White Outdoor Z-185L, Z-205, Z-225 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Models

Z-185L

Z-205
Z-225

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used onor near any unimproved forest-

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester i s used, it should be maintained in effective working order by t he operator.
In the State of California the abov e is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136- 9722.

WHITE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS COMPANY P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10104A

(5/99)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new Z-Series. It will help you prepare, operate and
maintain your mower. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your mower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from it in this Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need
help from your dealer. See Figure 1.

• Every mower has a model plate. You can locate it by looking down at the battery stand. It is located on
the rear face of the battery stand.

WHITE OUTDOOR

PRODUCTS COMPANY

P.O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING WARRANTY SERVICE

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line. You can reach them by
calling:

1-800-949-4483

Before calling your local dealer, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready. By having the
model and serial numbers ready, you help your local dealer give you faster service. To find your unit’s model
and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

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SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF

NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,
HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

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

DANGER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in

this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.

• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.

• Do not put hands or feet under mower deck or near
rotating parts.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. A smallobject may have been overlooked
and could be accidentally thrown by themower in
any direction and cause i njury to you or a
bystander. To helpavoid a thrown objects injury,
keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75
feet from the mower while it is in operation. Always
wear safety glasses or safetygoggles during oper­ation or while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the
blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Disengageblade(s) before s hifting into reverse and
backing up. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not oper­ate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.

• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.

• Neverleave a running machineunattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral,set
park brake, stop engine and remove key before dis­mounting.

• Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.

• Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a
complete stop before (a) removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs, adjust­ing or removing any grass or debris.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over, caus­ing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a rampto load or unload prop­erly.

• Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operatormust dismount to do
so.

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fit­ting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate a unitin bare feet, sandals, or
sneakers.

• Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, wires, bridges or low hanging
tree branches, before entering or leaving buildings,
or in any other situation where the operator may be
struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in
serious injury.

• Disengageall attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shiftinto neutral
before attempting to start engine.

• Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10".Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, drygrass (e.g., pas­ture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up on
the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust pre­senting a potential fire hazard.

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2. SLOPE OPERATION

• Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and tip-over accidents which can result in severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feeluneasy
on it, do not mow it.

• For your safety, use the slope gauge included as
part of this manual to measure slopes before oper­ating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope
is greater than 15° as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area orserious
injury could result.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Always keep machine in gear when going down
slopes to takeadvantage of engine braking action.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve stabil­ity.

• Use extra care withgrass catchers or other attach­ments. These can change the stability of the
machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and grad­ual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction. Rapid engagement or braking could
cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip
over backwards which could cause serious injury.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

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

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embank­ments.The mower could suddenly turn over if a
wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an
edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.

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

• Do not use grasscatcher on steep slopes.

3. 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. Neverassume that chil­dren will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of themowing area and in watch­ful care of an adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turnmachine off if children enter the
area.

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

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seri­ously injured or interferewith the safe machine
operation.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. Children 14 years and over should
only operate machine under close parental supervi­sion and proper instruction.

• Use extra care whenapproaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.

• Remove key when machine is unattended to pre­vent unauthorized operation.

4. SERVICE

• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove fuel cap or addfuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.

• Replacefuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a
fire or explosion.

• Extinguishall cigarettes, cigars, pipes andother
sources of ignition.

• Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.

• Never store the fuel container or machine inside
where there is an open flame or spark, such as a
gas hot water heater, space heater or furnace.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil
or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.

• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make cer­tain the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, andkeep the wire
away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at fre­quent intervals for proper tightness. Also, v isually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked). Replace with blade which meets
original equipment specifications.

• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to besure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

4

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly. Use all guards as instructed in
this manual.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the dam­age before restarting and operating the mower.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam­age and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For your safety
protection, frequently check components and replace
with manufacturer’s recommended parts when neces­sary.

• Mower blades are sharp and cancut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when
servicing blade(s).

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

• Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can causea burn. Allow to cool down
before touching.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or over­speed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are dan­gerous.

• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment and the ecology.

• Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to dis­pose of waste from your local Environmental Protec­tion Agency. Recycling centers are established to
properly dispose of materials in an environmentally
safe fashion.

• Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not
use food or beverage containers that may mislead
someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose of
the containers immediately following the draining of
fluids.

• DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down
a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other body of
water. Observe Environmental Protection Agency
regulations when disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake
fluid, filters, batteries, tires and otherharmful waste.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who

read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

Figure 2 Safety Labels Found On Unit

5

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

FO

L

D

O

N

DO

TTE

D

L

I

N

E

,

R

E

P

RE

S

E

N

TI

N

G

A

1

5

°

S

L

O

P

E

6

Slope Gauge

15°

WARNING

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

SECTION 4: CONTROLS

Lift Handle

PTO Switch

Ignition/Light Switch

Hour/RPM Meter

Right Control
Panel

Front

Figure 3

HOUR/RPM METER

The hour/RPM meter is an LCD (liquid crystal display) display that is located on the right control panel. The
meter’s display stays on continuously. (See Figure 3)

• HOUR METER: The meter functions as an hour meter. The hour value is the number of hours of engine
operation. Use the hour value to determine when maintenance is required and to cost jobs.

• RPM METER: When the engine is on, the meter functions as an engine RPM gauge.

IGNITION/LIGHT SWITCH

Off

On/Light

On

Start

Figure 4

The ignition/light switch is located on the right control panel and is used to start the engine. It is a four position
switch. (See Figure 4)

•IntheOFF position the engine is not running.

•IntheON/LlGHT position the engine is running and the head light is on.

•IntheON position the engine is running and the head light is off.

•IntheSTART position the starter is engaged to the engine flywheel.

7

LIFT HANDLE

Button

7

6

5

4

Height
Positions
1 through 7
and L (lock)

3

2

1

L

Figure 5

The lift handle is located on the right fender. It raises and lowers the cutting height of the mower deck used by the
Z-series. (See Figure 3) & (See Figure 5)

• 1 through 7 (1 - lowest height, 7 - highest height)

• L is the lock out position. The lock position is used when removing the mower deck.

THROTTLE LEVER AND CHOKE LEVER

FRONT

Throttle Lever

ON

Choke
Lever

Fast

Left Control
Panel

OFF

Figure 6

CHOKE LEVER

The choke lever is located on the left control panel. (See Figure 6) The choke lever is operated manually. Having
the choke lever in the ON position helps the engine to start during initial or cold engine start-up. During normal
operation the choke lever should be in the OFF position.

• ON: Push the lever forward (toward the front of the tractor).

• OFF: Pull the lever back (toward the rear of the tractor).

THROTTLE LEVER

The throttle lever is also located on the left control panel and it is used to regulate the engine speed.
(See Figure 6) To get maximum efficiency from cutting, the throttle should be in the FAST position when operating
the mower.

• FASTER ENGINE SPEED: Push the throttle lever forward toward the rabbit symbol.

• SLOWER ENGINE SPEED: Pull the throttle lever back toward turtle symbol.

8

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) SWITCH

Top View

ON

Figure 7

The PTO switch is located on the right control panel. (See Figure 7) It controls the engagement of the cutting
blades. When the switch is:

• UP: The cutting blades are engaged (blades are turning).

• DOWN: The cutting blades are disengaged (not turning).

Note: Be sure lift lever is not in the L position when the PTO is engaged. The operator must remain seated at all

times. If the operator leaves the seat without turning off the PTO, the engine will automatically shut off. When the
Z-series drives in reverse with the PTO engaged (Up), the PTO is automatically disengaged (Down).
.

Push Down

OFF

Indicator
Panel

Pull Up

Drive
Handles

Brake Pedal

Figure 8

Speed
Control Bar

Parking Brake
Pedal

BRAKE PEDAL

The brake pedal is located on the lower left side of the control tower. (See Figure 8) It is used to engage the brake
in order to slow down or stop the unit. It is also used to engage the parking brake.

PARKING BRAKE PEDAL

The parking brake pedal is located on the lower right side of the control tower. (See Figure 8) It is used to engage
the parking brake. Engage the parking brake when the unit is not in use.

1. Push down on the brake pedal and hold. (See Figure 8)

2. Push down on the parking brake pedal and hold.

3. Release brake pedal to lock engagement.

4. To release parking brake pedal, press down on brake pedal and release.

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DRIVE HANDLES

The drive handles (left and right) are located at the top of the control tower. (See Figure 8) The drive handles are
used to move, steer, and stop the Z-series. The drive handles will return toward the neutral position when
released; however, the driver should place the drive handles in the neutral position so the unit will not move. If
the drive handles are not placed in the neutral position, the Z-Series may creep.

When the engine is running, the unit will move in accordance with the drive handles (push, pull or both) as they
are moved from the neutral position. When the drive handles are released, they immediately return towards the
neutral position as the unit slows to a stop position (while the engine continues to run).

The rear wheels move and steer the unit. The left drive handle controls the left rear wheel and the right drive
handle controls the right rear wheel. When a drive handle is moved forward, the respective wheel turns forward.
When a drive handle is moved backward, the respective wheel turns in reverse.

Each drive handle has a range in the forward position (push) and the reverse position (pull). If a drive handle is
moved to the full position (until it stops) the rear wheel turns as fast as the throttle is set. Positions between
neutral and full are proportional across the range based on the throttle setting. The drive handles can be moved
together in the same direction or independent of each other in any combination (i.e. left push, right pull). Refer
also to the Quick Reference Chart located in the OPERATION Section.

Speed Control
Bar

Wing Nut

Figure 9

SPEED CONTROL BAR

The speed control bar is connected to the console with two wing nuts. (See Figure 9). It is used as a grab bar for
entry or exit from the tractor and allows for pre-set maximum travel speed.

• Loosen the two wing nuts located on either side of the plastic console.

• Rotate speed control bar to desire location.

• Tighten wing nut to secure speed control bar.

NOTE: Limit loosening the wing nuts to 1 1/2 turns. This will insure proper assembly of the screw not visible on

the other side of the plastic console. Refer to parts book if screw fell and wing nuts are no longer tightening.
The speed control bar also aids the drive handles in making “perfect U-turns”. Grasping both drive handles and

the speed control bar at the same time to move forward, release the left drive handle to turn left and then re-grasp
to continue straight ahead or release the right drive handle to turn right. Refer also to the Quick Reference Chart
located in the OPERATION Section.

10

INDICATOR PANEL

Temperature

Low Engine Oil Battery

Figure 10

The indicator panel is located at the top of the control tower. There are two or three indicator lights on the panel.
(See Figure 10) When the corresponding light is illuminated it indicates:

• LOWENGINEOIL: Stop the tractor immediately and check the engine oil level. Continuing to operate with
low engine oil can severely damage the engine.

• BATTERY: There is a problem with the charging system or battery. Stop the Z-series and contact your
dealer.

• TEMPERATURE: (Liquid Cooled Models only) Stop the engine immediately. Check clean air intake and
cooling areas.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Seat Adjustment Lever

Figure 11

The seat adjustment lever is located beneath the seat. The seat adjustment lever is used to move the seat
forward and backward. (See Figure 11)

1. Pull up on the seat adjustment lever and push the seat forward or back to the desired position.

2. Release the seat adjustment lever so that it locks the seat in place.

WARNING: Do not try to adjust the seat position while operating the Z-Series.

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SECTION 5: OPERATION

BEFORE OPERATING

1. Study this manual carefully. It has been provided to help you safely operate and maintain this unit.

2. Familiarize yourself with all instruments and controls.

3. Fill the fuel tank according to the MAINTENTANCE section.

4. Check the engine oil level as instructed in the separate engine manual.

5. Check the hydraulic oil level as instructed in the MAINTENANCE section.

6. Clean the air filter, if necessary, as instructed in the separate engine manual.

7. Check the rear tires for proper inflation pressure. See tire side wall for proper inflation.

8. Adjust the seat for maximum operator comfort, visibility and control.

9. Remove grass and debris from the engine area.

OPERATING GUIDELINES

• Keep all shields in place and keep away from moving parts.

• NO RIDERS! Keep children and pets away from unit during operation.

• Always look back before backing.

• Don't point the discharge at people.

• Avoid slopes. This unit can roll over. Use the SLOPE GAUGE to determine safe operating areas.

• Before leaving the seat, disengage the PTO (down), engage the parking brake and turn ignition switch to
OFF.

• Do not fill gasoline tank when engine is running or while the engine is hot.

STOPPING THE Z-SERIES

1. Bring the tractor to a stop by pulling the drive handles to the neutral position.

2. Disengage the PTO (down).

3. Push down on the brake pedal and hold.

4. Push down on the parking brake pedal to lock engagement. (See Figure 8)

5. Move the throttle lever to the slowest position (toward turtle).

6. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

7. Remove the key.

WARNING: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to avoid accidental starting.

STARTING THE ENGINE

The Z-series is equipped with a safety interlock-system with the following features:

• The engine will not crank or start without the brake pedal fully engaged and the PTO disengaged (down).

• If the operator dismounts the tractor with the PTO in the RUN position, or the parking brake disengaged, it
automatically shuts the engine off.

WARNING: During operation do not run the engine in confined areas such as storage buildings any

longer than necessary. Immediately move the tractor outside into open air.

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