Weed Eater HD13538 (96016000100) Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

MODEL:

Read this Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions, Failure to do socan result in serious injury.

HD13538

LAWN TRACTOR

ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.weedeater.com

WARNING:

195383 11,08,04 TR

Printed in U,S,A,

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS FAILURE

TOOBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETYINSTRUCTIONSCOULDRESULTINSERIOUS INJURYOR DEATH

• Donotoperate machine without the entire grass catcher,

WARNING: In order to prevent acci-

dental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire

and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

I _ WARNING: Do not coast down a hill I

in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications ofthe manufacturer

of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the low- est possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,

is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer- tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands

after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine Keep clear of the discharge opening at

all times.

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

• Clear the area ofobjects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area

• Never carry passengers.

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

ing

• Never directdischarged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction Ma- terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the

blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working

• Slow down before turning

• Never leave a running machine unattended Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and

remove keys before dismounting

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before

cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard

• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light

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

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road- ways.

• Useextra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

• Always wear eye protection when operating ma- chine.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-

lated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts

and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or

storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or

death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution If

you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,

do not mow it

• Mow up and down slopes, not across

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects Uneven terrain could overturn the machine

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,

which could cause the machine to roll over

• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the

stability of the machine Do no use on steep slopes

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over ifa wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES &

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to

the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them,

• Keep children out of the mowing areaand inthe watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for

small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off,They

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation, Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing

area for another ride and be run over or backed over

by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a

child,

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the

hitch point,

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight

limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equip-

ment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop,

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Toavoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline, Gasoline isextremely flammable

and the vapors are explosive,

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition,

• Use only approved gasoline container,

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine run-

ning. Allow engine to cool before refueling,

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there

isan open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances,

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner, Always place containers

on the ground away from your vehicle when filling,

• Remove gas-powered equipment from thetruck ortrailer and refuel it on the ground, If this is not possible, then

refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather

than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening atall times untilfueling iscomplete,

Do not use a nozzle lock-open device,

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi- ately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten

securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed are,

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

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

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-

soaked debris, Allow machine to cool before storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-

ommended parts, when necessary,

• Mower blades are sharp, Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary,

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat- ing, Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, Always look down and behind before and while back-

ing,

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off, They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing

area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine,

• Keep children out of the mowing area and inthe watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator,

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area,

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across,

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed

slowly straight down the slope,

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Gallons

and Type: Unleaded Regular

Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030")

Ground Speed (MPH): Forward:

1st 1.1

2nd 2.2 3rd 3.3

4th 4.4

5th 4.9

Reverse: 1.4

Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI

Rear: 12 PSI

Charging System: 3 Amps Battery

5 Amps Headlights

Battery: AMP/HR: 28

Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R

Blade Torque: 27-35 FT. LBS.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured togive

you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- edy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ department, We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.

Please read and retain this manual, The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules,

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor- age" sections of this owner's manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com- bustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered orgrass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if

any), If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service center/department,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 6-8

OPERATION ............................................................. 9-14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 15-18

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 19-23

STORAGE .................................................................... 24

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 25-26

WARRANTY ................................................................. 27

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Large Flat

Washer

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel

Adapter

Steering

Wheel

Insert

Steering Extension

Shaft

Seat

(1) Washer (_ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

(1) Lock

Washer 1/2

(1) Bolt

Key

(2) Keys

(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4

Slope Sheet

(1) 5/16@ Lock Washer

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely, Use

the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

/ / INSERT

(1) 1/2" wrench (1) 3/4" wrench

Utility knife

Tire pressure gauge

Pliers

When right or left handis mentioned in this manual, it means when you are inthe operating position (seated behind the

steering wheel),

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM

CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from carton,

• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton, Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove,

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure,

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward.

• Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.

• Assemble large flat washer, 5/16 lock washer, 5/16 hex bolt and tighten securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel,

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill,

IMPORTANT: CHECK FORAND REMOVEANY STAPLESIN

SKIDTHATMAYPUNCTURETIRESWHERETRACTORISTO

ROLLOFF SKID.

5/16 LOCK WASHER

i) WASHER

SHAFT

SLOTS

i /

STEERING

LOWER STEERING

SHAFT ....

FIG. 1

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt,

• Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

• Pivotseat upward and remove from the cardboard pack- ing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard,

• Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan.

• Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor,

• Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjust- ment bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer loosely, Do not

tighten

• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat,

• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the

way down,

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position,

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.

SEAT PA_

ASSEMBLY

SHOULDER

BOLT

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.

Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the

tractor from the skid,

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op- eration section for location and function of

controls)

• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position,

• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal,

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position,

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding deflector shield up against tractor,

FLAT WASHER

LOCK WASHER_

ADJUSTMENT

BOLT

FIG. 2

CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 3)

• Lift seat pan to raised position,

• Ifthis battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.

(See "BATTERY" in MAINTENANCE section of this manual for charging instructions),

SEAT PAN

LABEL

TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op- eration section for location and function of

controls)

_&WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be

sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area, Be sure the area in

front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.

• Be sure all the above assembly steps have been com- pleted,

• Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline.

• Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set the parking brake,

• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Start the engine. After engine has started, move throttle control to idle position,

• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position and hold, Move gearshift lever to 1st gear,

• Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive tractor off skid,

• Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place gearshift lever in neutral position,

• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position,

Continue with the instructions that follow,

FIG. 3

ASSEMBLY

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes, Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" inthe Service

and Adjustments section of this manual,

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual, Verify that the belts are routed

correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

Afteryou learn how to operate your tractor,check to see that the brake is properly adjusted, See "TO ADJUST BRAKE"

in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual,

,/CHECKL IS T

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSU RETHAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PER-

FORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ,/ All assembly instructions have been completed. ,/ No remaining loose parts in carton, ,/ Battery is properly prepared and charged, (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps),

,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory),

,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results, (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling),

,/ Check mower and drive belts, Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers,

,/ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped,

WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT

ITEMS: ,/ Engine oil is at proper level, ,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline,

,/ Become familiar with all controls, their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine, ,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition. ,/ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the

Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their mean- ing,

R N

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW SLOW

L Ikl

CHOKE FAST

IGNITION SWITCH

G 6 o, I ® O

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE

OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT

LIGHT

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

OPERATION LOCKED UNLOCKED

SYSTEM (ROS)

MOWER LIFT

®@@@@

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

LIGHTS ON

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

might result in minor or moderate injury.

Failure to follow instructions

could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol

is used to identify safety inform- ation about hazards which can

result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

,_lJllflltl)ltu,

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,

indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage. FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

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