Yard-Man 131704G, 131704F, 131734G User Manual

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Thank you for purchasing an American-built product,

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved

forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester

meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-7544F

DANGER:

Your unit 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. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.

1. READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate this unit. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering

replacement parts.

2. This unit is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise extreme caution at all times.

3. Know the controls and how to stop the machine quickly.

4. Do not allow children under 14 years old to operate vehicle. Children 14 years and over should only operate unit under close parental

supervision. Do not allow anyone to operate it without proper instruction. Only persons well acquainted with these rules of safe

operation should be allowed to use your mower.

5. 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 unit in bare feet, sandals,

or sneakers.

6. To prevent injury, do not carry passengers or give rides. Keep children, pets and bystanders out of the area while mowing. Only

the operator should ride on the unit and only ride in the seat.

7. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under power lines, guy 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.

8. To maintain control of the unit and reduce the possibility of upset or collision, operate the tractor smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

9. Thoroughly inspect the area to be mowed. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and other foreign objects. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of your mower. Although the area of operation should be completely cleared of foreign objects, a small object may have been overlooked and could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a bystander. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge

of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders, pets and the like.

10. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign

objects that may be thrown from the machine In any direction.

11. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

12. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the brake

pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.

13. Before leaving the operator's position, disengage blade(s), place

shift lever in neutral, engage parking brake, shut engine off and remove key.

14. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear

of the discharge opening at all times as the rotating blade(s) can

cause injury.

15. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine before mak-

ing any repairs or adjustments. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

16. Before attempting to unclog the mower or discharge chute, stop

the engine. The mower blade(s) may continue to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off. Therefore, be sure the blade(s)

have stopped completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep

the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

17. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transporting or not in use.

18. 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 150 as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.

19. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of steep slopes; never across the face. Use extreme caution if it is necessary to drive the tractor up an incline or back the tractor down an incline because the front of the tractor could lift and rapidly flip over backward which could cause serious injury.

20. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or

loss of control. Always keep the tractor in low gear when going down steep hills to take advantage of engine braking action. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

21. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden hazards which may cause the unit to tip over.

22. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.

B. Limit loads to those you can safely control. C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing. D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in

owner's manual.

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

24. When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.

25. Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flammable. A. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and all other sources of

ignition.

B. Use approved gasoline container. C. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a running or hot engine

or fill fuel tank indoors. Allow to cool at least 2 minutes before refilling. Wipe up spilled gasoline. Always use original type

vented cap.

D. Open doors if engine is run in garage. Exhaust fumes are

dangerous. Do not run engine indoors.

26. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

27. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and cutting deck free of grass, leaves or excessive grease or oil.

28. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating condition, and keep safety devices in place. Use guards as instructed in operator's manual. Do not operate this unit unless the chute deflector, guards, and safety interlock system are installed and func-

tioning properly.

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

30. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and inspected for damage after striking a foreign object. The damage should be repaired before restarting and operating the equipment.

31. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.

32. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows: 34. Look behind to make sure the area is clear before placing the A. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. transmission in reverse and continue looking behind while back-

B. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine is running ing up. Disengage blades before shifting into reverse and backing

if operator must dismount to do so. up.

C. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a com- 35. This unit should not be driven up a ramp onto a trailer or truck

plete stop before removing the grass catcher. under power, because the unit could tip over, causing serious per-

D. Check blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at frequent sonal injury. The unit must be pushed manually to load properly.

intervals. Also, check blades for wear or damage (e.g. bent, 36. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service according cracked). Replace with blade which meets original equipment to brake adjustment instructions in this manual. specifications. 37. Muffler, engine, and belt guards become hot during operation and

33. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or deterioration. For can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching. safety protection, replace only with new bag meeting original equip-

ment specifications.

This owner's manual covers two models of lawn

tractors. Follow only those instructions which per-

tain to your model lawn tractor. Refer to the separate deck manual for all informa-

tion concerning the deck. IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT

GASOLINE or OIL; however, a small amount of oil may be present from the factory. Do not overfill.

After assembly, service engine with gasoline and

oil as instructed in the separate engine manual

packed with your unit.

Self- Tapei_~g Screws

\ Seat

~=-==-.-: .-:~--~_.

FIGURE 1.

A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as

contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is also

advisable to wear protective clothing (goggles, rub-

ber gloves and apron) when working with it. *

B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the

eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area im-

mediately with clean cold water. If there is any

further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.

C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean

water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/ water or baking soda/water.

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WARNING

BATTERY It

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the unit is observed from the driver's seat, facing

forward.

UNPACKING

1. Remove the lawn tractor from the carton as follows. Open the top flaps. The loose parts (includes the battery fluid, steering wheel with steering cap attached and chute deflector) may be on the seat and wrapped in plastic, or may be located in a box. Remove all loose parts and carton inserts. Cut the

front corners of the carton. Make certain brake is

released, use the relief valve and push the unit out

of the carton.

2. The seat has been mounted backward for shipping purposes. If the loose parts are on the seat, carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.

NOTE: On some units, the seat may be packed with the loose parts. The self-tapping screws will be attached to the seat. Remove the screws and assemble as in-

structed.

ASSEMBLING THE SEAT

Remove the hex self-tapping screws which secure the

-seat to the seat pivot bracket. Turn the seat around and place in position against the seat pivot bracket, lining

up the slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the holes in the seat. Select desired position for the seat, and

secure with hex self-tapping screws. See figure 1.

FORMATION

D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into

any sink or drain. Before discarding empty electrolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing

solution.

E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat-

tery while charger is turned on as it can cause sparks.

F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,

lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen gas

generated during charging can be combustible.

G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in

a well-ventilated area.

* Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing

when working near batteries.

/:1

FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 3.

Yo(,

ACTIVATING THE BATTERY

Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to read previous warnings before activating the battery.

NOTE: Some units may have the battery and battery

hardware packed with the battery fluid.

1. Lift the seat. Remove the battery cover by press-~ing in on the sides and lifting up. See figure 2 in-

set. Remove the battery from the rear frame.

2. Open the battery pack. Be careful not to puncture the box. It contains the battery fluid (acid) in a plastic container and one short plastic tube.

3. Place the battery on a table or workbench. Make certain the long plastic drain tube is in place on the vent elbow.

4. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the battery with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the fill caps. See figure 2.

5. Place the battery fluid container on the table or workbench. Carefully cut off tip of the spout and

attach the short plastic tube provided. Do not

squeeze the container when cutting tip.

6. Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the UP-

~PER LEVEL line marked on battery. See figure 3.

Use caution as the acid level will rise rapidly after

the bottom of the cell is filled.

7. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the fill caps removed, while the plates absorb acid.

8. If acid level has fallen after the 30 minute standing

period, refill each cell with battery acid to the UP-

PER LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fill caps.

9. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize any residue with baking soda and rinse container with water. Puncture container several times

before discarding.

10. Charge the battery after the 30 minute standing period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY (DO NOT

FAST CHARGE).

Model 704F: Charge the battery at a maximum bench rate of 1.4 amperes until the specific gravity reading is 1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 8 hours.

Model 734G: Charge the battery at a maximum bench rate of 2 amperes until the specific gravity reading is

1.265. Charge for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 5 hours.

NOTE: This engine is equipped with an alternator. The

current for the battery charger alternator is unregulated. During normal operation, it is only necessary to charge the battery:

1. When it is activated for the first time.

2. Before winter storage.

3. Before using the lawn tractor after winter storage.

NOTE-Model 704F: Charging rate after battery has been put into operation-the battery is to be charged for a period of 14-16 hours. NO LONGER THAN 30 HOURS. After battery has been charged, add only distilled water. Do not add acid.

)

Battery

Drain

jTube-

FIGURE 4.

/ Positive

0\ Terminal

J'r

-,'

Black Red

(Negative) (Positive)

Cable Cable

Drain/""'- l

TUbeV I

Negative Terminal

INSTALLING THE BATTERY

1. Raise the seat.

2. Make certain the positive cable (heavy red wire) and negative cable (heavy black wire) are routed

outside the battery opening.

3. Place the battery inside the opening so that the positive terminal is toward the front of the unit. See figure 3. Route the battery drain tube down beside the battery.

4. Remove the hex bolt from the positive (+) terminal. Place the positive cable on the positive terminal.~See

figure 4. Secure with hex bolt. Be careful not

to lose the nut inside the terminal.

5. Secure the negative cable to the negative (-) terminal in the same manner. Replace the battery

cover over the positive terminal. Lower the seat.

6. Insert the drain tube through the cable tie which is attached to the transaxle reinforcement bracket

.on the left side of the unit. Be certain drain tube

is routed away from the wheel rim. Pull on end of cable tie to tighten (do not collapse drain tube). Trim excess end of cable tie.

FIGURE 5.

Cable Reinforcement

Tie Bracket

Transaxle

ATTACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR

Attach the chute deflector to the deck, following the instructions in the separate deck manual packed with your unit.

WARNING: Do not operate your unit unless the chute deflector has been properly in-

stalled.

ATTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL

Model 704F Only:

1. Remove the hex lock nut and cupped washer from the steering shaft, and remove the steering bellow.

Pry the steering insert off the center of the steering wheel.

2. Attach one end of steering bellow to the steering

~ wheel as shown in figure 6A, inset.

3. Position the front wheels of the tractor so they are

pointing straight forward.

4. Place the steering wheel and steering bellow over

the steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as desired.

5. Place the washer with the cupped side down over

the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock nut. See figure 6A.

6. Snap the steering wheel insert over the four spokes of the steering wheel.

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'":7-"

Model 734G Only: Model 734G is equipped with indicator lights, located

in the steering wheel. The steering wheel must beassembled

as follows for proper operation of the in-dicator

lights.

1. Remove the hex lock nut and cupped washer from the steering shaft, and remove the steering bellow. Pry the sterring wheel insert off the center of the steering wheel.

2. The opening in the steering bellow is wider at one end than the other. Route the five indicator wires up through the smaller end of the steering bellow. Slide steering bellow over steering shaft. Insert the five indicator wires up through the slot in the steering wheel as shown.

3. Position the front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward. Place the steering wheel

over the steering shaft so the wires are at the bot-

Oil pro Clutch

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Steering

sert

4. Place the indicator wires through the cable tie

5. Snap the steering wheel insert over the four spokes

IMPORT ANT: Be certain to follow step six exactly to prevent damage to the indicator lights and wire harness

when using the lawn tractor.

6. Position the cable tie and secure the wire harness

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BI.Ck~

Brown

f?4S reen Hex Lock Nut;:?~~~~~ ~

ite

7. Pull bellow up against the bottom of the steering

tom of the steering wheel (6 o'clock position). Secure with the cupped washer (cupped side

down) and hex lock nut removed in step 1.

located underneath the steering wheel insert. Con-

nect the wires to the same color wire leads in the steering wheel insert. Tighten the cable tie to hold the wires securely in position.

of the steering wheel, making sure the indicator lights are positioned at the bottom of the steering

insert (toward the operator).

as follows. a. Raise the hood of the tractor, and pull excess

wire down through the dash panel.

b. Partially tighten the cable tie under the dash

panel so the cable tie is snug, but can still slide

up and down the wire harness. Slide the cable

tie up until it is against the dash panel.

c. Turn the steering wheel fully in both directions

(wires will be pulled up into the steering bellow), then return the steering wheel to the center. Carefully pull the wires down from the dash

panel, and move cable tie down the wires 1/4

inch.

d. Tighten the cable tie securely. Trim end of cable

tie so at least one inch of the cable tie remains.

wheel.

Washer\\'

Steering

FIGURE 68.

FIGURE 7.

Bellow

Model 734G

TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shippingpurposes.

Reduce the tire pressure before operating

the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is ap-

proximately 12 p.s.i. (check sidewall of tire for tire manufacturer's recommended pressure).

A WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under

any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire

pressure should be maintained on all tires.

LEVELING THE DECK

With unit on hard, level surface, measure the distance from the bottom edge of the center of the left side of deck to the ground. Measure the same distance on the center of the right side of the deck Oust behind the chute area on side discharge units). Or, place the blades in a straight line, and measure the distance fromthe

outside edge of the blade tips to the ground.

Adjust the lift link on the left side of the deck asnecessary.

See figure 7. Recheck the adjustment.

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