Dixon ZTR 8000 Series User manual

ZTR®
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
8000 SERIES
(Gas Version)
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.
The information contained in this manual applies to all
Dixon®ZTR®8000 Series (Gas Version) Commercial
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
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-18
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-26
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-38
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-41
8000 Series (Gas)
Part No. 13092-0901

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, 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.
•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
GENERALOPERATION(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:
Theengineexhaustfrom thisproduct containschemicals knownto theState of
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefectsorotherreproductive 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:
• Useextra care in handling gasoline and otherfuels. They are
flammableandvaporsareexplosive.
Useonlyanapprovedcontainer.
Neverremove fuelcapor addfuelwithengine 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.
• Keepnutsandboltstight, especially blade attachment bolts, and
keepequipmentingood condition.
• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices. Checktheirproperoperation
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,
ifnecessary,before restarting.
• Nevermakeadjustmentsorrepairswiththeenginerunning
unlessotherwisespecified.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration,whichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjects
tobethrown. Frequentlycheckcomponentsand replace with
originalequipmentparts,whennecessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear
gloves,and useextracautionwhen servicingthem.
• Batteriescontainsulfuric acid. To preventburnsavoidcontact
with skin, eyes and clothing. To prevent a fire or explosion keep
sparks and open flames away from battery.
• Beforedisconnectingthenegative (-)groundcable,makesureall
switches are OFF.
SAFETY

12
DIXONINDUSTRIES,INC.
aBLOUNTcompany
AirportIndustrialPark
P.O.Box1569
Coffeyville,Ks67337-0945
620-251-2000
Fax[phone]
DIXON LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY - COMMERCIAL MODELS
8000 Series
WARRANTY: Home Owner Application: This Dixon Warranty term is for a period of three (3)
years from date of purchase. Commercial Application: Dixon mowers used for commercial
application are warranted for one (1) year from the date of purchase or 750 hours whichever
comes first. Commercial use is specified as use other than, or in addition to, mowing at owner’s
primary place of residence.
DIXONZTRMOWERSAREWARRANTEDAGAINSTDEFECTSINMATERIALS
ANDWORKMANSHIPANDPROVIDESFORREPLACEMENTORREPAIROF
PARTSINCLUDINGLABORCOSTS. THISWARRANTYISSUBJECTTOTHE
FOLLOWINGCONDITIONSANDLIMITATIONS:
1. Warranty applies only to original retail purchaser of new & unused mowers & accessories.
2. AllDixonwarrantymustbeaccomplishedbyauthorizedDixondealersandinaccordancewithDixon
warrantypolicy andallowances.All warrantyclaimsmustbeapproved byDixonIndustries, Inc.
3. Batterywarranty: Limited to90 daysfrom dateof purchase.
4. AccessoriesWarranty (GrassCatchers,Snow Blades,Covers,etc.): Limited to90days fromdateof
purchase.
5. Warrantydoes notapply todamage intransit orincidentsof misuse,negligence, accidents,or
alteration. Theuseof partsor components otherthan thosesuppliedby DixonIndustries, Inc. VOIDS
ALLWARRANTY.
6. Thefollowing itemsarenot coveredby thiswarrantypolicy:
a. Pick upanddeliverychargesfor transportationofmower toand fromanauthorized Dixon
dealer’splaceof business.
b. Routine maintenanceor adjustments.
c. Belts/cuttingblades/hydrostaticfilters.
d. Engines -All enginesused onDixon ZTRmowers arewarranted bythe individualengine
manufacturer.
e. Anycosts orexpenseof providingsubstituteequipmentwhilerepair workisbeing
performed on a warranted mower.
7. Thereis nootherexpresswarranty. Impliedwarranties,includingthoseofmerchantabilityandfitness
for a particular purpose, are limited to the same duration of the express warranty, and to the extent
permittedby lawanyand allimplied warrantiesareexcluded. Liabilitiesforconsequentialdamages
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

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SPECIFICATIONS
8000 Series (Gas Version)
CHASSIS: 11GA-rectangular tube, 7GAreinforcement
SEAT: Designed for operator comfort with padded back & arm
rests. Seatisadjustablefore&aft.Seatbacktilts. Mounted
on operator suspension system with damper.
MOWERDECK: 2 decks are available. Both decks are made of 10 GA
fabricated welded construction with 1/4 " reinforcement
plate. 3bladescombineforeithera60"or72"cutwidth. Deep
deckwithdischargetunnel. Cutheightapproximately1.5"to
6"via10position lifthandle.
BLADEDRIVE: "V" Belt with Electric clutch
DRIVESYSTEM: EachrearwheelisindependentlydrivenbyaHydroGearBDP-
10Apump andWhite CE wheel motor.
ENGINE: 25HPKohlerCommand, 4-Cycle,V-Configuration,Overhead
Valve,Air-Cooled,Gasoline,HorizontalShaft,AluminumHead
and Crankcase with Cast Iron Liners, Full Pressure
Lubrication/FullFlowFilter,Pulse-typeFuelPump,FixedJet
Carburetor,ElectronicIgnition,In-LineFuelFilter,DualElement
AirCleaner.
STARTINGSYSTEM: Electric by key switch operation with safety interlocks on
parking brake, blade drive clutch and control levers.
TIRES: Front 13-6.5x6
Rear 23-10.5x12
RECOMMENDED Front 16-20lbs.
TIREPRESSURE: Rear 8-14lbs.
CAPACITIES: Fuel-11gallons(approx)
Hydrostat oil system - 4 quart with in-line 40 micron filter
Hydrostat oil recommendation - SAE 20W50 motor oil
Engine-2 quart. SAE10W30 motor oil
DIMENSIONS: Width 73.5"(60"Deck),85.5"(72"Deck)
Height 54"
Length 87"
Weight 1020lbs.(60"Deck),1054lbs.(72"Deck)
NOTE: Additionalinformationprovidedinserviceinstructionsunderthe individual component.
SPECIFICATIONSSUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE.

14
CONTROLS
CONTROLLEVERS
Note: For access to the seat, move control levers to neutral position and
swing them outward.
TOGOFORWARD:
•From neutral position, gently push both control levers forward.
•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.

15
PARKING BRAKE:
A parking brake is located to the left of the seat.
Theenginewillkill ifcontrolleversarenot intheoutboardposition
when the parking brake is engaged.
To engage brake: pull up and back
To disengage brake: push forward and down
Note: The parking brake is not intended to be used as a service
brake.
Note: Always set parking brake before dismounting. Release the
parking brake before moving mower.
Note: Engage parking brake before starting engine.
MOWER DECK LIFT:
Themowerliftleverisextralong&hasanassistspringforeasy
operation.
1) Graspleverwithrighthand.
2) Depress thumb levertorelease. Move to desiredposition.
3) Releaselevertolockintoposition.
Selectcutheight&insertpinintofirstholebelowtheliftlever. Ten
holes are provided for a down stop so you can easily return from`
transportto desired cut height.
CONTROLS

16
SEAT:
Fore & Aft: Move lever, slide seat fore & aft to desired
position,release.
Seat Damper: A shock is located on the left side of
the seat frame. Remove clip on the top and pull plunger
up. Rotate shaft clockwise to make ride stiffer and
counter- clockwise for a softer ride. Reattach to seat
frame with clip.
Attention: Do not completely close off the damper.
Closing off the damper causes it to become stiff making
it difficult to fully extend the damper in order to open the
adjustment. THE PRODUCT IS NOT DAMAGED. To
restore adjustment follow these instructions: Hang the
damper in the vertical position with the rod pointing
down. Attach a load of approximately 15 pounds to the
rod end of the damper. The load will slowly extend the
damper. When fully extended the adjustment pin will be
engaged. Turn rod with the weight still hanging to open
the adjustment.
CONTROLS

17
CONTROLS
MOWER BLADE SWITCH:
To engage blades: pull up on switch
To disengage blades: push down
IGNITION SWITCH:
•Turntostartpositiontocrankengine.
Releasewhenitstarts.
•Forheadlights-rotateswitchone
notchcounter-clockwisefrom run.
Note: Remove key when mower is
not in use.
CHOKE CONTROL LEVER:
•Located on the control panel to the
operator’s right.
THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER:
•Locatedon control panel tooperator’sright.
•Controls engine speed.
•Whilemowing, throttlecontrolshould besettoMAXIMUMorwide
open setting to insure adequate cooling of the engine and to
maintain mower deck blade speed.
CIRCUIT BREAKER:
•Ifcircuit breakerpopsup,it disconnectsthepower. Wait2 minutes
and push to reset.
•Ifit pops upagain,thereisa short circuit. Stop andfindfaultor
contact your dealer.

18
CONTROLS

19
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
The safe and successful operation of the Model ZTR 8000 Series
willdepend upon the operator having the correctknowledge of all
controls used on the mower and making good judgements about
theterraintobemowed.
NEVER allow anyone to operate the mower without complete
knowledge of all controls and their functions.
Duringinitialoperation, “learningtodrive”,setthrottleatslow
speed.
BEFORE OPERATING MOWER:
1. Read and observe all safety instructions on your
mower and in the manual.
2. Readengine manufacturer’s operatingand
maintenance instructions.
3. Check engine oil.
4. Check fuel cap to be sure it is in place.
5. Be sure parking brake is on.
6. Mower blade drive is off.
7. Know how to stop engine. (Turn key to off
position).

20
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS:
Donotoperate mower if safety switchesare notoperatingproperly.
Your Zero Turning Radius Mower is equipped with control interlocks
for your safety.
1. The engine will not start if the mower blades are
engaged.
2. The engine will not start unless the steering control
levers are neutral “OUT” position.
3. The engine will stop if the mower blade clutch is
engaged and the operator leaves the driver’s seat.
4. The engine will stop if the park brake is ON and the
steering control levers are moved to the “IN” position.