Dixon ZTR 3500 Series User manual

3500 SERIES
ZTR®
2003
OPERATORS MANUAL

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®3500 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
Seat Adjustment Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-38
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-41
3500 Series
Part No. 13641-0802

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
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 safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
Follow the manufacturers recommendation for wheel
weights and counterweights.
Maintain/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
drive and/or 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.
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 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.
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.
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.

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 refuel the mower indoors.
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, then 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
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 & 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
WARRANTY: Home Owner Application: Dixon ZTR Residential Hydro Units, used only at owners
primary place of residence are warranted for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase.
Commercial Application: defined as use other than, or in addition to, mowing at owners primary
place of residence. Dixon ZTR Residential Hydro Units, used in commercial application are
warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase.
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. Warranty applies only to original retail purchaser of new and unused mowers and
accessories.
2. All Dixon warranty must be accomplished by authorized Dixon dealers and in
accordance with Dixon warranty policy and allowances. All warranty claims must be
approved by Dixon Industries, Inc.
3. Battery warranty: Limited to 90 days from date of purchase.
4. Accessories Warranty (Grass Catchers, Snow Blades, Covers, etc.): Limited to 90
days from date of purchase.
5. 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 Industries, Inc. VOIDS ALL WARRANTY.
6. The following items are not covered by this warranty policy:
(a) Pick up and delivery charges for transportation of mower to and from an
Authorized Dixon Dealer's place of business.
(b) Routine maintenance or adjustments
(c) Belts/Blades/Hydro filters
(d) Engines -- All engines used on Dixon ZTR mowers are warranted by each
individual engine manufacturer.
(e) Any costs or expense of providing substitute equipment while repair work is
being performed on a warranted mower.
7. There is no other express warranty. Implied warranties, including those of merchant
ability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the same duration of the
express warranty, and to the extent permitted by law any and all implied warranties
are excluded. Liabilities for consequential damages under any and all warranties are
excluded.
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 and
send copy to Dixon Industries, Inc.
(Dealership Name & Dealer Number)
(Street Address)
(Street Address)
(Owner's Name)
DIXON LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
RESIDENTIAL HYDRO
Copies: Pink/Customer Yellow/Dealer White/Return to Dixon Ind.
Date of Purchase Model Deck Size S/N
(Dealer's Signature)(Owner's Signature)
DIXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
A BLOUNT International Inc. Co.
POBOX1569
COFFEYVILLEKS 673370945
PHONE[phone]
FAX[phone]
(City/State/Zip)
(City/State/Zip)
www.dixon-ztr.com
1-877-CUT-MORE

13
SPECIFICATIONS
Model ZTR 3530 & 3536
CHASSIS: 1X2X11 gauge welded tube, 7 gauge transmission and engine
base plate.
BODY: All body parts made of high density polyethylene. Dent and corrosion
resistant.
MOWER DECK: 30 Deck: 11 GA Stamped Steel Construction-30 Cut Width.
36 Deck: 11 GA Fabricated Construction/Reinforcement Ribs-36
Cut Width. Cut height approximately 1 to 4 via 7 position lift handle.
BLADE DRIVE: Electric clutch.
TRANSMISSION: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a HydroGear IZT
hydrostatic drive.
ENGINE:
Model 3530: 13.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, 4-Cycle, Single Cylinder, Overhead
Valve, Air-Cooled, Gasoline, Vertical Shaft with Cast Iron Cylinder
Sleeve, pressure lube with spin-on filter.
Model 3536: 14.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, 4-Cycle, Single Cylinder, Overhead
Valve, Air-Cooled, Gasoline, Vertical Shaft with Cast Iron Cylinder
Sleeve, pressure lube with spin-on filter.
STARTING Electric by key switch operation with safety interlock blade and
SYSTEM : traction drive.
TIRES: Front 11 x 4.00 x 5 ribbed tread
Rear 18 x 8.50 x 8 (3536)
Rear 18 x 7.00 x 8 Multi Trac (3530)
RECOMMENDED Front 16-21 PSI
TIRE PRESSURE: Rear 8-14 PSI
CAPACITIES: Fuel 3.3 gallons total
Engine 1.5 quarts oil
DIMENSIONS: Width 44 maximum track width
Height 42 to top edge of seat
Length 73 hitch tab to front bumper
Weight 3530 - 512 lbs 3536 - 554 lbs.
Additional information provided in service instructions under the individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

14
SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Move deck lift lever to lowest cut position.
2. Rotate seat assembly forward.
3. Loosen four bolts and slide seat forward or
backward to desired position.
4. Re-tighten bolts.
5. Push seat assembly back to closed position.

15
CONTROLS
CONTROL LEVERS
Note: The control levers must be in the outward position to access the
seat. This also activates the parking brake. (levers out = brakes on
or levers in = brakes off)
TO GO FORWARD:
Rotate levers inward.
From neutral position, gently push both control levers forward.
To increase speed, move levers further forward.
TO GO BACKWARD:
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.

16
CONTROLS
PARKING BRAKE:
The parking brake is incorporated into the control levers.
To set brakes, move levers to neutral
and swing outward.
To release brake, rotate levers inward.
MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER:
Located between operators legs.
Grab handle and lift and pull release
Set at desired position and release latch.
NOTE: Always use high for transport.

17
CONTROLS
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 & CHOKE CONTROL LEVER :
Located on control panel to operators
right.
Move throttle lever full forward for choke.
Move back to detent for full throttle.
Move throttle to the rear for idle.
Note: Run engine at full throttle when
mowing for best cut and efficiency.

18
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
The safe and successful operation of the 3500 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 and practice with mower blades off.
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).

19
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
TOWING TRAILERS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS:
Towing a trailer or other attachment that is too heavy
could damage the drive or cause the mower to become
unstable. Limit loads to 250 pounds or less with this
mower.
TO FREE WHEEL MACHINE (Unlock Transmission):
Always turn off engine before engaging or disengaging
the hydro release (free wheel) lever. Never attempt to
move the lever with the engine running.
The hydro release lever is located at the rear of the
machine under the frame.
Pull lever back and to the right to unlock transmissions.
To release, move lever to the left and it will reset.
NOTE: Control levers must be swung into operating
position to unlock parking brakes before free
wheeling machine. The tractor should never be
pulled at more than 2 miles per hour or for any
appreciable distance.

20
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS:
PARKING BRAKE SWITCH TEST:
a) Swing control levers inward.
b) Disengage blade drive switch
c) Turn ignition switch to START
Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST:
a) Swing control levers outward
b) Engage blade drive switch
c) Turn ignition switch to START
Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
SEAT SWITCH TEST:
a) In a SAFE AREA away from bystanders,
start the engine
b) Leave levers swung outward
c) Engage blade drive
d) Raise slightly off seat
ENGINE SHOULD STOP!
NOTE: If Any Safety Check FAILS, Do Not Operate
The Mower until the system has been checked
and repaired by an Authorized Dixon Dealer.