Bush Hog Grass Catcher User manual

OPERATION ll MAINTENANCE
208 $4.00 50038103
Mid Mount Zero Turn Mower
Grass Catcher
Operator’s Manual
BUSH HOG®

CONGRATULATIONS!
You have invested in the best implement of its type on the market today.
The care you give your Bush Hog implement will greatly determine your satisfaction
with its performance and its service life. We urge a careful study of this manual to provide
you with a thorough understanding of your new implement before operating, as well as
suggestions for operation and maintenance.
If your manual should become lost or destroyed, Bush Hog will be glad to provide you with
a new copy. Order from Bush Hog, P. O. Box 1039, Selma, Alabama 36702-1039.
As an authorized Bush Hog dealer, we stock genuine Bush Hog parts which are
manufactured with the same precision and skill as our original equipment. Our trained
service personnel are well informed on methods required to service Bush Hog equipment,
and are ready and able to help you.
Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact us.
YOUR AUTHORIZED
BUSH HOG DEALER
BECAUSE BUSH HOG MAINTAINS AN ONGOING
PROGRAM OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, WE
RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN
DESIGN OR CHANGES IN SPECIFICATIONS WITH-
OUT INCURRING ANY OBLIGATION TO INSTALL
THEM ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD.
BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME
PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS MANUAL WERE TAKEN OF
PROTOTYPE MODELS, PRODUCTION MODELS MAY
VARY IN SOME DETAIL. IN ADDITION, SOME
PHOTOGRAPHS MAY SHOW SHIELDS REMOVED
FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY. NEVER OPERATE
THIS IMPLEMENT WITHOUT ALL SHIELDS IN PLACE.

MID MOUNT ZERO TURN MOWER
GRASS CATCHER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Federal Laws and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Alert Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
I INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION . . . . . 5
1-1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1-2 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
II PREPARATION FOR USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2-1 Modification Of ZT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2-2 Preparing To Mount Grass Catcher . . . . . 6
2-3 Attaching Lift Handle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2-4 . Attaching The Grass Container To The ZT
Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2-5 Grass Container Inlet Attachment. . . . . . . 8
2-6 Adjustment mOf The Dump Mechanism. . 8
2-7 Mounting The Blower Assembly To The
Right Hand Mainframe Leg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2-8 Belt Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2-9 Attachment of The Deck Boot To The ZT
Mower Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE
2-10 Adjustment Of The Lengths Of The Hoses. 10
2-11 Attachment Of The Upper Hose. . . . . . . . 10
2-12 Attachemnt Of The Lower Hose. . . . . . . . 10
2-13 Attachment Of The Lower Hose To The
Boot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2-14 Front Weight Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-15 Tips On Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
III OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3-1 General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3-2 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3-3 Disengagement Of Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3-4 Unloading Grass Container . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
IV MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4-1 Maintenance Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4-2 Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4-3 Cam Assembly Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Torque Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
UNDER THE BUSH HOG WARRANTY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator’s Manual, to
operate, lubricate, maintain and store the product in accordance with all instructions and
safety procedures. Failure of the operator to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this
equipment.
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to inspect the product and to have
any part(s) repaired or replaced when continued operation would cause damage or exces-
sive wear to other parts or cause a safety hazard.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized Bush Hog
Dealer, from whom he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are
covered by warranty. Repairs to be submitted for warranty consideration must be made with-
in forty-five (45) days of failure.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or
hauling of the product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.

LIMITED WARRA TY
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Bush Hog warrants to the original purchaser of any new Bush Hog equipment, purchased from an
authorized Bush Hog dealer, that the equipment be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of one (1) year for non-commercial, state, and municipalities’ use and ninety (90) days for commercial use from
date of retail sale. The obligation of Bush Hog to the purchaser under this warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement of defective parts.
Replacement or repair parts installed in the equipment covered by this limited warranty are warranted
for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase of such part or to the expiration of the applicable new equip-
ment warranty period, whichever occurs later. Warranted parts shall be provided at no cost to the user at an
authorized Bush Hog dealer during regular working hours. Bush Hog reserves the right to inspect any equip-
ment or parts which are claimed to have been defective in material or workmanship.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES & CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Bush Hog’s obligation under this limited warranty, to the extent allowed by law, is in lieu of all war-
ranties, implied or expressed, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE and any liability for incidental and consequential damages with respect to
the sale or use of the items warranted. Such incidental and consequential damages shall include but not be
limited to: transportation charges other than normal freight charges; cost of installation other than cost
approved by Bush Hog; duty; taxes; charges for normal service or adjustment; loss of crops or any other loss of
income; rental of substitute equipment, expenses due to loss, damage, detention or delay in the delivery of
equipment or parts resulting from acts beyond the control of Bush Hog.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY:
1. To vendor items which carry their own warranties, such as engines, tires, and tubes.
2. If the unit has been subjected to misapplication, abuse, misuse, negligence, fire or other accident.
3. If parts not made or supplied by Bush Hog have been used in connection with the unit, if, in the sole judge-
ment of Bush Hog such use affects its performance, stability or reliability.
4. If the unit has been altered or repaired outside of an authorized Bush Hog dealership in a manner
which, in the sole judgement of Bush Hog, affects its performance, stability or reliability.
5. To normal maintenance service and normal replacement items such as gearbox lubricant, hydraulic fluid,
worn blades, or to normal deterioration of such things as belts and exterior finish due to use or
exposure.
6. To expendable or wear items such as teeth, chains, sprockets, belts, springs and any other items that in the
company’s sole judgement is a wear item.
O EMPLOYEE OR REPRESE TATIVE OF BUSH HOG IS AUTHORIZED TO CHA GE THIS LIM-
ITED WARRA TY I A Y WAY OR GRA T A Y OTHER WARRA TY U LESS SUCH CHA GE IS MADE
I WRITI G A D SIG ED BY BUSH HOG’S SERVICE MA AGER, POST OFFICE BOX 1039, SELMA,
ALABAMA 36702-1039.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Record the model number, serial number and date
purchased. This information will be helpful to your
dealer if parts or service are required.
MAKE CERTAI THE WARRA TY REGISTRATIO
CARD HAS BEE FILED WITH BUSH HOG/
SELMA, ALABAMA
MODEL UMBER
SERIAL UMBER
DATE OF RETAIL SALE
2

IMPORTANT FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS* CONCERNING
EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS.
*(This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of the following federal laws and
regulations. It is not intended as a legal interpretation of the laws and should not be considered as such).
U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA
This Act Seeks:
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working
conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer—
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment
which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under
this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards
and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are
applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OSHA Regulations
Current OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the
employer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which the
employee is, or will be involved.” These will include (but are not limited to) instructions to:
Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;
Permit no riders on equipment;
Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before
servicing, adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be
running to be properly serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees
as to all steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.
Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating
the machine.
Child Labor Under 16 Years Old
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your
responsibility to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of
Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)
EMPLOYEE TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a
ROPS.
2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near
ditches, embankments, and holes.
3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and
on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces.
4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at row
ends, on roads, and around trees.
6. Do not permit others to ride.
7. Operate the tractor smoothly - no jerky turns,
starts, or stops.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recom-
mended by tractor manufacturers.
9. When tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and
use park lock if available.
3

Safety Alert Symbol
This Safety Alert Symbol means: “ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!”
This symbol is used to call attention to safety
precautions that should be followed by the
operator to avoid accidents. When you see this
symbol, carefully read the message that follows
and heed its advice. Failure to comply with safe-
ty precautions could result in death or serious
bodily injury.
Safety Signs Signal Words
The signal words DANGER, WARNING, AND CAUTION are used on the equipment safety signs. These words
are intended to alert the viewer to the existence and the degree of hazard seriousness.
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
White letters on RED
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Black letters on ORANGE
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation exist
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Black letters on YELLOW
4

5
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION
1-1 Introduction
We are pleased to have you as a return Bush Hog
customer. Your MMGC-300 has been designed to
give you a low maintenance, simple, and effective
way to collect the grass clippings from your Bush
Hog Mid Mount ZT mower. This manual is provided
to give you the necessary instructions to properly
mount and operate the MMGC-300 on your ZT
mower. Please read this manual thoroughly.
Understand what each control is for and how to use
it. Observe all safety decal precautions on the
machine and noted throughout the manual.
Note: all references made to right, left, front, rear,
top or bottom are as viewed from the normal opera-
tor's position on the ZT mower.
1-2 Description
The MMGC-300 Grass Catcher, Figure1, is
designed for turf maintenance where there is a need
to collect the grass clippings as the ZT mower cuts
the turf. It is also good for picking up leaves and
twigs in pre-season and post-season clean-up.
The blower, mounted on the right side of the unit,
uses a belt and pulley system from the engine PTO
shaft. Drive train protection comes through belt slip-
page. The blower draws grass clippings from the
discharge area of the cutter deck up to the alu-
minum container mounted over the rear portion of
the ZT frame. The operator can engage the blower
with a push of the over-center linkage on the right
side of the unit. Once the container is full of clip-
pings, the operator can easily push and raise the lift
handle, releasing the container's rear door and the
container will pivot towards the ground.
Figure 1 MMGC-300 On Bush Hog Mid Mount ZT
SECTION II
PREPARATION FOR USE
2-1 ZT Modification Of Zero Turn
Carefully dismantle wooden shipping crate from
around the components. Cut retaining straps and
separate the parts. The grass container will have
various parts located inside. Remove and sort all
parts for easy identification.
NOTE: Before each step of assembly it will help to
study the exploded drawings on pages7, 8, and 10.
From the underside of the ZT engine remove the
bolt and bushing from the electric clutch assembly.
Replace these parts with the pulley and longer fas-
tener that will power the grass catcher blower. Note
that the center of the hub that is extended should be
upward toward the engine. (Figure 3) Torque the
bolt to 55 ft./lbs.
Figure 2 Complete Machine In Shipping Crate
Figure 3 Electric Clutch Assy. Grass Catcher Pulley

6
Align right main frame leg against the ZT frame joint
and perpendicular to the frame. Fasten with (4) 3/8 x
2 x 2-1/2” U-blots from the inside out. Flatwashers
should be used over the slotted holes at the bottom
leg of each U-bolt. (Figure 4)
Figure 4 Right Main Frame Leg U-Bolt
Assemble left main frame leg to opposite side of the
ZT frame as shown. (Figure 5)
Figure 5 Left Main Frame Leg
2-2 Preparing To Mount Grass Container
Remove the rue-ring cotter pins from the bottom
ends of the door opening linkages and disconnect
the linkages.
Remove hair pin clips, washers and pivot pins that
connect the mainframe to the grass container. The
parts may then be separated. Place the mainframe
onto the mainframe legs and fasten with (4) 3/8 x 1”
bolts and locknuts. (Figure 6)
Figure 6 Mainframe 3/8 x 1” Bolts
2-3 Attaching The Lift Handle To The
Aluminum Grass Container.
The various parts of the handle assembly must be
attached to the container frame. Figure 7 shows the
orientation and location of the components. Slide the
lift handle into the slot in the bracket on the grass
container. It may be necessary to remove the handle
grip to allow the handle to fit through the slot.
Before attaching the handle, hook one end of the
spring into the hole on the underside of the handle.
Hook the other end of the spring into the open hole
in the bracket. Fasten the handle to the frame using
3/8-16 x 2” hex bolt and two 3/8” serated flanged hex
nuts. The handle must be able to move freely in the
slot in the bracket. If not, check the spacing of the
parts on the pivot point bolt. At this point the handle
can pivot back and forth in the slot, but the spring
pulls the handle in towards the grass container. With
the handle in place, fasten the ball joint, (Figure 9) to
the end of the rod. Tighten to approximately half way
down the threads of the rod. slide the ball joint into
the hole on the latch hook. Tighten nut on end of ball
joint. Attach opposite end into the latch handle
(Figure 7). Place a washer on the rod and use a cot-
ter pin to hold in place. Adjust rod to allow hook to
close the box completely.
Refer to Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 for exploded parts
drawing and photogrtaphs of complete assembly.

Figure 7
Lift Handle Assy.
Figure 8
Grass Container With
Handle Attached
Figure 9 Latch Hook Mechanism Assembled
Figure 10 Grass Container Assembly
Mainframe Before
Attaching To Legs Right Frame Leg
Left Frame Leg
BaseFrameOf
GrassContainer
Aluminum Grass
Container
7
Inlet
Adjusting
Screw
Pivot
Plate
Latch
Hook
Pivot Plate
Latch Hook Adjustable Ball Joint
Spring

8
2-4 Attaching The Grass Container To
The ZT Mower
NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED FOR THREE PEO-
PLE TO ASSIST IN THE MOUNTING OF THE CON-
TAINER.
With three people available, two can lower the con-
tainer onto the frame while the third person inserts
the pivot pins through the holes. Insert the pins from
the outside to the inside. Secure with flat washers
and hair pin clips.
Reattach the bottom ends of the door opening links
to the main frame using the rue-ring cotter pins that
were previously removed.
To test the functioning of the dump mechanism, pull
the lift handle,(Figure 7), away from the unit, and lift
upward. The door of the container should open and
the box should pivot clockwise towards the ground.
2-5 Grass Container Inlet Attachment
The inlet, (Figure 10) will need to be attached to the
container. Open the container, push the inlet, from
the inside of the container through the hole in the
container to the outside. Orient the inlet opening to
face the ground. Use the tabs on the inside of the
box to hold the inlet in place. It is recommended that
two people perform this step. That way, one person
on the inside of the container can position tabs,
while the other person tightens the bolts. Looking at
the outside of the container, the most difficult tab to
tighten down will be the tab at the 4-5 o’clock posi-
tion. Tighten that tab first. Then proceed to tighten
the others.
2-6 Adjustment Of The Dump Mechanism
The linkage may be adjusted in two places, at the
adjusting screw and the latch assembly items. See
Figures 7 & 10 for visual clarification. To change the
amount of pivot of the container, screw the adjusting
screw in or out. To adjust the latch, change the length
of the latch rod by screwing the latch adjusting ball
joint in or out. The latch hook pivot should be in the
middle of the mounting slot in the latch hook pivot
plate. Slide the pivot back or forth and then retighten.
2-7 Mounting The Blower Assembly To
The Right Mainframe Leg
In Figure 11, the orientation and the pieces required
are shown in the exploded drawing. Position the
PTO assembly in place between the “lips” of the
right mainframe leg. Fasten with six 3/8 x 1” bolts
and locknuts, from the outside to the inside.
Figure 11
Blower Assembly
PTO Assembly
Right Mainframe Leg

9
2-8 Belt Installation
Place the small belt into place over the PTO pulley
only. It will hang in place. Install the larger of the two
belts around the engine pulley, under the two idlers,
and around the PTO pulley. Install the loose end of
the smaller belt around the pulley on the blower
impeller.
Adjust the idler adjustment bolt so that there is 1/2”
deflection, with 8-9 lbs. of pressure between the
engine pulley and the flat idler. (Figures 12 & 13)
Figure 12 PTO Assembly With Belts Installed
Idler Adjustment Bolt
2-9 Attachment Of The Deck Boot To The
ZT Mower Deck
There are three 3/8 x 1" cap screws and nuts holding
the discharge chute assembly to the mower deck.
For the deck boot, (Figure 14) to attach to the cutter
deck, the cap screws should be removed and the
discharge chute removed from the deck. The boot
rod will replace the cap screws and create a mount-
ing surface for the deck boot. Slide the boot rod
through the forward two holes on the cutter deck.
Slide the rod through until the cross-drilled holes are
both between the first deck tab and second deck tab.
Then push two hair pin clips into the cross drilled
holes. The pins are positioned to keep the rod from
sliding too far through the holes. See Figure 14.
Fasten the boot plate to the boot using 3/8 x 1” car-
riage bolts inserted from the inside of the boot. This
will prevent grass from building up on the bolts. Use
3/8” serated, flanged lock nuts on the bolts, but do
not tighten at this time. with the rod in place, slide
the boot plate tabs under the rod. Allow the boot to
rotate down and rest against the cutter deck open-
ing. Adjust the boot location to cover the deck open-
ing and tighten the lock nuts.
Figure 14 Boot Rod Boot Plate
BELT DIAGRAM AS VIEWED FROM ABOVE
PTO Pullies
Impeller Pulley
Smaller
Belt
Larger
Belt
“V” Idler
Engine Pulley
Apply 8-9 lbs of pres-
sure at this point to
measure deflection.
Flat Idler
Idler Adjustment Bolt Will Be Here
Figure 13
FRONT
OF
MOWER

2-11 Attachment Of The Upper Hose
Slide a 5"-6" upper hose clamp onto both ends of the
6" x 36" upper hose (Figure 15). Then slide one end
of the 6" x 36" upper hoseonto the Inlet. Make sure
there is about a two-inch overlap between the hose
end and the container inlet. Proceed to slide the
opposite end of the 6" x 36" upper hose onto the out-
let of the blower assembly. See Figure 15 for details.
Make sure the ends of the hose are clearly attached
to the Inlet and the blower assembly inlet. Tighten
the hose clamps.
Figure 15 Hose Assembly
Figure 16
10
2-10 Adjustment Of The Lengths Of The
Hoses
THE HOSES IN STEPS 2-11 AND 2-12 MUST BE
CUT TO FIT YOUR MACHINE. FOLLOW STEPS 2-
11 AND 2-12. DO NOT CUT THE HOSES UNTIL
YOU HAVE TRIED TO FIT THEM TO YOUR
MACHINE. REMEMBER THAT THE HOSES HAVE
TO BE LONG ENOUGH TO ADJUST FOR THE
BLOWER ASSEMBLY’S MOVEMENT AS WELL AS
ALLOW FOR ENOUGH CLAMPING SURFACE
BETWEEN THE INLET, BLOWER ASSEMBLY,
AND THE DECK BOOT.
2-12 Attachment Of The Lower Hose To
The Blower Assembly
Slide 7"-8" hose clamp (Figure 15) over both ends of
the lower hose. Then proceed to slide the lower hose
onto the blower cone. Tighten the hose clamp. The
assembly should look like Figure 16.
2-13 Attachment Of The Lower Hose To
The Boot
Take the unattached end of the lower hose and
slide it over the circular end of the boot. Use the
lower hose clamp to secure the hose to the boot.
The assembly should look like Figure 14.
Figure 17 Front Weight Installed
Front Step And Axle Stops Removed For Clearance
Upper Hose
Blower Lower Hose Boot
Grass Container Inlet
Hose Clamp Mower Deck

2-15 Tips On Mowing With The
MMGC-300 Grasscatcher
To obtain the maximum effectiveness from your MMGC-
300 Grasscatcher the tips listed below should be followed:
* Watch your speed- Normal conditions will allow a
speed of up to approximately 5 mph, but thick,
heavy damp conditions will require reduced ground
speed.
* Mow with sharp blades-A sharp blade cuts cleaner.
* Wet Grass and leaves will decrease effectiveness
and increase horsepower requirements.
* Mow at higher cutting heights - Remove and mulch
no more than 2" of grass length with each mowing.
(Experts recommend not cutting off more than 1/3 of
the grass blade length at any given time.
* Mow twice, at different height settings, (high, then
low), if grass is extra tall.
* Remember that horsepower requirements will vary
with the mowing conditions such as type and height
of turf grass, moisture content, amount of leaves,
whether the terrain is flat or hilly, etc.
SECTION III
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 General Safety
Only qualified people familiar with this operator's
manual and the ZT operator's manual should oper-
ate this machine.
3-2 Operation
A. Perform BEFORE EACH USE maintenance list in
paragraph 4-1.
B. Start ZT Lawnmower.
C. With ZT Lawnmower at high idle speed, engage
the cutter deck.
D. While seated in the operator's seat, rotate the
handle of the grass catcher away from the ZT.
Continue to rotate the handle until it stops in an over
center position. With the blower engaged, you can
proceed to operate the control levers of the ZT.
NOTE: If the grass catcher does not appear to be
collecting the grass clippings. Disengage the deck,
proceed to Section 3-3, and review the Section 4-3,
in this manual.
11
3-3 Disengagement Of Blower
A. To disengage the blower, rotate the handle, on
the control panel side of the unit, towards the ZT.
NOTE: the blower will continue to spin. DO NOT
TOUCH blower, pulleys, or the belt until
the tractor is turned off. DO NOT adjust the
belt tension until the tractor is turned off. Refer
to Section 4-3 of the manual.
3-4 Unloading Grass Catcher Container
NOTE: the grass catcher container is full or nearly
full once the tab on the parking brake side of the
tractor is flush with the side of the grass catcher con-
tainer. See Figure 18.
Figure 18 Grass Catcher Full Indicator Tab
A. Stop the forward movement of the ZT tractor.
B. Disengage the cutter deck
C. Disengage the blower
D. Push the grass catcher handle, on the parking
brake side of the tractor, away from the unit. While
holding the handle pushed away, move the handle
upward. The container door will swing upward and
the container will rotate downward. The container will
release its contents.
E. Once the contents of the container have fallen
out, the container is ready to move back into its nor-
mal operating position. With the handle on the park-
ing brake side of the unit pushed away from the unit,
pull the handle downward until it stops. Move the
handle towards the center of the tractor. This motion
will allow the latch to lock back into collection posi-
tion.
NOTE: If you do not hold the handle away from the
tractor as you pull the handle downward, the latch
will not lock and the container can unexpectedly
release the contents collected.
2-14 Front Weight Assembly
Remove front step and axle stops from ZT to allow
working room. Place U-bolts from front to rear
around front of frame (not the axle). Place the weight
in place against the frame rail and over U-bolts. The
largest part of the weight goes toward the rear.
Fasten with lock nuts. Replace the axle stops and
front ZT step. (Figure 17)

12
SECTION IV
Maintenance
4-1 Maintenance Check List
Before Each Use
1. Check blades and spindles to be sure that no for-
eign objects, such as wire or steel strapping bands,
are wrapped around them.
2. Inspect blades for wear. Replace if necessary.
Use only genuine Bush Hog replacement parts. If it
is necessary to sharpen the blades, remove the
blades from the spindles before sharpening. DO
NOT sharpen blades while still attached to the
mower.
3. Make sure all shields are in place and in good
condition. Repair or replace any missing or dam-
aged shields.
4. Perform lubrication per paragraph 4-2.
5. Listen for abnormal sounds, which might indicate
loose parts, damaged bearings, or other damage.
Correct any deficiency before continuing operation.
6. With the engine off, engage the blower assembly.
Check the belt tension and inspect the pulley belt for
cracks or tears.
7. Check for wear or deterioration of the upper or
lower hoses. If there are any portions of the hose
have been torn or worn through, replace with gen-
uine Bush Hog replacement parts
After Each Use:
1. Clean all debris from machine especially from the
container, underneath the belt shields and off safety
decals. Replace any missing or illegible decals.
2. Inspect unit for worn or damaged components.
Repair or replace before next use. Any replacement
components installed during repair shall include the
components current safety decal specified by the
manufacturers to be affixed to the component.
3. Check belt for proper tension
4-2 Lubrication
NOTE: Use only white lithium base grease for lubri-
cation of the shaft on the blower assembly and the
idler pulley block.
1. On initial use:
Grease the fittings on the blower and idler assembly.
The Grease Fittings can be seen in Figure 19.
2. Every 25 Hours of use:
Regrease the Grease Fittings.
4-3 Cam Assembly Adjustment
The cam assembly, which controls the blower belt
tension, comes from the factory pre-adjusted. If the
belt is too tight or becomes too loose, remove the
hair pin clip from the belt tension rod and pull the “L”
end of the rod out of it’s hole in the cam assembly.
The tension rod may then be screwed out to tighten
the belt or screwed in to loosen the belt. Replace the
“L” end into the top hole in the cam and replace the
hair pin clip. Adjust the cam stop bolt to allow the
cam to rotate slightly over center when the blower is
disengaged. (Figure 20)
Figure 20 Cam Adjustment
Figure 19 Lubrication Points
Blower
Grease Fitting
Idler
Grease Fitting
Belt Tension Rod
Cam Stop Bolt

SAFETY DECALS
To promote safe operation, Bush Hog supplies safety decals on all products manufactured. Because damage
can occur to safety decals either through shipment, use or reconditioning, Bush Hog will, upon request, provide
safety decals for any of our products in the field at no charge. Contact your authorized Bush Hog dealer for
more information.
13
50031301
50031304
50031303
50031302

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper toque for American fasteners used on Bush Hog equipment.
Recommended Torque in Foot Pounds (Newton Meters).*
BOLT DIAMETER
WRENCH (IN.) “B” AND SAE SAE SAE
SIZE (IN.) “A” THREAD SIZE GRADE 2 GRADE 5 GRADE 8
7/16 1/4 - 2O UNC 6 (7) 8 (11) 12 (16)
7/16 1/4 - 28 UNF 6 (8) 10 (13) 14 (18)
1/2 5/16 - 18 UNC 11 (15) 17 (23) 25 (33)
1/2 5/16 - 24 UNF 13 (17) 19 (26) 27 (37)
9/16 3/8 - 16 UNC 20 (27) 31 (42) 44 (60)
9/16 3/8 - 24 UNF 23 (31) 35 (47) 49 (66)
5/8 7/16 - 14 UNC 32 (43) 49 (66) 70 (95)
5/8 7/16 - 20 UNF 36 (49) 55 (75) 78 (106)
3/4 1/2 - 13 UNC 49 (66) 76 (103) 106 (144)
3/4 1/2 - 20 UNF 55 (75) 85 (115) 120 (163)
7/8 9/16 - 12 UNC 70 (95) 109 (148) 153 (207)
7/8 9/16 - 18 UNF 79 (107) 122 (165) 172 (233)
15/16 5/8 - 11 UNC 97 (131) 150 (203) 212 (287)
15/16 5/8 - 18 UNF 110 (149) 170 (230) 240 (325)
1-1/8 3/4 - 10 UNC 144 (195) 266 (360) 376 (509)
1-1/8 3/4 - 16 UNF 192 (260) 297 (402) 420 (569)
1-5/16 7/8 - 9 UNC 166 (225) 430 (583) 606 (821)
1-5/16 7/8 - 14 UNF 184 (249) 474 (642) 668 (905)
1-1/2 1 - 8 UNC 250 (339) 644 (873) 909 (1232)
1-1/2 1 - 12 UNF 274 (371) 705 (955) 995 (1348)
1-1/2 1 - 14 UNF 280 (379) 721 (977) 1019 (1381)
1-11/16 1-1/8 - 7 UNC 354 (480) 795 (1077) 1288(1745)
1-11/16 1-1/8 - 12 UNF 397 (538) 890 (1206) 1444 (1957)
1-7/8 1-1/4 - 7 UNC 500 (678) 1120 (1518) 1817 (2462)
1-7/8 1-1/4 - 12 UNF 553 (749) 1241 (1682) 2013 (2728)
2-1/16 1-3/8 - 6 UNC 655 (887) 1470 (1992) 2382 (3228)
2-1/16 1-3/8 - 12 UNF 746 (1011) 1672 (2266) 2712 (3675)
2-1/4 1-1/2 - 6 UNC 870 (1179) 1950 (2642) 3161 (4283)
2-1/4 1-1/2 - 12 UNF 979 (1327) 2194 (2973) 3557 (4820)
Proper torque for metric fasteners used on Bush Hog equipment.
Recommended torque in foot pounds (newton Meters).*
WRENCH BOLT
SIZE DIA. ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM
(mm) “A” (mm) “B” 4.6 8.8 9.8 10.9
8 5 1.8 (2.4) 5.1 (6.9) 6.5 (8.8)
10 6 3 (4) 8.7 (12) 11.1 (15)
13 8 7.3 (10) 21.1 (29) 27 (37)
16 10 14.5 (20) 42 (57) 53 (72)
18 12 25 (34) 74 (100) 73 (99) 93 (126)
21 14 40 (54) 118 (160) 116 (157) 148 (201)
24 16 62 (84) 167 (226) 181 (245) 230 (312)
30 20 122 (165) 325 (440) 449 (608)
33 22 443 (600) 611 (828)
36 24 211 (286) 563 (763) 778 (1054)
41 27 821 (1112) 1138 (1542)
46 30 418 (566) 1119 (1516) 1547 (2096)
*Use 75% of the specified torque value for plated
fasteners. Use 85% of the specified torque
values for lubricated fasteners.
Numbers appearing on bolt heads
indicate ASTM class.
METRIC
AMERICAN
Bolt Head Markings
Wrench
Size “A”
Bolt
Diameter “B”
SAE Grade 8
(6 Dashes)
SAE Grade 2
(No Dashes)
SAE Grade 5
(3 Dashes)
Wrench
Size “A” 8.8
Bolt
Diameter “B”
14

P.O. B x 1039 llSelma, AL 36702-1039
Teleph ne [phone] ll www.bushh g.c m