Dixon ZTR SPEEDZTR User manual

Model Year 2004
ZTR®
SPEEDZTR

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® Speedztr
mowers. Your Dixon dealer will gladly
answer any questions.
See your dealer for warranty service, parts
and repairs.

INDEX
Page
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Warranty Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Seat Adjustment Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18
Operation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-29
Care & Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-42
Standard Service Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43-44
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-46
Speedztr
Part No. 16134-0803
3

44
Blade Contact
Tip Over
Run Over
Back Over
SAFETY
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.
4

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

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 braking.
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.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
6
SAFETY

GENERAL OPERATION (continued):
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.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer; birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
7
Warning:
SAFETY

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 requires 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 attach
ments. 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.
8
SAFETY

SLOPE OPERATION (continued):
DO (continued):
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.
9
SAFETY

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 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, 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.
10
SAFETY

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
build-up. 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 blades 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 fire or
explosion keep sparks and open flames away from
battery.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable,
make sure all switches are off.
11
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.
12
SAFETY

.
13

Speedztr 42 & Speedztr 36
Chassis: 11 gauge steel welded frame assembly
Body: All body parts made of high density polyethylene. Dent and
corrosion resistant.
Mower Deck: 36” Deck: 11 GA fabricated construction-36” cut width
42” Deck: 13 GA stamped steel construction-42” cut width
Blade Drive: Electric clutch.
Transmission: Each rear wheel is independently driven by a Hydro Gear
EZT hydrostatic drive.
Engine:
Speedztr 42: 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, single cylinder, overhead
valve, air cooled, gasoline, vertical shaft with cast iron
cylinder, pressure lube with spin-on filter.
Speedztr 36: 14.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, single cylinder, overhead
valve, air cooled, gasoline, vertical shaft with cast iron
cylinder, pressure lube with spin-on filter.
Starting System: Electric-key switch operation w/safety interlock blade drive.
Tires: Front - 11 x 4.00-5 ribbed tread (16-21 PSI)
Rear (42)-18 x 8.50 x 8 - 4 ply turf tread (8-14 PSI)
Rear (36)-18 x 6.50 x 8 - 4 ply turf tread (8-14 PSI)
Capacities: Fuel 3 gallons
Engine Oil 1.5 quarts
Dimensions: Width 40” maximum track width
Height 40” to top edge of seat
Length 72” hitch tab to front bumper
Weight 475 lbs
Additional information provided in service instructions under the individual component.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
14
SPECIFICATIONS

SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Speedztr
1. Grasp seat slide adjuster and move it into
adjustment position.
2. Slide seat forward or backward.
3. Release seat slide adjuster.
15

CONTROL LEVERS
Note: For access to the seat, move control levers to neutral
position and swing them outward.
TO GO FORWARD
•From neutral position, gently push control levers forward.
•To increase speed, move levers further forward.
TO GO BACKWARDS
•From neutral position, gently pull 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.
Note: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
16
LEFT TURN OPPOSITE
CONTROLS

PARKING BRAKE:
The parking brake is designed to hold the
mower from moving and is not intended for use
in stopping the mower while it is in motion. The
engine will stop if the parking brake is engaged
while the control levers are in the drive position.
Engage parking brake
before starting engine.
TO SET PARKING BRAKE:
The hand operated parking brake is located on
the left side of the front panel.
To engage brake, pull lever up.
To release brake, move lever down.
NOTE: Always set parking brake before dismounting.
Release parking brake before moving mower.
TRANSMISSION DRIVE SYSTEM
Allows the mower to turn on its own axis “ZERO TURNING
RADIUS”. Each lever controls one side of the mower.
NOTE: The pressure required to operate the mower is very light.
17
CAUTION
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 CONTROL LEVER:
•Located on control panel to operator’s right.
•Throttle control for engine speed.
•Choke for engine starting.
•Throttle control should be set to MAXIMUM or wide
open setting to insure adequate cooling of the
engine and to maintain mower deck blade speed
while mowing.
MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER:
•Located to the right side of the front panel.
•Controls the cutting height.
•Six positions of adjustment.
•Move lever down to lower.
•Move lever up to raise.
NOTE: Always use high for transport.
18
CONTROLS

The safe and successful operation of the Dixon
Speedztr 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.
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

PARKING BRAKE SWITCH TEST:
a) Swing out control levers
b ) Disengage blade drive switch
c) Put parking brake in OFF position
d ) Turn ignition switch to START
Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
CONTROL LEVER SWITCH TEST:
a) Disengage blade drive switch
b ) Put parking brake in ON position
c) Swing control levers in
d ) Turn ignition switch to START
Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
20
TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK
SYSTEMS:
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS