Dixon SPEEDZTR 30 Guide

Safety Instructions
and
Operator’s Manual
968999545
SPEEDZTR
™
30
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 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 ZTR SpeedZTR™30 mowers.
See your authorized Dixon dealer for warranty service,
parts and repairs or to answer questions you have
about your new Dixon ZTR.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SAFETY & WARNING............................................. 4-15
WARRANTY ............................................................... 16
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................... 17
CONTROLS........................................................... 18-20
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS..............................21-31
CARE & MAINTENANCE ...................................... 32-43
TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................44-45
STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST ......................... 46
SpeedZTR™ 30
Part Number 118736

SAFETY
4
Blade Contact
Tip Over
Run Over
Back Over
Pictured below are the most common causes of injury
to the operator or bystander. Please read and
understand this manual to prevent injuries.
WARNING
!Riding lawn movers, if improperly operated,
can cause serious injury or death.

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
GENERAL OPERATION:
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this
manual and on the mower before starting.
In this operator’s manual, left and right, backward and
forward are used in relation to the machine’s normal
driving direction.
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.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
7
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
Never leave a running mower unattended. Always turn
off blades, set Park Brake, stop engine and remove key
before dismounting.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
Disengage blade(s) when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
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.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
8
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
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.
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
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
9
SLOPE OPERATION:
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-con-
trol 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.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

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

WARNING
11
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
12
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.

WARNING
13
FIRE HAZARDS (continued):
To prevent fire or explosion, keep sparks and open
flames away from battery.
Keep electrical connections clean and tight. Inspect
them often. Loose connections and corrosion increase
fire risk.
Before disconnecting the negative ground cable, make
sure all switches are off. This decreases the chance of
sparking and fire.
Use care when backing to avoid pushing the grass
bags into the frame or “hot” exhaust muffler of the
engine. Fire could result.
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.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
14
CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS:
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children, bystanders and pets.
Children are attracted to lawn mowers
and the mowing activity.
NEVER assume children, bystanders and pets
will stay where they were last seen.
Be alert to avoid accidents.
Keep bystanders and pets out of the mowing area and
keep children under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
Be alert and turn mower off if bystanders, children or
pets enter the area.
Before and during backing look BEHIND and DOWN for
small children.
Never carry children as passengers. 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.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
15
SERVICE:
Never run a mower inside a closed area or without
proper ventilation.
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.
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 that could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components. Replace with original equipment parts
when necessary.
When servicing blades, wrap blades or wear gloves,
and use extra caution.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. To prevent burns, avoid
contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
WARNING
!Failure to observe the following instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

16
DIXON® WARRANTS ITS ZTR® MOWERSAGAINSTDEFECTS IN MATERIALAND
WORKMANSHIP FORTHE PERIODS SET FORTH BELOW.THE SOLE REMEDY UNDER THIS
WARRANTY IS REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF PARTS INCLUDING LABOR COSTS.
THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECTTOTHE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS:
1. RESIDENTIALAPPLICATION - (used only at owner’s primary place of residence):
a. Two Years - 100% parts and labor subject to the conditions and limitations described
herein for a period of two years from date of purchase by the original owner.
b. Third year - limited to 100% parts cost as shown in the current Dixon® Parts Price List and
subject to the conditions and limitations as described herein.
c. Attachments marketed through or approved by Dixon are warranted for two years parts and
labor in residential use applications.
2. NOTAPPROVED FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
3. Lifetime warranty on all frames and leading edge of all fabricated (welded) decks
(SPEEDZTR™36 & 44 only).
4. All Dixon® warranty must be accomplished by authorized Dixon® dealers and in accordance
with Dixon® warranty policy and allowances.All warranty claims must be submitted to Dixon
for approval.
5. Warranty applies to new and unused mowers and is transferable within the stated time frame
to a second owner.
6. Warranty labor reimbursement to dealers based on published Dixon® flat rate schedule.
7. Warranty does not apply to damage in transit or incidents of misuse, negligence, accidents, or
alteration. The use of parts or components other than those supplied by Dixon VOIDSALL
WARRANTY.
8. Battery warranty is limited to 1 year from mower manufacture date.
9. The following items are not covered by this warranty policy:
(a) Routine maintenance or adjustments to include any oils, filters or other fluids used.
(b) Belts, blades, tires and cosmetic appearance (paint, seat fade, etc.)
(c) Pick up and delivery charges for transportation of mower to and from an authorized Dixon®
dealer’s place of business.
(d) Engines. These are covered under a separate warranty by each individual engine
manufacturer. Consult engine manual for warranty details.
(e) Any costs or expense of providing substitute equipment while repair work is being
performed on a warranted mower.
10. THERE IS NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY. TOTHE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDINGTHOSE OF MERCHANTABILITYAND FITNESS FOR
APARTICULAR PURPOSEARE EXCLUDED, OTHERWISE,ALLSUCH IMPLIED
WARRANTIESARE LIMITEDTO THE SAME DURATIONAND REMEDIESAS THE
EXPRESS WARRANTY.ALLLIABILITIES FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES UNDERANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTYARE EXCLUDED.
DIXON®ZTR®RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY POLICY
SpeedZTR™ & RAM 42 - Residential Mowers

SPECIFICATIONS
17
11 gauge welded steel tubular frame
Body parts are made of steel
11 gauge stamped steel construction. Single 30"
(76 cm) cut blade. Cut height approximately 1½"
(38mm)- 4" (102 mm) via seven position foot
pedal.
Mechanical; hand lever engagement.
Each rear wheel is independently driven by a
Hydro Gear EZT self contained hydrostatic drive.
13 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, 4-cycle, single
cylinder, air-cooled, gasoline, vertical shaft,
aluminum head and block, cast iron sleeve, AVS
balanced.
Electric-key switch operation with safety interlocks
on park brake, steering levers and blade drive.
Front 11 x 4.00-5 smooth tread16-21 PSI
(110-145 kPa)
Rear 18 x 6.50-8 turf tread 8-14 PSI
(55-97 kPa)
Fuel 1.8 gallon (6.8 liters)
Engine Oil 1.25 quarts (1.2 liters)
Width 34"(86 cm) outside rear wheel
measurement
Width 40"(101 cm) overall width of
deck with deflector
Height 38"(96 cm) to top edge of seat
Length 67"(170 cm) hitch tab to front
Weight 470 lbs. (213 kg)
Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Chassis:
Body:
Mower Deck:
Blade Drive:
Transmission:
Engine:
Starting
System:
Tires:
Capacities:
Dimensions:
SpeedZTR™ 30

CONTROLS
18
CONTROL LEVERS
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 to
forward position.
BRAKING
• To brake mower, move both levers in direction opposite
of travel.
NOTE: Thepressurerequired tooperatethemower isverylight.
LEFT TURN
OPPOSITE
—Fig. 1—

CONTROLS
19
—Fig. 2—
PARK BRAKE:
The park 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 park brake
is engaged while the control levers are in the
drive position.
TO SET PARK BRAKE:
The hand operated park brake is located on
the operator’s right.
•To engage brake, pull lever up (to the rear).
•To release brake, move lever forward (down).
NOTE: Always set park brake before dismounting.
Release park 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: Thepressurerequired tooperatethemower isverylight.
CAUTION
!Engage park brake before
starting engine.

CONTROLS
20
BLADE DRIVE:
•Located on the operator’s left.
• To engage the mower blade, turn lever on
floor slowly to the ON position.
• To disengage mower blade, turn lever to
OFF position.
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.
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 bottom of the pedal engages in deck
positioning notch.
• To lower deck, push forward with right foot on top portion of
foot pedal until bottom edge of 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.
—Fig. 3—
—Fig. 4—