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11

NOTE:

  Under certain conditions when tractor is standing 

idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may 
cause “brown ing” of grass.  To eliminate this possibility, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

CAUTION:  Always stop tractor com-
 plete ly, as described above, before leav-
 ing the operator's position; to empty 
grass catch er, etc.

OPERATION

 The operation of any tractor can  result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result 
in severe eye dam age.  Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating your tractor or 
per form ing any adjustments or repairs.  We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles 
or stan dard safety glasses.

HOW TO  USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 5)

 

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens-
 ing  switch.  When engine is running, any attempt by the 
op er a tor to leave the seat without fi rst setting the parking 
brake will shut off the engine.
•      Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position 

and hold.

•      Place parking brake lever  in “ENGAGED” position and 

re lease pressure from clutch/brake pedal.  Pedal should 
re main in “BRAKE” position.  Make sure parking brake 
will hold tractor secure.

PARKING BRAKE 
"DISENGAGED" 
POSITION

FIG. 5

CLUTCH/BRAKE 
PEDAL "DRIVE" 
POSITION

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

MOWER BLADES -
•     To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch lever 

to “DIS EN GAGED” po si tion.

GROUND DRIVE -
•      To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into 

full “BRAKE” po si tion.

•      Move gearshift  lever to neutral (N) po si tion.

ENGINE - 
•      Move throttle control to slow po si tion.

NOTE:

  Failure to move throttle control to slow position and 

allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine 
to “backfi re”.
•     Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.  

Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent 
un au tho rized use.

•      Never use choke to stop engine.

IMPORTANT: 

 LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY 

POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY 
TO BE DIS CHARGED, (DEAD).

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH 
LEVER "ENGAGED" 
POSITION

IGNITION KEY

"DIS EN GAGED"
POSITION

PARKING BRAKE
"EN GAGED"
POSITION

GEAR SHIFT 
LEVER

THROT TLE/
CHOKE
CONTROL
LEVER

"BRAKE"
POSITION

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 5)

Always operate engine at full throttle.
•      Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the 

battery charging rate.

•      Full throttle of fers the best bagging and mower per for -

mance.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See 
Fig. 5)

The direction and speed of movement  is controlled by the 
gearshift  lever. 
•      Start  tractor  with  clutch/brake  pedal  depressed  and 

gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

•      Move gearshift lever to desired  position. 
•     Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start  move-

ment.

IMPORTANT:

  BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP 

BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE 
TO DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR 
TRANSAXLE.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See 
Fig. 5)

The position of the attachment lift lever determines the 
cutting height.
•      Grasp lift lever.
•     Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired 

position.

The cutting  height  range is  approximately 1-1/2 to  4".  
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip 
with the engine not running.  These heights are approximate 
and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of 
grass and types of grass being mowed.
•         The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 

inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches 
during hot months.  For healthier and better looking 
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.

•     For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches 

in height should be mowed twice.  Make the fi rst cut 
relatively high; the second to desired height.

Summary of Contents for 190781

Page 1: ...O PO17542STB 17 5 HP 42 Inch Lawn Tractor 190781 Rev 1 03 01 04 RD TR PRINTED IN U S A For Parts and Service contact our authorized distributor call 1 800 849 1297 For Technical Assistance call 1 800 829 5886 ...

Page 2: ...he manual and on the machine before starting Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys wire etc which could be picked up and thrown by the blade Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow ing Stop machine if anyone enters the area Never carry passengers Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely n...

Page 3: ...the watchful care of another responsible adult Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area Before and when backing look behind and down for small children Mow up and down slopes 15 Max not across Remove obstacles such as rocks tree limbs etc Watchforholes ruts orbumps Uneventerraincouldoverturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles Use slow speed Choose a low gear so that you will...

Page 4: ...aring for and using your tractor Follow the instructions under Maintenance and Stor age sections of this owner s manual WARNING This tractor is equipped with an internal com bustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimprovedforest covered brush coveredorgrass covered land unless the engine s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws if any...

Page 5: ...ope Sheet 1 Oil Drain Tube 1 Bolt 1 Washer 17 32 x 1 3 16 x 12 Gauge 1 Lock Washer 1 2 1 Large Flat Washer 1 Hex Bolt 1 4 28 x 1 1 4 1 Locknut 1 4 28 1 Locknut 1 2 20 2 Keys Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Wheel Insert Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft ...

Page 6: ...WER STEERING SHAFT STEERING BOOT EXTENSION SHAFT 1 4 HEX BOLT STEERING WHEEL INSERT ADAPTER 1 2 HEX NUT LARGE FLAT WASHER TABS TAB SLOTS BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID ATTACH STEERING WHEEL See Fig 1 ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft Align mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall 1 4 hex bolt and locknut Tighten securely IMPORTANT TIGHTEN ...

Page 7: ...rshift lever in neutral position Turn ignition key to OFF position Continue with the instructions that follow FIG 3 CHECK BATTERY See Fig 3 Lift seat pan to raised position If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label label located between terminals charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6 10 amps See BATTERY in MAINTENANCE section of this manual for charging inst...

Page 8: ...HE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS Engine oil is at proper level Fuel tank is filled with fresh clean regular unleaded gasoline 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 CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes Correct tire pressure ...

Page 9: ...ould result in serious injury or death The safety alert symbol is used to identify 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 avoid...

Page 10: ... starting the engine PARKING BRAKE Locks clutch brake pedal into the brake position AMMETER Indicates charging or discharging of battery GEARSHIFT LEVER Selects the speed and direction of the tractor ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER Used to raise lower and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor LIFT LEVER PLUNGER Used to release attachment lift lever when changing its position IGN...

Page 11: ...ition key to OFF position and remove key Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use Never use choke to stop engine IMPORTANT LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN OFF WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED DEAD ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ENGAGED POSITION IGNITION KEY DISENGAGED POSITION PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED POSITION GEAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL LE...

Page 12: ...h clean regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life Do not mix oil with gasoline Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness CAUTION Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel Do not store spill or use gasoline near an open flame IMPORTANT WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURE...

Page 13: ...nts section of this manual CAUTION Alcohol blended fuels called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol can at tract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage To avoid engine problems the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer Drain the gas tank start the engine and let it run...

Page 14: ...RT dSPINDLE ZERK dFRONT WHEEL BEARING ZERK cSAE 30 OR 10W30 MOTOR OIL dGENERAL PURPOSE GREASE eREFER TO MAINTENANCE ENGINE SECTION IMPORTANT DO NOT OIL OR GREASE THE PIVOT POINTS WHICH HAVE SPECIAL NYLON BEARINGS VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE SELF LUBRICATING BEARINGS IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE LUBRICATED USE ONLY A DRY POWDERED GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICA...

Page 15: ...ine is running and the attachment 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 BLADE CARE Forbestresultsmowerbladesmustbekeptsharp Replace bent or damaged blades 5 8 BOLT OR PIN BLADE CENTER HOLE TO SHARPEN BLADE See Fig 9 NOTE We do not recommend sharpening blade but if you ...

Page 16: ... temperature TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE SAE VISCOSITY GRADES 20 0 30 40 80 100 30 20 0 20 30 40 F C 32 10 10 60 5W 30 SAE 30 NOTE Although multi viscosity oils 5W30 10W30 etc improve starting in cold weather these multi viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32 F Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage f...

Page 17: ...structing fuel flow to carburetor replacement is required With engine cool remove filter and plug fuel line sec tions Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline FIG 12 FUEL FILTER CLAMP CLAMP MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spa...

Page 18: ...gs Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms Slide mower out from under tractor IMPORTANT IFANATTACHMENTOTHERTHANTHEMOWER DECK IS TO BE MOUNTED ON THE TRACTOR REMOVE THE FRONTLINKSANDHOOKTHECLUTCHSPRINGINTOSQUARE HOLE IN FRAME TO INSTALL MOWER See Fig 13 Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position Slide mower under tractor with ...

Page 19: ...n equal number of turns FIG 17 BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH FIG 16 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway Make sure tires are properly inflated See PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS section of this manual If tires are over or underinflated you will not properly adjust your mower SIDE TO SIDE ADJUSTMENT See Figs 14 and 15 Raise mower to its high...

Page 20: ...an five 5 feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface then brake must be checked and adjusted TO CHECK BRAKE Park tractor on a level dry concrete or paved surface depress clutch brake pedal all the way down and en gage parking brake Place gear shift lever in neutral N position Therearwheelsmustlockandskidwhenyoutrytomanually push the tractor forward If th...

Page 21: ...n TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY See Fig 23 WARNING Lead acid batteries gen erate explosive gases Keep sparks flameandsmokingmaterialsawayfrom batteries Always wear eye protection when around batteries If your battery is too weak to start the engine it should be recharged See BATTERY in the Maintenance section of this manual If jumper cables are used for emergency starting follow this procedu...

Page 22: ...ift off of tractor To replace reverse above procedure FIG 24 FIG 25 SEAT PAN KEPS NUT HEX BOLT POSITIVE RED CABLE NEGATIVE BLACK CABLE TERMINAL COVER First connect RED battery cable to positive terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown Tighten securely Slide terminal cover over terminal Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative ter minal with remaining hex bolt and keps nut Tighten securely ENG...

Page 23: ...FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH 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 a...

Page 24: ...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 1 Weak or dead battery 1 Recharge or replace battery start 2 Corroded battery terminals 2 Clean battery terminals 3 Loose or damaged wiring 3 Check all wiring 4 Fault...

Page 25: ... Mower deck not level 4 Level mower deck 5 Low uneven tire air pressure 5 Check tires for proper air pressure 6 Worn bent or loose blade 6 Replace sharpen blade Tighten blade bolt 7 Buildup of grass leaves and trash under mower 7 Clean underside of mower housing 8 Mower drive belt worn 8 Replace mower drive belt 9 Blades improperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades us...

Page 26: ...d for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the date of original purchase 5 This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled adjusted operated and main tained in accordance with the instructions furnished This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to alteration misuse abuse improper assembly or installation delivery damage or to...

Page 27: ...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 y...

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