Dixon ZEETER HL 42 User manual

Model Year 2004
ZTR®
Zeeter HL

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,readtheoperator’smanualcarefullyand
becomecompletelyfamiliar withthe controls.
Theinformation containedin thismanualappliesto
all Dixon® ZTR® Zeeter HL Series mowers. Your
Dixon dealer will gladly answer any questions.
Seeyourdealerforwarrantyservice,partsand
repairs.

INDEX
Page
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Warranty Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-30
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-43
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-46
Zeeter HL
Part No. 16246-0803
3

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.
4

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)
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.
SAFETY
5

Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions
couldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.
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 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.
6
SAFETY

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.
7
Warning:
SAFETY

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
ordown.
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.
8
SAFETY

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
tostabilize themower.
DO NOT
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Donotmow neardrop-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.
Donot tryto stabilizethe mowerby puttingyour footon
theground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
9
SAFETY

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.
10
SAFETY

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.
11
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
watchfulcare ofanother responsibleadult.
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
Before and during backing look BEHIND and DOWN
forsmallchildren.
Nevercarrychildren. Theymay falloff andbe
seriouslyinjured orinterfere withsafe mower
operation.
Neverallow childrento operatethemower.
Useextracarewhen approachingblindcorners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
12
SAFETY

DIXONLIMITEDWARRANTYPOLICY
RESIDENTIALHYDRO
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) Belts/blades/hydrofilters.
(d) Engines-AllenginesusedonDixonZTRmowersarewarrantedbyeachindividual
enginemanufacturer.
(e) Anycostsorexpenseofprovidingsubstituteequipmentwhilerepairworkisbeing
performedonawarrantedmower.
9. Thereisnootherexpresswarranty. Impliedwarranties,includingthoseofmerchantabil-
ityandfitnessforaparticularpurposearelimitedtothesamedurationoftheexpress
warrantyandtotheextentpermittedbylawanyandallimpliedwarrantiesareexcluded.
Liabilitiesforconsequentialdamagesunderanyandallwarrantiesareexcluded.
13

ZEETER HL 30”
CHASSIS: 11 gauge welded channel frame
BODY: All body parts made of rotational molded polyethylene.
Frontbodycontainsaccesspanelforbatteryservice.
MOWERDECK: 11GA stampedsteelconstruction.Single30”cutblade.
Cutheightapproximately1-1/2”-4”via7-positionlift
handle.
BLADEDRIVE: Mechanical; hand lever engagement
TRANSMISSION: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro Gear
EZTselfcontainedhydrostaticdrive.
ENGINE: 11 HPBriggs&StrattonI/C,4-cycle,singlecylinder,air-
cooled, gasoline, vertical shaft, aluminum head and block,
castironsleeve,AVSbalanced
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electricbykeyswitchoperationwithsafetyinterlockson
parking brake and blade drive.
TIRES: Front 9 x 3.50-4 TurfTread
Rear 16x6.50-8 TurfTread
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21PSI
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 1.8gallon
Engine 1.25quartsoil
DIMENSIONS: Width 32.5” outside rear wheel measurement
Width 38”overallwidthofdeckwithdeflector
Height 32” to top edge of seat
Length 67”hitchtabtofront
Weight 393lbs.
Additional information provided in service instructions under the individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
14
SPECIFICATIONS

ZEETER HL 36”
CHASSIS: 11 gauge welded channel frame
BODY: All body parts made of rotational molded polyethylene.
Frontbodycontainsaccesspanelforbatteryservice.
MOWERDECK: 11 GA lasercutfabricated.Two blades,36” cutwidth.
Cutheightapproximately1-1/2”-4”via7-positionlift
handle.
BLADEDRIVE: Electricclutch
TRANSMISSION: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro Gear
EZTselfcontainedhydrostaticdrive.
ENGINE: 13 HPBriggs&StrattonI/C,4-cycle,singlecylinder,air-
cooled, gasoline, vertical shaft, aluminum head and block,
castironsleeve,AVSbalanced
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electricbykeyswitchoperationwithsafetyinterlockson
parking brake and blade drive.
TIRES: Front 9 x 3.50-4 TurfTread
Rear 16x6.50-8 TurfTread
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21PSI
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 1.8gallon
Engine 1.25quartsoil
DIMENSIONS: Width 34” outside rear wheel measurement
Width 50.5”overallwidthofdeckwithdeflector
Height 32” to top edge of seat
Length 67”hitchtabtofront
Weight 445lbs.
Additional information provided in service instructions under the individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
15
SPECIFICATIONS

ZEETER HL 42”
CHASSIS: 11 gauge welded channel frame
BODY: All body parts made of rotational molded polyethylene.
Frontbodycontainsaccesspanelforbatteryservice.
MOWERDECK: 13 GA stamped steelconstruction. Threeblades, 42”
cutwidth.Cutheightapproximately1-1/2”-4”via
7-positionlifthandle.
BLADEDRIVE: Electricclutch
TRANSMISSION: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro Gear
EZTselfcontainedhydrostaticdrive.
ENGINE: 14.5HPBriggs&StrattonI/C,4-cycle,singlecylinder,
air-cooled,gasoline,vertical shaft, aluminumhead and
block,castironsleeve,AVSbalanced
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electricbykeyswitchoperationwithsafetyinterlockson
parking brake and blade drive.
TIRES: Front 9 x 3.50-4 TurfTread
Rear 16x6.50-8 TurfTread
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21PSI
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 1.8gallon
Engine 1.25quartsoil
DIMENSIONS: Width 38” outside rear wheel measurement
Width 55”overallwidthofdeckwithdeflector
Height 32” to top edge of seat
Length 67”hitchtabtofront
Weight 445lbs.
Additional information provided in service instructions under the individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
16
SPECIFICATIONS

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 to
forward position.
BRAKING
•To brake mower, move both levers in direction opposite
of travel.
Note: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
17
LEFT TURN OPPOSITE
CONTROLS

CONTROLS
CAUTION
TheDixonZEETERHLhasahydrostaticdrivethatrequiresonlytwo
drive leverstocontrol braking, turning,speedand direction.
Oninitial operation, setthrottle speedonslow. Operate with
mowerbladein“OFF”position.
To avoid “over-controlling” the mower, use a light touch on the
drivelevers.
Slightmovementsusingfingertipcontrolisall thatisnecessary.
PARKING BRAKE:
Theparkingbrakeisdesignedtoholdthemower
from moving and is not intended for use in stop-
pingthe mowerwhile itisin motion.
Engage parking brake before
startingengine.
TO SET PARKING BRAKE:
The hand operated parking brake is located on
the right side of the mower.
To engage brake, pull lever up (to the rear).
Toreleasebrake,moveleverforward(down).
NOTE: Always set parking brake before
dismounting. Release parking
brake before moving mower.
18

CONTROLS
TRANSMISSION DRIVE SYSTEM
Allowsthemowertoturnonitsownaxis“ZEROTURNINGRADIUS”.
Eachlever controls onesideof the mower.
NOTE: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
BLADE DRIVE (30”):
•Located to left of the operator.
•Toengagethe mowerblade,turn lever onfloor
slowlytothe“ON”position.
•To disengage mower blade, turn lever to the
“OFF”position.
BLADE DRIVE (36” & 42”):
•Located on the control panel, operator’s right.
•To engage the mower blades, pull up on the switch.
•To disengage mower blades, push down.
THROTTLECONTROLLEVER:
•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 opensettingtoensureadequatecoolingof
the engine and to maintain mower deck blade
speed while mowing.
MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER:
•Located to the left of the operator.
•Controlsthe cuttingheight.
•Sevenpositions ofadjustment.
•Move lever in and forward to lower.
•Move lever in and back to raise.
NOTE: Alwaysusehighfortransport.
36” & 42”
30”
30”
19

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
The safe and successful operation of the ZEETER HL
Mowerwill dependupon the operatorhaving thecorrect
knowledge of all controls used on the mower and making
goodjudgements abouttheterrain tobe mowed.
NEVER allow anyone to operate the mower without
complete knowledge of all controls and their functions.
Duringinitialoperation,“learningtodrive”,setthrottleat
slow speed.
Soundjudgementbythe operatorwill prevent accidents.
TOWING:
Towinga traileror otherattachmentthat istooheavy
could damage the drive or cause the mower to become
unstable. Limit loads to 150 pounds or less with this
mower.
20