Dixon RAM Series User manual

RAM Series
ZTR®
Model Year 2004

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® RAM Series
mowers. Your Dixon dealer will gladly
answer any questions.
See your dealer for warranty service, parts
and repairs.

3
INDEX
Page
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Warranty Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Seat Adjustment Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-30
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-42
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43-44
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-46
RAM Series
Part No. 17411-1103

4
Blade Contact
Tip Over
Run Over
Back Over
SAFETY
RIDING LAWN MOWERS,
IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
The most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander...
...readandunderstandthismanualtopreventinjuries.

5
Safety Alert Symbol
When you see this symbol, BE ALERT
to the potential for injury.
Follow recommended safety precautions
and safe operating practices.
DANGER
(highlighted in red)
indicatesanimminentlyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,willresultin
deathor seriousinjury.
WARNING
(highlighted in orange)
indicatesapotentially
hazardoussituationwhich,ifnot
avoided, could result in death or
seriousinjury.
CAUTION
(highlightedinyellow)
indicatesapotentially
hazardoussituationwhich,
ifnotavoided,mayresult inminor
or moderate injury. It may also
be used to alert against
unsafepractices.
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 mow-
ing. 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 braking.
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.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
SAFETY

7
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
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 crossing
roadways.
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
safety 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.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer; birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Warning:
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 requires 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.
SAFETY

9
SLOPE OPERATION (continued):
DO (continued):
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 embank-
ments. 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

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 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, 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

11
SERVICE (continued):
Never run a mower inside a closed area. The exhaust
fumes are toxic.
Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment
bolts, and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower to
cool before storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running unless otherwise specified.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components. Replace with original equipment parts,
when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap blades or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. To prevent burns avoid
contact with skin, eyes and clothing. To prevent fire or
explosion keep sparks and open flames away from
battery.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable,
make sure all switches are off.
SAFETY

12
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.
SAFETY

13
DIXON LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
ZEETER HL ~ SPEEDZTR ~ 4500 ~ RAM
DIXON ZTR MOWERS ARE WARRANTED AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND
WORKMANSHIP AND PROVIDES FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF PARTS
INCLUDING LABOR COSTS. THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT
TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS.
1. HomeOwnerApplication: DixonZTRResidentialHydrounitsusedonlyatowner’s
primaryplaceofresidencearewarrantedforaperiodoftwo(2)yearsfromdateof
purchase. Frame,bodypanelsandfendersarewarrantedforthelifeofthemower.
2. CommercialApplication: Definedasuseotherthan,orinadditionto,mowingatowner’s
primaryplaceofresidence. DixonZTRResidentialHydrounits,usedincommercial
applicationarewarrantedforaperiodof(90)daysfromthedateofpurchase.
3. Warrantyappliesonlytooriginalretailpurchaserofnewandunusedmowersand
accessories.
4. AllDixonwarrantymustbeaccomplishedbyauthorizedDixondealersandinaccor-
dancewithDixonwarrantypolicyandallowances. Allwarrantyclaimsmustbeapproved
byDixonIndustries,Inc.
5. BatteryWarranty: limitedto90daysfromdateofpurchase.
6. AccessoriesWarranty(grasscatchers,snowblades,covers,etc.):Limitedto90days
fromdateofpurchase.
7. Warrantydoesnotapplytodamageintransitorincidentsofmisuse,negligence,
accidents,oralteration. Theuseofpartsorcomponentsotherthanthosesuppliedby
DixonIndustriesVOIDSALLWARRANTY.
8. Thefollowingitemsarenotcoveredbythiswarrantypolicy:
(a) Pickupanddeliverychargesfortransportationofmowertoandfromanauthorized
Dixondealer’splaceofbusiness.
(b) Routinemaintenanceoradjustments.
(c) Beltsorblades.
(d) Engines-AllenginesusedonDixonZTRmowersarewarrantedbyeachindividual
enginemanufacturer.
(e) Anycostsorexpenseofprovidingsubstituteequipmentwhilerepairworkisbeing
performedonawarrantedmower.
9. Thereisnootherexpresswarranty. Impliedwarranties,includingthoseofmerchantabil-
ityandfitnessforaparticularpurposearelimitedtothesamedurationoftheexpress
warrantyandtotheextentpermittedbylawanyandallimpliedwarrantiesareexcluded.
Liabilitiesforconsequentialdamagesunderanyandallwarrantiesareexcluded.

14
Model ZTR RAM 44 ~ RAM 50
Chassis: 1-1/2 X 3 rectangle tube side frame
Mower Deck: 44” Deck: 11 GA fabricated construction/reinforced ribs
50” Deck: 11 GA fabricated construction/reinforced ribs
Blade Drive: Electric clutch.
Transmission: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro
Gear IZT hydrostatic drive.
Engine:
Ram 44: 18 HP Briggs & Stratton ELS, 4 cycle, single cylinder,
overhead valve, air cooled, gasoline, vertical shaft, cast
iron cylinder, full pressure lube w/spin-on filter.
Ram 50: 22 HP Briggs & Stratton ELS, twin cylinder, overhead
valve, air cooled, gasoline, full pressure lube with oil
filter, vertical shaft, aluminum head & block with cast-
iron cylinder liners.
Starting Electric-key switch operation w/safety interlock blade
System: drive.
Tires: Front 11 x 4.00-5 ribbed tread (16-21 PSI)
Rear 18 x 8.50 x 8 4 ply turf tread (8-14 PSI)
Capacities: Fuel 11 gallons approximately
Engine Oil Ram 44 - 1.5 quarts
Ram 50 - 2 quarts
Dimensions: Width 44” maximum track width
Height 39” to top edge of seat
Length 69” hitch tab to front bumper
Weight power unit: 474 lbs
with 44” deck 600 lbs
with 50” deck-620 lbs
Note: Additional information provided in service instructions under the
individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
SPECIFICATIONS

15
SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Models ZTR RAM 44 and RAM 50
1. Grasp seat slide adjuster and
move it into adjustment position.
2. Slide seat forward or backward.
3. Release seat slide adjuster.

16
CONTROL LEVERS
Note: For access to the seat, move control levers to neutral
position and swing them outward.
TO GO FORWARD
•From neutral position, gently push control levers forward.
•To increase speed, move levers further forward.
TO GO BACKWARDS
•From neutral position, gently pull control levers toward
you.
TURNING
•Turning is controlled by moving one control lever slightly
forward or rearward of the other.
•To turn left, move left lever rearward of the right lever.
•To turn right, move right lever rearward of the left lever.
•To turn on mower’s own axis (zero turning radius), stop
and move one lever to reverse position and the other
toforward position.
BRAKING
•To brake mower, move both levers in direction opposite
oftravel.
Note: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
LEFT TURN OPPOSITE
CONTROLS

17
PARKING BRAKE:
The parking brake is designed to hold the
mower from moving and is not intended for
use in stopping the mower while it is in
motion. The engine will stop if the parking
brake is engaged while the control levers are
in the drive position.
Engage parking brake
before starting engine.
TO SET PARKING BRAKE:
The hand operated parking brake is located on
the left hand side between the operators seat
and the fuel tank.
To engage brake, pull lever up (to the rear).
To release brake, move lever forward (down).
NOTE: Always set parking brake before dismounting.
Release parking brake before moving mower.
TRANSMISSION DRIVE SYSTEM
Allows the mower to turn on its own axis “ZERO TURNING
RADIUS”. Each lever controls one side of the mower.
NOTE: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
CAUTION
CONTROLS

18
BLADE DRIVE:
•Located on the control panel, on operator’s right.
•To engage the mower blade, pull up on the switch.
•To disengage mower blade, push down.
CIRCUIT BREAKER:
•Protection of the electrical system is by (1) 15 amp
circuit breaker.
•If circuit breaker trips, push button to reset.
•If this condition repeats, consult dealer for inspection
and repair.
THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER:
•Located on control panel to operator’s right.
•Throttle control for engine speed.
•Choke for engine starting.
•Throttle control should be set to MAXIMUM or wide open
setting to insure adequate cooling of the engine and to
maintain mower deck blade speed while mowing.
CONTROLS

19
MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER :
•Use right foot to operate deck foot pedal at right
front foot area.
•To raise mower deck, push forward with right foot
on top portion of foot pedal. When desired deck
height is reached, push with right foot on lower
portion of foot pedal until the bottom of the foot
pedal engages in deck positioning notch.
•To lower deck, push forward with right foot on top
portion of foot pedal until bottom edge of foot
pedal disengages deck positioning notch. Lower
deck to desired height and push bottom portion of
foot pedal until bottom edge engages notch.
•Never attempt to operate deck lift mechanism in
any manner, other than foot method described
above.
•Always use highest position for transport.
CONTROLS

20
The safe and successful operation of the RAM
Series will depend upon the operator having the
correct knowledge of all controls used on the
mower and making good judgements about the
terrain to be mowed.
NEVER allow anyone to operate the mower
without complete knowledge of all controls and
their functions.
During initial operation, “learning to drive”, set
throttle at slow speed.
Sound judgement by the operator will prevent
accidents.
BEFORE OPERATING MOWER:
1. Read engine manufacturer’s operating and
maintenance instructions.
2. Read and observe all safety instructions on
your mower and in the manual.
3. Check engine oil.
4. Check fuel cap to be sure it is in place.
5. Be sure parking brake is on.
6. Be sure mower blade drive is off.
7. Know how to stop engine. (Turn key to
off position).
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS