Dixon ZTR 7525 User manual

7500 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®7500 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-18
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-26
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-35
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
7500 Series
Part No. 13636-0702

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 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.
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