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MODEL NO. WE12538J
12.5 HP 38 Inch
Lawn Tractor

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297

For Technical Assistance:  call 1-800-829-5886

                        178106    Rev. 1   07.09.01   RH

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

®

Summary of Contents for 178106

Page 1: ...L NO WE12538J 12 5 HP 38 Inch LawnTractor For Parts and Service contact our authorized distributor call 1 800 849 1297 For Technical Assistance call 1 800 829 5886 178106 Rev 1 07 09 01 RH PRINTED IN U S A ...

Page 2: ...den changes in speed or direction SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE ON MOWERS IMPORTANT THIS CUTTING 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 SAFETYRULES Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope Iftireslosetraction disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope DO NOT Do...

Page 3: ...phill disengage blades shift into reverse and back down slowly Do not turn on slopes unless necessary and then turn slowly and gradually downhill if possible Look for this symbol to point out im portant safety precautions It means CAUTION BECOMEALERT YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED CAUTION Inordertopreventacciden talstartingwhensettingup transport ing adjusting or making repairs al ways disconnect spark p...

Page 4: ...u to assemble and maintain your tractor properly Always observe the SAFETY RULES CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and observe the safety rules Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining caringforand using your tractor Follow the instructions under Customer Responsibili ties and Storage sections of this owner s manual WARNING This tractor is equipped with an internal com bustion engine and should not be use...

Page 5: ...asher 1 Locknut 5 16 18 1 Hex Bolt 5 16 18 x 1 1 4 1 Hex Bolt 3 8 16 x 1 1 Lockwasher 3 8 Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter 1 Bolt 1 Washer 17 32 x 1 3 16 x 12 Gauge Seat 2 Keys Slope Sheet Keys 1 Lock Washer 1 2 1 Oil Drain Tube For Future Use ...

Page 6: ...HEEL See Fig 1 ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft Align mount ing holes in extension and lower shafts and install 5 16 hex bolt and locknut Tighten securely IMPORTANT TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 18 22 FT LBS TORQUE Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure INSTALL STEERING WHEEL Position front wheels of the tracto...

Page 7: ...NOTE You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid INSTALL SEAT See Fig 3 Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt Remove adjustment bolt lock washer and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing Remove th...

Page 8: ... DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results mower housing should be properly leveled See TOLEVELMOWERHOUSING intheService and Adjustments section of this manual CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual Verify that the belts are routed correctly CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM Afteryo...

Page 9: ...ARD FAST SLOW ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED MOWER LIFT DANGER KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FREE WHEEL Automatic Models only OVER TEMP LIGHT PARKING BRAKE IGNITION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED P KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS 15 15 15 SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION ...

Page 10: ...nd off THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL Used for starting and controllingenginespeed CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL Used for declutching and brak ing the tractor and starting the engine PARKINGBRAKE Locksclutch brakepedalintothebrake position GEARSHIFT LEVER Selects the speed and direction of tractor ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER Used to raise lower and adjustthemowerdeckorotherattachmentsmountedtoyour tractor LIFT LEVER PLUNG...

Page 11: ...s approximately 1 1 2 to 4 The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with theenginenotrunning Theseheightsareapproximateand may vary depending upon soil conditions height of grass and types of grass being mowed Theaveragelawnshouldbecuttoapproximately2 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...

Page 12: ...for a few seconds 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 starting See OIL VISCOSITY CHART in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual Tochangeengineoil seetheCustomerResponsibilities section in this manual TO TRANSPORT Raiseattachmentlifttohighestpositionwithattach...

Page 13: ... of fuel it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine Sit on seat in operating position depress clutch brake pedal and set parking brake Place gear shift lever in neutral N position Move attachment clutch to DISENGAGED position Move throttle control to choke position NOTE Before starting read the warm and cold starting proceduresbelow Insert key into ignition and turn ...

Page 14: ...y 7 Tighten front axle pivot bolt to 35 ft lbs maximum Do not overtighten 1 12 3 2 5 5 6 7 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 adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tractor ...

Page 15: ...l with the ground If blade is balanced it should remain in a horizontal position If either end of the blade moves downward sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte nance BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six 6 feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear then brake must be adjusted See TOADJUSTBRAKE intheSe...

Page 16: ...your tractor is maintenancefree Donotattempttoopenorremovecapsor covers Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosionanddirtonthebatteryandterminalscancausethe battery to leak power Open battery box door DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirst thenRED battery cable and remove battery from tractor Rinse the battery with plain water and dry Clean terminal...

Page 17: ...inggentlyonflatsurface Ifvery dirty or damaged replace cartridge Reinstall cartridge nut precleaner cover and secure with knob s IMPORTANT PETROLEUM SOLVENTS SUCH AS KEROSENE ARE NOT TO BE USED TO CLEAN THE CARTRIDGE THEY MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION OF THE CARTRIDGE DO NOT OIL CARTRIDGE DO NOT USE PRESSURIZED AIR TO CLEAN OR DRY CARTRIDGE CARTRIDGE NUT COVER KNOB FOAM PRE CLEANER PAPER CARTRIDGE COVER...

Page 18: ...to carburetor replacementisrequired With engine cool remove filter and plug fuel line sec tions Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointingtowardscarburetor Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properlypositioned Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline CLAMP FUEL FILTER CLAMP FIG 14 CLEANING Clean engine battery seat finish etc of all foreign matter Keep fini...

Page 19: ...ide collar off and push housing guide out of bracket Disconnect anti swaybar from chassis bracket by re movingretainerspring Disconnect suspension arms from rear deck brackets by removing retainer springs Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms Slide mower out from under tractor IMPORTANT IF AN ATTACHMENT OTHER THAN THE MOWER DECK IS ...

Page 20: ... adjustment nut on that side NOTE Threefullturnsofadjustmentnutwillchangemower height about 1 8 Recheck measurements after adjusting NUT E D D MANDREL FIG 18 NUT F FRONT LINKS FIG 19 FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT See Figs 18 and 19 IMPORTANT DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE TO SIDE IF THE FOLLOWING FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE TO ...

Page 21: ...bove procedure TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS See Fig 23 Block up axle securely Remove axle cover retaining ring and washers to allow wheelremoval rearwheelcontainsasquarekey Donot lose Repair tire and reassemble Onrearwheelsonly aligngroovesinrearwheelhuband axle Insert square key Replacewashersandsnapretainingringsecurelyinaxle groove Replace axle cover TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steerin...

Page 22: ...not short battery termi nals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time Before connecting battery remove metal bracelets wristwatch bands rings etc Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirstthenREDbattery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor Installnewbatterywithterminalsinsamepositionasold battery...

Page 23: ...GINE GOVERNOR WHICH IS FACTORY SET FOR PROPER ENGINE SPEED OVERSPEEDING THE ENGINE ABOVE THE FACTORY HIGH SPEED SETTING CAN BE DANGEROUS IF YOU THINK THE ENGINE GOVERNED HIGH SPEED NEEDS ADJUSTING CONTACT YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER DEPARTMENT WHICH HAS PROPER EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS CLAMP SCREW ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE See Fig 28 The th...

Page 24: ...NG IN ESSENTIAL 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 ETHANOL OR METHANOL CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Drain the fuel tank Start the engine and let it run ...

Page 25: ...lty 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 Faulty s...

Page 26: ...UR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE BECAUSE OF THIS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED AT IDLE THE LIGHTS WILL DIM AS THE ENGINE IS SPEEDED UP THE LIGHTS WILL BECOME THEIR BRIGHTEST WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT THEY...

Page 27: ...28 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 30 8 2 1 27 48 16 16 22 21 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538J ELECTRICAL 52 ...

Page 28: ...175158 Fuse 20 AMP 27 73510400 Nut Keps Hex 1 4 20 Unc 28 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga 12 black 29 121305X Switch Plunger Nc Gray 30 175566 Switch Ign 33 140401 Key Ign 40 170217 HarnessIgn 41 71110408 Bolt Blk Fin Hex 1 4 20 42 131563 CoverTerminalRed 43 175141 Solenoid 48 140844 AdapterAmmeter 52 141940 ProtectionWireLoop KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION NOTE All component dimensions given in U S inches 1 ...

Page 29: ...ARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538J CHASSIS 3 2 35 3 26 35 3 26 33 10 34 1 208 11 17 29 28 208 13 12 51 57 53 52 54 55 24 26 25 26 25 3 31 24 30 209 8 209 6 16 9 15 209 209 5 5 58 145 37 37 18 206 205 205 38 38 212 ...

Page 30: ... 12 Ga 26 73800600 Nut Lock Hex w Ins 3 8 16 Unc 28 157373 Grille P L Ms 428 29 140273X599 Lens Grille Private Label 30 169465X550 Fender 31 136619 Bracket Fender Repl 109873x 33 105476X550 Footrest Pnt LH Perf 34 105475X550 Footrest Pnt RH Perf 35 72110606 Bolt Rdhd Sht Sqnk 3 8 16 X3 4 37 17490508 Screw Thdrol 5 16 18 x 1 2 TYT 38 169834 Bracket Asm Pivot Mower Rear 51 73800400 Nut Lock W Insert...

Page 31: ...28 112 14 41 42 40 38 42 39 57 51 74 75 78 76 77 25 19 24 2 53 35 34 37 36 35 62 36 64 65 59 56 212 55 63 116 70 77 61 22 27 26 6 113 18 51 5 18 6 52 30 32 32 30 52 11 21 4 3 13 10 8 12 12 7 61 61 1 145 96 26 79 52 66 27 51 48 151 202 49 47 50 120 150 6 170 ...

Page 32: ... Fin Hex 3 8 16 x 3 40 175461 Spacer Split 395 X 59 Bzp 41 175556 Keeper Belt Idler 42 19131312 Washer 13 32 X 13 16 X 12 Ga 47 127783 Pulley Idler V Groove Plastic 48 154407 Bellcrank Clutch Grnd Drv STL 49 123205X Retainer Belt Style Spring 50 74760624 Bolt Hex Hd 3 8 16unc X 1 1 2 51 73680600 Nut Crownlock 3 8 16 Unc 52 73680500 Nut Crownlock 5 16 18 unc 53 105710X Link Clutch 7 66 55 105709X S...

Page 33: ... 5 7 7 9 4 3 32 43 6 43 8 10 40 11 8 6 9 46 46 8 6 9 2 47 47 26 30 28 1 41 42 37 36 37 38 63 11 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 29 17 29 43 91 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538J STEERING ...

Page 34: ... Dash 37 152927 Screw 38 140045X428 Cap Wheel Steer Ayp 39 19133812 Washer 13 32 x 2 3 8 x 12 Ga 40 7810H Nut Lock Center 3 8 24un 41 100711L Adaptor Wheel Strg 42 145054X428 Boot Dash Mtl Steering Blk 43 121749X Washer 25 32 X 1 1 4 X 16 Ga 44 153720 ExtensionSteering 46 121232X Cap Spindle Fr Top Blk 47 6855M FittingGrease 51 73800500 Nut Lock Hex W Ins 5 16 18 54 74780520 Bolt Fin Hex 3 8 16unc...

Page 35: ...36 2 1 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 29 44 46 32 31 33 37 33 62 13 4 72 78 81 3 16 78 23 45 14 38 40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538J ENGINE ...

Page 36: ... Flat Scrn 31 109202X Tank Fuel Front 32 140527 Cap Asm Fuel 33 123487X ClampHose 37 137040 Line Fuel 20 38 148315 Plug Drain Oil Easy 40 124028X Bushing Snap Nyl Blk Fuel Line 44 17670412 Screw Thdrol 1 4 20 x 3 4 45 17000612 Screw Hex Wsh Thdrol 3 8 16 46 19091416 Washer 9 32 X 7 8 X 16 Ga 62 10040500 Washer Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr 72 71070512 Screw Hexcap 5 16 18 x 3 4 78 17060620 Screw 3 8 16 x 1 1 ...

Page 37: ...Blk 12 121246X Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch 13 121248X Bushing Snap Blk Nyl KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 14 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1 4 20 X 1 1 2 15 134300 Spacer Split 28 X 96 16 121250X SpringCprsn 17 123976X Nut Lock 1 4 Lge Flg 21 171852 Bolt Shoulder 5 16 18 Unc 2A 22 73800500 Nut Lock Hex w Ins 5 16 18 23 71110814 Bolt Hex 24 19171912 Washer 17 32 X 1 3 16 X 12 Ga 25 127018X Bolt Shoulder 5 ...

Page 38: ... Manual Operator sEnglish 178107 Manual Operator sFrench Available accessories not included with mower C38 GrassCatcher MK38 Mulch Kit w Blades LSB42 42 Snow Blower LC05 WheelWeights LBD48 48 Snow Blade CH11 TireChains KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 10 1 59192 Cap Tire valve 2 65139 Stem Valve 3 106222X Tire Front 4 59904 Tube Front Service item only 5 106732X427 Rim assembly 6 front 6 278H Fitting Gr...

Page 39: ...40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538J MOWER LIFT 15 20 16 1718 20 20 15 20 4 5 6 2 3 1 6 5 4 7 8 12 11 31 32 31 32 19 19 13 13 13 13 ...

Page 40: ...Bicycle Matte Blk 8 124526X Button Plunger Black 11 139865 Link Lift LH Fixed Length 12 139866 Link Lift RH Fixed Length 13 4939M RetainerSpring 15 173288 Link Front 16 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1 2 13 Unc 17 130171 Trunnion Blk Zinc 18 73800800 Nut Lockw Wsh 1 2 13 Unc 19 139868 Arm Suspension Rear 20 163552 Retainer Spring 31 169865 Bearing Pvt Lift 32 73540600 NutCrownlock3 8 24 KEY PART NO NO DESCR...

Page 41: ...J MOWER DECK 19 86 3 8 4 2 2 15 14 13 11 10 9 8 1 21 2 29 27 23 26 28 25 24 21 87 88 21 146 31 40 150 45 32 33 69 55 56 36 36 89 123 113 53 30 109 89 122 40 89 108 107 68 4 3 5 6 2 21 149 16 21 2 110 54 148 152 151 153 154 157 158 67 153 156 155 ...

Page 42: ...00 Nut Crownlock 3 8 16 Unc 45 4497H Retainer 53 130840 Brake Assembly 54 133943 Washer Hardened 55 133840 Idler Arm Assembly 56 165723 Spacer Retainer 67 106932X Knob 68 144200 V Belt 42 Mower 69 76020312 Pin Cotter 3 32 x 3 4 86 7631J Runner LH 87 128772 Runner RH 88 19111216 Washer 11 32 x 3 4 x 16 Ga 89 19131612 Washer 13 32 x 1 x 12 Ga 107 133502 SpacerRetainer 108 133503 Stiffener Idler Arm ...

Page 43: ...44 SERVICE NOTES ...

Page 44: ...s 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 normal wear of the product 6 Exclusi...

Page 45: ... the Power Train Component and parts The cost of normal maintenance and replacement of service items which are not defective shall be paid for by the original purchaser C Securing Warranty Service Warranty service can be arranged for by contacting either a Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet any Tecumseh Registered Service Dealer Tecumseh Authorized Service Distributor or Tecumseh Central Warehouse...

Page 46: ...SIGHTING GUIDE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL NOT ACROSS HILL SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes not greater than 15 never across the face Make turns gradu ally to prevent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes ...

Page 47: ... ...

Page 48: ... 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...

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