Yard-Man 53AA1A3G401 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Model
53AA1A3G401
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTR UCTIONS CAREFULLY
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 or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
ECO No. 952
FORM NO.
770-10326A.fm
(4/00)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Maintaining Safety.............................................................................................3
Slope Gauge......................................................................................................6
Know Your Z-Series...........................................................................................7
Operating Your Z-Series....................................................................................10
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................12
Maintaining Your Z-Series .................................................................................14
Maintaining Mower Deck....................................................................................18
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................21
Parts List............................................................................................................22
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new Z-Series. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number by opening the engine cover and looking down at the battery stand.
It is located on the rear face of the battery stand. A sample model plate is explained below. For future
reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
(Serial Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you
call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial
number in order to process your call.
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.yardman.com
2
SECTION 1: MAINTAINING SAFETY
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: Th e Engine Exhaust from this pr oduct contains chemicals kno wn to the
State of Californi a to cause cancer, birt h defects or other re productive h arm.
DANGER: This machine 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 machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERA TION
1. 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.
2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under mower deck or near
rotating parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. A small object may have been overlooked
and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in
any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. To help avoid 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 safety goggles 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.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and
backing up. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.
8. 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.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in
neutral, set park brake, stop engine and remove
key before dismounting.
11. Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
12. 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.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine int o a trailer or truck. T his unit shou ld 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 ramp to load or unload
properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operator must dismount to do
so.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral
before attempting to start engine.
21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (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.
3
SLOPE OPERA TI ON
1. 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 feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
2. 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 or
serious injury could result.
DO:
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2. Remove ob stacles such as r ocks, limbs, e tc.
3. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
4. 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 take advantage of engine braking action.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.
6. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine.
7. 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 caus e serious in jury.
8. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2. 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.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
4. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on t he gr ound.
5. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
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 mo w ing ac tivity. Nev er ass ume th at chi ldren
will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.
3. Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.
4. Never carry children. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine
operation.
5. 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.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.
7. Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
SERVICE
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are ex plosive.
2. Use only an approved container.
3. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
4. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire
or explosion.
5. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
6. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will acc umulate in the area.
7. 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.
8. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
9. 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.
10. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
11. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive
wear, bent , cracked) . Replac e with bl ade which
meets original equipment specifications.
12. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
13. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
4
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when
servicing bla de(s).
17. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
18. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down
before touching.
19. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use o f this power machin e to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
20. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environm ent and the ecolo gy.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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 other
harmful waste.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY,
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS
DISCHARGE CHUTE COVER OR GRASS
CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY THE
BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES. DO NOT MOW SLOPES
GREATER THAN 15.MOW UP AND DOWN, NOT ACROSS.
S30015
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES WORKING.
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, USE LOW GEAR.
DANGER
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER
UNLESS THIS GUARD OR
ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER IS
S30012
ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT BEFORE OPERATING.
IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
S30010
5
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower
on such slopes.
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.
Do not mow on inclin es with a s lo pe i n e xces s of 1 5 de gr ees ( a r ise o f approximately 2-1/2 f eet eve r y 1 0 fee t) . A ridi ng m owe r could
overturn and cause serio us injur y. If oper ating a walk-be hind mo wer on suc h a slope, i t is ex tremely diffic ult to maint ain your footing
and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
F
O
L
D
O
N
D
O
T
T
E
D
L
I
N
E
,
R
E
P
R
E
S
E
N
T
I
N
G
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVE L WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
WARNING
15°
A
1
5
°
S
L
O
P
E
6
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR Z-SERIES
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.
Lift Handle
Throttle Lever and
Choke Lever
Drive Handles
Indicator Panel
Brake
Pedal
Parking
Brake Pedal
Speed Control
Bar
Right Control
Panel
Figure 1
WARNING: Be familiar with all controls
and their proper operation. Know how to
stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
Right Control Pa nel
Ignition/Light Switch
The ignition/light switch is located on the right control
panel and it is used to start the engine. Insert key into
the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START
position. Release key to the ON position once engine
has fired.The ignition switch is also used to operate the
headlights when the switch is in the ON/LIGHT position.
See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Hour Meter
The hour meter is located on the right control panel and
the meter’s display stays on continuously. The hour
value is the number of hours of engine’s operation. Use
the hour value to determine when maintenance is
required. See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
PTO Switch
Start
On
Ignition/Light Switch
On/
Light
Off
Hour Meter
Front
Figure 2
7
Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) Switch
The PTO switch is located on the right control panel
and it is used to control the engagement of the cutting
blades. When the knob is up, the cutting blades are
engaged. When the knob is down, the cutting blades
are disengaged. See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged
(OFF) position when st arting the eng ine, when sh ifting
into reverse, and when the operator leaves the seat.
Throttle Lever and Choke Lever
The choke lever is located on the left control panel.
Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on
the carburetor and aids in starting the engine during
initial or cold engine start-up. During normal operation
the choke lever should be in the OFF position. Push the
lever forward to turn choke on and pull choke lever back
to turn choke off. See Figure 1 and Figure 3.
The throttle lever is also located on the left control panel
and it is used to regulate the engine speed. To get
maximum efficiency from cutting, the throttle should be
in the FAST position when operating the mower. Push
the throttle lever forward for faster engine speed and
pull lever back for slower engine speed. See Figure 3.
Front
Throttle Lever
ON
Choke
Lever
Seat Adjustment
Lever
Figure 4
Lift Handle
The lift handle is located on the right fender and it raises
and lowers the cutting height of the mower deck. The
height positions are one through seven and the L is the
lock position. The lock position is used when removing
the mower deck. See Figure 1 and Figure 5.
Height
Positions
7
6
5
4
3
2
Figure 5
Button
1
L
Fast
OFF
Figure 3
Seat Adjustment Lever
The seat adjustment lever is located beneath the seat
and it is used to move the seat forward and backward.
See Figure 4.
• Pull up on the seat adjustment lever and push the
seat forward or back to the desired position.
• 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.
Indicator Pa nel
The indicator panel is located at the top of the control
tower. See Figure 1 and Figure 6. When the corresponding light is illuminated it indicates:
• Low Engine Oil: Stop the tractor immediately and
check the engine oil level. Continuing to operate
with low engine oil can severely damage the
engine.
• Battery: The BATTERY indicator light will
illuminate any time the ignition key is in the ON
position and the engine is not running. If it
illuminat es whil e the engi ne is runni ng, th en th e
battery is in need of a charge. Refer to the
MAINTENANCE section of this manual for the
proper battery charging procedure.
• Fuel: The fuel tank is near empty and it needs to be
filled with clean and fresh gasoline.
8
Low
Engine Oil
Fuel
Figure 6
Battery
Brake Pedal and P arking Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is located on the lower left side of the
control tower and it is used to engage the brake in order
to slow down or stop the unit. It also is used to engage
the parking brake. See Figure 1 and Figure 7.
Parking Brake Pedal
The parking brake pedal is located on the lower right
side of the control tower. Engage the parking brake
when the unit is not in use. See Figure 7.
• Push down on the brake pedal and hold.
• Push down on the parking brake pedal and hold.
• Release br ake pedal to l ock pa rking brake
engagement.
• To release parking brake pedal, press down on
brake pedal and release.
the neutral position so the unit will not move. If the drive
handles are not placed in the neutral position, the ZSeries may creep. See Figure 1 and Figure 7.
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). 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
OPERATION section. See Figure 8.
Speed Control
Bar
Drive
Handles
Wing Nut
Drive
Handles
Speed
Control Bar
Brake
Pedal
Figure 7
Parking
Brake Pedal
Drive Handles
The drive handles (left and right) are located at the top
of the control tower. 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
Figure 8
Speed Control Bar
The speed control bar is connected to the console with
two wing nuts and it is used as a grab bar for entry or
exit from the tractor and allows for pre-set maximum
travel speed. See Figure 1 and Figure 8.
• Loosen the 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 a ssembly o f the screw not visible on
the other side of the plastic console.
9
The speed control bar also aids the drive handles in
making “perfect U-turns”. To move forward grasp both
drive handles and the speed control bar at the same
time, then release the left drive handle to turn left and
then grasp it again 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.
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR Z-SERIES
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your mower.
Read instructions carefully.
IMPORT ANT :
MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful
not to overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause the engine
to smoke. This will result in poor engine performance
and could cause permanent engine damage.
Your unit is shipped with oil; however, you
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
Operating Guidelines
• Study this manual carefully for it has been provided
to help you safely operate and maintain this unit
and familiarize yourself with all instruments and
controls.
• NO RIDERS! Keep c hildr en an d pet s awa y from
unit during operation.
• Always look down and behind before and while
backing up.
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and
switches) in place and working.
• Use the SL OPE GA UGE to det ermine safe
operating areas. Go up and down slopes, not
across.
• Before leaving operator’s position, disengage the
PTO (down), engage the parking brake and turn
ignition switch to OFF.
IMPORT ANT :
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
They may cause damage to electric components,
spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine.
We do not recommend the use of a
Stopping The Z-Series
• Bring the Z-Series to a stop by pulling the drive
handles to the neutral position.
• Disengage the PTO (down).
• Push down on the brake pedal and hold.
• Push down on the parking brake to lock
engagement.
• Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
• Remove the ke y.
WARNING: Always remove the key from
the ignition switch to avoid accidental
starting.
Safety interlock Switches
• The engine will not crank or start without the brake
pedal fully engaged and the PTO disengaged
(down).
• If the operator leaves the unit with the PTO in the
Run position or the parking brake disengaged, it
automatically shuts the engine off.
Starting Engine
• Insert the key into the ignition switch.
• Move the choke lever to the full choke position (all
the way toward the front of the unit).
• Move the throttle lever to the FAST (Rabbit)
position (all the wa y tow ard t he fr ont o f the unit) .
NOTE: Less choking may be required due to engine
temperature variance. If the engine is warm, choking
may not be necessary.
• Push the PTO (power take-off) switch to OFF.
• Fully depress the brake pedal.
• Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the engine starts. It will return
to the ON position.
• Move the choke lever to the OFF position
(rearward).
NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer to
the TROUBLESHOOTING section.
Driving the Z-Series
• Set the throttle to the fastest position (rabbit).
• Release the parking brake by depressing the
parking brake pedal.
• Gradually move the drive handles in the desired
direction, referring to the Quick Reference Chart.
10
NOTE: The Z-Series spe ed is bas ed on th e posi tion o f
the drive handles. Push the handles forward to increase
speed and back toward neutral for slower speeds.
Pushing Your Unit
To push your unit you will have to first relieve the
hydrostatic pumps.
Driving On Slopes
Before operating the Z-Series on any slope:
• Use the SLOPE GAUGE to determine if the slope is
safe for operation.
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). The
tractor could overturn and cause serious
injury.
• If safe for operation, walk the slope and look for
hazards such as rocks, mounds, ruts, stumps, or
other irregularities.
• After removing debris and identifying irregularities
of the slope, back the Z-Series up the steepest
slope you intend to work. If it cannot negotiate the
slope in reverse, the slope is too steep.
Use the following guidelines when operating on a slope:
• Drive UP and DOWN slopes. Never drive across
slopes.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If you must
turn, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving on a slope. If you must
stop, start slowly and smoothly to reduce the
chance of flipping the Z-Series over backwards.
WARNING: The hydraulic relief levers are
near engine parts that can be hot. To avoid
injury wait until engine parts have cooled
before disengaging.
• Position the Z-Series on a flat and level surface and
engage the parking brake.
• Remove the hydrau lic re lief l evers from t he loc k
position. There is a lever for the right and left
hydraulic pump.
• Slide the levers into the slots to relieve the
hydraulic pumps. See Figure 9.
• Disengage parking brake and push unit.
Relief
Lever
Lock Position
(Unit will
not roll)
Neutral Position
(Unit will roll)
Left Relief Lever Shown
Mowing
• For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the
balance of cutting. This will give a better
appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut grass too short. Short grass invites weed
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at
full throttle.
• Do not mow at hi gh grou nd speed , espec ially if
mulching or bagging.
• Under heavier conditions, it may be necessary to
go back over the cut area a second time to get a
clean cut.
• Do not attempt to mow heavy brush, weeds, or
extremely tall grass. Your Z-Series is designed to
mow lawns, not clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades
when worn. Refer to the MAINTENANCE section of
the manual for proper blade sharpening
instructions.
Figure 9
Quick Reference Chart
The Z-Series can turn with a zero radius. The Z-Series
uses the rear tires to turn. When turning with a zero
radius, the rear tires are used as the pivot point. A
conventional tractor can make a circle but it needs a
turning radius, usually based on the distance between
the front and rear wheels. With a shorter overall length
and a zero turn radius, the Z-Series has an excellent
maneuverability.
The Z-Series does not have a steering wheel, instead
drive handles are used to steer and to move the unit.
When the drive handles are in the full positions (pull or
push), the wheels turn at full speed based on the
throttle setting. Positions between neutral and full are
proportional across the range based on the throttle
setting. The quick reference chart indicates the
direction the Z-Series will move based on the position
of the drive handles. See Figure 10.
11
Release Handles = Neutral / Stop
Pull Handles Equal Back =
Straight Reverse
Push Handles Equal Forward =
Straight Forward
Full Right Forward And Full
Left Back = Zero Turn Left
Right Forward And Left Neutral =
Left T u rn
Full Right Back and Full Left
Forward = Zero Turn Right
Right Neutral And Left Back =
Reverse Left
Right Neutral And Left Forward =
Right Turn
Right Back And Left Neutral =
Reverse Right
Figure 10
SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Adjusting the Mower Deck Height
• To push or pull the lift lever, depress and hold the
button. Refer to Figure 5.
• Move the handle up/down to the desired location.
• Release bu tton at th e desi red posit ion.
Adjusting the Seat Position
• Lift the seat adjustment lever. Refer to Figure 4.
• Slide the seat either forward or back to the desired
location.
• Lock the seat in position by releasing the seat
adjustment lever.
12
Checking the Brake Adjustment
• Position the Z-Series on a level surface and move
the throttle lever to the slowest position (turtle).
• Stop the engine, remove the key from the ignition,
and engage the parking brake.
• Release both hydraulic relief levers.
• From the rear push on the frame and try to move
the Z-Series.
If you can move it, then the brake force must be
increased. Go to AD JUSTING BRAKE FORC E.
If you can not move it, the go on to next step.
• Release the parking brake and try again to move
the Z-Series by pushing.
If you can not move it, then the brake force must be
decreased. Go to ADJUSTING BRAKE FORCE.
If you can move it, then you are done (no adjustment
necessary).
Adjusting Brake Force
• Place the Z-Series on level surface without the
brake engaged and place blocks behind the
wheels.
• Turn the engine OFF and remove the key from the
ignition.
• From underneath the Z-Series directly behind the
caster wheel pivot bar, locate the brake rods. There
is one on the right and one on the left.
See Figure 11.
• The factory sets a 1/16” gap minimum between the
brake arm and frame of the Z-Series. More
adjustment may be necessary
If incre ased forc e is n eeded , then rot ate br ake rods
clockwise.
If decreased force is needed, then rotate brake rods
counterclockwise.
• Repeat process on the other brake rod.
• Check the operation of the brakes before operating.
If the adjustment does not help, see your dealer.
Frame
Measure Gap
Brake Arm
Figure 11
Steering Adjustment
• Remove the ignition key from ignition switch and
detach the bottom of the rubber boot cover on the
drive handles.
• Slide the boot cover all the way up (toward the drive
handles) to access the drive handle bolts.
• Remove both bolts securing the drive handles and
remove the drive handles and the rubber boot.
Brake Rod
• Remove the four bolts securing the retaining plate
to the control tower cover.
• Pull up on the cover and slide up and over the
control tower.
• Remove both safety switches from their respective
holders by squeezing together on the retaining clips
while gently pushing upward until the switches clear
the bracket s.
13
• Remove bolts that secure linkage to upper control
handles and lower control arms. The shock
absorbers should remain connected to linkage.
See Figure 12.
• With quarter inch by seven inch pins still installed in
the top and bottom linkage arms, loosen the jam
nuts at both the front and rear ends of linkage that
runs from bottom linkage arms to hydrostatic
pumps. See Figure 13.
Hex Bolt
Jam Nuts
Hex Bolt
Jam Nuts
Alignment
Holes
Figure 12
• Insert quarter inch by seven inch pin or equivalent
through the top and bottom alignment holes of the
control arms to secure arms at positive neutral.
• With the shock absorber still bolted to linkage,
loosen the jam nuts at both ends of the linkage so
the alignaball adjustment can be made.
• Adjust the alignaball until retaining bolts slips
through alignaball and hole in arm with little effort.
• Re-install bolts, washers, and nuts in all four ends
of linkage. Tighten jam nuts against alignaball ends
to keep ends from turning.
• Lift rear wheels off ground using floor jack or other
suitable lifting device.
Alignment
Holes
Alignaball
Alignaball
Jam Nut
Spherical Rods
Figure 13
• Set parking brake and start the engine (set throttle
at full speed). Make sure that the PTO is OFF.
• Rotate rods (lengthen or shorten) to bring each
hydrostat to neutral.
NOTE: The control linkage going to the hydrostatic
pump has left-handed thr eads at the pump and righthanded threads at the tower.
• Tighten the jam nuts earlier loosened and
reassembled the safety switches.
• Remove quarter inch by seven inch pins from top
and bottom holes.
• Reassemble body panels and drive handle
assembly.
• Make sure that all hardware is tightened.
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR Z-SERIES
WARNING: Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire, and
ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
Lubrication
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
Control Tower
There are two grease fittings that are located on the
right side of tower. Lubricate both with a grease gun at
least once a season. The control tower cover must be
removed to lubricate. See Figure 14.
Caster Assembly / Wheels
There are three grease fittings, one on each wheel
spindle and one in middle of caster assembly. The
caster wheels have one grease fitting on each wheel.
Lubricate these with a grease gun at least once a
season. See Figure 14.
Deck Lift Pivot / Lift Handle
The deck lift pivot assembly has grease fittings on each
end and the lift handle has a grease fitting on its lower
side. Lubricate with a grease gun at least once a
season. See Figure 14.
Mower Deck
The mower deck m ay hav e grea se fi ttin gs loc ated on
the idler assembly or the spindle assemblies.
14
Deck Lift Pivot
Grease Fittings
Lift Handle
Grease Fitting
Pivot Bar
Grease Fitting
Caster Wheel
Spindle Grease
Fitting
Caster Wheel
Grease Fitting
Mower Deck Grease Fittings
Control Tower
Grease Fittings
Figure 14
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual.
The spark plug(s) should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
Fuel Tank
The fuel tank cap is located on the left rear fender
panel. Remove the fuel cap by unscrewing and fill the
gas tank from this point.
Checking Hydraulic Oil
Check the oil level of hydraulic units only when the
engine is OFF.
During initial break-in (first five hours of operation),
check oil before each use and then check after every 50
hours of operation.
Hydraulic Fill
Plug/Dipstick
Hydraulic Fill
Point
15
Figure 15
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