Dixon Black Bear Installation manual

Model Year 2005
Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual
BLACK BEAR
™
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
Page
SAFETY & WARNING....................................4-15
WARRANTY........................................................16
SPECIFICATIONS.............................................17
SEAT ADJUSTMENT........................................18
CONTROLS..................................................19-22
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS....................23-33
CARE & MAINTENANCE...........................34-47
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................48-49
STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST..............50
BLACK BEAR™
Part Number 11249-0605

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

WARNING
6
Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
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 other people before mowing.
Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Mower blades can throw rocks or other debris.
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. They may fall off and become
seriously injured or interfere with safe operation of the
mower.
Mowing in reverse is not recommended because it is
difficult to maintain a clear vision of the mowing path.
However, should it become necessary to back up,
remember to look down and behind before and while
backing.

WARNING
7
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
Never leave a running mower unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key
before dismounting.
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.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
8
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 & instruction labels as needed.
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
9
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 uneasy
on a 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. Uneven
terrain 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.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
10
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!
SLOPE OPERATION (continued):
DO (continued):
Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.