Exmark METRO 408 User manual

METRO®
ForSerialNos.
408,644,346&Higher
PartNo.4505-175Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Useofthisproductmaycauseexposure
tochemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Important:ItisaviolationofCaliforniaPublic
ResourceCodeSection4442or4443touse
oroperatetheengineonanyforest-covered,
brush-covered,orgrass-coveredlandunlessthe
engineisequippedwithasparkarrester,as
denedinSection4442,maintainedineffective
workingorderortheengineisconstructed,
equipped,andmaintainedforthepreventionof
re.
Toacquireasparkarresterforyourunit,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
ForallmodelsthatdonothaveExmarkengines,
pleaserefertotheenginemanufacturer's
informationincludedwiththemachine.
FormodelswithExmarkengines,refertothis
manualforinformation.
Thegrossornethorsepower(ortorque)of
thisenginewaslaboratoryratedbytheengine
manufacturerinaccordancewiththeSociety
ofAutomotiveEngineers(SAE)J1940orJ2723.
Asconguredtomeetsafety,emission,and
operatingrequirements,theactualengine
horsepower(ortorque)onthisclassofmower
willbesignicantlylower.
©2020ExmarkMfg.Co.,Inc.
415IndustrialRow
Beatrice,NE683102
Contactusatwww.Exmark.com.
PrintedintheUSA
AllRightsReserved

Introduction
CONGRATULATIONSonthepurchaseofyour
ExmarkMower.Thisproducthasbeencarefully
designedandmanufacturedtogiveyouamaximum
amountofdependabilityandyearsoftrouble-free
operation.
Thismanualcontainsoperating,maintenance,
adjustment,andsafetyinstructionsforyourExmark
mower.
BEFOREOPERATINGYOURMOWER,
CAREFULLYREADTHISMANUALINITS
ENTIRETY.
Byfollowingtheoperating,maintenance,andsafety
instructions,youwillprolongthelifeofyourmower,
maintainitsmaximumefciency,andpromotesafe
operation.
Tomaximizesafety,performance,andproper
operationofthismachine,itisessentialthatall
operatorscarefullyreadandfullyunderstandthe
contentsoftheOperator’smanualprovidedwith
theproduct.Failuretocomplywiththeoperating
instructionsorreceivepropertrainingmayresult
ininjury.Gotohttps://www .Exmark.comfor
additionalsafeoperationinformation,suchassafety
tips,trainingmaterials,andOperator’smanuals.
Ifadditionalinformationisneeded,orshould
yourequiretrainedmechanicservice,contactyour
authorizedExmarkequipmentdealerordistributor.
AllExmarkequipmentdealersanddistributorsare
keptinformedofthelatestmethodsofservicing
andareequippedtoprovidepromptandefcient
serviceintheeldorattheirservicestations.They
carryamplestockofservicepartsorcansecurethem
promptlyforyoufromthefactory.
AllExmarkpartsarethoroughlytestedandinspected
beforeleavingthefactory,however,attentionis
requiredonyourpartifyouaretoobtainthefullest
measureofsatisfactionandperformance.
Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineExmarkparts,
oradditionalinformation,contactanAuthorized
ServiceDealerorExmarkCustomerServiceandhave
themodelandserialnumbersofyourproductready.
Figure1identiesthelocationofthemodelandserial
numbersontheproduct.Writethenumbersinthe
spaceprovided.
g017031
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
Forcompletewarrantydetails,see
https://www.Exmark.com.Youmayalsocall
us402-223-6375torequestawrittencopyofthe
product’swarranty.
3

Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
GeneralSafety.................................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.......................6
Specications........................................................11
Systems..........................................................11
Dimensions....................................................12
TorqueRequirements.....................................13
ProductOverview.................................................13
Operation..............................................................14
Controls.........................................................14
BeforeOperation...........................................15
OperatingInstructions...................................17
DuringOperationSafety.................................17
AfterOperation..............................................21
Transporting..................................................21
Maintenance..........................................................22
MaintenanceSafety.............................................22
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)............22
PeriodicMaintenance........................................23
EngineMaintenance.......................................23
EngineSafety.................................................23
CheckEngineOilLevel..................................23
CheckMowerBlades......................................23
CheckSparkPlugs..........................................24
CheckSafetyInterlockSystem........................25
CheckforLooseHardware.............................27
ServiceAirCleaner.........................................27
ChangeEngineOil.........................................27
CheckTirePressures......................................27
CheckConditionOfBelts...............................27
LubricateGreaseFittings................................28
Adjustments......................................................29
AdjustingtheCuttingHeight..........................29
AdjustingtheAxlePosition.............................30
AdjustingtheNumberofSpacersbelow
CasterSupportHub....................................31
AdjustingtheCuttingHeightwithBlade
Spacers.......................................................31
TransmissionBeltAdjustment........................32
WheelDriveBeltPulleyScrapers....................32
EnginetoMowerDeckBelt............................32
BladeBrakeAdjustment.................................33
BeltGuideAdjustment...................................34
BrakeandWheelDriveLinkage
Adjustment................................................34
ShifterLeverAdjustment................................36
ShifterDetentAdjustment..............................37
PTOSafetySwitchAdjustment.......................37
HandleHeightAdjustment.............................37
WheelDriveSpringTension
Adjustment................................................37
Cleaning............................................................38
CleaningandStoringSafety.............................38
CleanEngineandExhaustSystem
Area...........................................................38
RemoveEngineShroudsandClean
CoolingFins...............................................38
CleanDebrisFromMachine...........................39
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck.................39
WasteDisposal...............................................39
Troubleshooting....................................................40
Schematics............................................................42
CaliforniaProposition65Warning
Information...............................................43
4

Safety
Safety
Thismachinehasbeendesignedinconformance
withtheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute
B71.4forCommercialTurfCareEquipment–Safety
Specications.
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents.
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
g000502
Figure2
SafetyAlertSymbol
Thesafetyalertsymbolappearsaboveinformation
whichalertsyoutounsafeactionsorsituations
andwillbefollowedbythewordDANGER,
WARNING,orCAUTION.
DANGER:Indicatesanimminentlyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Willresultindeathor
seriousinjury.
WARNING:Indicatesapotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Couldresultindeath
orseriousinjury.
CAUTION:Indicatesapotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Mayresultinminor
ormoderateinjury.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizes
generalinformationworthyofspecialattention.
GeneralSafety
Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand
feetandofthrowingobjects.Alwaysfollowallsafety
instructionstoavoidseriouspersonalinjuryordeath.
•Read,understand,andfollowallinstructions
andwarningsintheOperator’sManualand
onthemachine,engine,andattachments.All
operatorsandmechanicsshouldbetrained.If
theoperator(s)ormechanic(s)cannotreadthis
manual,itistheowner’sresponsibilitytoexplain
thismaterialtothem;otherlanguagesmaybe
availableonourwebsite.
•Onlyallowtrained,responsible,andphysically
capableoperatorsthatarefamiliarwiththesafe
operation,operatorcontrols,andsafetysignsand
instructionstooperatethemachine.Neverlet
childrenoruntrainedpeopleoperateorservice
theequipment.Localregulationsmayrestrictthe
ageoftheoperator.
•DoNotoperatethemachineneardrop-offs,
ditches,embankments,water,orotherhazards.
•Keepbystandersandchildrenoutoftheoperating
area.
•DoNotputyourhandsorfeetnearmovingparts.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Parkmachineonlevelground,disengagedrives,
setparkingbrake,stopengine,removekey,or
disconnectsparkplugwire.Waitforallmoving
partstostopbeforeleavingtheoperator’s
position.Allowthemachinetocoolbefore
servicing,adjusting,fueling,cleaning,orstoring.
5

Safety
SafetyandInstructionalDecals
•Keepallsafetysignslegible.Removeallgrease,
dirtanddebrisfromsafetysignsandinstructional
labels.
•Replaceallworn,damaged,ormissingsafety
signs.
•Whenreplacementcomponentsareinstalled,be
surethatcurrentsafetysignsareafxedtothe
replacedcomponents.
•Ifanattachmentoraccessoryhasbeeninstalled,
makesurecurrentsafetysignsarevisible.
•Newsafetysignsmaybeobtainedfrom
yourauthorizedExmarkequipmentdealeror
distributororfromExmarkMfg.Co.Inc.
•Safetysignsmaybeafxedbypeelingoffthe
backingtoexposetheadhesivesurface.Apply
onlytoaclean,drysurface.Smoothtoremove
anyairbubbles.
•Familiarizeyourselfwiththefollowingsafetysigns
andinstructionlabels.Theyarecriticaltothesafe
operationofyourExmarkcommercialmower.
decal98-1977
98-1977
1.Entanglementhazard,belt—stayawayfrommoving
parts.
decal98-3264
98-3264
1.ReadtheOperator'sManual.
decal99-3943
99-3943
48inchDeckUnitsOnly
1.Beltrouting
2.Engine
decal103-2244
103-2244
ECSUnitsOnly
6

Safety
decal103-2245
103-2245
ECSUnitsOnly
decal106-2733
106-2733
1.Fast3.Slow
2.Continuousvariable
setting
decal106-5517
106-5517
1.Warning—donottouchthehotsurface.
decal112-8760
112-8760
1.Thrownobjecthazard—keepbystandersaway.
2.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,mower
blade—stayawayfrommovingparts.
decal112-9028
112-9028
1.Warning—stayawayfrommovingparts;keepallguards
andshieldsinplace.
decal116-7877
116-7877
32inchand36inchUnitsOnly
1.Engine
7

Safety
decal116-7878
116-7878
PistolGripHandleUnitsOnly
1.Parkbrake3.Neutrallock
2.Drive
decal126-1400
126-1400
1.Warning-ReadtheOperator’smanual.UseonlyExmark
ridingattachments.Useofotherridingattachmentsmay
createahazardousconditionresultingininjury.
decal133-8062
133-8062
decal135-5210
135-5210
1.Thrownobjectshazard-keepbystandersaway.
2.Thrownobjectshazard,mower-donotoperatewithout
thedeector,dischargecoverorgrasscollectionsystem
inplace.
3.Cutting/dismembermentofhandorfoot-stayawayfrom
movingparts;keepallguardsandshieldsinplace.
8

Safety
decal135-2864
135-2864
ECSUnitsOnly
1.PTO–on6.Warning–Stayawayfrommovingparts;keepallguards
inplace.Stopengineandremovesparkplugbefore
adjusting,servicing,orcleaning.
2.PTO–off7.Thrownobjecthazard–Pickupobjectsthatcouldbe
thrownbymower.Keepbystandersaway..
3.Engine–off8.Warning–DisengagePTO,shifttransmissiontoneutral,
andengageparkingbrakebeforeleavingtheoperator’s
position.
4.Engine–on9.Warning–Mowacrossslopesnotupanddown.DoNot
mowwetslopes–useextremecautionwhenoperatingon
slopes.
5.Warning–ReadtheOperator’sManual.DoNotoperatethis
machineunlessyouaretrained.Wearhearingprotection.
9

Safety
decal135-2865
135-2865
PistolGripUnitsOnly
1.PTO–on8.Thrownobjecthazard–Pickupobjectsthatcouldbe
thrownbymower.Keepbystandersaway.
2.PTO–off9.Warning–Mowacrossslopesnotupanddown.DoNot
mowwetslopes–useextremecautionwhenoperatingon
slopes.
3.Engine–off10.Park
4.Engine–on11.Neutrallock
5.Warning–ReadtheOperator’sManual.DoNotoperatethis
machineunlessyouaretrained.Wearhearingprotection.
12.Stop
6.Warning–Stayawayfrommovingparts;keepallguards
inplace.Stopengineandremovesparkplugbefore
adjusting,servicing,orcleaning.
13.Neutral
7.Warning–DisengagePTO,shifttransmissiontoneutral,
andengageparkingbrakebeforeleavingtheoperator’s
position.
14.Drive
10

Specications
Specications
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•EngineOilType:Exmark4–CyclePremium
EngineOil
•RPM:FullSpeed:3600(NoLoad)
Idle:1550RPM
FuelSystem
•Capacity:5.0gal.(18.9L)
•FuelRecommendations:
–Forbestresults,useonlyclean,fresh,unleaded
gasolinewithanoctaneratingof87orhigher
((R+M)/2ratingmethod).
–Oxygenatedfuelwithupto10%ethanolor
15%MTBEbyvolumeisacceptable.
–DoNotuseethanolblendsofgasoline(such
asE15orE85)withmorethan10%ethanol
byvolume.Performanceproblemsand/or
enginedamagemayresultwhichmaynotbe
coveredunderwarranty.
–DoNotusegasolinecontainingmethanol.
–DoNotstorefueleitherinthefueltankor
fuelcontainersoverthewinterunlessafuel
stabilizerisused.
–DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
•FuelFilter:ReplaceableIn-line
•FuelShut-OffValve:1/4turn
SafetyInterlockSystem
Operatormusthavethetransmissioninneutraland
PTOdisengagedtostartengine.ReleaseofOperator
PresenceControl(OPC)leverswillcauseengineto
stopiftransmissionisnotinneutraland/orPTOis
engaged.
Steering/BrakeControls
Fingertipdrivecontrolleversprovideindependent
controloftraction,braking,andneutraltoeachdrive
wheelformoving,stopping,andpowerturning.
Parkingbrakesareengagedbylockingdrivecontrol
leversinthe“brake”position.
Transmission
•Peerless700-070A,vespeedsforwardandone
reverse.
•Speedrange:
–1st:2.0mph(3.22km/hr)
–2nd:2.7mph(4.35km/hr)
–3rd:3.5mph(5.63km/hr)
–4th:4.1mph(6.60km/hr)
–5th:6.2mph(9.98km/hr)
–Reverse:3.1mph(4.99km/hr)
WheelDriveSystem
BandeddoubleA-SectionV-belts,singletop-side
idlersandreplaceablebolt-ondrivesheavesandbrake
drums.(SingleB-SectionV-beltsforthe32inch
Model)
11

Specications
Tires&Wheels
DriveFront
Caster
Pneumatic(Air-Filled)Semi-
Pneumatic
3236&48AllDecks
Quantity222
TreadKendaTurf
Traction
KendaTurf
Traction
Smooth
Size13x5.00-613x6.50-69x3.50-4
PlyRating44
Pressure14psi
(97kPa)
14psi
(97kPa)
BearingsReplaceable
Ball
Replaceable
Ball
Replaceable
Roller
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:
–32inchDeck:31.75inches(80.7cm)
–36inchDeck:35.38inches(89.9cm)
–48inchDeck:47.25inches(120.0cm)
•Discharge:Side
•BladeSize:
–32inchDeck:16.25inches(41.3cm)—
Quantity:2
–36inchDeck:18.00inches(45.7cm)—
Quantity:2
–48inchDeck:16.25inches(41.3cm)—
Quantity:3
•DeckDrive:Manualengagementofbeltwith
over-centerlock.Bladebelttensionisadjustable
viaturnbuckle.
•BladeBrake:Whenthebladeengagementcontrol
ismovedtothedisengagedpositionafriction
brakepadstopstherotationoftheblades.
•DeckMounting:Bolteddirectlytoenginedeck.
•DeckDepth:
–32inchDeck:5.0inches(12.7cm)
–36inchDeck:5.0inches(12.7cm)
–48inchDeck:5.0inches(12.7cm)
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:
Adjustsfrom1inch(2.5cm)to41/4inches(10.8
cm)in1/4inch(6.4mm)orsmallerincrements
byvariousadjustmentsofcasterspacers,blade
spacers,andaxleheight.
Dimensions
OverallWidth:
32inch
Deck
36inch
Deck
48inch
Deck
Deector
Up
32.7inches
(83.1cm)
36.4inches
(92.5cm)
48.1inches
(122.2cm)
Deector
Down
43.3inches
(110.0cm)
47.0inches
(119.4cm)
57.9inches
(147.1cm)
OverallLength:
32inch
Deck
36inch
Deck
48inch
Deck
Standard
PistolGrip
Handles
78.0inches
(198.1cm)
78.0inches
(198.1cm)
73.0inches
(185.4cm)
ECS
Handles
77.3inches
(196.3cm)
77.3inches
(196.3cm)
72.3inches
(183.6cm)
OverallHeight:
StandardPistolGrip
Handles
40.0inches(101.6cm)
ECSHandles42.1inches(106.9cm)
TreadWidth:(OutsidetoOutsideof
Tires,Widthwise)
32inch
Deck
36inch
Deck
48inch
Deck
Standard
PistolGrip
&ECS
Handles
32.1inches
(81.4cm)
35.6inches
(90.4cm)
35.6inches
(90.4cm)
CurbWeight:
32inchDeck36inchDeck48inchDeck
477lb
(215kg)
507lb
(228kg)
554lb
(249kg)
12

ProductOverview
TorqueRequirements
BoltLocationTorque
Blade/CutterHousing
SpindleBolt
75-80ft-lb(102-109N-m)
CasterBracketMounts30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
MowerDeck/Engine
DeckMount
30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
EngineMountingBolts17-23ft-lb(23-31N-m)
TransmissionShifterLever
Nut
30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
MuferGuardMounting
Bolts
30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
ProductOverview
g237422
Figure3
1.Controls4.ECSHandles
2.FuelCap5.BladeSpacers
3.PistolGripHandles
13

Operation
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
Becomefamiliarwithallthecontrolsbeforestarting
theengineandoperatingthemachine.
OperatorPresenceControl(OPC)
Levers
Locatedontheupperhandleassemblydirectlyabove
orbelowthehandlegrips.
Whentheseleversaredepressed,theOPCsystem
sensesthattheoperatorisinthenormaloperator's
position.Whentheleversarereleased,theOPC
systemsensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthe
normaloperatingpositionandtheenginemustbegin
shutdownifeitherthetransmissionshiftleverisnot
intheneutralpositionorthePTOisengaged(see
Figure4andFigure5).
g217812
Figure4
LeftPistolGripHandleShown
1.NeutralLock/ParkBrakeLatch
2.OPCLever
3.Handlegrip
4.DriveLever
g217809
Figure5
LeftECSHandleShown
1.NeutralLockLatch/ParkBrakeLatch
2.DriveLever
3.Handlegrip
4.OPCLever
DriveLevers
Locatedoneachsideoftheupperhandleassembly
aheadofandbelowthehandlegrips(seeFigure4and
Figure5).
Theseleversindividuallycontrolclutchingactionof
thewheeldrivebeltsandbrakes.Whenthedrive
leversareallthewaydown,thebrakesdisengageand
thewheeldrivebeltsengage.
Graduallysqueezingtheleftorrighthanddrivelever
disengagesthewheeldrivebelts,causingthelefthand
orrighthandwheeltoslowdownuntiltheyreach
neutralorstop.Thismakesthemachineturntothe
leftorrightrespectively.Squeezingfurtherengages
theparkbrakes.Thesharpnessoftheturnvariesby
howmuchtheleverissqueezed.Forstraightahead
motion,smoothlyreleasebothdriveleverstoengage
bothdrivewheelssimultaneously.
NeutralLock/ParkBrakeLatches
•ForPistolGripHandles:Locatedonhandles
aheadofthegrips.
•ForECSHandles:Locatedontheupperhandle
assemblyontheendsofthehandlegrips.
14

Operation
Thelatchesallowtheoperatortolockthedrivelevers
ina“neutral”positionwhereneitherthewheeldrive
beltsnorthebrakesengageorina“parkbrake”
positionwherethewheeldrivebeltsarenotengaged
andtheparkbrakeisengaged(seeFigure4and
Figure5).
ChokeControl
Locatedonthefrontleftcornerofthefueltank
support.
Chokeisusedtoaidinstartingacoldengine.The
chokecontrolispulledouttobeinthe“ON”position
andpushedintobeinthe“OFF”position.DoNot
runawarmenginewithchokeinthe“ON”position.
ThrottleControl
Locatedontheonthecontrolconsolerightside.
Thethrottleisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thethrottlecontrolforwardwillincreaseenginespeed
andmovingittotherearwilldecreaseenginespeed.
Movingthethrottleforwardintothedetentisfull
position.
TransmissionShiftLever
Locatedunderthecontrolconsoleandbehindthe
fueltank.
Itshiftsthe5-speedtransmissionintoveforward
gears,neutralandreverse.Shifttransmissiononly
whendriveleversareintheneutralposition.Shifting
withoutdriveleversinneutralmaycausedamageto
thetransmission.
Note:Reverseis“reverseassist”only,meaningwhen
thetransmissionisinreverse,theoperatorhastopull
theunitbackwardto“assist”withthemovementof
theunit.
“Off-Run”Switch
Locatedonthecontrolconsole.
Turnthekeytothe“Run”positiontoallowthe
enginetobestarted.Turnthekeytothe“Off”
positiontoshutengineoff.
FuelShut-OffValve
Locatedinthefuellinemidwaybetweenthetank
andengine.
Thefuelshut-offvalveisusedtoshutoffthe
owoffuelwhenparkinginsideabuilding,during
transportationtoandfromthejobsites,andwhen
themachinewillnotbeusedforafewdays.
Rotatevalve1/4turnclockwisetoshutfueloff.
Rotatevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturnfuel
on.
BeforeOperation
BeforeOperationSafety
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbyExmark.
•Inspecttheareawherethemachineistobeused
andremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,bones,
andotherforeignobjects.Thesecanbethrown
orinterferewiththeoperationofthemachine
andmaycausepersonalinjurytotheoperatoror
bystanders.
•Thismowerwasdesignedforoneoperatoronly.
DoNotcarrypassengers.
•Wearappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment
suchassafetyglasses,longpants,substantial
slip-resistantfootwear,andhearingprotection.
Tiebacklonghairandavoidlooseclothingand
loosejewelrywhichmaygettangledinmoving
parts.
•Thismachineproducessoundlevelsinexcessof
85dBAattheoperator’searandcancausehearing
lossthroughextendedperiodsofexposure.Wear
hearingprotectionwhenoperatingthismachine.
•Checkthatthefollowingitemsareinplaceandin
properworkingcondition:theoperatorpresence
controls,safetyswitches,guards,shields,discharge
deectorand/ortheentiregrasscatchersystem.
Donotoperatethemachineunlesstheyarein
properworkingcondition.Replacewornor
deterioratedpartswithgenuineExmarkparts
whennecessary.
15

Operation
DANGER
Itisessentialthatoperatorsafetymechanisms
beconnectedandinproperoperating
conditionpriortouse.Contactingtheblade
canresultinseriouspersonalinjury.
Shutofftheengine,removethekey,andwait
forallmovingpartstostopbeforeleavingthe
operatingposition.Whenthekeyisturnedto
the“OFF”position,theengineshouldshut
offandthebladeshouldstop.Ifnot,stop
usingthemachineimmediatelyandcontact
anAuthorizedServiceDealer.
•DoNotoperatethemowerwhenpeople,
especiallychildren,orpetsareinthearea.Shut
offthemachineandattachment(s)ifanyone
entersthearea.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithouttheentire
grasscollectionsystem,dischargedeector,
orothersafetydevicesinplaceandinproper
workingcondition.Grasscatchercomponents
aresubjecttowear,damageanddeterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjects
tobethrown.Frequentlycheckforwornor
deterioratingcomponentsandreplacethemwith
themanufacturer’srecommendedpartswhen
necessary.
FuelSafety
DANGER
Gasolineisextremelyammableandvaporsare
explosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburnyou,
others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsonlevelground,
inanopenarea,whentheengineiscold.If
fuelisspilled,DoNotattempttostartthe
engine.Moveawayfromtheareaofthespill
andavoidcreatinganysourceofignitionuntil
fuelvaporshavedissipated.
•DoNotrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosedtrailer.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,and
stayawayfromanopenameorwhere
gasolinefumesmaybeignitedbyspark.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Never
removethecapofthefueltankoraddfuel
whenengineisrunningorwhentheengine
ishot.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainerand
keepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•DoNotoperatewithoutentireexhaustsystem
inplaceandinproperworkingcondition.
•Incertainconditionsduringfueling,static
electricitycanbereleasedcausingasparkwhich
canignitegasolinevapors.
–DoNotllcontainersinsideavehicleorona
truckortrailerbedwithaplasticliner.Always
placecontainersonthegroundandawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforelling.
–Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelsonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline
dispensernozzle.
–Ifagasolinedispensernozzleisused,keepthe
nozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltank
orcontaineropeningatalltimesuntilfueling
iscomplete.DoNotuseanozzlelockopen
device.
•DoNotoverllthefueltank.Fillthefueltankto
thebottomofthellerneck.Theemptyspacein
16

Operation
thetankallowsgasolinetoexpand.Overlling
mayresultinfuelleakageordamagetotheengine
oremissionsystem.
•Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporsmaycauseserious
injuryandillness.
–Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
–Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
–Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Tohelppreventres:
–Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.
–Cleanupoilandfuelspillsandremovefuel
soakeddebris.
–Allowthemachinetocoolbeforestoringthe
machineinanyenclosure.DoNotstorethe
machineorfuelcontainer,orrefuel,where
thereisanopename,spark,orpilotlight
suchasonawaterheaterorotherappliance.
OperatingInstructions
DuringOperationSafety
GeneralSafety
Theoperatormustusetheirfullattentionwhen
operatingthemachine.DoNotengageinanyactivity
thatcausesdistractions;otherwise,injuryorproperty
damagemayoccur.
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythemufer,
becomeextremelyhot.Severeburnscanoccur
oncontactanddebris,suchasleaves,grass,
brush,etc.cancatchre.
CleanthemachineasstatedintheMaintenance
section.Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.
•Operatetheengineonlyinwell-ventilatedareas.
Exhaustgasescontaincarbonmonoxide,whichis
anodorlessdeadlypoison.
•Donotoperatethemachinewhileill,tired,or
undertheinuenceofalcoholordrugs.
•Operatethemachineonlyingoodvisibilityand
appropriateweatherconditions.DoNotoperate
themachinewhenthereistheriskoflightning.
•Keepawayfromholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,and
otherhiddenhazards.Usecarewhenapproaching
blindcorners,shrubs,trees,tallgrassorother
objectsthatmayhideobstaclesorobscurevision.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachineor
causetheoperatortolosetheirbalanceorfooting.
•Starttheenginewithyourfeetwellawayfrom
theblades.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Keepyourhandsandfeetawayfromthemoving
parts.Keepclearofthedischargeopening.
•DoNotmowwiththedischargedeector
raised,removed,oralteredunlessthereisa
grass-collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•Neverraisethedeckwithbladesrunning.
•Beawareofthemowerdischargepathanddirect
dischargeawayfromothers.Avoiddischarging
materialagainstawallorobstructionasthe
materialmayricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
Stoptheblades,slowdown,andusecaution
whencrossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
transportingthemowertoandfromtheareato
bemowed.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhen
makingturns.DoNotmowinreverseunlessit
isabsolutelynecessary.Alwayslookdownand
behindyoubeforemovingthemachineinreverse.
•Parkthemachineonlevelground.Stopengine,
waitforallmovingpartstostop,andremovekey.
–Beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
mower.
–Afterstrikingaforeignobjectorabnormal
vibrationoccurs(inspectthemowerfor
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestarting
andoperatingthemower).
–Beforeclearingblockages.
–Wheneveryouleavethemower.DoNotleave
arunningmachineunattended.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop:
17

Operation
–Beforerefueling.
–Beforedumpingthegrasscatcher.
–Beforemakingheightadjustments.
•Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot
alerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenare
oftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing
activity.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
whereyoulastsawthem.
–Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand
underthewatchfulcareofanotherresponsible
adult,nottheoperator.
–Bealertandturnthemachineoffifchildren
enterthearea.
–Beforeandwhilebackingorchanging
direction,lookbehind,down,andside-to-side
forsmallchildren.
–Neverallowchildrentooperatethemachine.
–DoNotcarrychildren,evenwiththeblades
shutoff.Childrencouldfalloffandbe
seriouslyinjuredorinterferewiththesafe
operationofthemachine.Childrenthathave
beengivenridesinthepastcouldsuddenly
appearintheworkingareaforanotherrideand
berunoverorbackedoverbythemachine.
SlopeSafety
•Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrol
androlloveraccidents,whichcanresultinsevere
injuryordeath.Theoperatorisresponsiblefor
safeslopeoperation.Operatingthemachineon
anysloperequiresextracaution.Beforeusingthe
machineonaslope,theoperatormust:
–Reviewandunderstandtheslopeinstructions
inthemanualandonthemachine.
–Evaluatethesiteconditionsofthedayto
determineiftheslopeissafeformachine
operation.Usecommonsenseandgood
judgmentwhenperformingthisevaluation.
Changesintheterrain,suchasmoisture,can
quicklyaffecttheoperationofthemachine
onaslope.
•Operateacrossslopes,neverupanddown.Avoid
operationonexcessivelysteeporwetslopes.Poor
footingcouldcauseaslipandfallaccident.
•Identifyhazardsatthebaseoftheslope.Do
Notoperatethemachineneardropoffs,ditches,
embankments,waterorotherhazards.The
machinecouldsuddenlyrolloverifawheelgoes
overtheedgeortheedgecollapses.Keepasafe
distancebetweenthemachineandanyhazard.
Useahandheldtooltooperateintheseareas.
•Avoidstarting,stoppingorturningthemachine
onslopes.Avoidmakingsuddenchangesinspeed
ordirection;turnslowlyandgradually.
•DoNotoperateamachineunderanyconditions
wheretraction,steeringorstabilityisinquestion.
Beawarethatoperatingthemachineonwetgrass,
acrossslopesordownhillmaycausethemachine
tolosetraction.Lossoftractiontothedrive
wheelsmayresultinslidingandalossofbraking
andsteering.Themachinecanslideevenifthe
drivewheelsarestopped.
•Removeormarkobstaclessuchasditches,holes,
ruts,bumps,rocksorotherhiddenhazards.Tall
grasscanhideobstacles.Uneventerraincould
overturnthemachine.
•Ifyoulosecontrolofthemachine,stepawayfrom
thedirectionoftravelofthemachine.
•Alwayskeepthemachineingearwhengoing
downslopes.DoNotcoastdownhill.
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
fuelon.
StartingtheEngine
Note:Alwaysengagetheleftandrightneutral
lock/parkbrakelatchesinthe“parkbrake”position
whenstartingtheengine
1.Onacoldengine,placethethrottlemidway
betweenthe“SLOW”and“FAST”positionsand
placethechokeinthe“ON”position.Onawarm
engine,placethethrottlelevermidwaybetween
“SLOW”and“FAST”positionsandleavethe
chokeinthe“OFF”position.
2.Turnignitionswitchto“RUN”position.Pullthe
recoilropetostartengine.
3.Onacoldengine,graduallyreturnchoketothe
“OFF”positionafterenginestartsandwarmsup.
Note:Kawasakienginesgenerallyneedtobe
“choked”evenwhenwarm.
18

Operation
EngagingthePTO
DANGER
Therotatingbladesunderthemowerdeckare
dangerous.Bladecontactcancauseserious
injuryordeath.
DoNotputhandsorfeetunderthemoweror
mowerdeckwhenthebladesareengaged.
DANGER
Anuncovereddischargeopeningwillallow
objectstobethrowninanoperator’sor
bystander’sdirection.Also,contactwiththe
bladecouldoccur.Thrownobjectsorblade
contactcancauseseriousinjuryordeath.
Neveroperatethemowerwiththedischarge
deectorraised,removed,oralteredunlessthere
isagrasscollectionsystemormulchkitinplace
andworkingproperly.
ThePTOswitchengagesthecuttingblades.Besure
thatallpersonsareclearofmowerdeckanddischarge
areabeforeengagingthePTO.
1.Setthrottleto“MIDWAY”position.
2.PullthePTOswitchoutwardtothe“ROTATE”
positiontoengagetheblades.
3.Placethethrottleinthe“FAST”positiontobegin
mowing.
DisengagingthePTO
1.Setthrottleto“MIDWAY”position.
2.Pullthebladeengagementlevertothefull
rearwardpositiontodisengagetheblades
StoppingtheEngine
1.DisengagethePTO.
2.Bringtheunittoafullstop.
3.Lockdriveleversin“parkbrake”position.
4.DisengagethePTO.
5.Movetransmissionshiftleverto“neutral”.
6.Placethethrottlemidwaybetweenthe“SLOW”
and“FAST”positions.
7.Allowtheenginetorunforaminimumof15
seconds,thenturntheignitionswitchtothe
“OFF”positiontostoptheengine.
8.Removethekeytopreventchildrenorother
unauthorizedpersonsfromstartingengine.
9.Closethefuelshut-offvalvewhenthemachine
willnotbeinuseforafewdays,when
transporting,orwhentheunitisparkedinside
abuilding.
DrivingtheMachine
DriveLever/NeutralLock/ParkBrakeLatch
Operation
•ForPistolGripHandles
Tolockthedriveleversin“neutral”,squeezethe
driveleversbacktotheneutralposition.Place
thumbsontheupperportionoftheneutral
lock/parkbrakelatchesandmovethemtothe
rear.Releasethedrivelevers.
Tolocktheleversin“parkbrake”,squeezethe
driveleversbacktothebrakeposition.Place
thumbsontheupperportionoftheneutral
lock/parkbrakelatchesandmovethemtothe
front.Releasethedrivelevers(seeFigure6)
CAUTION
Iftheneutrallock/parkbrakelatchesare
notcompletelyengagedthedrivelevers
couldunexpectedlyslipintotheforwarddrive
position.Ifthedriveleversslipintothedrive
position,theunitcouldlurchforwardand
causeinjuryorpropertydamage.
Besurethepinsprotrudingthroughtheslots
ofeachneutrallocklatcharecompletely
engagedintherearslotofeachlatch.
Toplacethedriveleversinthedriveposition,
rmlyholdthedrivelevers,placethumbsonthe
upperportionoftheneutrallock/parkbrake
latchesandmovethemoutofthe“neutral”or
the“parkbrake”position.Slowlyandsmoothly
releasethedrivelevers.
19

Operation
g006795
Figure6
1.Latchisinthedrive
position
6.Neutrallock
2.Rotateforwardforpark
brakeposition
7.Forward—releasedrive
lever
3.Rotatebackforneutral
lockposition
8.Neutral—holdinthis
position
4.Parkbrake9.Reverse—squeezedrive
lever
5.Fullspeedforward
•ForECSHandles
Tolockthedriveleversin“neutrallock”,squeeze
thedriveleverstothe“neutral”position.See
Figure7position2.Placethumbsontheinner
thumblobeoftheneutrallock/parkbrakelatches
androtatethemtothe“neutral”position.See
Figure7position3.Releasethedrivelevers.
Tolockthedriveleversin“parkbrake”,squeeze
thedriveleversfarthertothe“brake”position.
Placethumbsontheinnerthumblobeofthe
neutrallock/parkbrakelatchesandrotatethem
tothe“park”position.SeeFigure7position4.
Releasedrivelevers.
CAUTION
Iftheneutrallock/parkbrakelatchesare
notcompletelyengagedthedrivelevers
couldunexpectedlyslipintotheforwarddrive
position.Ifthedriveleversslipintothedrive
position,theunitcouldlurchforwardand
causeinjuryorpropertydamage.
Besurethedriveleversaresecurelyseatedat
thebottomofthe“neutral”or“park”areasof
theneutrallocklatches.
Toplacethedriveleversinthe“drive”position,
slightlysqueezethedriveleverswhileplacing
thumbsontheouterthumblobeoftheneutral
lock/parkbrakelatches(ortheindexngeron
thefrontlobe)androtatethemfromunderthe
drivelevers.Slowlyandcarefullyreleasethedrive
levers.SeeFigure7position1.
g217846
Figure7
LeftECSHandleShown
1.DriveLeverindrive
position
3.DriveLeverlockedin
neutralposition
2.DriveLeverinneutral
position
4.DriveLeverlockedin
parkposition
DrivingForward
1.Withdriveleversinthe“neutral”or“parkbrake”
position,shifttransmissionintodesiredgear.
2.Squeezebothdriveleversandmovebothneutral
lock/parkbrakelatchesfromthe“neutral”or
“parkbrake”positiontothe“drive”position.
3.Tomoveforwardinastraightline,smoothly
releasebothdriveleverstoengagedrivewheels.
Toturnleftorright,squeezetherighthanddrive
levertoturnrightandthelefthanddrivelever
toturnleft.
Squeezedriveleversallthewaybacktoengage
brakes.Moveneutrallock/parkbrakelatchesinto
the“parkbrake”positionandreleasedrivelevers.
Shifttransmissionintoneutral.
DrivinginReverse
20