Dixon ZTRCLASSIC User manual

ZTR®
2003
OPERATORS MANUAL
ZTR CLASSIC

IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
The Dixon®ZTR®Classic 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®Classic 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
ZTR Classic
Part No. 13639-0702

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 & 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 & behind before & 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