Dixon ZTR 3000 Series User manual

ZTR®
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
3000 SERIES
2002

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.
TheinformationcontainedinthismanualappliestoallDixon®
ZTR®3000 Series Mowers. Your Dixon dealer will gladly
answer any questions.
See your dealer for warranty service, parts and repairs.

3
INDEX
Page
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Warranty Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-15
Seat Adjustment Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-19
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-29
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-39
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
3000 Series
Part No. 13086-0601

4
RIDING LAWN MOWERS,
IFIMPROPERLY 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.
BLADECONTACT
TIP OVER
RUNOVER
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.
GENERALOPERATION:
•Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsinthemanual
andon 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.
•NEVERcarrypassengers.
•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. Alwaysturn 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 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 crossingroadways.
•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:
Slopesare amajor factorrelated toloss-of-control andtip-over accidents,which
canresultin severe injury or death.
Allslopesrequireextracaution.
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it!
DO •Mowacross the slopewith your DixonZTR - neverup or down.
•Removeobstaclessuchasrocks,treelimbs,etc.
•Watchfor holes, ruts orbumps.Uneven terrain could overturnthe
mower. Tall grasscan hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the
brakes are functioningproperly.
•Useextracare with grasscatchersorotherattachments. These can
change the stabilityof the mower.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Avoidstartingorstopping on aslope.Iftireslosetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly down the slope.
•Iffrontwheelsliftofftheground,pulltheleversbacktostabilizethe
mower.
DO NOT•
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
graduallydownhill,ifpossible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower
couldsuddenlyturnover if a wheel is over the edgeofaclifforditch,
or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wetgrass. Reduced traction couldcause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
SAFETY

9
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.
• Keepchildren 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.
•Beforeandduringbacking,lookBEHINDandDOWNfor
small children.
•Nevercarrychildren. They may fall off and be seriously
injured orinterferewith safe moweroperation.
•Neverallowchildrento operatethemower.
•Useextra carewhenapproachingblindcorners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

10
SERVICE:
•Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Useonlyanapprovedcontainer.
Neverremove fuelcaporaddfuelwithengine running.
Allowenginetocoolbeforerefueling.
Donotsmoke while refueling.
Neverrefuelthemowerindoors.
Neverstore themoweror fuelcontainerinside abuilding
where there is an open flame.
Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changeclothingimmediately.
Toprevent fire andexplosioncausedby static electricity:
Neverfill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containersonthegroundawayfromyourvehicle
beforefilling.
Whenpractical,removefuel-poweredequipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipmentonatrailerwithaportablecontainer,
ratherthan fromafuel dispensernozzle.
If a fuel dispenser nozzle must be used, keep the
nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingis
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 buildup.
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 and
replace with original equipment parts, when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) 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 a 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
DIXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
a BLOUNT company
Airport Industrial Park
P.O. Box 1569
Coffeyville, Ks 67337- 0945
620-251-2000
Fax [phone] DIXON LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
3000 & 4000 Series
WARRANTY: Home Owner Application: This Dixon Warranty term is for a period of two (2) years
from date of purchase. Commercial Application: Dixon mowers used for commercial application
are warranted for 30 days from the date of purchase. Commercial use is specified as use other
than, or in addition to, mowing at owner’s primary place of residence.
DIXON ZTR MOWERS ARE WARRANTED AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIALS
AND WORKMANSHIP AND PROVIDES FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF
PARTSINCLUDINGLABORCOSTS. THISWARRANTY ISSUBJECT
TOTHEFOLLOWINGCONDITIONS ANDLIMITATIONS:
1. Warranty applies only to original retail purchaser of new and unused mowers and accessories.
2. AllDixonwarrantymustbeaccomplishedbyauthorizedDixondealersandinaccordancewithDixon
warrantypolicyandallowances. Allwarranty claimsmustbe approvedbyDixon Industries,Inc.
3. Batterywarranty: Limited to90 days fromdate ofpurchase.
4. AccessoriesWarranty(Grass Catchers,SnowBlades, Covers,etc.): Limitedto 90daysfrom dateof
purchase.
5. Warrantydoes notapply todamage intransit orincidents ofmisuse, negligence,accidents, or
alteration. The use ofparts or components otherthan those suppliedby Dixon Industries, Inc.VOIDS
ALLWARRANTY.
6. Thefollowing itemsarenot coveredby thiswarrantypolicy:
a. Pick upand deliverychargesfor transportationof mowertoand froman authorizedDixon
dealer’splace of business.
b. Transaxleadjustments.
c. Belts/chains/sprockets/cuttingblades.
d. Engines -All engines usedon DixonZTR mowersare warranted bythe individualengine
manufacturer.
e. Anycosts orexpenseof providingsubstituteequipment whilerepairwork isbeing
performed on a warranted mower.
7. Thereisno otherexpresswarranty. Implied warranties,includingthose ofmerchantabilityand fitness
for a particular purpose, are limited to the same duration of the express warranty, and to the extent
permittedbylaw anyandall impliedwarrantiesare excluded.Liabilities forconsequentialdamages
under any and all warranties are excluded.
Blue/Customer Yellow/Dealer White/Dixon Ind.
WARRANTY VALIDATION: At the time of sale, selling dealer must review each portion of this
warranty document, complete the information section below, secure customer’s signature &
send copy to Dixon Industries, Inc.
DATE OF PURCHASE____________________MODEL___________________S/N_______________
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Owner’s Name Dealership
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Address Address
______________________________________ _______________________________________
_____________________________ ______________________________
Owner’sSignature Dealer’sSignature

13
SPECIFICATIONS
ModelZTR 3303
CHASSIS: Twin 12 gauge side frames and 7 gauge
transmissionandengine base plate.
BODY: All body parts made of rotational molded polyethylene.
Frontbodycontainsaccesspanelforbatteryservice.
Seattiltsforwardtoallowtransmissionservice.
MOWERDECK: 11 GAstampedsteelconstruction.Single30”cutblade.
Cutheightapproximately1”-4”via7-positionlifthandle
BLADEDRIVE: Mechanical; hand lever engagement
TRANSMISSION: Eachrear wheel isindependentlydriven by chainand
sprocketsthroughafrictionmechanicaldrive.
ENGINE: 10.5HPI/CBriggs&Stratton,4-Cycle,SingleCylinder,
Air-Cooled,Gasoline,VerticalShaft,AluminumHead
and Block.
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electricbykeyswitchoperationwithsafetyinterlocks
on parking brake and blade drive.
TIRES: Front 11 x 4.00-5 ribbed tread.
Rear 16x6.50-8TurfTracR/Stread
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21PSI
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 2.0gallonstotal
Engine 1.25quartsoil
DIMENSIONS: Width 32.5” outside rear wheel measurement
Height 32.0” to top edge of seat
Length 65.5”hitchtabto front bumper
Weight 430lbs.
Additionalinformationprovidedin service instructionsundertheindividualcomponent.
SPECIFICATIONSSUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE

14
SPECIFICATIONS
Model ZTR 3304
CHASSIS: Twin12gaugesideframesand7gaugetransmission
and engine base plate.
BODY: All body parts are made of rotational molded poly-
ethylene. Frontbodycontainsaccesspanelfor
batteryservice. Seattiltsforwardtoallowtrans-
missionservice.
MOWERDECK: 11 GA stamped steel construction. Single 30" cut
blade.Cutheightapproximately1"to4"via7positionlift
handle.
BLADEDRIVE: Mechanical; hand lever engagement.
TRANSMISSION: Each rear wheel is independently driven by chain and
sprocketsthroughafrictionmechanicaldrive.
ENGINE: 13.5HP Briggs&Stratton Intek,4-Cycle,Single
Cylinder,OverheadValve,Air-Cooled,Gasoline,
VerticalShaft,CastIronCylinder,AVS(AntiVibration
System),PressureLube&Filter
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electricbykeyswitchoperationwithsafetyinterlockson
parking brake and blade drive.
TIRES: Front 11 X 4.00-5 ribbed tread.
Rear 16X6.50-8 TurfTracR/Stread.
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21PSI
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 2.0gallonstotal.
Engine 1.25quartsoil.
DIMENSIONS: Width 32.5"outsiderearwheelmeasurement.
Height 32.0" to top edge of seat.
Length 65.5"hitch tab to front bumper.
Weight 440lbs.
Additionalinformationprovidedin service instructionsundertheindividualcomponent.
SPECIFICATIONSSUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE.

15
SPECIFICATIONS
Model ZTR 3014
CHASSIS: Twin12gaugesideframesand7gaugetransmission
and engine base plate.
BODY: Allbodypartsaremadeofrotationalmoldedpolyethyl-
ene. Front body contains access panel for battery
service. Seat tiltsforwardtoallowtransmissionservice.
MOWERDECKS: 36"Deck:11GALaserCutFabricated -36"CutWidth
42"Deck:13GAStampedSteelConstruction -42"Cut
WidthCutheightapprox.1"to4"via7positionlifthandle.
BLADEDRIVE: Electricclutch.
TRANSMISSION: Each rear wheel is independently driven by chain and
sprocketsthroughafrictionmechanicaldrive.
ENGINE: 13.5HPBriggs&Stratton Intek,4-Cycle,SingleCylinder,
Overhead Valve, Air-Cooled, Gasoline, Vertical Shaft,
CastIronCylinder,AVS(AntiVibrationSystem),Pressure
Lube&Filter
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electricbykeyswitchoperationwithsafetyinterlockson
parking brake and blade drive.
TIRES: Front 11 X 4.00 -5 ribbed tread.
Rear 18X8.50-8MultiTractread.
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21PSI
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 2.0gallonstotal.
Engine 1.25quartsoil.
DIMENSIONS: Width 43.0"outsiderearwheelmeasurement.
Height 36.0" to top edge of seat.
Length 65.5"hitch tab to front bumper.
Weight 36"Deck: 500lbs. 42"Deck: 520lbs.
Additionalinformationprovidedin service instructionsundertheindividualcomponent.
SPECIFICATIONSSUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE.

16
SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Models ZTR 3303 - 3304 - 3014
1. Raise and push seat assembly forward.
2. Loosen five nuts and slide seat forward or backward to
desiredposition.
3. Re-tighten nuts. DO NOT operate mower without seat
adjustmentsproperlytightened.
4. Push seat assembly back to closed position.

17
CONTROLS
CONTROLLEVERS
Note: For access to the seat, move control levers to neutral position and
swing them outward.
TOGOFORWARD:
•Fromneutralposition, gently pushbothcontrolleversforward.
•To increase speed, move levers further forward.
TOGOBACKWARD:
•From neutral position, gently pull both 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.
LEFT TURN OPPOSITE
Note: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.

18
CONTROLS
TheDixonZTRhasauniquetransaxlethatrequiresonlytwodriveleverstocontrol
braking, turning, speed and direction.
On initial operation, set throttle speed on slow. Operate with mower blade
in“OFF”position.
Toavoid “over-controlling” the mower,use a light touchon the drive levers.
Slightmovementsusingfingertipcontrolisall thatisnecessary.
PARKING BRAKE:
The parking brake is designed to hold the mower
frommoving and isnot intended foruse in stopping
themowerwhileit is inmotion.
Engage parking brake before
startingengine.
TO SET PARKING BRAKE:
The hand operated parking brake is located on the
right end of the mower.
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
Allowsthemowertoturnonitsownaxis“ZEROTURNINGRADIUS”.
Eachlevercontrols one side of themower.
NOTE: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
CAUTION

19
CONTROLS
BLADE DRIVE: Models ZTR 3303 & 3304
•Located to left of the operator.
•To engage the mower blade, turn lever on floor
slowlytothe“ON”position.
•To disengage mower blade, turn lever to the
“OFF”position.
BLADE DRIVE: Model ZTR 3014
•Located on the control panel, operator’s right.
•To engage mower blades, pull up on the
switch.
•To disengage blades, push down.
CIRCUITBREAKER:
•Protectionoftheelectricalsystemisby(1)
15amp circuit breaker.
•Ifcircuitbreakertrips,pushbuttontoreset.
•Ifthisconditionrepeats,consultdealerfor
inspection and repair.
THROTTLECONTROL LEVER:
•Located on control panel to operator’s right.
•Throttle control for engine speed.
•Choke for engine starting.
•Throttlecontrolshouldbeset to MAXIMUM or
wide open setting to ensure adequate cooling of
the engine and to maintain mower deck blade
speed while mowing.
MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER:
•Located to the left of the operator.
•Controlsthecuttingheight.
•Sevenpositionsofadjustment.
•Move lever in and forward to lower.
•Move lever in and back to raise.
NOTE: Alwaysuse highfortransport.

20
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
The safe and successful operation of the 3000 Series
Mowerwilldependupontheoperatorhavingthecorrect
knowledge of all controls used on the mower and making
goodjudgementsabouttheterraintobemowed.
NEVER allow anyone to operate the mower without
complete knowledge of all controls and their functions.
Duringinitialoperation,“learningtodrive”,setthrottleat
slow speed.
Soundjudgement bytheoperator willpreventaccidents.
TOWING:
Towingatrailer or other attachment that is tooheavy
could damage the drive or cause the mower to become
unstable. Limit loads to 250 pounds or less with this
mower.