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16

MAINTENANCE

TRACTOR

Always observe safety rules when per form ing any 

main te nance.

BRAKE OPERATION

If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest 

speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved 

surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See 

“TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments 

section of this manual).

TIRES

•  Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See the sides 

of tires for proper PSI).

•  Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control 

chemi cals which can harm rubber.

•  Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and 

other hazards that may cause tire damage.

NOTE: 

To seal tire punctures and pre vent flat tires due 

to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your 

local parts dealer. Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot 

and corrosion.

OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND REVERSE 

OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 16)

Be sure operator presence and reverse operation sys tems 

are work ing properly.  If your tractor does not function as 

described, repair the problem immediately.
•  The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is 

fully de pressed, and the attachment clutch con trol is 

in the dis en gaged position.

CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• 

When the engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor 

to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake 

should shut off the engine.

• 

When the engine is running and the at tach ment clutch 

is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the 

seat should shut off the engine.

•  The attachment clutch should never operate unless 

the operator is in the seat.

CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
•  When the engine is running with the ignition switch in 

the engine "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch 

engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into 

reverse should shut off the engine.

•  When the engine is running with the ignition switch 

in the ROS "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch 

engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into 

reverse should NOT shut off the engine.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp.  Re place 

bent or damaged blades.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap-

proved by the manufacturer of your tractor. 

Using a blade not approved by the manu-

facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could 

damage your tractor and void your warranty.

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient 

for normal use.  However, periodic charging of the battery 

with an automotive charger will extend its life.
•  Keep battery and terminals clean.
•  Keep battery bolts tight.
•  Keep small vent holes open.
•  Recharge at  6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

NOTE:

 The original equipment battery on your tractor is main-

tenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or cov-

ers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause 

the battery to “leak” power.
• Raise 

seat.

•  Disconnect BLACK battery cable first  then RED  bat -

tery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•  Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• 

Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush 

until bright.

•  Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• 

Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the 

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this man u al).

Fig. 16

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 17)

•  Raise mower to highest position to allow access to 

blades.

NOTE: 

Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade 

with heavy cloth.
•  Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.
•  Install new or resharpened blade with stamped "THIS 

SIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly.

IMPORTANT:

 TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER 

HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL 

ASSEMBLY.

•  Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. 

torque).

IMPORTANT

:  SPECIAL BLADE BOLT HEAT TREATED.

Fig. 17

ROS "ON" 

POSITION

ENGINE "ON" POSITION

(NORMAL OPERATING)

02828

BLADE

BLADE BOLT 

(SPECIAL)

CENTER HOLE

STAR

MANDREL ASSEMBLY

Summary of Contents for D17KH38

Page 1: ...perator s Manual D17KH38 03131 532 44 47 78 Gasoline containing up to 10 ethanol E10 is acceptable for use in this machine The use of any gasoline exceeding 10 ethanol E10 will void the product warranty ...

Page 2: ...e recommended by and comply with specificationsofthemanufacturerofyour tractor Usecommonsensewhentowing Operateonlyatthelowestpossiblespeed when on a slope Too heavy of a load while on a slope is dangerous Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor Always wear eye protection when operating machine Data indicates that operators age 60 years and above are i...

Page 3: ...ng Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point Follow the manufacturer s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes Neverallowchildrenorothersinorontowedequipment On slopes the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop V SERVICE SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE To avoid personal in...

Page 4: ...low a regular schedule in maintaining caring for and using your tractor Follow the instructions under Maintenance and Stor age sections of this manual WARNING This tractor is equipped with an internal com bustion engine and should not be used on or near any un improved forest covered brush covered or grass covered land unless the engine s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting ap...

Page 5: ...ERY inthe ServiceandAdjustments section in this manual Fig 1 LABEL Washer Hex Bolt Seat Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Boot Washer Insert Hex Bolt Lock Washer Steering Extension Shaft Steering Seat Key s Slope Sheet TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier Standard wrench sizes are listed 1 5 16 wrench Utility knife 2 7 16 wrenches Tire pressure gau...

Page 6: ...MENT HANDLE Fig 3 Fig 4 NOTE You may now roll your tractor off the skid Follow the instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid WARNING Beforestarting read understandandfollow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual Be sure tractor is in a well ventilated area Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL See Fig 2 AS...

Page 7: ...e Become familiar with all controls their location and function Operate them before you start the engine Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op eration System ROS are working properly See the Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual It is important to purge the transmission before operat ing your tractor for the first time Follo...

Page 8: ...entify safety inform ation about hazards which can result in death serious injury and or property damage DANGER indicates a hazard which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING indicates a hazard which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury CAUTION indicates a hazard which if not avoided might result in minor or moderate injury CAUTION when used without the al...

Page 9: ...h brake pedal into the brake position D THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL Used for starting and controlling engine speed E ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER Used to engage the mowerblades orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor F IGNITION SWITCH Used for starting and stopping the engine G REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM ROS ON PO SITION Allows operation of mower or other powered attachment while in reverse H LIGHT SWITCH Turn...

Page 10: ...ENGAGED position GROUND DRIVE To stop ground drive depress brake pedal into full BRAKE position IMPORTANT FORWARD AND REVERSE DRIVE PEDALS RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN NOT DEPRESSED ENGINE Move throttle control D between half and full speed fast position NOTE Failure to move throttle control between half and full speed fast position before stopping may cause engine to backfire Turnignitionkey F...

Page 11: ... control S OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS See Fig 11 Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions NOTE Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface Adjust mower to desired cutting height Se...

Page 12: ...shipped from the factory already filled with summer weight oil Check engine oil with tractor on level ground Pull up and remove oil fill cap dipstick wipe oil off Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and push down firmly into place Remove and read oil level If necessary add oil until FULL mark on dipstick is reached Do not overfill For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier startin...

Page 13: ...od Theattachmentscanalsobeusedduringtheenginewarm up period after the transmission has been warmed up NOTE If at a high altitude above 3000 feet or in cold temperatures below 32 F 0 C the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance See TO ADJUST CARBURETOR in the Service and Adjust ments section of this manual OPERATION PURGE TRANSMISSION CAUTION Never engage or dis...

Page 14: ...iveways etc After one or two rounds mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished See Fig 15 Fig 15 If grass is extremely tall it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip pings Make first cut relatively high the second to the desired height Do not mow grass when it is wet Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps Allow grass t...

Page 15: ...Replace Mower Blades Che Clean Debris Off Steering Plate ck Transaxle Cooling Che Check Operator Presence ROS Systems ck V Belts Check Mower Levelness LUBRICATION CHART GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have beensubjectedtooperatorabuseornegligence Toreceive full value from the warranty operator must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual Some ad...

Page 16: ...h the ignition switch in the ROS ON position and the attachment clutch engaged any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine BLADE CARE Forbestresultsmowerbladesmustbekeptsharp Replace bent or damaged blades CAUTION Useonlyareplacementbladeap proved by the manufacturer of your tractor Using a blade not approved by the manu facturer of your tractor is hazardous co...

Page 17: ...W30 oil_visc_chart4_e MAINTENANCE ENGINE OIL FILTER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year See engine manual TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL See Fig 18 19 Determine temperature range expected before oil change All oil must meet API service classification SG SL Be sure tractor is on level surface Oil will drain more freely wh...

Page 18: ... tractor unless the engine and trans mission are covered to keep water out Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass leaves and trash from tractor and mower CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remov...

Page 19: ...erator s position on the tractor re start the engine and place the throttle lever in the Fast position IMPORTANT Recheck the area making certain the area is clear 6 Move the tractor s attachment clutch control to the ENGAGED position Remainintheoperator sposition with the cutting deck engaged until the deck is cleaned 7 Move the tractor s attachment clutch control to the DISENGAGED position Turn t...

Page 20: ...S TO BE MOUNTED ON THE TRACTOR REMOVE THE FRONT LINK E AND REAR LIFT LINKS C FROM TRACTOR AND HOOK THE CLUTCH SPRING Q INTO THE CABLE GUIDE ON FRONT EDGE OF LOWER DASH TO INSTALL MOWER See Fig 23 28 Be sure tractor is on level surface and engage parking brake Lower attachment lift lever to it s lowest position CAUTION LIFT LEVER IS SPRING LOADED HAVE A TIGHT GRIP ON LIFT LEVER LOWER IT SLOWLY AND ...

Page 21: ... side of tractor ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS C Lift rear corner of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin D on rear mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring Insert end of link E into hole in front mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring J Hook end of clutch cable spring Q into hole in idler arm R Push clutch cable housing guide P into bracket slide collar L o...

Page 22: ...eight about 3 16 Test your adjustment by mowing some uncut grass and visually checking the appearance Readjust if necessary until you are satisfied with the results PRECISION SIDE TO SIDE ADJUSTMENT See Fig 30 With all tires properly inflated park tractor on level ground or driveway CAUTION Blades are sharp Protect your hands with gloves and or wrap blade with heavy cloth Raise mower to its highes...

Page 23: ... plate F and remove from tractor BELT INSTALLATION Install new belt from tractor rear to front over the steer ing plate F and above clutch brake pedal shaft G Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll belt onto engine pulley E Pull belt toward rear of tractor Carefully work belt down around transmission cooling fan and onto the input pulley D Be sure belt is inside the belt keeper Install belt on...

Page 24: ...al C of fully charged battery Connect the other end of the BLACK cable D to good chassis ground away from fuel tank and battery TO REMOVE CABLES REVERSE ORDER BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery RED cable last from both batteries TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal left to right whenwheelsarepositionedstraightforward ...

Page 25: ...bove procedure ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary If adjustment is nec essary see engine manual TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and ad justment should not be necessary If adjustment is neces sary see engine manual TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjus...

Page 26: ...ALFUELSYSTEMPARTSSUCH AS CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER FUEL HOSE OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOLORMETHANOL CANATTRACTMOISTUREWHICH LEADSTOSEPARATIONANDFORMATIONOFACIDSDURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run until the fuel lines an...

Page 27: ... 6 Check all wiring 7 Faulty ignition switch 7 Check replace ignition switch 8 Faulty solenoid or starter 8 Check replace solenoid or starter 9 Faulty operator presence switch es 9 Contact an authorized service center department Engine clicks but will not start 1 Weak or dead battery 1 Recharge or replace battery 2 Corroded battery terminals 2 Clean battery terminals 3 Loose or damaged wiring 3 Ch...

Page 28: ...mproperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades used 10 Replace with blades listed in parts manual 11 Cloggedmowerdeckventholesfrombuildup of grass leaves trash around mandrels 11 Clean around mandrels to open vent holes Headlight s not working if so equipped 1 Switch is OFF 1 Turn switch ON 2 Bulb s or lamp s burned out 2 Replace bulb s or lamp s 3 Faulty light switch 3 ...

Page 29: ...29 SERVICE NOTES ...

Page 30: ...30 SERVICE NOTES ...

Page 31: ... never across the face Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes 1 Fold this page along dotted line indicated above 2 Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure 3 Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope ...

Page 32: ...06 28 11 BD Printed in the U S A ...

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