Dixon ZTR 5501, Operator'S Manual

CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL 5501

DRIVE SYSTEM ADJUSTMENTS:

Adjustment of the  drive system is limited to the actual function of the hydrostatic 
transmissions as outlined below.

1 . Tighten the (2) J-bolts on the T-box mounting plate until each belt has 1/8th to 1/4th of 

an inch free play or movement at a mid-point between the pulleys on the hydrostats and T-
box.

2.  Position parking brake lever in the off or disengaged position. This will allow the belt 

idler used on the engine to T-box to swing fully and apply tension to the belt. At this time, 
check that the cable which pulls the idler to a neutral position has approximately 1 -1/2 
to 2 inches of free play. If adjustment is required, loosen the lock nuts on the cable block 
and turn cable sleeve in or out to achieve desired measurement. Re-tighten lock nuts.

NOTE:     Cable must have the above dimension with parking brake released or 
drive belt may slip, causing loss of power.

3. Neutral adjustment. Swing upper control levers out into the neutral slots. Raise upper 

body to the fully open position. Start engine and disengage parking brake. Caution 
should be used when releasing parking brake as mower may tend to creep or move prior to 
adjustment. If adjustment is required, loosen lock nuts at each end of the control rods and 
back off the tension on each spring block. Turn control rods in or out until neutral  is 
obtained on each hydrostat. Re-tighten lock nuts and tension bolts on spring blocks.

4. Forward travel speed adjustments. Stop engine, move levers to drive position, lightly 

push each upper control lever forward until a resistance is felt on the lever. At this time, 
check that the forward lever stops on the bottom of each lever are hitting the stop blocks. If 
adjustment is required, loosen the lock nuts on the lever stop and turn the bolt in until the 
lever hits the stop block before resistance is felt in the hydrostat.

5. Balance of travel speed. If mower tends to pull to either side, re-adjust lever stop on 

fast side to slow the hydrostat down and even out the ground speed. DO NOT SPEED UP 
THE SLOW SIDE, AS OVER STROKING OF THE HYDROSTAT COULD RESULT  IN 
DAMAGE TO THE UNIT. If upper control levers are slightly off-set following this 
adjustment, they can be realigned by bending them slightly.

Refer to the diagrams on the following page for the location of adjustment points.

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