Dixon 8000D Series User manual

8000D SERIES
2003
OPERATORS MANUAL

IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
The Dixon®ZTR®Mower is both easy and fun to operate.
However, any power mower must be operated properly to be
safe. It is not a toy or a recreational vehicle. Before you
start to use the mower, read the operators manual carefully
and become completely familiar with the controls.
The information contained in this manual applies to all
Dixon®ZTR®8000 Series (Diesel Version) Commercial
Mowers. Your Dixon dealer will gladly answer any questions.
See your dealer for warranty service, parts and repairs.

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INDEX
Page
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Warranty Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-18
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-26
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-39
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
8000 Series (Diesel)
Part No. 13638-xxxx

4
RIDING LAWN MOWERS,
IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED,
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander...
...read and understand this manual to prevent injuries.
BLADE CONTACT
TIP OVER
RUN OVER
BACK OVER
SAFETY

5
Safety Alert Symbol
When you see this symbol,
BE ALERT to the potential for injury.
DANGER
(highlighted in red)
indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
(highlighted in orange)
indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION
(highlighted in yellow)
indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
Follow recommended safety precautions
and safe operating practices.
SAFETY

6
Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION:
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the mower before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the mower.
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 mowing.
Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
NEVER carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the deflector in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running mower unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
SAFETY

7
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossingroadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the mower into a
trailer or truck. Do not ride the mower when loading and
unloading.
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
Follow the manufacturers recommendation for wheel
weights and counterweights.
•Maintain or replace safety & instruction labels as needed.
WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
SAFETY

8
SLOPE OPERATION:
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents,
which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution.
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it!
DO
Mow across the slope with your Dixon ZTR - never up or down.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
mower. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the
brakes are functioning properly.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can
change the stability of the mower.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly down the slope.
If front wheels lift off the ground, pull the levers back to stabilize the
mower.
DO NOT
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch,
or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on the ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
SAFETY

9
SAFETY
CHILDREN:
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not alert to the presence of children.
Children are attracted to lawn mowers and the mowing activity.
NEVER assume children will stay where they were last seen.
Be alert to avoid accidents.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
 Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
 Before and during backing, look BEHIND and DOWN for
small children.
 Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe mower operation.
 Never allow children to operate the mower.
 Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

10
SERVICE:
 Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke while refueling.
Never refuel the mower indoors.
Never store the mower or fuel container inside a building
where there is an open flame.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
To prevent fire and explosion caused by static electricity:
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
When practical, remove fuel-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a trailer with a portable container,
rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.
If a fuel dispenser nozzle must be used, keep the
nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
SAFETY