Dixon Black Bear ZTR 34 Installation manual

BLACKBEAR
™
ZTR ®
Safety Instructions
and
Operator’s Manual
Models ZTR
®
34/968999564
ZTR
®
44/968999565
ZTR
®
34/968999566
BLACKBEAR
™
ZTR
®

2
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 this Operator’s Manual carefully. It
contains valuable information that is necessary for the safe
operation of the machine. Observe all safety rules and
become completely familiar with the controls.
The information contained in this manual applies to all Dixon
Black Bear™ ZTR® mowers.
See your authorized Dixon dealer for warranty service, parts
and repairs or to answer any questions you may have about
your new Dixon ZTR.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BLACK BEAR™
Part Number 539 118101R1
SAFETY AND WARNINGS............................................................4-15
GENERAL OPERATION ...................................................6-7
MOWING ON A SLOPE ....................................................8-9
FIRE HAZARDS ............................................................10-11
CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS............................ 12
SERVICE............................................................................ 13
WARRANTY ..................................................................................... 14
SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................15-17
CONTROLS .................................................................................19-22
CONTROL LEVERS........................................................... 19
PARK BRAKE .................................................................... 20
CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER ................................................ 21
BLADE DRIVE.................................................................... 22
CIRCUIT BREAKER........................................................... 22
CHOKE AND THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER................... 22
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS....................................................23-33
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................. 24
TESTING OF SAFETY SYSTEMS...............................25-26
ATTACHMENTS............................................................27-30
SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS .......................... 31
GRASS HEIGHT ................................................................ 32
TOWING............................................................................. 33
UNLOCK TRANSMISSION ................................................ 33
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .......................................................34-46
BLADES ............................................................................. 35
ENGINE.............................................................................. 36
BATTERY ........................................................................... 36
BELTS ................................................................................ 37
TIRES ................................................................................. 38
LUBRICATION ..............................................................38-41
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT ................................................. 42
DECK LEVELING ..........................................................43-44
DECK REMOVAL ............................................................... 45
CLEANING ......................................................................... 46
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................47-48
STANDARD SERVICE PARTS ........................................................ 49

SAFETY
4
Blade Contact
Tip Over
Run Over
Back Over
RIDING LAWN MOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY
OPERATED, CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH
Pictured below are the most common causes of injury to the
operator or bystander. Please read and understand this
manual to prevent injuries.

SAFETY
5
Safety Alert Symbol
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.
When you see this symbol, BE ALERT
to the potential for injury.
Follow the recommended safety precautions
and safe operating practices.

WARNING
6
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this 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 bystanders before mowing. Stop
mower if anyone enters the area.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging against a wall or obstruction. Material may
ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when
crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the deflector in place. This will decrease the
possibility of injury from objects being thrown by the mower
blades.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Never leave a running mower unattended. Always turn off
blades, set park brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth de-
fects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING
7
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
Turn off blades when not mowing. Injury could occur from
contact with moving parts.
Under no circumstances should you place hands or feet
under the mower deck or in the chute while blades or
impeller are still running.
To avoid personal injury from accidental clutch engagement,
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.
Slow down before turning to reduce the risk of tip-over.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the mower into a
trailer or truck. Push, do not ride the mower when loading
and unloading.
Protect your eyes. 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.
To protect against possible tip-over, follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights and
counterweights.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as needed.
GENERAL OPERATION (continued)

WARNING
8
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
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 feel unsure
on any slope, do not mow it!
DO
Mow across the slope with your Dixon® ZTR® — never up or
down. This will decrease the risk of tip-over.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, wires and other
foreign objects that can be thrown by mower blades.
Watch for holes, ruts, roots and bumps, and uneven terrain
that could overturn the mower. Tall grass can hide such
obstacles.
Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even
though the brakes are functioning properly.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly down the slope.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Use extreme caution when operating the mower with
attachments to prevent tip-over or roll-over.
If front wheels lift off the ground, pull levers back to stabilize
the mower. Discontinue mowing the slope!

WARNING
9
SLOPE OPERATION (continued)
DO NOT
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. Rapid uphill turns
may cause tip-over.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
Unstable ground may cause loss of control.
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 or other attachments on steep
slopes. The added weight may change the stability of the
mower thus creating the potential for tip-over.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
10
FIRE HAZARDS
Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Store all fuel in approved containers specifically designed for
that purpose.
Allow engine to cool before refueling. Never remove fuel cap
or add fuel with engine running.
Do not smoke while refueling or operating the mower.
To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves and
other debris buildup.
If gasoline is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine. Move
mower away from the area of the spill. Do not create any
source of ignition until gas vapors have dissipated. Wipe up
spilled fuel and dispose of waste properly.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
Before storing, allow mower to cool. Clean fuel and oil
spillage.
Never store the mower or fuel container inside a building
where there is an open flame.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.