Weed Eater WE12538M, Owner'S Manual

Page 1: ...ODEL NO WE12538M 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 184071 1 21 03 JH PRINTED IN U S A ...

Page 2: ... changes in speed or direction Avoid starting or stopping on a slope If tires lose trac tion disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope 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 SAFETY RULES D...

Page 3: ...machine operation Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderthewatchful 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 Watch for holes ruts or bumps Uneven terrain could over turn the machine Tall grass can hi...

Page 4: ...le you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly Always observe the SAFETY RULES CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and observe the safety rules Follow a regular schedule in maintaining caring for and using your tractor Follow the instructions under Maintenance and Storage sections of this owner s manual WARNING This tractor is equipped with an internal com bustion engine and should not be used o...

Page 5: ...eering Boot 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 Steering Extension Shaft 1 Large Flat Washer 1 Oil Drain Tube For Future Use 1 Hex Bolt 1 4 28 x 1 1 4 1 Locknut 1 4 28 1 Locknut 1 2 20 ...

Page 6: ...OM 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 BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 10 12 FT LBS TORQUE Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure INSTALL STEERING WHEEL Position front wheel...

Page 7: ... Get off seat without moving its adjusted position Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely SEAT PAN SHOULDER BOLT FLAT WASHER SEAT TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID See Op eration section for location and function of controls WARNING Before starting read understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual Be sure tractor is in a well ventilated area Be sure the area in f...

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: ...could 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 avoi...

Page 10: ... off THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL Used for starting and controlling engine speed 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 adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor LIFT LE...

Page 11: ...is approximately 1 1 2 to 4 The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip withtheenginenotrunning Theseheightsareapproximate 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 ...

Page 12: ...nd cause you to lose control of your tractor BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped from the factory already filled with summer weight oil Check engine oil with tractor on level ground Remove oil fill cap dipstick and wipe clean reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight wait for a few seconds remove and read oil level If necessary add oil unti...

Page 13: ...restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above COLD WEATHER STARTING 50 F and below When engine starts allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly then move throttle control to fast posi tion This may require an engine warm up period from several seconds to several minutes depending on the temperatu...

Page 14: ... Engine Oil without oil filter 1 2 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 All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section o...

Page 15: ...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 main tenance 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 intheServ...

Page 16: ...il Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION YELLOW CAP DRAIN TUBE OIL DRAIN VALVE FIG 11 Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise To open pull out on the drain valve After oil has drained completely close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked po...

Page 17: ...ll not run properly using a dirty air filter Replace pre cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season whichever occurs first Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions Pull up on air filter cover handle and rotate towards engine Remove cover Carefully remove air filter cartridge and pre cleaner from base C...

Page 18: ...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 CLAMP FUEL FILTER CLAMP FIG 14 CLEANING Clean engine battery seat finish etc of all foreign matter Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline oil etc Pro...

Page 19: ...slide collar off and push housing guide out of bracket Disconnect anti swaybar from chassis bracket by re moving retainer spring 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...

Page 20: ...wer one side of mower loosen lift link 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 FOLLOWINGFRONT TO BACKADJUSTMENTISNECESSARY BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY...

Page 21: ... of tractor and roll around the top groove of engine pulley Install belt through stationary idler and clutching idler Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers Install mower See TO INSTALL MOWER in this sec tion of manual TRANSAXLE PULLEY STATIONARY IDLER CLUTCHING IDLER ENGINE PULLEY CENTER SPAN KEEPER JAM NUT WITH PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED OPERATING ARM NUT A 1 1...

Page 22: ...NG Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time Before connect ing battery remove metal bracelets wristwatch bands rings etc Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acci dental grounding Lift seat pan to raised position DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirstthenREDbattery cable and carefully remove battery f...

Page 23: ...PER EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS CLAMP SCREW ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE See Fig 28 The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable If adjustment is necessary proceed as follows With engine not running move throttle control lever from slow to choke positio...

Page 24: ...AL 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 Drain the fuel tank Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and ...

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: ... 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 27: ... RPM NOTE YOUR 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 ...

Page 28: ...28 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 90 30 8 2 1 27 48 16 16 22 21 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538M PRODUCT NO 954 56 29 06 ELECTRICAL 52 ...

Page 29: ...0 Unc 28 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga 12 black 29 121305X Switch Plunger Nc Gray 30 175566 Switch Ign 33 140401 Key Ign 40 179720 Harness Ign 41 71110408 Bolt Blk Fin Hex 1 4 20 42 131563 Cover Terminal Red 43 178861 Solenoid 48 140844 Adapter Ammeter 52 141940 Protection Wire Loop 90 180449 Cover Terminal Battery KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION NOTE All component dimensions given in U S inches 1 inch 25 4 ...

Page 30: ... MODEL NUMBER WE12538M PRODUCT NO 954 56 29 06 CHASSIS 3 2 35 3 26 3 35 26 33 10 34 1 208 11 17 29 28 208 13 12 51 57 53 52 54 55 24 26 25 26 25 31 24 30 209 8 209 6 16 9 15 209 209 209 5 5 145 37 37 18 205 205 38 38 206 212 ...

Page 31: ... 25 19131312 Washer 13 32 X 13 16 X 12 Ga 26 73800600 Nut Lock Hex w Ins 3 8 16 Unc 28 179101 Grille Lens Asm 29 140273X599 Lens Grille Private Label 30 169465X550 Fender 31 136619 Bracket Fender Repl 109873x 33 179716X550 Footrest Pnt LH 34 179717X550 Footrest Pnt RH 35 72110606 Bolt Rdhd Sht Sqnk 3 8 16 X3 4 37 17490508 Screw Thdrol 5 16 18 x 1 2 TYT 38 175710 Bracket Asm Pivot Mower Rear 51 738...

Page 32: ...9 06 DRIVE 29 28 112 14 41 38 39 57 51 74 75 78 76 77 25 26 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 7 250 250 1 145 96 26 79 52 66 27 51 48 151 202 49 47 50 120 150 6 170 ...

Page 33: ...ley Composite Flat 39 74760648 Bolt Fin Hex 3 8 16 x 3 41 175556 Keeper Belt Idler 47 127783 Pulley Idler V Groove Plastic 48 154407 Bellcrank Clutch Grnd Drv STL 49 123205X Retainer Belt Style Spring 50 72110612 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 Spring Return Clutch 6 75 56 17060620 Screw...

Page 34: ...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 12 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 17 29 43 91 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538M PRODUCT NO 954 56 29 06 STEERING ...

Page 35: ...ch 36 155099 Bushing Strg 5 8 Id Dash 37 152927 Screw 38 140045X428 Cap Wheel Steer Ayp 39 19183812 Washer 9 16 ID X 2 3 8 OD 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 180640 Extension Steering 46 121232X Cap Spindle Fr Top Blk 47 183226 Fitting Grease 51 73540400 Nut Crownlock 1 4 28 54...

Page 36: ...36 2 1 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 29 44 46 32 31 33 37 33 13 4 72 78 81 3 16 78 23 45 14 38 40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538M PRODUCT NO 954 56 29 06 ENGINE ...

Page 37: ... Arrestor Flat Scrn 31 184900 Tank Fuel Front 32 140527 Cap Asm Fuel 33 123487X Clamp Hose 37 137040 Line Fuel 20 38 181654 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 72 183906 Screw Socket Head 5 16 18 x 1 78 17060620 Screw 3 8 16 x 1 1 4 81 73510400 Nut Keps Hex ...

Page 38: ...Pan Pnt Seat 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 Spring Cprsn 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 Bo...

Page 39: ...cal Oper Sdl P L Gear Dr Eng 17 136832 Decal V Belt Sch 138311 Decal Handle Lft Height Adj 184071 Manual Owner s English 184072 Manual Owner s French 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 106732X624 Rim assembly 6 front 6 278H Fitting Grease Front wheel only 7 9040H Bearing Flange Front wheel only 8 10610...

Page 40: ...40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER WE12538M PRODUCT NO 954 56 29 06 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 41: ...413X Grip Handle Bicycle Matte Blk 8 124526X Button Plunger Black 11 139865 Link Lift LH Fixed Length 12 139866 Link Lift RH Fixed Length 13 4939M Retainer Spring 15 173288 Link Front 16 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1 2 13 Unc 17 175689 Trunnion 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 Nut Crownlock 3 8 24 KEY PART ...

Page 42: ...4 56 29 06 MOWER DECK 19 86 3 8 4 2 2 15 14 13 11 10 9 8 1 21 2 96 97 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 43: ... Toplock 36 131494 Pulley Idler Flat 40 73680600 Nut Crownlock 3 8 16 Unc 45 4497H Retainer 53 130840 Brake Assembly 54 178515 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 96 74930620...

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

Page 45: ...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 46: ... 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 47: ...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 you want to me...

Page 48: ... ...