warning is ignored and proper safety pre­cautions are not taken.

IMPORTANT: Identies mechanical information

demanding special attention, since it deals with the
possibility of damaging a part or parts of the ma­chine.

NOTE: Identies information worthy of special at-
tention.

2. Never allow children to operate rider mower.
Do not allow adults to operate without proper
instruction.

3. Clear the area to be mowed of any foreign
objects which may be picked up and thrown by
cutter blades. Pick up all sticks, stones, wire,
and any other debris.

4. Keep everyone, especially children and pets, a
safe distance away from the area being mowed.

Do not mow with bystanders in the area.

5. Do not operate the machine barefoot or wearing
sandals, sneakers, tennis shoes, or similar
lightweight footwear. Wear substantial pro-

tective footwear.

Safety Instructions - Before Operating

6. Do not wear loose tting clothing that could get

caught in moving parts. Do not operate this ma­chine while wearing shorts; always wear ade-
quate protective clothing, including long
pants. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes,
and a helmet is advisable and required by some
local ordinances and insurance regulations.

7. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing. Operator hear-
ing protection is recommended; particularly
for continuous operation of the GHS Model due
to blower noise level. Wear a suitable hearing
protective device, such as earmuffs or earplugs.

8. Keep all protective shields and safety de-
vices in place. If a protective shield, safety
device, or decal is damaged, unusable, or miss­ing, repair or replace it before operating the
machine.

9. Be sure interlock switches are functioning
correctly, so the engine cannot be started un­less the Forward Speed Control lever is in the
NEUTRAL-PARK position, and the PTO clutch
is in the DISENGAGED position. Also, the en­gine should stop if the operator lifts off the seat
with either the Forward Speed Control (FSC)
out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position or the PTO
clutch in the ENGAGED position.

12. The electrical system battery contains sulfuric
acid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and
clothing. Keep the battery and acid out of reach
of children.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

10. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highly

ammable and its vapors are explosive:

a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot

engine (allow hot engine to cool several min­utes).

c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

open ames, or sparks away from the fuel

tank and fuel container.

d. Always ll the fuel tank outdoors using care.

Fill to about one inch from the top of the tank.
Use a funnel or spout to prevent spilling.

e. Replace the machine fuel cap and container

cap securely and clean up any spilled fuel
before starting the engine.

11. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running, except where

specically instructed to do so.

11

Safety Instructions - Operating

1. Operate the mower only in daylight or in
good articial light with good visibility of the area
being mowed.

2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine and
operating the machine. Keep feet on the deck
footrests at all times when the tractor is moving
and/or mower blades are operating. Never op-

erate the tractor without a deck or imple­ment installed.

3. For a beginning operator, learn to steer (ma­neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speed
before attempting any mowing oper ation.

Be aware that, with the front mounted mower
conguration, the back of the tractor swings to

the outside during turns.

DANGER

Do not mow around overhanging tree
branches or bushes at the same height as
the operator’s torso and head where inad­vertent contact may cause injury.

7. Do not operate machine if the operator pres­ence safety switch system is not working.

Verify proper operation by having the operator
lift off the seat with the engine running and mov­ing two controls, one at a time; (1) Move the
FSC lever out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position,
and (2) Engage the PTO Clutch. Moving either
control should stop the engine immediately.

8. Do not run the engine in a conned area
without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes
are hazardous and can be deadly.

9. Do not carry passengers - maximum seating
capacity is one (1) person.

10. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain
and for other hidden hazards. When mowing
tall grass, mow higher than desired to expose
any hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area and
mow to the desired height.

11. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before back-
ing the machine up, look to the rear to be sure
no one is behind the machine. Watch carefully
for trafc when crossing or working near road­ways.

4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward
motion of the tractor can always be stopped by
pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) into
the NEUTRAL-PARK position.

5. If either of the transmission drive belts break
during slope operation, the machine will free-

wheel down the slope. To maintain control,
immediately (1) Release the steering levers and
simultaneously (2) Move the FSC to the NEU-
TRAL-PARK position. When the machine is
stopped or moving slowly, engage the parking
brake.

NOTE: The emergency stop procedure is ex­actly t he sa me procedure used to normally stop
and park the machine.

6. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in
the NEUTRAL-PARK position before starting
the engine (an ignition interlock switch normally
prevents starting of the machine if these con­trols are in the OPERATING position).

12. When moving forward, do not suddenly put the
tractor in reverse by rapidly pulling on the steer­ing levers, especially when going downhill, as
this can lift the tractor tail wheel off the ground
and set up a bucking motion due to operator
overcontrol. If bucking does occur, immediately
stop the bucking action by pulling the Forward
Speed Control (FSC) lever into the NEUTRAL-
PARK position.

13. Disengage the blade drive when transporting
the machine across drives, sidewalks, etc. Nev-

er raise the mower deck while blades are
rotating.

DANGER

Do not mow or drive the tractor within
5 feet (1.5 meters) of an embankment or re­taining wall with drop off.

12

Safety Instructions - Operating

14. The maximum recommended slope operat­ing angle is 15 degrees or 26% grade. When

operating the machine on a slope, reduce speed
and use caution to start, stop, and maneuver.
To prevent tipping or loss of control of the ma­chine, avoid sharp turns or sudden changes in
direction. Do not operate the machine on a

slope greater than 15 degrees.

15. Never adjust cutting height with the engine
running. Before adjusting cutting height or

servicing, disengage the blade clutch (PTO),
stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.
Wait for all movement to stop before getting off
the seat.

NOTE: A blade/blower brake should normally

stop drive line rotation within ve (5) seconds of

disengaging the PTO clutch.

16. For side discharge mower decks, do not oper-
ate with the grass deector shield removed.
Keep the deector in the lowest possible posi­tion.

17. When using the tilt-up deck, observe the fol-

lowing:

a. Do not move tractor with deck in tilt-up

position.

b. Never tilt body forward with deck in tilt-up

position.

18. Do not operate the machine with the grass

catcher in the DUMP position or with the
back door OPEN. Dangerous projectiles may

be thrown out of the discharge chute or the back
of the grass catcher.

19. Use care when closing the grass catcher

door. Keep ngers and hands away from the

hinge and pinch points when the door is being

closed. Also, keep ngers and hands clear of

the door frame. The door is held closed with
springs and the door may slam shut with con­siderable force.

20. In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck

or GHS catching system:

a. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turn

the engine off before leaving the seat.

b. LOOK to make sure blade drive shaft and

blower drive pulley movement has stopped
before trying to unclog the system.

c. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
d. Never place hands under the deck or in the

GHS blower - use a stick or similar tool to
remove clogged material.

21. If the cutting blades strike a solid object or the
machine begins to vibrate abnormally,

immediately disengage the blade clutch
(PTO), stop the engine, and wait for all
moving parts to stop. To prevent accidental

starting, disconnect the spark plug wire.
Thoroughly inspect the mower and repair any
damage before restarting the engine and
operating the mower. Make sure cutter blades
are in good condition and blade nuts are torqued
to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m) for gear driven decks, and
blade bolts torqued to 70 lb·ft (90 N·m) for belt
driven decks.

22. Do not touch the engine or mufer while the
engine is running or immediately after stop­ping the engine. These areas may be hot
enough to cause serious burns.

23. When leaving the machine unattended, disen-

gage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the en­gine, and remove the key.

CAUTION

Use leg muscles and rm footing when lift­ing the catcher to dump; avoid bending at
the waist and using back muscles in order
to prevent back injury.

13

Safety Instructions - Maintenance

1. To prevent accidental starting of the engine
when servicing or adjusting the machine, re­move the key from the ignition switch and dis­connect the spark plug wire.

2. To reduce re hazards, keep the engine free
of grass, leaves, excessive grease, and dirt.

3. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to ensure
the machine is in a safe, working condition.
Check the blade mounting nuts frequently , mak­ing sure they are tight.

4. Perform only maintenance instructions de-
scribed in this manual. Unauthorized mainte-

nance operations or machine modications

may result in unsafe operating conditions.

5. If the engine must be running to perform a main­tenance adjustment, keep hands, feet, and
clothing away from moving parts. Do not wear

jewelry or loose clothing.

6. Always use the proper engine service
manual when working on the engine.

Unauthorized maintenance operations or

modications to the engine may result in unsafe

operating conditions.

11. Use care when charging the battery or per-
forming maintenance on the battery and electri­cal system:

a. Make sure the battery charger is unplugged

before connecting or disconnecting cables
to the battery.

b. Charge the battery in a well-ventilated

space, so gases produced while charging
can dissipate. Make sure the battery vents
in the caps are open.

c. Keep sparks, ames, and smoking materi-

als away from the battery at all times. To
avoid sparks, use care when removing bat­tery cables from posts.

d. Disconnect both battery cables before un-

plugging any wiring connectors or making
repairs on the electrical system.

IMPORTANT: Keep all applicable manuals im­mediately accessible to anyone who may oper­ate or service this machine.

7. Altering the equipment or engine in any manner
which adversely affects its operation, perfor­mance, durability, or use will VOID the war-
ranty and may cause hazardous conditions.

8. Never attempt to disconnect any safety devices
or defeat the purpose of these safety devices.

9. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor has been
factory-set for maximum-safe engine operating
speed.

10. Use genuine factory replacement parts.
Sub stitute parts may result in product malfunc­tion and possible injury to the operator and/or
others.

14

Safety Instructions

SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALS

Safety , Control, and Instruction Decals are installed on the machine;

if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should be ordered and installed before

putting the machine into operation. The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Manual.

1.

2.

8600-4

Location: Adjacent to Blower Discharge
Chute through Body
Part Number: 8600-4

1. W arning - rotating impeller is a cutting/dismem-

berment hazard to ngers and hands.

• Never reach down into the blower discharge
chute.

2. Warning - thrown object hazard.

• Never engage the PTO with grass catcher
raised.

1.

8600 -12

Location: T op of Fuel T ank
Part Number: 8600-12

1. Warning – carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
hazard.

• CO emitted by a running engine can be deadly .

• Do not operate indoors or in other enclosed
areas.

60 lb·ft (81 N·m)

1.

8600-9

Location: Gearbox Cover
(Gear Drive Decks Only)
Part Number: 8600-9

1. Tighten blade nuts on gear driven decks to
60 lb·ft (81 N·m).

Location: Rear of Grass Catcher Exhaust Screen
Part Number: 5869

1.

Location: Catcher Door Hinge Bar,
LH and RH Sides
Part Number: 8600-10

1. Caution - Pinch point.

• Keep all body parts clear when closing grass
catcher door.

9804-1

1.

Location: Chassis Member Behind Transaxles
Part Number: 9804-1

1. Neutral Lock

• Lift and move into slot to unlock transmis­sion and allow machine to freewheel.

15

Safety Instructions

SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALS

Safety , Control, and Instruction Decals are installed on the machine;

if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should be ordered and installed before

putting the machine into operation. The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Manual.

8600-28

Location: Each End of Mower Deck
Part Number: 8600-28

1. Warning – thrown object hazard.

• Keep bystanders away from the machine
when operating.

• Clear lawn of debris before operating.

• Keep any discharge deector in place and in

the lowest position.

2. Warning – rotating mower blades are a cutting/
dismemberment hazard to hands and feet.

• Keep all body parts away from rotating mow­er blades.

• Do not step on end of deck.

8600-14

Location: Deck Carrier Frame
Part Number: 8600-14

1.

2.

1.

Location: T op of Fuel T ank
Part Number: 5082-5

1.

5848-2

Location: Deck Discharge Shield
(SD Decks Only)
Part Number: 5848-2

1. Warning – thrown object hazard.

• Always keep the discharge shield in the low­est position when operating.

• Do not remove the discharge shield.

16

1. Warning – do not operate the machine with the
deck tilted up.

1.

Location: Deck Carrier Frame
Part Number: 8600-15

1. Warning – lock deck tilt-up hinge before operat­ing the machine.

1.

Location: Deck Gearbox Cover
Part Number: 8600-7

1. Warning - stop engine and remove ignition key
before adjusting deck cutting height.

Safety Instructions

SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALS

Safety , Control, and Instruction Decals are installed on the machine;

if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should be ordered and installed before

putting the machine into operation. The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Manual.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

8.

Location: LH Fender
Part Number: 8600-27

1. Throttle

2. Warning – read Operator’s Manual before oper­ating the machine.

3. Warning – wear eye and ear protection when op­erating the machine.

4. Warning – roll-over hazard.

• Do not operate on slopes greater than 15
degrees.

5. Warning – thrown object hazard.

• Keep bystanders away from the machine
when operating.

6. Choke

7. Warning – entanglement hazard.

• Keep all guards in place while engine is run­ning.

8. Parking brake

• Move lever forward to engage Parking

Brake; back to disengage.

<15°

1.

6.

1.

2.

1. 2.

Location: RH Fender
Part Number: 8600-26

1. Warning – do not operate the machine without a
deck or other implement attached.

2. Forward Speed Control

• Move lever forward to increase speed; back
to stop.

3. Warning – read Operator’s Manual before servic­ing or performing maintenance.

• Engage parking brake.

• Remove ignition key.

4. Warning – do not engage PTO clutch with PTO
shaft disconnected.

5. PTO Clutch Lever

• Move lever forward to engage PTO clutch;
back to disengage.

3.

4.

5.

17

Assembly Instructions

SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Walker Mowers are shipped partially assembled to
our distribution network, and are typically assem­bled by the selling dealer. For any additional as­sembly besides the following, contact your Walker
dealer.

Tire Installation (T ractor)

• Install the drive tires using the eight (8) lug bolts

that are supplied with the owner’s packet of
materials. Bolts are torqued to 75 to 85 lb·ft
(102 to 115 N·m).

• Check and adjust the ination of the tires. The

tire ination recommendations are:

Drive = 15 PSI (103 kPa)
Tailwheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)

Battery Service

Raise front mower body up for battery access (refer
to Front Body Latch Release in Operating Instruc-
tions). Check the battery for electrolyte level and
charge. The electrolyte level should be at the bot­tom of the vent wells [1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm)

above plates]. If the specic gravity is less than

1.225, the battery needs charging. If the battery has
been shipped dry, or is wet but needs service, refer
to the following instructions.

IMPORTANT: Make sure battery is securely mount­ed in the frame. A loose battery may cause damage
to the case resulting in acid leakage and severe dam­age to the machine. A hazard may be created by
damage to critical working parts and safety systems.

Wet Battery Service

If the battery has been shipped wet, but the electro­lyte level is low or the battery needs to be charged
then:

Dry Battery Service

DANGER

Activating a battery can be dangerous.
The battery should be taken to a reliable
service station, battery store, or power
equipment dealer where a trained techni­cian can activate the battery safely. DO
NOT attempt to activate the battery unless
you are experienced in battery service
work. The following activation and charg­ing instructions are provided for use by a
trained battery technician.

DANGER

Battery electrolyte is a poisonous and cor­rosive sulfuric acid solution.

• Avoid spillage and contact with skin,

eyes, and clothing - causes severe burns.

• To prevent accidents, wear safety gog-

gles and rubber gloves when working with
electrolyte.

• Neutralize acid spills with baking soda

and water solution.

To ll (activate) battery with electrolyte (if battery has

been shipped dry):

1. Remove the battery protector plate, disconnect
the battery cables and lift the battery out of the
tray.

IMPORTANT: Battery must be removed from

the mower before lling with electrolyte.

18

1. Fill each battery cell with distilled water to the
bottom of the vent wells.

2. Charge battery. Refer to Battery Charging in
this section.

IMPORTANT: Obtain and use only battery
grade sulfuric acid electrolyte with a 1.265 spe­cic gravity to activate the battery. DO NOT use
water or any other liquid during initial activation.

2. Remove the ller caps and carefully ll each cell

until the electrolyte is just above the plates.

3. After the battery is lled with electrolyte, replace
the ller caps and charge the battery. Refer to

Battery Charging.

Assembly Instructions

Battery Charging

DANGER

BA TTERIES PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES

• Charge the battery in a well-ventilated

area, so that gases produced while charg­ing can dissipate.

• Keep sparks, ames, and smoking mate-

rials away from the battery at all times.

• Make sure the battery cap vents are open

after the battery is lled with acid (check

manifold vent on each cap).

• Make sure the battery charger is un-

plugged before connecting or disconnect­ing cables to the battery.

1. Charge the battery at 15 amps for 10 minutes.
DO NOT exceed 20 amps maximum recom-

mended charging rate. Charge until specic

gravity is at least 1.250. Total charging time
should not exceed one (1) hour.

2. After charging the battery, adjust the electrolyte
level to the bottom of the vent wells [1/4 to 1/2 in.

(6 to 13 mm) above the plates].

Install the battery in the mower as shown in Battery
Installation photo. Connect the positive (+) rst and

then the negative (-) cable to the proper battery ter­minal [red cable and boot connects to the Posi-
tive (+) terminal]. Slide the rubber boot up and over
the battery post, making sure it covers the post com­pletely to prevent an electrical short.

WARNING

Make sure the battery cap vents are open.
Improper venting of the battery COULD
cause a battery explosion.

(+) Battery Cable

Connection

Battery Clamp

Secured by

Wing Nut(s)

Battery Installation

IMPORTANT: DO NOT overll the battery.

Electrolyte will overow through the vented caps

onto parts of the machine and WILL result in se­vere corrosion.

3. Install battery.

Battery Installation

IMPORTANT: Make sure battery is securely mount­ed in the frame. A loose battery may cause damage
to the case resulting in acid leakage and severe
damage to the machine. A hazard may be created
by damage to critical working parts and safety sys­tems.

Mower Deck Assembly

Deck Caster Wheels Installation

1. Remove the bolt, nut, axle spacer tube, and
spacer washers from each deck caster wheel
fork.

NOTE: Spacer washers are used only when
the optional semi-pneumatic deck wheels are
installed.

2. Fit the axle spacer tube through the wheel hub,
position the spacer washer on each side of the

hub (if used), and t the assembly into the wheel

fork.

3. Insert the 3/8-16 x 4-1/2 in. bolt through the
wheel fork with the bolt head to the outside and
install the 3/8-16 in. Keps nut.

19

Assembly Instructions

4. Tighten the bolt and nut until the axle spacer
tube bottoms against the inside of the wheel
fork (will not turn) while the wheel and spacer
washers (if used) spin freely without binding.

Axle Spacer

Tube

Spacer Washer

Axle Bolt

Deck Caster Wheel Installation

NOTE: If semi-pneumatic wheels are installed,

make sure the spacer washers t over the spac­er tube and are not caught between the fork and
the end of the tube. The washers should move
freely on the axle spacer tube.

Deck Discharge Deector Shield Installation
(Side Discharge Models Only)

Attach the side discharge deector shield using two

(2) 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 in. bolts, 3/8-16 ESNA nuts, and

3/8 in. wave spring washers. The wave washers t

between the two hinging surfaces. Tighten the nuts
until the shield moves freely but is not loose.

WARNING

DO NOT operate the machine without the

grass deector shield attached and in the

lowest possible position.

Attach Shield

5. Grease the caster wheel bearings and caster

pivot bearings - one grease tting for each

wheel and each pivot.

Deck Discharge Chute Installation (GHS Rear Discharge Models Only)

Mount the discharge chute hinge on top of the deck
discharge opening using two (2) 1/4-20 x 1/2 in. but­ton head socket cap screws and 1/4-20 ESNA nuts.
Position the screws with the heads inside the chute
and the nuts on the outside. Attach spring for tilt-up
action from chute to bracket on deck.

Attach Guard

Carrier Frame

Tube Sockets

Nut on T op

Attach

Chute

Discharge Shield Installation

on Side Discharge Deck

PTO Shaft Guard Installation

Position the shaft guard as shown and mount with
two (2) 1/4-20 x 1/2 in. bolts.

Tilt-Up Roller Wheel Installation

Mount the two (2) tilt-up roller wheels on the brack­ets on the rear skirt of the deck housing using the
P/N 8490 axle bolt, 3/8 in. wave spring washer and
3/8-16 in. Whiz locknut. Tighten the axle bolt until
the wheel rolls freely, but is not loose.

20

Discharge Chute and PTO Shaft Guard

Installation on Rear Discharge Deck

Assembly Instructions

Attach Spring

Roller Wheels

Tilt-Up Spring and Roller Wheel

Installation on Rear Discharge Deck

Mower Deck Installation on Tractor

Deck Installation

1. Lightly grease each deck support arm (2) on the
tractor. Refer to Mower Deck Installation
photo for location of deck support arm.

PTO

Connection

Arrows on Shaft and Tube

(Used to Align When Sliding Together)

PTO Shaft Connection

4. Install the hitch pin through the hole on the end
of each support arm to lock the deck in place
(refer to Deck Counterweight Spring Installa-
tion photo). Two (2) hitch pins are included in
the Owner’s Packet of materials.

Spring T ension Adjustment Nut

Located Under Lower

Spring Hook (Not Visible)

Deck Support

Arms

Mower Deck Installation

2. Engage the deck carrier frame tube sockets on
the tractor support arms (refer to Discharge
Chute and PTO Shaft Guard Installation pho­to for socket location). Slide the deck onto the
support arms approximately 3 in. (76 mm).

3. Align and connect the splined PTO shaft and
socket halves, as shown in PTO Shaft Connec-
tion photo. The PTO shaft has a pilot end to

ease alignment of shaft; t shaft end into socket

and rotate shaft until the splines line up as indi­cated by arrows, then slide together.

Counterweight

Springs Clip

Onto Body

With Forward

Body Tilted Up

Hitch Pins Lock Deck

on Support Arms

Deck Counterweight Spring Installation

5. Raise mower body (instead of lifting the front of
deck) and clip the counterweight springs to the
receptacle on front of body. Lower the body to
tension the springs. (Refer to Deck Counter-
weight Spring Installation photo.)

6. With the counterweight springs connected, the
weight on the deck caster wheels should be
15 to 25 Ib (6.8 to 11.3 kg); this adjustment is
preset at the factory . If required, the spring ten­sion can be adjusted by tightening or loosening
the elastic stop nuts located underneath the
lower spring hook, or contact your local dealer
if additional help is required. Refer to Deck
Counterweight Spring Installation photo.

21

Assembly Instructions

Deck Leveling

1. Position mower on a smooth, level surface. Set
the cutting height to the highest position - 4 in.
(102 mm) - for easy access under the deck to
measure blade height. Refer to ADJUSTING

CUTTING HEIGHT in Operating Instructions.
NOTE: A block of wood cut 4 in. (102 mm) high

is a convenient gauge to measure blade height
above ground during the leveling process.

WARNING

The machine must be shut off during this
procedure.

2. Check the side-to-side level. Rotate each
blade sideways and measure the distance

from blade tip to ground on each side. If mea­surements vary more than 1/8 in. (3 mm), add a
washer shim under the deck support pins on the
low side to level the deck.

3. Check the front-to-rear level. Rotate the blades
to point forward. Measure the distance from
blade tip to ground on the front and rear. The rear
of the blade should be 1/8 to 1/4 in. (3 to 6 mm)
higher than the front of the blade; shim the rear
(or front) deck support pins equally to achieve at

least 1/16 in. (2 mm) difference.
NOTE: The mower deck and support frame are

jig welded; within normal tolerances, very little, if
any, shimming should be required to level the

deck. Tire pressure will inuence the levelness

of the deck. Check the tire pressure as a possi­ble cause of the deck not being level.

4 in. (102 mm)

Wood Block

Should not vary more

than 1/8 in. (3 mm)

side-to-side

Should be 1/8 in. (3 mm)

to 1/4 in. (6 mm) higher

at the rear of the blade

4 in. (102 mm)

Wood Block

22

Deck Leveling

Assembly Instructions

PREOPERATING CHECKLIST

Before operating the mower for the rst time, and as

a routine before daily operations, it is important to
make sure the mower is properly prepared and
ready for operation. The following is a list of items
to be checked. (For a mower with frequent opera­tion, some of these items will not need to be checked
every day, but the operator should be aware of the
condition of each.)

For proper fuel and lubricants refer to Specications.

FILL FUEL T ANK

Raise the mower body and locate the fuel tank on
top of the engine.

Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh automotive grade
unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, 10% etha­nol maximum).

DANGER

Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is
highly ammable and its vapors are explo­sive. Use safe refueling procedures:

• DO NOT ll fuel tank with the engine run-

ning.

• If the engine is hot, allow to cool before

refueling.

• Use an approved fuel container .

IMPORT ANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline. Al­ways use fresh, automotive grade unleaded gaso­line. DO NOT use gasoline containing greater than
10% ethanol. DO NOT use additives, such as car­buretor cleaners, deicers, or moisture removing
agents. DO NOT use gasoline blended with methyl
alcohol.

CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL

Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and
after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Refer
to LUBRICATION for Checking Engine Crankcase
Oil Level in Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEAN-

ER SYSTEM

• Check condition, cleanliness, and security of the

complete air lter system (inspect air lter every
100 hours). For detailed procedures, refer to
CLEANING the Engine Air Cleaner System in

Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

Check that the engine cooling air intake screen is
free of obstruction by grass clippings or debris and

clean if required. Also, cylinder head cooling ns

should be inspected and cleaned if any build-up of
debris is noted (remove cylinder head shroud to
clean).

Check performance of the cooling system by start­ing the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the cylin-

der head, and feeling the cooling airow.

• Fuel the mower outdoors.

• DO NOT smoke while refueling.

• Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.

• DO NOT overll the fuel tank; ll up to

about 1 in. (25 mm) below the top of tank.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT permit dirt or other foreign

matter to enter the fuel tank. Wipe dirt from around
the ller cap before removing. Use a clean fuel stor­age container and funnel.

DANGER

Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust

pipe, mufer, and moving parts when
checking airow.

INSPECT THREE (3) DRIVE BELTS

Engine, PTO, and Hydrostatic Ground Drive.

CHECK HYDROSTA TIC TRANSAXLE OIL

LEVEL

Refer to LUBRICATION for Transaxle Lubrication
in Maintenance Instructions.

23

Assembly Instructions

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

Deck Caster Wheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)
Drive = 15 PSI (103 kPa)
Tailwheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)

CHECK AND CLEAN GRASS BUILDUP UN-

DERNEATH MOWER DECK (and inside GHS
blower, if equipped)

Refer to CLEANING the GHS Blower in Mainte-
nance Instructions for blower cleaning information.

DANGER

Never operate cutter blades with deck in
raised position because it is hazardous.

The tilt-up deck can be secured in the raised posi­tion by unlocking the deck lock levers on each side
of the carrier frame and inserting the deck hook into

the tilt-up latch on the tractor body. Before operating

the tractor, make sure to re-engage the deck lock
levers after lowering the deck to the normal operat­ing position.

CAUTION

Do not operate machine with deck tilt-up
pivot joint unlocked.

DANGER

Do not operate the mower with deck in tilt­up position. Do not move the tractor with
the deck in the tilt-up position.

CHECK MOWER BLADE CONDITION,

SHARPNESS, BALANCE AND SECURITY OF

MOUNTING

The blade mounting nuts on gear driven decks should
be torqued to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m), and the blade mount­ing bolts on belt driven decks torqued to 70 lb·ft
(95 N·m). If blade sharpening is required, refer to

CHECKING/SERVICING for Sharpen Mower
Blades in Maintenance Instructions.

Tilt-Up Hook and

Latch Connected

Tilt-Up

Latch

Tilt-Up Hook

Deck Secured in TIL T -UP Position

ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT, IF RE-

QUIRED

Position the hitch pins in the four deck support pins.
Refer to the “Cutting Height Adjustment” decal on
the deck gearbox cover.

CHECK DRIVE WHEEL BOLT TORQUE

The lug bolts mounting the drive tires should be
tightened to 75 to 85 lb·ft (102 to 115 N·m).

CHECK FUNCTION OF SAFETY INTERLOCK

SWITCHES

Refer to Operating Instructions to check for proper
operation of safety switches, both during engine
starting and with the operator leaving the seat with
tractor moving forward or with the mower blades en­gaged.

PERFORM ANY ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

called for on the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CHART in Maintenance Instructions.

24

Operating Instructions

CONTROL IDENTIFICATION, LOCATION, AND FUNCTION

CAUTION

Before operating the mower, become famil­iar with the location and function of all op­erator controls. Knowing the location,
function, and operation of these controls is

important for safe and efcient operation

of the mower.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the right front of the
body and is used to start and stop the engine. The
switch has three positions: “O” is the OFF position,
ON (RUN) is the position the key returns to after
starting, and “S” is the START position. When start-
ing the engine, turn the key clockwise to the “S” po­sition.

Do not hold the key in the “S” position longer than
10 seconds. If the engine does not start, return the
key to the “O” position for at least 60 seconds before
making a restart attempt. Prolonged cranking can
damage the starter motor and shorten battery life.
Release the key when the engine starts, and it will
return to the ON (RUN) position. To stop the engine,
rotate the key counterclockwise to the “O” position.

Engine Choke

The choke control lever (black knob) is located on
the left side of the seat. To start a cold engine, move
the choke control forward to the ON position. After
engine starts, move the choke control toward the
OFF position, keeping enough choke to allow the
engine to run smoothly as it warms up. As soon as
possible, move the choke to the OFF position. A
warm engine requires little or no choke for starting.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFF
position during normal engine operation; running
with the choke in the ON position CAN damage the
engine.

Blade Clutch

(PTO)

Front Body

Latch Release

(Not Visible)

Forward Speed

Control (FSC)

Ignition Switch

Parking

Brake

OFF

ON

START

Ignition Switch

Key Positions

Steering

Levers

Hourmeter

Operating Controls

25

Operating Instructions

Engine Throttle

The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on the
left side of the seat and is used to control engine
speed. Moving the lever forward toward the FAST
position increases engine speed; moving it back-
ward toward the IDLE position decreases engine
speed.

Throttle Choke

Choke and Throttle Location

Forward Speed Control (FSC)

Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:
One is to set forward travel speed, and the other is
to establish the NEUTRAL-PARK position. When
the FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD posi-
tion, a friction lock holds any forward speed setting
from 0 to 6.5 mph (0 to 10.5 km/h). The ground
speed is proportional to the lever position; the fur­ther the lever is advanced forward, the faster the
tractor moves. It is not necessary to hold the FSC
in position since the friction lock maintains the se­lected lever position. Pulling back on the steering
levers overrides the FSC setting and slows or stops
forward travel. Releasing the steering levers allows
the tractor to resume forward travel at the speed set
by the FSC lever. To stop and park the machine, the
FSC lever is moved backward to the NEUTRAL-

PARK position.

Steering Levers

Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen­dent steering lever, for both steering function and
FORWARD/REVERSE motion. The FSC lever sets
the maximum forward speed, and also sets the for­ward position of the steering levers. The steering
levers operate only with a backward pulling move­ment of the lever, which causes the drive wheel for

that lever to rst slow down, stop, and then reverse

with a full backward lever stroke. The levers are
released to the FORWARD position for “straight-
ahead” ground travel.

NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers will
not cause any change in tractor motion - there will
be no steering lever reaction and there will be no
machine damage.

Blade Clutch (PTO)

The blade clutch lever is located on the right side of
the seat behind the right fender and is used to en­gage and disengage the mower blades. The blade
clutch has two positions. Pushing the lever DOWN
engages the PTO that drives the mower blades.
Pulling the lever UP disengages the PTO and en­gages the blade brake.

NOTE: On GHS equipped models, the Powerl

motor and Grass-Pak® full signal switch are acti­vated by engaging the blade clutch. Refer to Using
the GHS Catcher in this section for a complete de­scription of GHS operation.

®

26

Front Body Latch Release

The front portion of the tractor body hinges forward
for maintenance access and is latched down in the
OPERATING position. To raise the body, move the
latch release backward.

Operating Instructions

Parking Brake

The parking brake functions by locking a detent arm
to a cog inside the transaxle. Moving the lever FOR-
WARD engages the parking brake; moving the le­ver BACKWARD releases the brake.

IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely before
engaging the parking brake. The parking brake
uses a positive mechanical lock similar to the PARK
position on an automotive automatic transmission.
If the tractor is moving when the brake is engaged,
it will result in sudden stoppage and possible inter­nal damage to the transaxle.

NOTE: If pressure on the parking brake (e.g.,
parked on a hill) makes it impossible to release the
parking brake with the parking brake lever, move the
mower gently forward or backward to allow the
brake detent to release.

Transaxle Lockout Arms

The transaxle lockout arms disengage the transax­les. By lifting the arms up and locking them into
place with the shoulder on the arm in the chassis
notch, the transaxles are released to permit free­wheeling. By releasing the arms and recessing
them back toward the chassis, the transaxles are
engaged for normal operation. The transaxle arms
in the LOCKOUT position are used to enable mov­ing the machine without the engine running (e.g., for
service). Refer to TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS in this
section for operating instructions.

NOTE: The transaxle lockout arms ends should be
completely retracted against the chassis, otherwise
operation of the transaxle may be erratic.

Parking Brake Engaged

Parking Brake Disengaged

Hydro Lockout

Arms

Hydro Lockout Arm Location

27

Operating Instructions

Hourmeter

The hourmeter, which is located on the right front of
the body, displays operating time accumulated
while the PTO (blade drive) clutch is engaged.

The hourmeter provides maintenance reminders af­ter certain hours of operation. The hourmeter screen

will start ashing the reminder one hour prior to the

recommended interval and will continue until one
hour after the recommended interval (two hours).
The hourmeter does not have a manual reset

function.

Procedure Interval* Reminder

Oil Change

(Break-In)**

Lubricate
and Check
Levels

Oil Change 49-51 Hours***

4-6 Hours

24-26 Hours

C
H
G

C
H
G

OIL

LUBE

OIL

* These intervals reect the actual time that the

reminder will ash (one hour prior to and one

hour after the recommended interval).

** This reminder is only used one time.

*** In normal operating conditions, oil changes in

100-hour intervals are acceptable. Walker and
the engine manufacturers recommend engine
oil changes every 50 hours in extremely dirty or
dusty conditions or for units with less than 100
hours annual use.

NOTE: The blinking hour glass on the display
means that the meter is operating properly.

Hourmeter

28

Operating Instructions

The Forward Speed Control also Establishes the Neutral-Park Position of the Steering Levers

LEFT WHEEL

STEERING LEVER

Forward Position

(No Control Change)

Neutral-Park

Position

Reverse Drive

Wheel Motion

Position

Fast

Throttle

Position

RIGHT WHEEL

STEERING LEVER

<15°

FORWARD SPEED

CONTROL LEVER (FSC)

Full Forward

Ground Speed

Position

Intermediate

Ground Speed

Position

Neutral-Park

Position

1. 2.

THROTTLE

PARKING

BRAKE

Idle

Position

Engaged

Position

Disengaged

Position

ON Position

BLADE CLUTCH

OFF Position

CHOKE

Operating Controls (T op View from Drivers Point of View)

(PTO)

Engaged

Position

Disengaged

Position

29

Operating Instructions

STARTING THE ENGINE

CAUTION

Before operating the mower, read and un­derstand all Safety Instructions and Operat-
ing Instructions.

WARNING

NEVER run the engine in an enclosed or
poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

1. Before attempting to start the engine, make

sure the operator is in the seat, the Forward
Speed Control is in NEUTRAL-PARK position,
and the blade clutch and parking brake are DIS-

ENGAGED.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT crank the engine

continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time.
If the engine does not start, turn the key to the
OFF position and allow a 60 second cool-down
period between starting attempts. Failure to
follow these guidelines can damage the starter
motor and shorten battery life. Consult your
Walker dealer or authorized engine dealer for
additional help.

3. After the engine starts, gradually move the
choke to the OFF position, keeping enough
choke on to allow the engine to run smoothly as
it warms up. As soon as possible, move the
choke to the OFF position.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the
OFF position during normal engine operation;

running with the choke in the ON position CAN
damage the engine.

ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERING

CAUTION

NOTE: Release parking brake to prevent extra
load on the starter if the transmission neutral is
slightly out of adjustment.

CAUTION

A safety interlock switch system PRE­VENTS CRANKING the engine with either
the Forward Speed Control out of neutral,
or the blade clutch (PTO) engaged. If the
engine cranks otherwise, the safety sys­tem is not working and should be repaired
or ad justed before operating the mower.
DO NOT disconnect safety switches; they
are for the operator’s protection.

2. Move the choke lever to the ON position and
move the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (toward FAST).
Turn the ignition switch to the START position
to start the engine. Release the key to ON

(RUN) position as soon as the engine starts.
NOTE: The choke may not be required if the

engine is warm.

Learn to ST ART , STOP, and MANEUVER the
mower in a large, open area.

If the operator has not operated a ma chine
with LEVER STEERING OR DUAL TRANS­AXLES, steer ing and ground operation
should be learned and practiced until the
operator is completely comfortable han­dling the ma chine BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO MOW.

DANGER

Keep feet on footrests at all times when
the machine is moving. Never operate the
tractor without a deck or implement in­stalled.

30

Operating Instructions

Beginning Recommendations are:
♦ Learn operation of the mower in an open

area away from buildings, fences, and ob-

structions. Learn operation on at ground

BEFORE operating on slopes.
♦ Start maneuvering the mower with SLOW

engine speed and SLOW Forward Speed
Control setting until familiar with all operat­ing characteristics.

♦ Remember it is not necessary to hold the
steering levers forward (a unique Walker
feature); always PULL on the levers for
steering or for reverse motion of the mower.

♦ Learn to operate the mower with your left
hand on the steering levers and right hand
on Forward Speed Control. The use of two
hands on the steering levers tends to cause
overcontrol.

♦ Learn to operate the steering levers with
smooth action. Jerky movements are hard
on the transmission and lawn. For sharp
turns, do not allow the inside wheel to stop
and twist on the grass. Pull the steering le­ver controlling the inside wheel into reverse
for a smooth “rolling” turn (one wheel roll ing
forward while the other rolls backward).

♦ Practice maneuvering the mower until
you can make it go exactly where you are
aiming.

♦ Remember, for an emergency stop, or in
case of loss of control, machine movement
can always be stopped quickly by pulling the
Forward Speed Control into the NEU TRAL­P ARK position.

1. Move the FSC out of NEUTRAL-PARK position
to the desired forward speed. DO NOT hold
for ward on steering levers. It is not necessary
to hold the FSC lever in position since a friction
lock maintains the selected lever position (and
forward travel speed).

WARNING

If either of the transmission drive belts
break during slope operation, the machine
will freewheel down the slope. T o maintain
control, immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2)
Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. When the machine is stopped or
moving slowly, engage the parking brake.

NOTE: This is exactly the same procedure

used to normally stop and park the machine.

CAUTION

An operator presence switch (seat switch)
will cause the engine to stop if the FSC is
out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position and
the operator is not in the seat. The function
of this switch should be checked by the op­erator raising off the seat with the tractor
moving forward; the engine should stop. If
the safety sys tem is not working, it should
be repaired or replaced before operating
the mower. DO NOT disconnect the safety
switches; they are for the operator’s pro­tection.

NOTE: If the FSC lever will not stay in the se-

lected position, the friction lock needs to be ad­justed. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS for Step 7 -
Forward Speed Control Friction Adjustment in
the Maintenance Instructions.

2. Steer by pulling the lever on the side of desired
direction of turn, e.g., pull the LH lever to turn
left. To minimize the possibility of overcontrol,
use only one hand on both steering levers.

31

Operating Instructions

Forward Speed Control

(FSC)

Pull Steering

Levers With

Left Hand

4. The FSC may be adjusted forward for faster
ground speed and backward for slower ground
speed. When mowing, ground speed should be
adjusted to match the load on the cutter blades,
i.e., as the engine pulls down in heavy cutting,
pull back on the FSC lever to reduce ground
speed. Adjusting ground speed helps maintain
a balance between engine power and blade
speed for high-quality cutting action.

5. Stop ground travel by pulling both steering le­vers backward to the NEUTRAL-PARK position
(trac tor not moving) and then moving the FSC
lever to the NEUTRAL-PARK position.

NOTE: If the tractor creeps forward or back­ward with the FSC lever in the NEUTRAL-PARK
position, the transmission control needs to be
adjusted. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS for Step 3 -
Neutral Position Adjustment in the Maintenance

Instructions.

Keep Feet on Footrest

When Moving

Correct Operator Hand Position

on the Controls

3. Reverse direction of the mower by pulling both
levers backward.

NOTE: Smooth action on the steering levers
will produce smooth mower operation. Remem­ber to keep the engine and ground speed slow
until learning the control response.

WARNING

When moving forward, DO NOT suddenly
put the tractor in reverse by rapidly pulling
on the steering levers, especially when go­ing downhill, as this can lift the tractor tail
wheel off the ground and set up a bucking
motion due to operator overcontrol. If
bucking does occur, immediately stop the
bucking action by pulling the Forward
Speed Control (FSC) lever into the NEU­TRAL-PARK position.

ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE

1. Set the engine throttle at about 1/2 speed. DO

NOT attempt to engage the blade clutch at
high engine speeds. This will drastically short-

en drive belt life. Use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the blade clutch.

2. Push the blade clutch lever SLOWLY forward to
en gage the mower blades.

CAUTION

An operator presence switch (seat switch)
will cause the engine to stop if the blade
clutch is engaged and the operator is not in
the seat. The function of this switch should
be checked by the op erator raising off the
seat and engaging the blade clutch; the e n­gine should stop. If the switch is not work­ing, it should be repaired or replaced be­fore operating the mower. DO NOT
disconnect the safety switches; they are
for the operator’s protection.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT engage the blade clutch

when transporting the mower across drives, side­walks, loose materials, etc. DO NOT engage the

blade clutch with the PTO shaft disconnected

(the mower deck removed from tractor).

32

Operating Instructions

STOPPING THE MACHINE

1. Pull the steering levers to the NEUTRAL-PARK
posi tion and then move the FSC lever backward
to the NEUTRAL-PARK position.

2. Slow the engine down by moving the throttle to
the IDLE position.

3. Disengage the blade clutch.

Engaged

Position

Blade Clutch Engaged

Disengaged

Position

Blade Clutch Disengaged

CAUTION

If the cutting blades strike a stationary ob­ject while mowing, stop the mower imme­diately, disconnect the spark plug wire, lift
the deck, and inspect the deck and blades
thoroughly for damage. Make sure that the
blade timing has not been dis turbed (the
blades should be at 90 degrees to each
other). Refer to REPLACING/RE PAIRING
the Blade Overload Shear Bolts in Mainte-

nance Instructions

Also, make sure the blade retain ing nuts
are torqued to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m).

if blades are out of time.

NOTE: Reducing engine speed prior to disen-

gaging the blade clutch will reduce wear on the
brake band and brake drum, increasing the life
of these components.

WARNING

A brake stops the cutter blades (and
blower on GHS equipped models) from

freewheeling within ve (5) seconds after

disengaging the clutch. If the brake sys­tem malfunctions and the blades do not

stop within ve (5) seconds, the brake

should be adjusted or repaired before op­erating the mower. Contact your Walker
dealer.

4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

WARNING

Remove the key from the ignition switch
when leaving the mower unattended. This
will prevent children and inexperienced
operators from starting the engine.

5. Engage the parking brake by moving the lever
forward.

IMPORTANT: When the machine is in NEU­TRAL it may slowly creep, especially if parked

on a slope. Always engage the parking brake to
prevent any machine movement.

33

Operating Instructions

ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT

WARNING

The engine must be stopped before ad­justing cutting height. Disengage the blade
clutch (PTO), stop the engine, and remove
the ignition key. Wait for all move ment to
stop before getting off the seat.

Cutting height is adjusted by positioning the four (4)
re tainer hitch pins in a series of seven vertical holes
on the deck support pins. Lift handles have been
pro vided on each end of the deck to assist in raising
the deck while positioning the hitch pins. Cutting

heights range from 1 in. (25 mm) [top holes] to

4 in. (102 mm) [bottom holes] in 1/2 in. (13 mm)

incre ments.

Lift Handle

Deck Support

Pin

3. The mower will “freewheel” with the arms in the
LOCKOUT position. The levers must be in the
highest position to completely unlock the trans­missions.

Hydro Lockout Arm

Hydro Lockout Arm - Freewheel Position

4. After moving the mower, release the arms, plac­ing them in the normal OPERATING position.
The transmission arm ends should be com­pletely retracted against the chassis, otherwise
operation of the transmission maybe erratic.

Hydro Lockout Arm

Hitch Pin

Cutting Height Adjustment

TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS
IMPORT ANT : DO NOT TOW this mower faster than

2 mph (3.2 km/h) with the transmission lockout en­gaged. Towing can produce excessive internal
pressure and damage the transaxle(s).

To move the mower with the engine NOT running
(dead battery, maintenance, etc.), the transaxles
need to be unlocked (released).

1. Raise the body.

2. Pull up on each transaxle lockout arm and move
toward the center of the machine to engage the
step that holds the arm in the UP (unlocked)
position.

Hydro Lockout Arm - Normal Operating Position

34

Operating Instructions

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING

DANGER

Do not mow around overhanging tree
branches or bushes at the same height as
the operator’s torso and head where inad­vertent contact may cause injury.

• When mowing, operate the engine at full throttle

for the best cutting action and performance of the
grass handling system (GHS). Mowing with a lower
engine RPM causes the mowing blade to not cut
clean and tear the grass. The engine is designed

to be operated at full speed.

• When mowing in adverse conditions (tall and/or

wet grass), mow the grass twice. Raise the mower

to the highest setting - 4 in. (102 mm) - for the rst

pass and then make a second pass cutting to the
desired height.

• Use a slow setting on the FSC for trimming op-

erations.

• Make sure the mower is leveled properly for a

smooth cut. Refer to Deck Leveling in Assembly
Instructions.

• Use an alternating stripe mowing pattern for

best appearance and vary the direction of the stripe

each time the grass is mowed to avoid wear patterns
in the grass.

• Avoid damage to the grass by slipping and skid-

ding of the drive tires. Use smooth control move­ments of the steering levers since the transaxles are

“power boosted controls” and jerk ing the levers can
easily slip the tires. For sharp turns, do not allow the
inside wheel to stop and twist on grass; pull inside
steering lever into reverse for a smooth “rolling” turn
(one wheel rolling forward while the other rolls
backward).

Avoid Low Hanging Branches

IMPORTANT: Operate the engine at full throttle

when mowing, to allow the engine to produce full

horsepower and to increase efciency of the engine

cooling system.

• Keep the mower deck and discharge chute clean.

• Mow with sharp blades. A dull blade tears the

grass (resulting in poor lawn appearance) and uses
extra power (slowing the mowing speed).

• It is preferable to cut grass when it is dry and not

too tall. Mow frequently and do not cut grass too

short. (For best appearance, cut off 1/3 or less of
existing grass height.)

35

Operating Instructions

• When using a side discharge mower deck, the

side discharge deector shield must not be re­moved and must be kept in the lowest possible po-

sition to deect grass clippings and thrown objects

down ward. Orient the side discharge away from side­walks or streets to minimize cleanup of clippings.
When mowing close to obstacles, orient the side dis­charge away from obstacles to reduce the chance of
damage to property by thrown objects.

Discharge

Shield

Maximum Recommended

Slope - Do Not Operate

on Steep Slopes

Side Discharge Deector Shield in

Lowest Position

• When operating on a slope, reduce speed and

use caution to start, stop, and maneuver. Avoid

sharp turns or sudden changes in direction. The

maximum recommended slope operating angle
is 15 degrees or 26% grade.

60 lb·ft (81 N·m)

8600-14

8600-9

15°

16 in.

52 in.

Maximum Recommended Slope

DANGER

Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet
(1.5 meters) of an embankment or retaining
wall with drop off.

36

5 FT

MINIMUM

No Driving Zone

Operating Instructions

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TILT-UP DECK OPERATION/TRANSPORT

To avoid potential deck and/or tractor damage while
using the tilt-up deck, the following recommenda­tions are offered:

• Do not move the tractor with the deck in the tilt-

up position since both the roller wheels (on the back
of the deck) and the GHS discharge chute may be
damaged by moving the tractor. The tilt-up congu­ration should only be used when the tractor is
parked.

• The tractor body should never be tilted for-

ward with the deck in the tilt-up position. This can

cause the deck to unhook from the tractor and fall
with considerable force, potentially causing deck or
tractor damage and/or bodily injury.

• When transporting a tractor with the deck in the

tilt-up position (on a truck or trailer), the deck should
be secured to the vehicle with a strap or rope (stop

vertical movement). This will prevent the deck from
bouncing on the rear roller wheels (causing break­age). This will also prevent the deck from unhooking
from the tractor and falling, potentially causing deck
or tractor damage. Damage to other items parked
in front of the deck may also occur.

37

Operating Instructions

GRASS HANDLING SYSTEM (GHS)
GHS Model Only

PTO and Blade

Gear Drive

Shear Bolt

(Gear Driven

Decks Only)

PTO

Clutch

Shear Pin

(If Equipped)

Actuator

Powerl

Drive Motor

“Full” Signal

Horn

Rod

®

Grass-Pak®

V ane Switch

Grass

Catcher

Exhaust Screen

(Removable)

Catcher

Door Spring

(Not Visible)

Air Exhaust

Powerl

Delivery Spout

Dump

Handle

Catcher

Catcher

Door

®

38

Catcher

Chute

Body Chute

Assembly

Blower

Deck

Discharge Chute

Rear Discharge

Mower Deck

GHS Flow and Components

Operating Instructions

General Information

The Grass Handling System (GHS) consists of a
rear discharge mower deck connected to a 12.5 in.
(32 cm) blower and a rear mounted grass catcher
with 7.0 bushel (246 liters) capacity . The GHS blow­er operates any time the mower blade clutch is en­gaged and moves grass through the rear discharge

deck chute into the grass catcher. Blower airow is

exhausted out the back of the grass catcher, through

a ltering screen. When the grass catcher is full and

needs to be emptied, a “full” signal horn alerts the
operator. When the “full” signal horn sounds, it is

important to stop mowing to prevent overlling and

clogging of the blower system.
IMPORTANT: Normally, the GHS blower operates

with no maintenance or cleaning required. However,
under certain operating conditions, the inside of the
blower housing may accumulate a deposit of dirt,
causing wear and binding of the blower wheel.
Normally , dirt buildup occurs when mowing a com-
bination of dirty and damp grass, especially in
the springtime. When operating in these condi tions,
check the blower wheel frequently for binding
and clean the blower housing as required. Refer t o
CLEANING the GHS Blower in Mainte nance

Instructions.

DANGER

ROTATING BLOWER BLADES

NEVER operate the GHS blower with the
blower discharge chute uncovered (grass
catcher in the dump position) since
dangerous projectiles may be thrown.
NEVER put hands into the blower discharge
chute f or a ny reason. Use a stick or similar
instrument to remove any material if
clogging has occurred.

CAUTION

NEVER leave grass clippings in the grass
catcher after mowing. Damp clippings
generate heat as they decompose. This
MAY cause spontaneous combustion.

NOTE: In Autumn, when using the GHS mower to

vacuum leaves, it is recommended to raise the front
of the mower deck 2 to 3 notches [1 to 1-1/2 in.
(25 to 38 mm)] higher than the rear. This will avoid
“bulldozing” leaves, particularly when the leaves
are piled in a thick layer. To make this ad justment,
the hitch pins in the two (2) front deck support pins
are repositioned 2 to 3 notches higher while leaving
the rear pins in their original position.

DANGER

NEVER operate the GHS catcher with the
back door open. Objects may be thrown

out the back of the catcher with sufcient

force to cause serious injury to bystand ers
or property damage.

39

Operating Instructions

Clogging Checklist In case of clogging, there will be a distinct change

in the sound of the blower, i.e., the blower sound

will stop. Also, the mower deck will begin to leave a
trail of grass clippings. When this occurs, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and make
sure all movement has stopped before attempt-

ing to unclog.

DANGER

NEVER place hands under the mower deck
or in the GHS blower discharge chute.
Use a stick or similar tool to remove any
clogged material.

Normally, any clogging will rst develop at the back

of the mower deck in the discharge opening into the
blower chute. Clogging at this point does not indi-

cate a particular problem in this part of the sys­tem, but is a symptom of something restrict ing

the ow of material throughout the entire system.
The following list of items should be checked if a
pattern of clogging begins to develop. All of these
items are capable of causing clogging at the back of
the deck.

Blades Must Operate at

Right Angles (90 Degrees)

FORWARD

Rear Discharge

Chute

Blade Rotation for Reverse Rotation

GHS Mower Deck (Bottom View)

Mounting Nut

T orque = 60 lb·ft

(81 N·m)

• Check the amount of at section remaining at

blade tip. This is the area that is ground away (re­moved) when the blades are sharpened. If too much
of the at section is removed, the “air lift” perfor­mance or “shovel” effect of the blade deteriorates to
the point that discharge of grass clippings into the
blower chute is marginal. Replace cutter blades if

less than 3/4 in. (19 mm) at section remains at the

blade tip.

• Check to see if the mower blades are installed for

the correct rotation. The blade cutting edges

should move towards each other at the front of the
deck on standard rotation decks (e.g., DC42), and
towards each other at the back of the deck on re­verse rotation decks (e.g., DC36R).

Blades Must Operate at

Right Angles (90 Degrees)

FORWARD

Rear Discharge

Chute

Blade Rotation for Standard Rotation

GHS Mower Deck (Bottom View)

Mounting Nut

T orque = 60 lb·ft

(81 N·m)

• Check that the interior of the deck housing and

bafing is reasonably clean and free of grass and
dirt buildup. While some degree of material build-

up can be tolerated, a point is nally reached where
the ow of air and grass clippings is restricted.

NOTE: One condition that quickly causes a buildup
of material in the deck housing is mowing grass and/
or weeds which are “juicy.” The material collects
under the deck with sticky , green juice. Clo ver and
weeds are especially a problem. The mower deck
will need to be cleaned frequently when operating in
these conditions.

• Check the deck cutting height setting. When

working in thick, tall grass, lower deck settings
[1 to 2 in. (25 to 51 mm) cutting heights] tend to
restrict airow from moving into and under the deck.

Raising the deck cutting height will signi cantly
increase airow and reduce clogging when working

in thick, tall grass.

• Check the interior of the chute connecting the

mower deck to the blower for smoothness and
freedom from obstruction.

40

Operating Instructions

• Check the blower wheel for bent blades and

excessive clearance between the blade tip and

the blower housing. A clearance greater than

1/8 in. (3 mm) will cause a signicant loss of

blower performance.

• Check the blower discharge chute into the grass

catcher for smoothness and freedom from ob­struction.

• Check the elbow inside the grass catcher for a

buildup of material in the radius of the elbow. In
certain conditions (damp/dirty grass) a considerable
“clump” of material can accumulate at this point,

greatly restricting material and airow.

• Check that the openings in the removable air

exhaust screen in the grass catcher are not
plugged. If the screen is clogged, refer to Cleaning
the GHS Exhaust Screen in this section.

NOTE: An optional exhaust screen with larger

holes (3/4”) is available for use when mowing in wet

grass; the screen provides less airow restriction

and more clog resistance (use standard screen in
dry conditions to avoid excessive material blowing
out of the catcher).

“Full” Signal Horn

The GHS catcher has a “full” signal horn to alert
the operator to dump the catcher when it is full (to

prevent overlling and clogging). The “full” signal

horn is activated by a vane switch (Grass-Pak®
switch) mounted on the grass delivery spout. Oscil­lating action of the spout triggers the vane switch as

grass begins to ll in around the spout when the

catcher is almost full.
The “full” signal function may be checked by turning

the ignition switch ON (RUN), engaging the blade
clutch (engine not running), opening the catcher
back door, and triggering the Grass-Pak® vane by
hand as it oscillates. The horn should sound as the
switch is moved in one direction.

WARNING

DO NOT test the Powerl

Grass-Pak® switch with the engine run­ning. Projectiles may be thrown out of the
grass delivery spout, and COULD cause
serious injury.

®

oscillation or

Remember, anything that restricts airow or mate-

rial ow along the entire path from the mower deck

to the grass catcher can cause clogging.

Using the Tilt-Up Deck Refer to CLEANING of Grass Buildup in Mower

Deck Housing in Maintenance Instructions. Using the GHS Catcher

Powerl

The GHS catcher has an oscillating grass delivery
spout (POWERFIL®) which is designed to spread
grass clippings throughout the interior of the grass
catcher (even when mowing wet, heavy grass). The
oscillating action may be checked by turning the igni­tion switch to the ON (RUN) position and moving the
blade clutch to the ENGAGED position. The spout
should oscillate approximately 35 cycles per minute.

NOTE: If the grass spout fails to oscillate, the clutch
switch should be checked for function.

®

The “full” signal horn is designed to operate (sound)
when the grass catcher is almost full. The timing
of the signal is adjustable by changing the position
of the vane on the Grass-Pak
is coming on too soon (catcher not completely full)
or too late (grass clogging in catcher spout and
deliv ery chute), refer to ADJUSTMENTS for GHS

“Full” Signal Horn Adjustment

structions

NOTE: The horn signal should be adjusted to
sound BEFORE the catcher is completely full to
give the operator time to react and stop mowing. An
indication the horn signal is coming on too late (de­layed too much) is if grass clippings are falling out of
the grass catcher delivery chute when the catcher is
dumped.

.

®

switch. If the signal

in

Maintenance In-

41

Operating Instructions

Cleaning the GHS Exhaust Screen

To remove the grass catcher screen for cleaning,
open the catcher door, push forward and pull down
on the grass catcher screen knobs (on either side of
the screen), and slide the screen out. Use a high
pressure washer or water spray and brush to clean
the screen.

CAUTION

Use leg muscles and rm footing when

lifting the catcher to dump; avoid bending
at the waist and using back muscles in
order to prevent back injury.

Keeping the catcher exhaust screen clean and open
is essential to good performance of the catching
system. In some mowing conditions, e.g., wet and
dirty, it will be necessary to clean the screen fre­quently to avoid clogging the mower deck, blower,

and chutes due to airow restriction.

Grass Catcher

Screen

Removal

Knobs

Grass Catcher Screen Removal for Cleaning

Dumping the Catcher

DANGER

T ailgate Dumping

1. Open the back door by lifting on the door handle.

2. Tilt the catcher back to dump by lifting on the
catcher lift handle on the lower front corner of
the catcher.

3. Lower the catcher smoothly down to the normal
operating position. DO NOT allow the catcher

to drop down - the gas spring, that holds the
catcher in the raised position, is not a shock
absorber for lowering the catcher.

4. Close the door by pulling down on the door
handle. The door should close smoothly with
the assistance of the gas springs. If the
dampening springs are not functioning proper­ly, they should be replaced to prevent the
door from slamming closed and possibly
causing a pinch point.

42

Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet
(1.5 meters) of an embankment or retaining
wall with drop off.

For dumping, the catcher either tailgate dumps into
a disposal area or dumps into the optional dump
bag. The dump bag is a reusable nylon fabric bag
design ed t o conveniently move grass clippings from
the catcher to a remote disposal area or container.

Operating Instructions

Using the Dump Bag

1. Open the back door by lifting on the door handle.

2. Orient the dump bag with one of the handle
straps on the bag opening facing up.

Tailgate

Door Handle

Hook Bag

on Bumper

Catcher

Dump Handle

Dumping Catcher into Dump Bag

Positioning Dump Bag on Catcher

3. Hook the bottom of the bag over the rear bum­per while lifting on the handle strap.

4. Tilt the catcher back to dump into the bag by
lifting on the catcher lift handle on the lower
front corner of the catcher with the one hand
while continuing to hold up on the bag strap
with the other hand. Refer to photos for posi­tioning the bag and dumping.

5. Lower the catcher smoothly down to the normal
operating position. DO NOT allow the catcher

to drop down - the gas spring, that holds the
catcher in the raised position, is not a shock
absorber for lowering the catcher.

6. Close the door by pulling down on the door
handle. The door should close smoothly with
the assistance of the gas springs. If the
dampening springs are not functioning properly ,
they should be replaced to prevent the door
from slamming closed and possibly causing a
pinch point.

43

Maintenance Instructions

CAUTION

Maintenance procedures requiring special training or
tools should be performed by a trained technician.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERV ALS - MODEL S14

Service Item

Check Engine Crankcase Oil Level x 46

Check/Clean Engine Air Cooling System* x 55
Clean Grass Buildup Under Deck x 56
Clean GHS Exhaust Screen* x 56
Clean GHS Blower* x 56
Service Mower Blades x 58

Check Security of Air Filtration Components x 57

Lubricate Grease Fittings and Oil Points* x 47
Check Battery Electrolyte Level x 57

Check Transaxle Fluid x 50
Check Tire Pressure x 58
Check Drive Belts (Engine, PTO, Ground Drive) x 60
Check PTO and Deck Gearbox Oil Seals x 60
Check Safety Switch System x 61
Change Engine Crankcase Oil ** x 47
Clean Fuel Filter x 54
Check Air Filter Element* x 53
Cleaning Transaxle Housing x 57
Check/Regap Spark Plug x 60

Check Wheel Bolt Torque (75 to 85

Check Blade Brake Action x x 60

Change Transaxle Oil and Filter x 51
Clean Engine Cooling Fins x 55
Check Fuel Lines and Clamps x 60

Replace Air Filter Element

and Dust Ejection Valve ***

Service Battery x 57

Check/Adjust Vertical Position of
Grass-Pak

Check/Adjust FSC Friction Lock x 61
Replace Fuel Lines and Clamps x 60

®

Switch

lb·ft)

Daily

25

Hours

50

Hours

100

Hours

x 58

400

Hours Yearly

x 53

x 76

Every

2 Years

Page

Ref.

∗ More often in extremely dusty or dirty conditions
(see notes about air cleaner element under IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE SUBARU ENGINE)

∗∗ Change engine oil after rst 8 hours of operation of a new engine (break-in period)

∗∗∗ Air cleaner is remote mounted Donaldson Radialseal unit, replace lters every year and dust ejection valve
every year or when worn or damaged

44

Maintenance Instructions SUBARU TIPS

IMPORT ANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE SUBARU ENGINE

Fuel System

• Fuel must be clean - free from water , dirt, and or-

ganic material.

• Clean the fuel lter on a regular basis and when

contamination is suspected or found in the fuel.

Starting/Stopping

• Start engine with the throttle advanced off idle

(1/4 to 1/2 throttle). This will aid starting, especially
in cold weather.

• Keep the battery fully charged.

• Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem-

perature, allowing the engine to crank faster and
start easier.

• Allow engine to run at idle for a few seconds be-

fore stopping engine to avoid run-on or backring.

Cooling System

CAUTION

• Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.

This allows the engine to produce full horsepower
and move more cooling air through the engine cool-

ing ns.

Air Cleaner System

• Use only Donaldson air cleaner elements. After-

market elements may not seal in the air cleaner
housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also, af-

termarket lters often skimp on the ltration media

and require more frequent replace ment (see follow­ing instructions).

• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” the

air lter. A dirty air lter actually cleans better than
a new one. Changing the air lter too often can

actually reduce lter efciency and increase the op-

portunity for traces of dust to enter the engine.

• When the air lter element is removed or re placed,

make sure all dust is cleaned out of the air cleaner
housing and hose. Use a damp cloth and wipe the

interior of the canister and hose clean (a lit tle dirt left
here will be sucked into the engine and reduce engine

life). When the lter is reinstalled, make sure the

element is held tight and straight in the canister for
proper seating and sealing.

DO NOT use a pressure washer to clean the
cooling system on an air-cooled engine,
mud may form under the cooling shroud
on the cylinder head and cooling fan.

• Keep engine air intake screen and cylinder head

ns free of grass clippings, chaff, and dirt. Inspect
intake screen and cooling ns for cleanliness and no

damage.

• Check performance of the cooling system by

starting the engine, holding a hand adjacent to the

cylinder head, and feeling the cooling airow.

DANGER

Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust

pipe, mufer, and moving parts when
checking airow.

• Periodically check the air intake hose for cuts,

nicks, etc., and the hose clamps for tightness.

Oil

• DO NOT screw ller cap into crankcase when

checking oil level.

• Single viscosity or multi-viscosity oils may be

used with the viscosity matching ambient tempera­tures for the engine operating conditions. This will
aid starting in cold weather and assure proper lu­brication in hot weather.

45

Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION

LUBRICATION

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to lubricate the machine
with the engine running. Disengage the
PTO clutch, shut off the machine, and re­move the ignition key .

Proper lubrication is an important maintenance pro­cedure. It reduces wear and makes the machine
quieter and easier to operate.

Engine Oil

Engine Break-In Oil

No special break-in oil is required. The engine is
serviced with 10W-30, Service Class SG oil from the
factory . Change the oil after the initial engine break-

in period of 8 hours. Thereafter, change oil after
every 50 hours of operation.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine without

a sufcient oil supply in the crankcase. DO NOT
operate with oil level below the LOW (L) mark or
above the FULL (H) mark on the dipstick.

NOT SCREWED IN

Dipstick Position for

Checking Oil Level

Filler Plug

FULL (H) Mark

LOW (L) Mark

Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level

Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and

after each 5 hours of continuous operation.
IMPORTANT: The importance of checking and

maintaining the proper crankcase oil level cannot be
overemphasized. Check the oil level BEFORE

EACH USE.

1. Park the mower on a level surface with the
en gine stopped. Also, make sure the engine

is cool and oil has had time to drain into the
sump (allow at least ve (5) minutes after
stopping the engine).

IMPORTANT: NEVER check or add oil with the
engine running.

2. Before removing the dipstick, clean the area
around the dipstick opening in the engine block
to keep any dirt or debris out of the engine.

3. Unscrew and remove the ller plug/dipstick and
wipe off with a clean rag. Insert dipstick into
ller hole but DO NOT screw it in to check the
oil level. Remove the dipstick and check the
level. The oil level should be within the safe
range (between the H and L marks on the dip­stick).

FULL (H)

Mark

LOW (L)

Mark

Dipstick Operating Range

4. If additional oil is needed, refer to Specications
for proper crankcase lubricant. Fill to the FULL

(H) mark.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT overll crankcase [oil

above FULL (H) level] as this CAN result in en­gine overheating, loss of power, and possible
engine damage.

46

Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION

Changing Engine Crankcase Oil

Change the engine crankcase oil after every 50
hours of operation as follows:

1. Park the mower on a level surface with the
en gine stopped. The engine oil should be

warm before draining. If not warm from opera­tion, start the engine and run a few minutes to
warm the oil.

2. Before removing the dipstick, clean the area

around it to keep any dirt or debris out of the
en gine.

3. Remove the dipstick and oil drain plug, and
drain oil into a suitable container. Be sure to
allow ample time for complete drainage.

Oil Drain

Oil Drain Location

(View from Lower Right Side of T ractor)

5. Fill the crankcase (through the dipstick open­ing) with oil using only crankcase lubricants rec­ommended by the engine manufacturer. Refer
to Specications in this manual or the engine
owner’s manual. Use the recommended oil vis­cosity for the expected ambient temperature.
Oil with the correct viscosity will aid starting in
cold weather and assure proper lubrication in
hot weather. Fill to FULL (H) mark on the dip­stick; crankcase capacity is 2.7 pints (1.3 liters).

IMPORTANT: Check the dipstick reading be­fore adding the last 1/2 pint of oil and ll only to
the FULL (H) mark. The oil level should never
be over the FULL (H) mark on the dipstick; over-

lling can result in engine overheating and loss

of power.

6. Start and run the engine. Stop the engine, re­check the oil level, and add oil if necessary.

Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication Lubricate the grease ttings and oil points after ev ery

25 hours of operation. Lubricate more often when

operating in dusty or dirty conditions. Use SAE
general purpose lithium or molybdenum base grease

for grease ttings and light machine oil (SAE 10) to

lubricate oil points. Lubricate the locations shown
in the Chassis and Deck Lubrication Points
illustration.

NOTE: PTO universal joints (on the deck and trac-

tor) require routine lubrication after every 8 hours
of running time.

NOTE: The ange bearings on the PTO drive shaft

are sealed and do not require periodic maintenance.

Dipstick
(Oil Fill)

Dipstick (Oil Fill) Location

(View from Lower Right Side of T ractor)

4. Reinstall the drain plug. Make sure it is tight­ened to 16.5 lb·ft (23 N·m).

47

Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION

Ident Lubrication No.
No. Location Type Places

1 Deck Caster Wheel Fork Pivot Grease 2
2 Deck Caster Wheel Bearing Grease 2
3 Blade Spindle GreaseΔ 2
4 Pivot Assembly , Tilt-Up Deck Grease 4
5 Deck Support Arm Socket Grease 2
6 Universal Joint Shaft Assembly Grease** 1
7 Tee Gearbox, Deck Oil* 1
8 Blade Drive Gearbox Oil* 2

9 FSC Lever Pivot Grease 1
10 Steering Lever Pivot Grease 2
11 Deck-to-PTO Coupling Grease 1
(Grease Spline Slide Area)
12 T ransaxle Oil Reservoir Oil/20W-50 2
13 Universal Joint Tube Assembly Grease** 1
14 Deck Support Arm Pivot Grease 2
15 Hydro Idler Pivot Grease 1
16 PT O Clutch Lever Pivot Grease 1
17 Body Latch Pivot Oil 1
18 Clutch Actuator Spring Assembly Grease 1
(Grease Slide Area)

2

Ident Lubrication No.
No. Location Type Places

19 PT O Belt Tightener Pivot Grease 1
20 Engine Dipstick / Oil Filler Oil*** 1
21 Catcher Hinge Point Oil 2
22 Choke Control Cable Ends Oil 2
23 Throttle Control Cable Ends Oil 2
24 Engine Idler Pivot Grease 1
25 Parking Brake Lever Grease 1
26 Choke Control Pivot Oil 1
27 Throttle Control Pivot Oil 1

* Gearboxes are permanently lubricated and sealed requiring

no scheduled lubrication. Oil level should be checked only
when an oil leak is noted.

** Grease every eight (8) hours.
*** Refer to Engine Oil located on page 46.

Δ Belt Driven Decks Only

NOTE: DS42 Belt Drive and DC36R Tilt-Up Decks are shown for

reference. For other Deck Lubrication Points, Refer to

Deck and Carrier Frame Illustrated
Parts Manual.

1

3

4 5 5 46

1

2

3

48

Lubrication Points for Optional Belt Driven Decks (DS42 Belt Drive Shown)

Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION

2

8

4
5

4

10

23 & 27

14
12

22 & 26

1

1

2

7

8
6

4
5

4

10
11

12
13

14
15

9

25

24

23

22

2121

16
17

18

19

20

Chassis and Deck Lubrication Points (DC36R Shown)

49

Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION

Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication

On gear driven decks, the mower deck gearboxes
(tee gearbox and blade drive gearboxes) are

connected as a unitized as sembly, and oil ows

freely between them. The gear boxes are

permanently lubricated (oil lled) and sealed

requiring no scheduled lubrication. Howev er, the
gearbox oil seals should be checked every 25 hours
for indication of an oil leak; particularly the lower
seals on the blade drive gearboxes should be
inspected, since they operate in a dirty en vironment.
If an oil leak is noted, replace the oil seal and
relubricate the gearbox assembly as follows:

1. Remove gearbox cover (footrest). Deck orien­tation should be the normal operating position.

Tee

Gearbox

NOTE: Since the gearboxes are connected as
a unit by connector tubes, it is necessary to add
oil slowly. Allow a few minutes after adding oil

for the oil to ow throughout the assembly and

the oil level to stabilize before reassembly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT overll the deck gear-

boxes. The gearbox assembly is not vented,

and overlling with oil will cause excessive pres-

sure and result in oil leaks.

5. Check condition of the cover gasket and replace
if worn or damaged. Reinstall gearbox cover
plates; torque screws to 24 lb·in (3 N

Mower Deck Spindle Lubrication

For the DS42 Belt Drive mower deck, lubricate each

deck spindle grease tting every 25 hours. Use

SAE general purpose lithium or molybdenum base

grease for grease ttings.

Transaxle Lubrication

·m).

• The transaxle oil lubrication is SAE 20W-50 (API

Service Class SL or higher) engine oil.

Blade Drive

Gearboxes

Mower Deck Gearboxes

(Shown with Gearbox Cover

Removed for Clarity)

2. Clean the area around the individual gearbox
cover plates to prevent contaminants from en­tering the gearcase.

3. Remove the screws securing the cover plates
on the blade drive gearboxes.

4. Check the level of lubricant in the gearboxes. If
the lubricant is low, add SAE E.P. (Extreme
Pressure) 80W-90 (API GL-5) gear lube until
the oil level is up to (submerges) the horizontal
shaft in the gearbox (shaft parallel to cover
plate).

NOTE: In case the gearboxes are completely

drained of oil, approximately 5 . oz. (15 cl) of oil
per gearbox is required to rell the gear drive

assembly.

• Inspect both transaxle cases and hoses after ev-

ery 100 hours of operation for visible leaks.

• The uid level of each transaxle can be checked

visually by looking at the uid level in the expansion
reservoir. When the transaxles are cold, the uid

level in the expansion reservoir should be between
1/4 in. and 1/2 in. (0.64 cm and 1.27 cm).

Reservoir Cap

Cold Level

Expansion Reservoir Location

50

Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION

Transaxle Oil and Filter Change Change the transaxle oil after the initial break-in

period of 75-100 hours. Thereafter, change oil ev-
ery 400 hours of operation as follows:

1. Thoroughly clean the exterior of the transmis­sion housing before servicing. Remove expan­sion tank cap to allow venting. Using a 1/4 in.
hex wrench, remove the plug on the lower in­side of each transaxle allowing the oil to drain.

2. Remove the oil lter guard, remove and replace

the oil lter using an oil lter wrench. Tighten
lter by turning lter 3/4 to 1 turn after gasket
contacts the lter base surface. Reinstall the oil

lter guard. (Refer to Transaxle Oil Drain

Plug, Filter, and Guard Location illustration.)

Oil Filter

7. If the transaxles sound noisy or have poor steer­ing response, there may be air trapped in the
transaxles. Follow purge instructions below.

8. If oil needs to be added refer back to steps 4-7.

9. To purge air from transaxle, raise unit and block
with tires off the ground. With engine running,
slowly move Forward Speed Control forward
and backward 5 to 6 times. Turn of f engine and
check oil level and add if needed. Repeat pro­cedure until transaxle operates at normal noise
levels and move smoothly in forward and re­verse.

Oil Filter

Guard

Transaxle Oil Drain Plug, Filter , and

Guard Location

(Shown with Deck Support Arms

Removed for Clarity)

3. Reinstall drain plugs.

4. Fill the transaxles with 20W-50 (API Service
Class SL or higher) oil through the reservoir . Fill
up to the opening.

5. Fill both reservoirs to a maximum oil level of
1/4 in. (6.35 mm) with 20W-50 (API Service
Class SL or higher) oil.

6. Start and drive the unit for 1 - 2 minutes.

Oil Drain

Plug

51

Maintenance Instructions CLEANING

CLEANING

CAUTION

If a pressure washer is used on the ex­posed working parts, avoid water on the
electrical parts and the engine cooling sys­tem.

Engine Air Cleaner System

Donaldson Radialseal™ Air Cleaner

A remote mounted Donaldson Radialseal™ air

cleaner provides the air ltering function. The paper
lter element slides over an outlet tube inside the air

cleaner canister with radial sealing action, eliminat-

ing the possibility of dust leaks due to improper lter
installation. Intake design, internal bafing, and a

dust ejection valve provide dust separation and au­tomatic precleaning action. Daily or frequent servic­ing of the air cleaner is not required.

IMPORTANT: Use only Donaldson air lter ele-
ments for replacement (Donaldson P822686 or

Walker 5090-1). Aftermarket lters may not seal
properly or lter efciently.

Cover

Cover

Latch

Safety

Canister

Air Cleaner Components

(Shown with Cover Removed)

IMPORTANT: The Donaldson air cleaner uses a dry

paper-type air lter element. NEVER apply oil to the
paper element.

Element

Primary

Filter Element

Engine

Mounting

Band

Safety

Primary Filter

Element

Cover

8600-12

Dust Ejection

Engine Air Cleaner System Components

Filter

Intake Pipe /

Gasket

Valve

Canister

Intake

Tube

Hose

Clamp

Air Intake

Hose

Hose

Clamp

52

Maintenance Instructions CLEANING

Inspect the paper element after every 100 hours of
service and replace the element and safety lter
yearly (or when dirty or damaged). More frequent
replacement may be required when operating in ex­tremely dusty con ditions. Ser vice the air cleaner as
follows:

1. Release the top and bottom cover latches and
remove the air cleaner cover. Wash the cover
and dust ejection valve. Check that these com­ponents are in good condition. The dust ejec­tion valve is subject to wear and deterioration
and should be replaced yearly or when dam-

aged. The lips of the valve should close and t

togeth er; any cracks, deformation, or wear in
the valve is cause for replacement.

2. Remove the lter element by pulling it out of the

canister. There will be some initial resistance

as the lter seal breaks loose and slides off of

the outlet tube. Gently move the end of the

lter up and down and side to side or twist to

loosen the seal. Use gentle action to minimize
the amount of dust dislodged as the lter is re­moved.

7. Check the outside surface of the outlet tube for
smoothness and cleanness (this is the sealing
surface).

8. Insert and seat the safety lter and primary lter

element carefully into the canister, applying

pressure at the outer rim of the lter; not at the
exible center. Make sure the lter element is

completely in place before installing the cover.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT use the cover latches

to force the lter into the canister -- the cover

should t on with no extra force.

NOTE: DO NOT use petroleum based lubri­cants on the sealing surfaces of the lter; use
tal cum powder or dry silicone lubricants if re-

quired for lter installation.

Canister

Outlet

Tube

Primary

Filter Element

3. Use a bright light inside the element to inspect
for damage. Check the element very carefully
for pin holes or other damage that will allow
dirt to leak through the paper media. Replace

lter element if dirty or damaged.

NOTE: Washing the element in water or clean­ing solution is not recommended. Do not try to
clean the element with compressed air.

4. Without removing, visually inspect the condition

of the safety lter for damage or holes. The
safety lter should only be removed for yearly

replacement (or when dirty or damaged).

5. Check the condition and resilience of the radial
sealing surface (inside of the open end) of the

lter. Replace the lter if any cracks, tears, or

other damage to the sealing surface are noted.

6. Use a clean, damp cloth and wipe the interior of
the air cleaner canister clean. Use special care
to clean both the inside and outside surfaces
of the outlet tube.

IMPORTANT: Any dust left on the inside of the
outlet tube will go into the engine and cause
wear.

Radial Sealing

Safety Filter

Air Filter Element Replacement

9. Install the cover with the word “TOP” properly
oriented to the top of the canister. Give the
cover a slight twist as it reaches the canister to
make sure the tab inside the cover goes into a

slot, otherwise the cover will not t properly.

Make sure both the top and bottom cover
latches are securing the cover in place.

Surface

53

Maintenance Instructions CLEANING

Cover Latch

Dust Ejection

Valve

Proper Orientation of Air Cleaner Cover

10 Check the air intake hose for cuts, nicks, cracks,

etc., and the hose clamps for tightness.

Orient to T op

of Canister

Cover Latch

Fuel Filter Clean and inspect the fuel lter screen after every

50 hours of service. Replace if damaged. Service

the fuel lter as follows:

Fuel Shut-Off

Valve

Fuel Filter and

Sediment Bowl

Fuel Filter and Fuel Shut-off Valve Location

IMPORTANT: Service the fuel lter screen only in a

clean area where the fuel lter components will not

be contaminated by any dust and dirt.

DANGER

Gasoline is extremely ammable and can

be highly explosive. T o minimize danger:

• Use an approved fuel container for gas-

oline.

• DO NOT allow open ames or sparks

while performing maintenance or refuel­ing; DO NOT smoke while working with
fuel.

• Wipe up spilled gasoline immediately and

completely.

1. Close the fuel shut-off valve.

2. Loosen sediment bowl and remove lter screen
and gasket. Replace lter screen if damaged.

3. Remove any sediment, wipe clean and reinstall
assembly.

54

4. Open the fuel shut-off valve.

Maintenance Instructions CLEANING

Engine Cooling System

Cooling Air Intake Screen

To prevent engine overheating and possible engine
damage, clean grass clippings, chaff, and dirt from
the rotating engine cooling air intake screen after
every 8 hours of operation. In certain mowing con­ditions (dry grass, leaves, tree “cotton”, etc.), it may
be nec essary to check and clean this area several
times each day to prevent engine overheating.

CAUTION

Operating the engine with a blocked air
intake screen, dirty or plugged cooling

ns, and/or cooling shrouds removed will

cause engine damage from overheating.

Rotating Engine

Cooling Air

Intake Screen

NOTE: The planned maintenance schedule calls

for cleaning the cylinder head cooling ns yearly or
every 300 hours as a minimum.

Check for Airow

Cooling System Airow

1. Inspect accessible cooling ns and clean with

compressed air as needed. If the buildup is ex­cessive, refer to step 2.

2. Remove the cylinder head shroud by removing
the two (2) bolts as shown in the Inspect and
Clean Cylinder Head Cooling Fins photo.
Slide the shroud forward to disengage the tabs
at the back of the shroud, and then drop the
shroud down under the cylinder head and re-

move. Clean the cooling ns with compressed

air. If the buildup is excessive, use a wire to

probe between ns and dislodge any debris.

Keep Rotating Engine Cooling

Air Intake Screen Clean

Cylinder Head Cooling Fins

It is essential for performance and longevity of the
air-cooled engine to keep the cylinder head cooling

ns clean and free of obstruction. After every 8
hours of operation, check the performance of the

cooling system by starting the engine, holding a
hand adjacent to the cylinder head, and feeling the

cooling airow. If there is little or no airow, clean
the cooling ns as follows:

DANGER

Make sure to keep hands clear of exhaust

pipe, mufer, and moving parts when
checking airow.

55

3. Reinstall the shroud by reversing the preceding
step. Make sure that the tabs at the back of the
shroud are correctly inserted underneath the

cylinder head. Start the engine and conrm
cooling airow.

Cooling

Fins

Cylinder Head Shroud

Bolts (One Not Visible)

Inspect and Clean Cylinder Head Cooling Fins

(Viewed from Left Front Side of T ractor)

Spark Plug

Wire

Maintenance Instructions CLEANING

Grass Buildup in Mower Deck Housing

DANGER

Before raising or removing the mower
deck for cleaning, stop the engine, re move
the ignition key , and disconnect the spark
plug wire.

1. Raise the deck lock lever handle on each side
of the carrier frame and pull out to release car­rier frame for tilting action.

2. Using the carrier frame lift handle, raise deck to
the TILT-UP position and insert the deck hook
into the tilt-up latch on the tractor body.

Tilt-Up Hook and

Latch Connected

3. Clean grass buildup underneath the deck using
a pressure washer (and scraper if required).

NOTE: If the buildup is severe, it may be easier
to clean the deck by removing the deck assem­bly from the tractor and standing the deck as­sembly on its “nose”.

NOTE: While some degree of material buildup
in the mower deck housing can be tolerated, a

point is nally reached where cutting quality
deteriorates and clogging begins to occur

because of too much buildup on the bafing and

housing.

4. Lower the deck to the normal operating position
and re-engage the deck lock levers.

CAUTION

Do not operate machine with deck tilt-up
pivot joint unlocked.

Tilt-Up

Latch

Tilt-Up Hook

Deck Secured in TIL T -UP Position

DANGER

Do not operate the mower with deck in TILT­UP position. Do not move the tractor with
the deck in the tilt-up position.

GHS Blower

Normally , the GHS blower operates with no mainte­nance or cleaning. However, when mowing grass
that is dirty and damp (especially certain spring­time mow ing conditions), a deposit of dirt may ac­cumulate inside the blower housing, causing wear
and binding of the blower wheel. When operating in
these conditions, inspect the blower frequently

for dirt buildup.
NOTE: A visual clue of binding of the blower wheel

is the blower blade tips are polished from rubbing
on dirt.

If a dirt deposit is found, the best way to remove it is
by mowing grass with high moisture content (such
as early morning dew or recent irrigation). The wet
grass will break down and remove the deposit.

GHS Exhaust Screen Refer to Cleaning the GHS Exhaust Screen in Op-

erating Instructions.

56

Maintenance Instructions

CLEANING/

CHECKING/SERVICING

Transaxle Housing

Keeping the housing on the transaxles clean and
free of obstruction is essential to avoid overheat-
ing the transmission uid and shortening transmis-
sion life. The housing should be checked every 100
hours; and cleaned if necessary.

To clean the housing, use compressed air and/or a
pressure washer. Pay close attention to any oily dirt
build up on the transaxle housings. This may be the
result of an oil leak. If an oil leak is noticed, contact
your local Walker dealer.

Cooling

Fins

CHECKING/SERVICING

DANGER

To prevent accidental starting of the en­gine when servicing or adjusting the ma­chine, remove the key from the ignition
switch and disconnect the spark plug wire.

Security of Air Filtration Components
NOTE: The following inspection is only an exter nal

inspection and should be done without “dis­turbing” the ltration components.

On a daily basis, visually inspect the external condi­tion of the complete air cleaner system. The follow­ing items should be inspected:

1. Check the Donaldson Radialseal™ air cleaner
canister for damage. Make sure the cover is in
place and the cover latches are secure - do not
run the engine without the air cleaner cover in
place and secure.

Transaxle Housing and Cooling Fins

IMPORTANT: In case an oil leak develops on the

input shaft, the cooling fan blowing dusty air and oil
on the transmission will quickly pack the cooling
ns with oily dirt. If this condition occurs, contact
your dealer immediately to avoid overheating and
dam aging the transaxle.

An additional procedure in maintaining transaxle
cooling is to inspect the cooling fans. Replace the
fan(s) if blades are missing or damaged.

Cooling

Fans

2. Inspect the air intake hose for cracks, nicks,
cuts, etc., and check the hose clamps for tight­ness.

Battery
NOTE: For initial battery service during setup, re fer

to Battery Service in Assembly Instructions.
IMPORT ANT: Make sure battery is securely mount-

ed in the frame. A loose battery may cause damage
to the case resulting in acid leakage and severe dam­age to the machine. A hazard may be created by
damage to critical working parts and safety systems.

Electrolyte Level

The battery electrolyte level should be checked af­ter every 25 hours of operation. To check electro-

lyte level:

1. Remove battery cell ller caps.

2. Check the electrolyte level. If the level is below

the bottom of the vent well, ll with drinking wa-

ter to the bottom of the vent wells [1/4 to 1/2 in.

(6 to 13 mm) above the plates].

Transaxle Cooling Fans

57

Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING

3. Replace ller caps.

IMPORT ANT: DO NOT overll the battery. Electro-

lyte will overow through the vent tube onto parts of

the machine and WILL result in severe corrosion.

Cleaning the T erminals

If battery terminals are corroded, remove battery
from the mower. Using a wire brush, remove corro­sion with a solution of one part baking soda and
four parts water. Rinse with clean water. Coat the
terminals with petroleum jelly or terminal protector
spray to retard further corrosion.

Charging the Battery

DANGER

BATTERIES PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE
GASES

• Charge the battery in a well-ventilated

area, so that gases produced while charg­ing can dissipate.

• Keep sparks, ames, and smoking ma-

terials away from the battery at all times.

• Make sure the battery cap vents are

open (check manifold vent on each cap).

• Make sure the battery charger is un-

plugged before connecting or discon­necting cables to the battery.

Check the battery charge by measuring the specic
gravity of electrolyte; if specic gravity is less than

1.225, the battery will need to be charged as follows:

Tire Pressure

Inate tires to pressures shown below:

Deck Caster Wheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)
Drive = 15 PSI (103 kPa)
Tailwheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)

Wheel Nut T orque Check the eight (8) Drive Tire mounting nuts. Every

100 hours they should each be torqued to

75 to 85 lb·ft (102 to 115 N·m).

Sharpen Mower Blades Check mower blade(s) for straightness, sharp-

ness, condition of the cutting edge, and balance
every 10 hours of operation (or more often when

mowing abrasive type grass or operating on sandy
soils). Replace blades if worn, bent, cracked, or

otherwise damaged (refer to REPLACING/RE­PAIRING the Mower Blades in this section). Use

the following procedure to check and sharpen
blades:

NOTE: Keep blades sharp - cutting with dull blades
not only yields a poor mowing job but slows the
cutting speed of the mower and causes extra wear
on the engine and blade drive by pulling hard.

1. Stop the engine, remove ignition key, and dis­connect the spark plug wire before raising the
mower deck to service blades.

2. Raise the deck and secure it in the TILT-UP
position (refer to Deck Secured in TIL T -UP Po-

sition photo in CLEANING of Grass Buildup
in Mower Deck Housing in this section).

DANGER

58

 Charge the battery at 15 amps for 10 minutes.

1.
DO NOT exceed 20 amps maximum recom-

mended charging rate. Charge until specic

gravity is at least 1.250. Total charging time
should not exceed one (1) hour.

2. After charging the battery, use drinking water to
adjust the electrolyte level to the bottom of the
vent wells [1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) above the

plates].

NEVER operate cutter blades with the
deck in the raised position.

NOTE: PTO shaft must be disconnected be-

fore checking blades for straightness.

3. Check the blades for straightness by marking
the blade tip position inside the deck housing,
and then rotating the opposite end of the blade
to the same position and comparing. If the dif­ference in blade tip track is more than 1/8 in.

(3 mm), the blade is bent and should be re­placed.

Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING

6. Check blade balance by positioning the blade

WARNING

DO NOT try to straighten a blade that is
bent. NEVER weld a broken or cracked
blade. ALWAYS replace with a new blade
to assure safety.

4. If the blade cutting edge is dull or nicked, it
should be sharpened. Remove blades for
sharpening by grasping the end of the blade us­ing a rag or a thick, padded glove, while loosen-

ing and removing the nut, lock washer, and at

washer that mounts the blade.

5. Grind cutting edge at the same bevel as the
original. Sharpen only the top of the cutting
edge to maintain sharpness.

NOTE: Blades can be sharpened with an elec-
tric blade sharpener, conventional electric grind-

er, or a hand le.

horizontally on a blade balancer or use a nail
or shaft through the center hole. If either end of
the blade rotates downward, grind (remove)
metal on that end until the blade will balance.
The blade is properly balanced when neither

end drops. Balance of a blade is generally

maintained by removing an equal amount of
material from each end of the blade when
sharpening.

Blade Balancer

CAUTION

ALWAYS wear eye protection and gloves
when sharpening a blade.

Sharpen at

Original 30° Angle

30°

Do Not Grind or

Sharpen on Underside

Mower Blade Prole for Sharpening

Intersection

Wear Area

Wing

Tip

Blade Balanced on Magnetic

Wall-Mounted Balancer

7. Mount the blade with wing tips pointing up into
the housing. For gear driven decks reinstall
the blade, washer, lock washer , and nut. Tight-

en the nut to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m). For belt driven
decks reinstall the spacer (if applicable), blade,
washer, and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 70 lb·ft
(90 N·m).

NOTE: When reinstalling blades on GHS models,

remember, the blades counter-rotate and the LH
and RH blades must not be switched. Check for
proper blade rotation before installing blades on the
deck. Refer to Blade Rotation illustrations shown
in Clogging Checklist in Operating Instructions for
correct blade rotation.

59

Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING

Drive Belts

Raise the body and inspect the condition of the three
(3) drive belts after every 25 hours of operation -­engine, PTO drive, and ground drive. If the belts
show signs of cracking or deteriorating, the belts
should be replaced. Refer to REPLACING/RE-

PAIRING the Drive Belts in this section. Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals

The mower deck gearbox seals should be inspected

every 25 hours for evidence of oil leaking; particu­larly the lower oil seal on the blade drive gearbox.

This seal is protected by the trash guard on the blade
hub and seal protector plate on the housing, but is
still vulnerable to seal damage due to operating in
an adverse environment. The mower blade must be
removed for inspection of the seal, so it is recom­mended to inspect the gearbox seals when blades
are removed for sharpening. If an oil leak is noted,
the seal should be replaced and the gearbox as­sembly relubricated. Refer to LUBRICATION for

Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication in this section. Spark Plug

Blade Brake Action

WARNING

It is important to check and maintain blade
brake action for safe operation of the ma­chine.

Check the function of the cutter blade brake and
blower brake by engaging the blade clutch (PTO),
operating the engine at full throttle, then disengaging
the clutch and measuring how quickly the blades
stop. Watch the rotation of the blade drive shaft and
blower pulley as a visual indication that movement
has stopped. If the brake is working properly, all

rotation will stop ve (5) seconds after disen­gagement of the clutch. If the brake system mal-

functions - blades do not stop in ve (5) seconds -

adjust or repair the brake before operating the
mower. Refer to Blade Brake Band Adjustment in
ADJUSTMENTS in this section, or contact your au­thorized Walker dealer for this service.

Every 100 hours, remove the spark plug, inspect,
clean, and reset the gap (or replace with a new
plug). Clean spark plug with a wire brush. If the
electrodes are burned short or pitted, replace the
plug (refer to Specications for the proper type of
replacement plug). Check the spark plug gap with
a wire-type feeler gauge and set the gap between

0.028 and 0.032 in. (0.7 and 0.8 mm). Reinstall and
tighten to 17 lb·ft (23 N·m).

Ignition

The Subaru engine is equipped with an electronic
ignition. No breaker points, maintenance, or adjust­ments are necessary with this system. Contact an
authorized Subaru engine dealer in case of ignition
failure.

Fuel Lines and Clamps
Every year, inspect the fuel line from the tank to

engine for deterioration or damage. Also, inspect
the fuel line clamps for tightness. Good preven­tive maintenance calls for complete replacement of
fuel lines and clamps every two (2) years.

60

Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING

Safety Switch System

WARNING

It is important to check and maintain the
safety switch system for safe operation of
the machine.

There are three (3) safety interlock switches on the
tractor; Seat Switch, FSC Neutral - Park Switch, and
PTO Switch.

If any of the following conditions occur during start­ing or operating, a safety interlock switch may be
malfunctioning. Contact your Walker dealer for trou­bleshooting and/or replacement.

• With or without an operator in the seat, the engine

starts with the Forward Speed Control (FSC) and/or
the PTO engaged.

• With or without an operator in the seat, with the

Forward Speed Control (FSC) lever in Neutral-Park
and the PTO clutch disengaged, the starter will not
engage.

Forward Speed Control Friction Lock The FSC friction lock is designed to hold the se-

lected forward travel speed when the steering le-

vers are moved and yet the friction is not too heavy
to make moving the FSC control difcult (too much
friction). The procedure for checking the FSC fric­tion lock is as follows:

1. With the engine off, place the FSC in the full
FORWARD position and pull both steering le­vers back; the FSC lever should not move. If
the FSC lever moves back when the steering
levers are pulled back, the friction needs to be

increased.

2. With the steering levers held back, move the
FSC lever back from the FORWARD position.
With a proper amount of friction adjusted, the
FSC lever should move back with a slight
amount of resistance (friction). If the FSC lever
movement is “stiff”, the friction needs to be

decreased.

If the FSC friction lock needs to be adjusted. Refer
to ADJUSTMENTS for Step 7 - Forward Speed
Control Friction Adjustment in this section.

• With an operator in the seat, the engine starts but

dies soon after the Forward Speed Control (FSC) or
PTO is engaged.

• Without an operator in the seat, the engine starts

and continues to run with the Forward Speed Control
(FSC) and/or PTO engaged.

61

Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING

REPLACING/REPAIRING

DANGER

To prevent accidental starting of the en­gine when replacing parts or repairing the
machine, remove the key from the ignition
switch and disconnect the spark plug
wire.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS use genuine factory re-

placement parts. Substitute parts CAN result in
product malfunction and possible injury to the op­erator and/or others.

Ground Drive Belt

Drive Belts

There are three (3) individual belts on the ma­chine:

• Engine Belt

• PTO Drive Belt

• Ground Drive Belt

The belts may be removed and replaced using the

procedures described on the following pages.

62

PTO Drive Belt

Engine Belt

Belt Locations

Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING

Engine Belt

1. To remove the engine belt:
a. Relax belt by depressing idler arm.

Idler Pulley

Push Idler Pulley

to Relax Belt

T ension Spring

Belt Tightener

Arm

Engine Belt (Disengaged)

b. Roll the belt off the pulleys and remove the

belt, then slowly release the idler.

Compound

Pulley

Engine Belt

Engine Pulley

2. To replace the engine belt:
a. Reverse the removal procedure to repl ace

the engine belt.

Engine Belt

Idler Pulley

T ension Spring

Belt Tightener

Arm

Compound

Pulley

Engine Pulley

Engine Belt (Engaged)

63

Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING

PTO Drive Belt

1. To remove the PTO drive belt:
a. Remove the engine belt, as described in

previous section.

Compound

Pulley

PTO Drive

Pulley

PTO Drive Belt (Disengaged)

b. With the PTO clutch disengaged, roll the

belt off the idler pulley and remove the belt.

PTO

Drive Belt

Push Actuator Pulley

to Relax Belt

PTO/Clutch/Brake

Actuator Arm

2. To replace the PTO belt:
a. Install the PTO drive belt by reversing the

removal procedure. Replace engine belt.

Compound

Pulley

PTO Drive

Pulley

NOTE: If installing a new PTO belt is difcult, the

blade brake band adjustment nut might need to be
loosened. If so, follow the Blade Brake Band Ad-
justment procedure in this section.

PTO

Drive Belt

PTO/Clutch/Brake

Actuator Arm

PTO Drive Belt (Engaged)

64

Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING

Ground Drive Belt

1. To remove the ground drive belt:
a. Raise the spring-loaded idler to relax belt.

Transmission

Drive Pulley

Hydrostatic

Drive Pulley

b. Slide belt off pulleys, then slowly release

the idler.

Raise Idler Pulley to Relax Belt

Ground Drive

Belt

Idler Pulley

Hydrostatic

Drive Pulley

Ground Drive Belt Assembly (Disengaged)

2. Reverse the procedure to install the ground
drive belt.

Ground Drive

Belt

Hydrostatic

Drive Pulley

Idler Pulley

Transmission

Drive Pulley

Hydrostatic

Drive Pulley

Ground Drive Belt Assembly (Engaged)

65

Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING

Blade Overload Shear Bolts
NOTE: Blade shear bolts are not used on belt driv-

en decks.
On gear driven decks each cutting blade is keyed to

a blade hub by two (2) shear bolts (10-24 x 5/8 in.
stainless steel machine screws). These bolts are
designed to shear and protect the blade drive gear­box from damage if the blade encounters a shock
load.

Cutting Blade

Shear Bolts

PTO Shear Pin (If Equipped)

The PTO drive shaft connection to the deck gearbox
has a shear pin to provide shock load protection to
the mower deck drive. This system provides pri-
mary shock protection in case of blade impact and
will normally shear before the individual shear bolts
on the blade hub.

When the PTO pin has sheared, use the following
procedure to replace it:

1. Loosen the two bolts securing the PTO shaft
guard on the deck; lift the guard off. (Holes in
guard are slotted for easy removal.)

2. Rotate U-joint on shaft to align the shear pin
hole with the hole (and shear pin fragment) in
the shaft. Use a punch to drive the remaining
portion of the old shear pin out.

3. Install new shear pin and secure with cotter pin.

Set Screw

Cutting Blade Shear Bolts

NOTE: Tightening the 5/8-18 blade mounting nut
to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m) is also important for proper
shock load protection. It is important to not over-
tighten the mounting nut since this defeats (over-

rides) the function of the shear bolts.
If these bolts shear, remove the blade and install

new bolts. Refer to CHECKING/SERVICING in
this section for Sharpen Mower Blades which de­scribes the blade removal and installation proce­dure.

After reinstalling the blade, check blade timing (on
gear driven decks) by moving blades through one
(1) complete revolution. Make sure blade tips
pass clear of each other. If timing is incorrect, con­tact your Walker dealer.

Shear Pin

Split Spring Pin

U-Joint

Tube Assembly

U-Joint

Shaft Assembly

Cotter Pin

PTO Shear Pin

IMPORTANT: Use only Walker P/N 8067-13

shear pins for replacement to provide proper
shock protection -- these pins are hardened to

shear under a specic amount of load.

4. Reinstall the PTO shaft guard.

Before operating the deck, inspect the blade over­load shear bolts and also check blade timing (on
gear driven decks) by moving blades through one
(1) complete revolution. Make sure blade tips
pass clear of each other. If timing is incorrect, con­tact your Walker dealer.

66

Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING

Mower Blades

WARNING

Mower blades are removed and remounted as de­scribed in Sharpen Mower Blades instructions (re­fer to CHECKING/SERVICING in this section). Dur­ing the course of sharpening and inspecting mower
blades, if there are any of the following conditions
of wear or damage, blades should be replaced
for reasons of safety and performance of the ma­chine:

• An excessive amount of the at section of the

blade has been ground away (removed) when the
blade is sharpened. Replace the blade when less
than a 3/4 in. (19 mm) at section remains at the
blade tip.

• Examine ends of the blade carefully, especially

the intersection where the at section of the blade

turns up to form the “wing tip” (refer to CHECKING/
SERVICING for Mower Blade Prole for Sharpen-
ing illustration in Sharpen Mower Blades instruc-

tions). Since sand and abrasive material can wear
metal away in this area, the blade should be re-

placed when metal thickness has worn to
1/16 in. (1.6 mm) or less.

DO NOT try to straighten a blade that is
bent. NEVER weld a broken or cracked
blade. ALW AYS replace with a new blade
to assure safety.

Reinstall the blades following procedure from

Sharpen Mower Blades instructions in CHECK­ING/SERVICING in this section. If blades are re-
placed, always use Walker original equipment
blades to ensure safety and optimum performance.
The quality and performance of replacement
blades offered by other manufacturers cannot be
guaranteed, they could be dangerous.

CAUTION

ALWAYS use genuine factory replace­ment parts. Substitute parts CAN result
in product malfunction and possible in­jury to the operator.

DANGER

When blades are operated over sandy
soil, and if blades are allowed to wear, a
“slot” may be worn into the wing tip of
blade. Eventually a piece of the blade
may break off creating a serious potential
for injury or damage.

• Check the blades for straightness by marking

blade tip position inside the deck housing and then
rotating the opposite end of the blade to the same
position and comparing. If the difference in blade tip
track is more than 1/8 in. (3 mm), the blade is bent
and should be replaced.

• Inspect the blade surface, especially in formed

areas, for cracks. Replace the blade if any cracks
are found.

67

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

ADJUSTMENTS
Transmission Control

IMPORTANT: The proper adjustment of the

transaxle control stops is essential for efcient
operation and life of the transaxle. These stops are
properly adjusted at the factory and should only
require read justment if the transaxle or related
control linkage is removed or changed.

NOTE: It would not be unusual for a new machine,
after the initial 5 or 10 hours of operation, to begin to
not travel straight (this is due to the break-in of the

transaxles). To ne tune tracking, refer to Step 5 -

Straight Tracking Adjustment in this section.

Step 1 - Steering Lever Position Adjustment
NOTE: For proper operation, the steering levers

should be adjusted to sit evenly using the following
procedure.

1. Examine the steering levers to make sure they
are parallel front to back in relation to one an-
other. If they are not equal, adjust accordingly.
(The handles may or may not be even at this
point.)

2. Adjust the position of the RH lever by turning the
stop bolt in the Speed Control Actuator in or out.
Turning the stop bolt in will make the RH lever
move back, and turning it out will make it move
forward. Tighten the locknut.

Stop

Bolt

Stop Bolt Location

NOTE: The LH steering lever is non-adjust-

able. This procedure will require adjustment of

the RH lever to make it even with the LH lever.

Levers should sit

parallel to each other

Lever Alignment

68

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

Step 2 - Steering Handles Adjustment

1. An adjustment range of approximately 3 in.
(76.2 mm) is available on the steering handles ­the han dles can be adjusted forward or aft
depending on the arm length of the operator.
The handles can be adjusted by loosening the
locknut at the pivot point and the locknut holding
the handle in position in the adjustment slide.
Adjust the han dles into the most comfortable
position and tighten both locknuts.

Adjustment

Slide

Locknut

(Position)

Locknut

(Pivot Point)

Step 3 - Neutral Position Adjustment

1. With the Forward Speed Control (FSC) in NEU­TRAL-PARK, the lever should be straight up.

Adjust by loosening the jam nuts on the FSC
Rod and turn the rod to attain the straight up
position. Tighten the jam nuts.

Correct FSC Lever NEUTRAL-P ARK Position

Steering Handles Adjustment

Adjust Length of

Rod to Position

FSC Lever

FSC Lever Position Adjustment

69

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

2. Securely block the tractor up so the drive tires
are off the ground.

WARNING

3. Adjust the tracking adjustment nuts at the front
of both control rods so that 2 or 3 threads are
visible, then loosen the jam nuts on the ball joints
at the back of the control rods.

Control Arm

Control Rods

Transmission Control Rod and Arm Location

(Front Body Hidden for Clarity)

Ball Joint

Jam Nut

Control Rod

Maximum Speed

Adjustment Set Screw

Locating Stud

Transmission

Control Arm

The following adjustments are made with
the engine running. Keep all body parts
and tools away from rotating and hot
components, and secure all loose cloth­ing.

4. With the body lowered and the FSC in NEU­TRAL-PARK, start the engine. With the engine

at normal operating speed, check for movement
of the drive wheels.

5. Lift the body to access the steering adjustment
components.

NOTE: It may be necessary to tighten the FSC

friction adjustment if the transmissions are
moved out of neutral when the body is raised.
Refer to Step 7 - Forward Speed Control Friction
Adjustment later in this section for location of the
FSC friction adjustment nut.

6. Using a wrench on one tracking adjustment nut,
rotate the control rod clockwise just until the
wheel on that side begins to move forward.
Then, counting the turns required, rotate the
control rod counterclockwise just until the
wheel stops and then begins to move in re-
verse. Rotate the control rod back clockwise
half the number of turns required to make the
wheel go from moving forward to reverse. The
transmission is now centered in the neutral win­dow. Tighten the jam nut on the ball joint and
repeat the same procedure on the other trans­mission.

7. Turn off the engine, and then lower the drive
tires onto the ground.

70

Tracking Adjustment Nut

(Adjusts Length of Control Rod)

Tracking Adjustment Components

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

Step 4 - Full Forward Speed Adjustment

1. Move the FSC to the full FORWARD speed
position.

2. Raise the body. The maximum speed tracking
adjustment set screw in both transmission con­trol arms should not be contacting the limit stud
on the transaxle. If they are, back the set screws
out until they do not touch.

Maximum

Speed Tracking

T-Handle

Hex Wrench

Transmission

Control Arm

Adjustment

IMPORTANT: After tracking adjustments are

complete, conrm that there is at least one (1)

thread visible on both control rods past the track­ing adjustment nuts.

4. If the machine is tracking straight throughout
the speed range except at maximum speed,
use the following adjustment procedure:

a. With the engine off, place the FSC in full

FORWARD. On the faster transmission,
loosen the jam nut and turn the maximum
speed tracking adjustment set screw in un­til it just contacts the limit stud, and then
turn it in an additional 1/8 turn (turning the
set screw in slows the drive wheel).

b. Recheck maximum speed tracking, and if

necessary continue adjusting the set screw
in small increments until straight travel is
achieved.

c. Tighten the jam nut.

Step 6 - FSC Neutral Switch Adjustment

Maximum Speed Tracking Adjustment

(Shown with Parts Removed for Clarity)

Step 5 - Straight T racking Adjustment

1. Sit in the seat, start the engine, set throttle at full
speed, and with the FSC in the NEUTRAL-
PARK po sition check for movement of either
drive wheel (if either wheel moves backward or
forward, re fer to Step 3 - Neutral Position
Adjustment and readjust).

2. Check for straight ground tracking on a level
surface (with hands off the steering levers). Set
the FSC at several different speeds and observe
if the machine moves in a straight line (use
cement joint or other line on ground for
reference).

3. If tracking is not straight, shorten the control rod
on the faster side by turning the tracking
adjustment nut clockwise. If straight tracking
and neutral are both achieved proceed to the
next step. If straight tracking and neutral cannot
both be achieved, turn the tracking adjustment
nut on the faster side counterclockwise until
neutral is restored. Then, lengthen the control
rod on the slower side by turning the tracking
adjustment nut counterclockwise until straight
tracking and neutral are both achieved.

1. Place the FSC lever in the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. Raise the body and adjust the switch
adjustment bolt up until it just makes contact
with the FSC switch plunger, and then turn the
switch adjustment bolt up an additional two (2)
turns and tighten the jam nut.

NOTE: It may be necessary to tighten the FSC

friction adjustment if the transmissions are
moved out of neutral when the body is raised.
Refer to Step 7 - Forward Speed Control Fric-
tion Adjustment later in this section for location
of the FSC friction adjustment nut.

FSC Switch

FSC Neutral Switch Location

71

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

NOTE: Adjust the
bolt downward for
quicker activation.

FSC Switch

Actuator Arm

Switch Closed

in Neutral

Switch Adjustment

Bolt

Friction Nut

Jam Nut

FSC Neutral Switch Adjustment

(Side View Through Chassis)

Front of Mower

CAUTION

Before testing the FSC Neutral Switch,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the
engine and engage the parking brake to
prevent accidental starting and inadver­tent machine movement.

2. Check operation of the FSC Neutral Switch by
placing the FSC lever in the full FORWARD po-
sition. While holding the ignition switch in the
START position, slowly move the FSC lever to­ward the NEUTRAL-PARK position and stop
when the starter motor engages. Note the posi­tion of the FSC lever where it passes through
the slot in the body. The FSC lever should be
within 1/8 in. (3 mm) of the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. If this distance is greater than 1/8 in.
(3 mm), turn the adjustment bolt down slightly

and recheck switch operation. When nished

adjusting, tighten the jam nut and reconnect the
spark plug wire.

Step 7 - Forward Speed Control Friction Adjustment

FSC Friction Adjustment T est

1. Place the FSC lever in the full FORWARD
position, and pull both steering levers fully back;
the FSC lever should not move. If the FSC lever
moves back the friction needs to be increased.

2. With the steering levers held back, move the
FSC lever back from the FORWARD position.
With a proper amount of friction adjusted, the
FSC le ver should move back with a slight
amount of re sistance (friction). If the FSC lever
movement is “stiff”, the friction needs to be

decreased.

3. The FSC friction is increased or decreased by
tightening or loosening the friction adjust­ment nut. Loosen or tighten the nut and check

the control function until the conditions of both
steps 1 and 2 (above) are met.

FSC Friction

Adjustment Nut

72

FSC Friction Adjustment Nut

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

Blade Clutch (PTO)

Clutch Engagement/Belt T ension

The clutch engagement and PTO belt tension are
adjusted using the clutch actuator rod. After install­ing a new PTO belt, after 10 hours and every 100
hours thereafter, check and adjust for the clutch
spring assembly bolt head clearance dimension as
shown in the PTO Clutch Engaged illustration. If
the clutch actuator rod or clutch spring assembly

have been disassembled, rst reset them to their

factory preset lengths (see PTO Clutch Disen­gaged illustration) and then proceed with adjust-

ment as follows.

Bolt Head Clearance

1/4 in. to 5/16 in.

(6.5 mm to 8 mm)

Clutch Idler

Arm

With the clutch engaged, adjust the length of the
clutch actuator rod to achieve a clutch spring
assembly bolt head clearance of 1/4 in. to 5/16 in.
(6.5 mm to 8 mm). To adjust the clutch actuator rod
length, loosen both ball joint jam nuts (one ball joint
will have LH threads) and shorten the rod to
increase the clutch spring assembly bolt head
clearance, or lengthen the rod to decrease the bolt
head clearance. If adjustments are needed more
frequently than every 100 hours to maintain
dimensions, it may suggest problems with pulley
wear or belt misalignment.

Blade Clutch

Engaged

Blade Clutch

Idler Pulley

Actuator Arm

Clutch Spring Assembly

(Spring Compressed)

Clutch

Safety

Switch

Clutch

Actuator Rod

Front of Mower

PTO Clutch Engaged

73

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

1 1 in.*

(280 mm)

6 in.*

(152.5 mm)

Blade Brake Band Adjustment

The blade brake is designed to stop the blades with-

in ve (5) seconds after clutch disengagement. Ev­ery 100 hours of operation verify correct perfor-

mance of the blade brake by following the procedure
in CHECKING/SERVICING the Blade Brake Ac-
tion in this section.

Knuckle

Joint

PTO Clutch Disengaged

WARNING

It is important to check and maintain blade
brake action for safe operation of the ma­chine.

Clutch Spring Assembly
(Spring Uncompressed)

2-1/8 in.*

(54 mm)

*NOTE: Factory preset dimensions. Reset to these
dimensions prior to adjustment if components have
been disassembled.

Adjust the working travel of the clutch idler pulley by
adjusting the brake band nut:

1. With the clutch disengaged, adjust the blade
brake band nut to achieve a 1/4 in. to 3/8 in.
(6.5 mm to 9.5 mm) gap between the PTO pul­ley and clutch idler pulley as shown in the Blade

Brake Band Adjustment illustration.
NOTE: As the blade brake band/drum wears,

idler pulley travel will increase and it will be nec­essary to adjust the brake band nut to maintain
the correct 1/4 in. to 3/8 in. (6.5 mm to 9.5 mm)
gap. If the gap is greater than this in the disen­gaged position, the PTO belt may not declutch
adequately. Every 100 hours of operation
check the pulley gap and adjust if necessary .

74

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

2. After adjustments are complete, verify blade
brake performance by following the procedure
in CHECKING/SERVICING the Blade Brake
Action in this section. If the blades do not stop

within ve (5) seconds, check the following:

a. Make sure clutch and brake linkages are

working freely (no binding).

b. Check the brake band and PTO pulley

brake drum for wear. Replace any compo­nents that are excessively worn.

c. Verify that the PTO belt is declutching com-

pletely from the pulleys.

Tilt-Up Deck Adjustable Stop

When the carrier frame hinge joint is properly ad­justed, the deck lock levers should move in and out
of the engaged and disengaged positions freely . All
four hitch pins used for height adjustment should sit

ush on the washers above the deck pin bushing.

On a level surface, if any pin is sticking up (likely the
front pins), tighten the opposite side or loosen the
same side to lower the pin. Adjustments are made
by loosening the jam nut and tightening or loosening

the set screws on the Deck Mount Pivot Brackets.

Retighten the jam nut when the adjustment is com­plete.

Jam Nut

Set Screw

Chassis Mount

(Ref)

Pulley Gap

1/4" to 3/8"

Blade Brake

Band Adjustment Nut

Blade Brake Band Adjustment

(Clutch Disengaged)

Tilt-Up Deck Adjustable Stop

Clutch Idler

Pulley

Blade Brake

Band

PTO

Pulley

75

Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS

GHS “Full” Signal Horn Adjustment

Exhaust

DANGER

PINCH POINT - SPRING LOADED DOOR

When lowering the door on the GHS
catcher, BE VERY CAREFUL to keep

hands, ngers, etc. out of the hinging

mechanism and away from the door frame
as the door closes. The springs that hold
the door closed during operation are very
powerful, and the door can slam shut with
considerable force.

Screen

4 to 4-1/2 in.

(10.16 to 1 1.43 cm)

®

The vertical position of the Grass-Pak
critical to make sure the catcher box does not over-

ll causing the delivery chute to clog. The vertical

position can be adjusted by moving the aluminum
shaft and vane on the Grass-Pak® switch.

1. Position the discharge chute so that it is pointing
straight back.

a. Turn the ignition switch ON (RUN) and

move the blade clutch to the ENGAGED
position (engine not running).

b. Open the catcher back door and monitor

the spout position (as it oscillates) and
move the blade clutch to the DISENGAGED
position and turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.

switch is

WARNING

DO NOT test the Grass-Pak® switch with
the engine running. Projectiles CAN be
thrown out of the grass delivery spout
and CAN cause serious injury to bystand­ers or property damage.

Adjustment Nut

Adjusting the Grass-Pak

(Side View of Catcher Box)

3. If adjustment is required, loosen front adjust­ment nut then move aluminum shaft and vane to
the recommended measurement. Adjustments
should be done in very small increments check­ing the measurement each time until the recom­mended measurement is achieved.

NOTE: It will not be possible to adjust the switch to
give a signal at the precise instant the catcher is full
for a wide variety of mowing conditions. For exam-

ple, wet heavy grass will ll the catcher differently
than dry uffy grass, causing the signal to come on

a little sooner or later than usual. Primarily, the
switch should be adjusted to give the “full” signal
with a little advance warning before overlling
and clogging of the grass delivery chute begins (re­gardless of mowing conditions).

®

Switch

76

2. Measure from the exhaust screen (top of catch­er) to the top of the Grass-Pak® switch actuator
vane, refer to Adjusting the Grass-Pak®
Switch illustration. The proper measurement
should be between 4 and 4-1/2 in. (10.16 and
1 1.43 cm).

Operator’s Notes

77

Operator’s Notes

78

LIMITED W ARRANTY

FOR

W ALKER MODEL S14

RIDER MOWER

1. WHA T THIS W ARRANTY COVERS, AND FOR HOW LONG:

Walker Manufacturing company will, at its option, repair or replace, without charge, any part covered by this warranty which

is found to be defective in material and/or workmanship within one (1) year* after date of sale to the original retail purchaser

unless the product is used for rental purposes, in which case this warranty is limited to ninety (90) days. At W alker’s request,
customer will make the defective part available for inspection by Walker and/or return the defective part to Walker, transpor­tation charges prepaid. All parts and components of the Walker Mower are covered by this warranty except the following
components which are warranted separately by their respective manufacturers:

Subaru Engine

Battery

The available warranties covering these items are furnished with each mower. W alker does not assume any warranty obli-

gation, liability or modication for these items, which are covered exclusively by the stated warranty of the respective man-

ufacturers noted above.

* A two (2) year or 2000 hour (whichever comes rst) warranty is offered for Hydro-Gear ZT3100 hydrostatic transmissions;

covers full cost of replacement up to 1000 hours of use, and after 1000 hours warranty coverage is prorated against 2000
hours.

2. WHA T THIS W ARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

A. This warranty does not cover defects caused by depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, accidents, improper

maintenance, improper use or abuse of the product, alterations, or failure to follow the instructions contained in the
Operator’s Manual for operation and maintenance.

B. The customer shall pay any charges for making service calls and/or for transporting the mower to and from the place

where the inspection and/or warranty work is performed.

3. HOW TO OBT AIN SERVICE UNDER THIS W ARRANTY:

Warranty service can be arranged by contacting the dealer where you purchased the mower or by contacting Walker Man­ufacturing Company, 5925 East Harmony Road, Ft. Collins, CO 80528. Proof of the date of purchase may be required to
verify warranty coverage.

4. WARRANTY LIMIT A TION:

A. THERE IS NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY . ANY WARRANTY THA T MA Y BE IMPLIED FROM THIS PURCHASE

INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS HEREBY LIMITED TO THE
DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ANY AND ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUDED. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the

above limitations may not apply to you.

B. WALKER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES AND/OR

EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR USE OF THE MOWER. Some states do not allow the

exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply
to you.

C. Only the warranty expressed in this limited warranty shall apply and no dealer, distributor, or individual is authorized to

amend, modify, or extend this warranty in any way. Accordingly, additional statements such as dealer advertising or
presentations, whether oral or written, do not constitute warranties by Walker , and should not be relied upon.

D. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

79

WALKER MFG. CO. • 5925 E. HARMONY ROAD, FORT COLLINS, CO 80528 • [phone]

FORM NO. 050514 PRINTED IN USA www.walkermowers.com ©2014 WALKER MFG. CO