Exmark QUEST 408 User manual

QUEST®
ForSerialNos.
408,644,346&Higher
PartNo.4505-333Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelated
accessoriescontainleadandlead
compounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancerandreproductive
harm.Washhandsafterhandling.
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.
g236603
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....................................................13
TorqueRequirements.....................................13
ProductOverview.................................................14
Operation..............................................................14
Controls.........................................................14
BeforeOperation..........................................16
OperatingInstructions...................................18
DuringOperationSafety.................................18
CheckingtheEngineOilLevel........................21
StartingtheEngine.........................................21
OperatingtheBlades......................................21
TheSafetyInterlockSystem............................23
CheckSafetyInterlockSystem........................23
DrivingForwardorBackward.........................26
StoppingtheMachine.....................................27
AdjustingtheAnti-ScalpRollers......................27
PositioningtheSeat........................................28
ChangingtheSeatRideSuspension.................28
AdjustingtheMotionControlLevers..............29
AdjustingtheTracking....................................29
PushingtheMachinebyHand.........................30
SideDischarge................................................30
AfterOperation..............................................31
Transporting..................................................31
OperatingTips..............................................33
Maintenance..........................................................34
MaintenanceSafety.............................................34
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)............35
PeriodicMaintenance........................................35
Lubrication.....................................................36
EngineSafety.................................................36
EngineMaintenance.......................................36
ServicinganExmarkEngine...........................37
ServicingaKohlerEngine..............................42
CleaningtheBlowerHousing..........................47
FuelSystemMaintenance...............................47
ElectricalSystemMaintenance........................47
ChargingtheBattery.......................................47
DriveSystemMaintenance.............................50
CheckingtheTirePressure.............................50
ReleasingtheElectricBrake............................51
MowerMaintenance.......................................51
ServicingtheCuttingBlades...........................51
LevelingtheMowerDeck...............................54
MowerBeltMaintenance................................58
ReplacingtheDischargeDeector..................59
Cleaning............................................................61
CleaningandStoringSafety.............................61
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck.................61
CleanDebrisFromMachine...........................61
CleanEngineandExhaustSystem
Area...........................................................61
WasteDisposal...............................................61
Troubleshooting....................................................63
Schematics............................................................65
CaliforniaProposition65Warning
Information...............................................66
4

Safety
Safety
Thismachinehasbeendesignedinconformance
withtheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute
B71.1forConsumerTurfCareEquipment–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,or
onslopesgreaterthan15degrees.
•Keepbystandersandchildrenoutoftheoperating
area.
•DoNotputyourhandsorfeetnearmovingparts.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Parkmachineonlevelground,movethemotion
controlleversouttoengagetheparkingbrake,
disengagethebladecontrolswitch,stopengine,
andremovekeyandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stopbeforeleavingtheoperatingposition.Allow
themachinetocoolbeforeservicing,adjusting,
fueling,cleaning,orstoring.
5

Safety
SafetyandInstructionalDecals
Safetydecalsandinstructionsareeasilyvisibletotheoperatorandarelocatednearanyarea
ofpotentialdanger.Replaceanydecalthatisdamagedorlost.
decal93-7009
93-7009
1.Warning—don'toperatethemowerwiththedeectorup
orremoved;keepthedeectorinplace.
2.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,mower
blade—stayawayfrommovingparts.
decal99-3943
99-3943
ForModelswith50or54InchMowerDecks
1.Beltrouting
2.Engine
decal105-7015
105-7015
ForModelswith34Inchor42InchMowerDecks
1.Beltrouting
decal130-0765
130-0765
1.ReadtheOperator's
Manual.
3.Removethekeyfrom
theignitionandreadthe
Operator'sManual
beforeperforming
maintenance.
2.Height-of-cutselection
6

Safety
decal131-1097
131-1097
Exmark708ccEngineOnly
1.Oildrain
decal132-0872
132-0872
1.Thrownobject
hazard—keep
bystandersaway.
3.Cutting/dismemberment
ofhandorfoot—stay
awayfrommovingparts.
2.Thrownobjectshazard,
mower—donotoperate
withoutthedeector,
dischargecoverorgrass
collectionsystemin
place.
4.Pinchhazard—stay
awayfrommovingparts,
keepshieldsinplace.
decal136-5596
136-5596
ForModelswith50InchDecks
1.Checkthetirepressure
every25operating
hours.
4.Checkthetirepressure
every25operating
hours.
2.Engineoil5.ReadtheOperator's
Manualbefore
performingmaintenance.
3.Checkthetirepressure
every25operating
hours.
decal139-2392
139-2392
ForModelswith34,42,or50InchDecks
7

Safety
decal139-2394
139-2394
1.Tractioncontrols4.Neutral
2.Fast5.Reverse
3.Slow6.Parkingbrake
decal139-2395
139-2395
1.Parkingbrake4.Neutral
2.Fast5.Reverse
3.Slow6.Tractioncontrols
decal139-5892
139-5892
ForModelswith54InchDeck
1.Heightofcut
decal142-5854
142-5854
1.Bypassleverpositionfor
pushingthemachine
2.Bypassleverpositionfor
operatingthemachine
8

Safety
decal142-5861
142-5861
ModelswithoutHourMeter
1.Fast4.Choke–Off
2.Slow5.Optionalhourmeter
accessory
3.Choke–On
decal142-5862
142-5862
ModelswithHourMeter
1.Fast3.Choke–On
2.Slow4.Choke–Off
decal142-5864
142-5864
decalptosymbols
PTOSwitchSymbols
1.PTO–disengage2.PTO–engage
9

Safety
decal142-5846
142-5846
Thismachinecomplieswiththeindustrystandardstabilitytestinthestaticlateralandlongitudinaltestswiththe
maximumrecommendedslopeindicatedonthedecal.Itisimportantthateachoperatorreviewtheslopeoperation
instructionsintheoperator’smanualandreviewtheconditionsinwhichthemachineisbeingoperatedtodetermine
ifthemachinemaybeoperatedintheconditionsthatdayandonthatsite.Changestoterraincanresultina
changeinslopeoperationforanymachine.
1.Warning—ReadtheOperator'sManual.4.Runover/backoverhazard—DoNotcarrypassengers;
lookbehindyouwhenmowinginreverse.
2.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofthengersor
hand—keephandsandfeetawayfrommovingparts;keep
allguardsandshieldsinplace.
5.Ramphazard—whenloadingontoatrailer,donotuse
dualramps;onlyuseasingularrampwideenoughforthe
machineandthathasaninclinelessthan15degrees;
backuptheramp(inreverse)anddriveforwardoffthe
ramp.
3.Thrownobjecthazard—Keepbystandersaway,pickup
debrisbeforeoperating,andkeepthedeectorshield
down.
6.Tippinghazardonslopes—DoNotuseonslopesnear
openwater;DoNotuseonslopesgreaterthan15
degrees.
decalbatterysymbols
BatterySymbols
Someorallofthesesymbolsareonyourbattery.
1.Explosionhazard5.ReadtheOperator'sManual.9.Flusheyesimmediatelywithwater
andgetmedicalhelpfast.
2.Nore,openames,orsmoking6.Keepbystandersasafedistance
fromthebattery.
10.Containslead;donotdiscard.
3.Causticliquid/chemicalburnhazard7.Weareyeprotection;explosive
gasescancauseblindnessand
otherinjuries.
4.Weareyeprotection8.Batteryacidcancauseblindnessor
severeburns.
10

Specications
Specications
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•EngineOilType:Exmark4-CyclePremium
EngineOil
•RPM:
FullSpeed:3300±100(max)RPM(NoLoad)
Idle:1650(min)RPM
FuelSystem
•Capacity:3.0gal.(11L)
•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:In-line
ElectricalSystem
•ChargingSystem:FlywheelAlternator
•ChargingCapacity:15amps
•BatteryType:230CCA
•BatteryVoltage:12Volt
•Polarity:NegativeGround
•Fuses:One25amp,one15amp;bladetype
SafetyInterlockSystem
•PTOmustbedisengagedandmotioncontrol
leversmovedtotheoutwardpositiontoengage
theparkingbraketostartengine.(Itisnot
necessaryfortheoperatortobeintheseatto
starttheengine.)
•OperatormustbeinseatwhenPTOisengaged
orenginewillstop.
OperatorControls
•SteeringandMotionControl:
Note:Motioncontrolleversareadjustableto
twoheights.
–Separatelevers,oneachsideoftheconsole,
controlspeedanddirectionoftravelofthe
respectivedrivewheels.
–Steeringiscontrolledbyvaryingtheposition
oftheleversrelativetoeachother.
–Movingmotioncontrolleversoutward(in
slots)locksthedrivesysteminneutral.
•PTOEngagementSwitch:Engageselectricclutch
(todrivebelt)whichengagesmowerblades.
•ParkingBrakeLever:Engages/Disengages
parkingbrake.
•DeckHeightAdjustmentLever:Setscutting
heighttodesiredposition.
•DeckLiftAssistLever:Footpedalthatassistsin
raisingthedeck.
Seat
•Type:
–E-Seriesmodels:Twotoneupholsteredhigh
back,foampaddedwithspringsuspension.
–S-Seriesmodels:Twotoneupholstered
highback,foampaddedseatwithspring
suspension.
•Mounting:Hingedtotiltupforaccesstobattery
andothercomponents.Adjustableforeandaft.
•Armrests(S-SeriesOnly):Standard–molded
ip-uparmrests.
•SeatSafetySwitch:IncorporatedintotheSafety
InterlockSystem.
HydrostaticGroundDriveSystem
•HydrostaticPumps:
–34,42,and50inchE-Seriesmodel:Two
HydroGearZT2100Integrateddrivesystems.
–54inchS-Seriesmodel:TwoHydroGear
ZT2200Integrateddrivesystems.
•HydraulicOilType:ExmarkPremiumHydroOil.
11

Specications
•Speeds:
–0-7.0mph(11.3km/hr)forward.
–0-5.0mph(8.0km/hr)reverse.
•Drivewheelreleases,locatedonleftandright
sidesofenginedeck,allowmachinetobemoved
whentheengineisnotrunningandbrakeisoff.
TiresandWheels
Drive
Pneumatic(Air-Filled)
DeckSize3442
Quantity22
TreadK500K500
Size18x6.00-818x7.50-8
PlyRating44
Pressure13psi
(90kPa)
13psi
(90kPa)
Drive
Pneumatic(Air-Filled)
DeckSize5054
Quantity22
TreadK500K500
Size18x9.5-820x10-10
PlyRating44
Pressure13psi
(90kPa)
13psi
(90kPa)
FrontCaster
Pneumatic(Air-Filled)
DeckSize34and4250and60
Quantity22
TreadSmoothSmooth
Size11x4-513x6.5-6
PlyRating24
Pressure13psi
(90kPa)
13psi
(90kPa)
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:
–34inchDeck:34inches(86cm)
–42inchDeck:42inches(107cm)
–50inchDeck:50inches(127cm)
–54inchDeck:54inches(138cm)
•Discharge:Side
•BladeSize:
–34inchDeck:17.50inches(44.5cm)–Qty:2
–42inchDeck:21.60inches(54.9cm)–Qty:2
–50inchDeck:17.50inches(44.5cm)–Qty:3
–54inchDeck:18.75inches(47.6cm)–Qty:3
•BladeSpindles:Solidsteelspindleswithno
maintenancebearings.
•DeckDrive:Electricclutchmountedonvertical
engineshaft.Bladesaredrivenbyonebelt
(w/self-tensioningidler)directfromtheengine.
•Deck:Fulloatingdeckisattachedtoout-front
supportframe.Maximumturfprotectionis
providedwithanti-scalprollers.
Deckdesignallowsforbagging,mulchingorside
discharge.
•DeckDepth:
–34inchDeck:4.0inches(10.2cm)
–42inchDeck:4.0inches(10.2cm)
–50inchDeck:4.0inches(10.2cm)
–54inchDeck:4.0inches(10.2cm)
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:Cuttingheightcan
beadjustedfrom11/2inch(3.8cm)to41/2
inches(11.4cm)in1/2inch(1.3cm)increments.
–34and42InchModels:Handdeckliftlever
only
–54InchModel:Footpedalonly
–50InchModel:Handdeckliftleverwithfoot
pedalassist
•MulchingKit:Optional.
12

Specications
Dimensions
OverallWidth:
E-Series
34inch
Deck
42inch
Deck
50inch
Deck
Without
Deck
35.6inches
(90cm)
40.4inches
(103cm)
43.1inches
(110cm)
Deector
Up
38.5inches
(98cm)
45.8inches
(116cm)
50.9inches
(130cm)
Deector
Down
46.0inches
(117cm)
53.8inches
(137cm)
61.7inches
(157cm)
S-Series
54inchDeck
WithoutDeck47.2inches
(120cm)
DeectorUp54.7inches
(139cm)
DeectorDown65.2inches
(166cm)
OverallLength:
34inch
Deck
42inch
Deck
50inch
Deck
54inch
Deck
75.0inches
(191cm)
75.0inches
(191cm)
75.0inches
(191cm)
76.0inches
(193cm)
OverallHeight:
34,42,and50inchDeck54inchDeck
45.6inches(116cm)46.6inches(119cm)
TreadWidth:(CentertoCenterof
Tires,Widthwise)
34inchDeck42inchDeck
DriveWheels32.1inches
(82cm)
33.0inches
(84cm)
CasterWheels30.5inches
(78cm)
30.5inches
(78cm)
50inchDeck54inchDeck
DriveWheels34.8inches
(88cm)
36.9inches
(94cm)
CasterWheels30.5inches
(78cm)
35.8inches
(91cm)
WheelBase:(CenterofCasterTireto
CenterofDriveTire)
34,42,and50inchDecks45.6inches(116cm)
54inchDeck45.4inches(115cm)
CurbWeight:
E-Series
34inchDeck42inchDeck50inchDeck
502lb(228kg)515lb(233kg)576lb(261kg)
S-Series
54inchDeck
616lb(279kg)
TorqueRequirements
BoltLocationTorque
SpindlePulleyNut35-65ft-lb(47-88N-m)
BladeMountingBolt60-80ft-lb(81-108N-m)
EngineMountingBolts400-500in-lb(45-56N-m)
WheelLugNuts70-90ft-lb(95-122N-m)
ClutchMounting
Bolt(securedwith
threadlocker)
50-60ft-lb(68-81N-m)
13

Operation
ProductOverview
g333776
Figure3
1.Frontcasterwheel7.Engine
2.Deckheightadjustment
footpedal
8.Seat
3.Anti-scalproller9.Fueltank
4.Dischargedeector10.Motioncontrollevers
5.Reardrivewheel11.Footrest
6.Controlpanel
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
Becomefamiliarwithallthecontrolsbeforestarting
theengineandoperatingthemachine.
IgnitionSwitch
Locatedoncontrolpanel.
Theignitionswitchisusedtostartandstopthe
engine.Theswitchhasthreepositions“OFF”,
“RUN”and“START”(Figure4).Insertkeyinto
switchandrotateclockwisetothe“ON”position.
Rotateclockwisetothenextpositiontoengagethe
starter(keymustbeheldagainstspringpressurein
thisposition).
g333787
Figure4
1.Ignitionswitch
2.Off
3.Run
4.Start
5.Bladecontrolswitch(PowerT ake-Off)
6.Chokecontrol
7.Hourmeter(ifequipped)
8.Throttlelever
Note:BrakemustbeengagedandPTOswitch
“OFF”tostartengine.(Itisnotnecessaryforthe
operatortobeintheseattostarttheengine.)
Turningthekeytothe“OFF”positionwillstopthe
engine;however,alwaysremovethekeywhenleaving
14

Operation
themachinetopreventsomeonefromaccidentally
startingtheengine.
BladeControlSwitch(Power
Take-Off)
Locatedoncontrolpanel.
Thebladecontrolswitch,representedbyapower
take-off(PTO)symbol,engagesanddisengages
powertothemowerblades(seeFigure4).
Pulluponthebladecontrolswitchto“ON”to
engagetheblades.
Pushdownonthebladecontrolswitchto“OFF”
todisengagetheblades.
ThrottleLever
Locatedoncontrolpanel.
Thethrottleisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
throttleleverforwardwillincreaseenginespeedand
movingthrottlelevertotherearwilldecreaseengine
speed.Movingthethrottleforwarduntilitstopsis
fullthrottle.
ChokeControl
Thechokeisusedtoaidinstartingacoldengine.Do
Notrunawarmenginewiththechokeinthe“ON”
position.Movingthechokeleverforwardwillputthe
chokeinthe“ON”positionandmovingthechoke
levertotherearwillputthechokeinthe“OFF”
position.
MotionControlLeversandParking
BrakePosition
Themotioncontrolleverslocatedoneachsideof
theseat(Figure5).
Themotioncontrolleversarespeedsensitivecontrols
ofindependentwheelmotors.Movingalever
forwardorbackwardturnsthewheelonthesameside
forwardorinreverse;wheelspeedisproportionalto
theamounttheleverismoved.
Movingthecontrolleversoutwardfromthecenter
T-slotpositionengagestheparkingbrakeonthedrive
wheels.Alwayspositionthemotioncontrollevers
intotheparkingbrakepositionwhenyoustopthe
machineorleaveitunattended.Themachinemustbe
tieddownandbrakeengagedwhentransporting.
g333788
Figure5
1.Parkingbrake(handles
out)
4.Forward
2.Neutraloperateposition
(handlesin)
5.Neutral(operate)
3.Frontofmachine6.Reverse
DeckHeightAdjustmentHand
Lever—For34and42InchModels
Note:50inchmodelshavebothdeckheight
adjustments:handleverandfootassistpedal.
LocatedbelowtheRHmotioncontrollever.
Pulltheleverinwardandrearwardtoraisethecutting
deck.Allowthehandletomoveforwardtolowerthe
cuttingdeck.Movethedeckheightadjustmentlever
outwardatthedesiredheightofcut.Onlyadjustthe
heightofcutwhilethemachineisnotmoving.
15

Operation
g333845
Figure6
1.Deckheightadjustmenthandlever
DeckHeightAdjustmentFootPedal—
For50and54InchModels
Note:50inchmodelshavebothdeckheight
adjustments:handleverandfootassistpedal.
Locateattherightfrontcorneroftheoorpan
(referenceFigure3).
Thedeckheightadjustmentfootpedalallowsthe
operatortousetheirlegtoassistinloweringand
raisingthedeckfromtheseatedposition.Pushthe
pedalforwardwithyourfoottoraisethecutting
deck.Allowthepedaltomoverearwardtolowerthe
cuttingdecktothecutheightthathasbeenset.
FuelWindow
Locatedontheleftsideofthemachine(seeFigure7).
Thefuelwindowcanbeusedtodeterminethe
amountoffuelinthetank.
g236835
Figure7
1.Fuelcap2.Fuelwindow
HourMeter
S-SeriesUnitsOnly
Locatedoncontrolpanel.
Thehourmeterrecordsthenumberofhourswhen
theoperatorisintheseatandtheignitionswitchisin
the“ON”position.
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.
16

Operation
•Thismachineproducessoundlevelsinexcessof
85dBAattheoperator’searandcancausehearing
lossthroughextendedperiodsofexposure.Wear
hearingprotectionwhenoperatingthismachine.
•Checkthatthefollowingitemsareinplaceandin
properworkingcondition:theoperatorpresence
controls,safetyswitches,guards,shields,discharge
deectorand/ortheentiregrasscatchersystem.
Donotoperatethemachineunlesstheyarein
properworkingcondition.Replacewornor
deterioratedpartswithgenuineExmarkparts
whennecessary.
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
17

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.
FillingtheFuelTank
Useafuelstabilizer/conditionerinthemachineto
providethefollowingbenets:
•Keepsgasolinefreshduringstorageof30daysor
less.Forlongerstorageitisrecommendedthat
thefueltankbedrained.
•Cleanstheenginewhileitruns.
•Eliminatesgum-likevarnishbuildupinthefuel
system,whichcauseshardstartingAddthe
correctamountofgasstabilizer/conditionerto
thegas.
Note:Afuelstabilizer/conditionerismost
effectivewhenmixedwithfreshgasoline.To
minimizethechanceofvarnishdepositsinthe
fuelsystem,usefuelstabilizeratalltimes.
Makesuretheengineisshutoffandthemotion
controlsaremovedoutwardtoengagetheparking
brake.Tankmaximumcapacityis3gallons(11L).
Note:Usethefuelwindowtoverifythepresenceof
gasolinebeforellingthetank.
Important:DoNotoverllfueltank.Fillthe
fueltanktothebottomofthellerneck.The
emptyspaceinthetankallowsthefueltoexpand.
Overllingmayresultinfuelleakageordamage
totheengineoremissionsystem.
1.Shuttheengineoff,movethemotioncontrols
outwardtotheneutrallockposition,andengage
parkingbrake.
2.Cleanaroundthefueltankcapandremovethe
cap.
g237149
Figure8
3.Addunleadedregulargasolineuntilthefuel
reachesthebaseofthellerneckanddoesnotll
theneckofthetank.Thisspaceatthebaseof
thellerneckallowsgasolinetoexpand.DoNot
llthefueltankcompletelyfull.Overllingmay
resultinfuelleakageordamagetotheengineor
emissionssystem.
4.Installthefueltankcapsecurelyandtightenuntil
it“clicks”.Wipeupanygasolinethatmayhave
spilled.
OperatingInstructions
DuringOperationSafety
GeneralSafety
Theoperatormustusetheirfullattentionwhen
operatingthemachine.DoNotengageinanyactivity
18

Operation
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.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.
•Starttheenginewithyourfeetwellawayfrom
theblades.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Keepyourhandsandfeetawayfromthemoving
parts.Keepclearofthedischargeopening.
•DoNotmowwiththedischargedeector
raised,removed,oralteredunlessthereisa
grass-collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•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:
–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.
•DoNotusethemachineasatowingvehicle
unlessithasahitchinstalled.Attachtowed
equipmenttothemachineonlyatthehitchpoint.
SlopeSafety
•Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrol
androlloveraccidents,whichcanresultinsevere
19

Operation
injuryordeath.Theoperatorisresponsiblefor
safeslopeoperation.Operatingthemachineon
anysloperequiresextracaution.Beforeusingthe
machineonaslope,theoperatormust:
–Reviewandunderstandtheslopeinstructions
inthemanualandonthemachine.
–Useanangleindicatortodeterminethe
approximateslopeangleofthearea.
–Neveroperateonslopesgreaterthan15
degrees.
–Evaluatethesiteconditionsofthedayto
determineiftheslopeissafeformachine
operation.Usecommonsenseandgood
judgmentwhenperformingthisevaluation.
Changesintheterrain,suchasmoisture,can
quicklyaffecttheoperationofthemachine
onaslope.
•Identifyhazardsatthebaseoftheslope.Do
Notoperatethemachineneardropoffs,ditches,
embankments,waterorotherhazards.The
machinecouldsuddenlyrolloverifawheelgoes
overtheedgeortheedgecollapses.Keepasafe
distance(twicethewidthofthemachine)between
themachineandanyhazard.Useawalkbehind
machineorahandtrimmertomowthegrassin
theseareas.
g270452
Figure9
1.SafeZone-Usethemowerhereonslopeslessthan15
degrees
2.DangerZone-Useawalk-behindmowerand/orhand
trimmeronslopesgreaterthan15degrees
3.Water
4.W=widthofthemachine
5.Keepasafedistance(twicethewidthofthemachine)
betweenthemachineandanyhazard.
•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.
•Useextracarewhileoperatingwithaccessories
orattachments,suchasgrasscollectionsystems.
Thesecanchangethestabilityofthemachine
andcausealossofcontrol.Followdirectionsfor
counterweights.
•Ifpossible,keepthedeckloweredtotheground
whileoperatingonslopes.Raisingthedeckwhile
operatingonslopescancausethemachineto
becomeunstable.
20