Yard-Man 53AA1A3G401 User Manual

Model

53AA1A3G401

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

FORM NO.

770-10326A.fm

(4/00)

ECO No. 952

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTR UCTIONS CAREFULLY

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

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.

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.

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.

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

(Model Number)

(Serial Number)

For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.yardman.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, USE LOW GEAR.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES WORKING.

S30015

S30012

DANGER

KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.

DO NOT OPERATE MOWER

UNLESS THIS GUARD OR

ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER IS

IN ITS PROPER PLACE.

ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT BEFORE OPERATING.

S30010

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY,

DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS

DISCHARGE CHUTE COVER OR GRASS

CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.

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.

15°

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVE L WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

WARNING

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.

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 3: KNOW YOUR Z-SERIES

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.

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.

Figure 2

Throttle Lever and

Choke Lever

Indicator Panel

Brake

Pedal

Parking

Brake Pedal

Right Control

Panel

Drive Handles

Speed Control

Bar

Lift Handle

Front

Hour Meter

Ignition/Light Switch

PTO Switch

Start

On/

Light

Off

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.

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.

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.

Figure 5

Indicator Pa nel

The indicator panel is located at the top of the control

tower. See Figure 1 and Figure 6. When the corre-

sponding 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.

OFF

Front

Choke

Throttle Lever

Fast

Lever

Seat Adjustment

Lever

Button

Height

Positions

Figure 6

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.

Figure 7

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

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. 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.

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.

Low

Engine Oil

Fuel

Battery

Brake

Pedal

Parking

Brake Pedal

Drive

Handles

Speed

Control Bar

Wing Nut

Speed Control

Bar

Drive

Handles

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 :

Your unit is shipped with oil; however, you

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.

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 :

We do not recommend the use of a

pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.

They may cause damage to electric components,

spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pushing Your Unit

To push your unit you will have to first relieve the

hydrostatic pumps.

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.

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.

Relief

Lever

Lock Position

(Unit will

not roll)

Neutral Position

(Unit will roll)

Left Relief Lever Shown

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.

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

Full Right Back and Full Left

Forward = Zero Turn Right

Right Neutral And Left Forward =

Right Turn

Right Forward And Left Neutral =

Left T u rn

Right Neutral And Left Back =

Reverse Left

Right Back And Left Neutral =

Reverse Right

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.

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.

• 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.

Brake Rod

Frame

Brake Arm

Measure Gap

• Remove bolts that secure linkage to upper control

handles and lower control arms. The shock

absorbers should remain connected to linkage.

See Figure 12.

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.

• 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.

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 right-

handed 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.

Hex Bolt

Alignment

Holes

Alignment

Holes

Jam Nuts

Alignaball

Hex Bolt

Jam Nut

Spherical Rods

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.

Figure 15

Control Tower

Grease Fittings

Caster Wheel

Grease Fitting

Pivot Bar

Grease Fitting

Caster Wheel

Spindle Grease

Fitting

Deck Lift Pivot

Grease Fittings

Lift Handle

Grease Fitting

Mower Deck Grease Fittings

Hydraulic Fill

Point

Hydraulic Fill

Plug/Dipstick

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