Dixon Zeeter ZTR User manual

ZTR®
OPERATORS MANUAL
ZEETER MODEL
2003

IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
The Dixon®ZEETER®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®ZEETER®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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-27
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-42
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45
ZEETER®Series
Part No. 14186-0303

4
RIDING LAWN MOWERS,
IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED,
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander...
...read and understand this manual to prevent injuries.
BLADE CONTACT
TIP OVER
RUN OVER
BACK OVER
SAFETY

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

7
GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclog-
ging 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 road-
ways.
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 safely 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.
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
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 require 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
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
embankmnets. The mower could suddently 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
SLOPE OPERATION (continued):
DO(continued)

10
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
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.