Exmark VANTAGE Operators User manual

V ANTAGE™
ForSerialNos.
850,000&Higher
PartNo.4500-648Rev.B

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,or
otherreproductiveharm.
Important:Theengineinthisproductisnot
equippedwithasparkarrestermufer.Itisa
violationofCaliforniaPublicResourceCode
(CPRC)Section4442touseoroperatethis
engineonanyforest-covered,brush-covered,or
grass-coveredlandasdenedinCPRC4126.
Otherstatesorfederalareasmayhavesimilar
laws.
Toacquireasparkarresterforyourunit,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
ThissparkignitionsystemcomplieswithCanadian
ICES-002Cesystèmed’allumageparètincellede
vèhiculeestconformeàlanormeNMB-002du
Canada.
TheenclosedEngineOwner’sManualis
suppliedforinformationregardingTheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)and
theCaliforniaEmissionControlRegulationof
emissionsystems,maintenanceandwarranty.
KeepthisengineOwner’sManualwithyourunit.
ShouldthisengineOwner’sManualbecome
damagedorillegible,replaceimmediately.
Replacementsmaybeorderedthroughthe
enginemanufacturer.
Exmarkreservestherighttomakechangesor
addimprovementstoitsproductsatanytime
withoutincurringanyobligationtomakesuch
changestoproductsmanufacturedpreviously.
Exmark,oritsdistributorsanddealers,accept
noresponsibilityforvariationswhichmaybe
evidentintheactualspecicationsofitsproducts
andthestatementsanddescriptionscontained
inthispublication.
©2010—ExmarkMfg.Co.,Inc.
IndustrialParkBox808
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.
Ifadditionalinformationisneeded,orshouldyou
requiretrainedmechanicservice,contactyour
authorizedExmarkequipmentdealerordistributor.
Exmarkpartsmanualsareavailableonlineat
http://www.exmark.com/manuals.htm.
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.
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
3

Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
SafeOperatingPractices..................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.....................10
Specications.......................................................13
ModelNumbers............................................13
Systems.........................................................13
Dimensions...................................................14
TorqueRequirements....................................15
ProductOverview................................................15
Operation.............................................................16
Controls........................................................16
Pre-Start........................................................18
OperatingInstructions..................................18
Transporting.................................................23
Maintenance.........................................................25
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)...........25
PeriodicMaintenance.......................................26
CheckEngineOilLevel.................................26
CheckBatteryCharge....................................26
CheckMowerBlades.....................................28
CheckSafetyInterlockSystem.......................29
CheckforLooseHardware............................30
ServiceAirCleaner........................................30
ChangeEngineOil........................................30
CheckHydraulicOilLevel.............................30
CheckTirePressures.....................................31
CheckConditionOfBelts..............................31
LubricateGreaseFittings...............................31
LubricateCasterWheelHubs........................31
CheckSparkPlugs.........................................32
ChangeHydraulicSystemFilterand
Fluid.........................................................32
WheelHub-SlottedNutTorque
Specication..............................................34
CheckSparkArrester(ifequipped).................34
ThreadLockingAdhesives.............................34
MobilHTSGrease(OrFood-Grade
Anti-seize).................................................34
Copper-BasedAnti-seize...............................35
DielectricGrease...........................................35
Adjustments.....................................................35
DeckLeveling...............................................35
AdjustingtheCuttingDeckRake...................36
AdjustingtheRearoftheDeck.......................37
PumpDriveBeltTension...............................37
MowerDeckDriveBeltTension....................37
ChecktheParkBrake.....................................37
ParkBrakeAdjustment..................................37
ElectricClutchAdjustment............................38
MotionControlNeutralAdjustment..............39
MotionControlTrackingAdjustment............40
AdjustRHMotionControlHandle
Position.....................................................40
CasterPivotBearingsPre-Load
Adjustment...............................................41
Cleaning...........................................................42
CleanEngineandExhaustSystem
Area..........................................................42
RemoveEngineShroudsandCleanCooling
Fins...........................................................42
CleanDebrisFromMachine..........................42
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck................42
WasteDisposal..............................................42
Troubleshooting...................................................44
Schematics...........................................................46
4

Safety
Safety
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents.
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
Figure2
1.Safetyalertsymbol
Thesafetyalertsymbolappearsaboveinformation
whichalertsyoutounsafeactionsorsituations
andwillbefollowedbythewordDANGER,
WARNING,orCAUTION.
DANGER:Whitelettering/Redbackground.
Indicatesanimminentlyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Willresultindeathorseriousinjury.
WARNING:Blacklettering/Orangebackground.
Indicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Couldresultindeathorseriousinjury.
CAUTION:Blacklettering/Yellowbackground.
Indicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Mayresultinminorormoderateinjury.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizes
generalinformationworthyofspecialattention.
SafeOperatingPractices
Training
•ReadtheOperator’sManualandothertraining
material.Iftheoperator(s)ormechanic(s)can
notreadEnglishitistheowner’sresponsibilityto
explainthismaterialtothem.
•Becomefamiliarwiththesafeoperationofthe
equipment,operatorcontrols,andsafetysigns.
•Alloperatorsandmechanicsshouldbetrained.
Theownerisresponsiblefortrainingtheusers.
•Neverletchildrenoruntrainedpeopleoperate
orservicetheequipment.Localregulationsmay
restricttheageoftheoperator.
•Onlyadultsandmatureteenagersshouldoperate
amower,andevenmatureteenagersshouldhave
adultsupervision.Besureateenager:
1.hasreadandunderstandstheOperator’s
Manualandrecognizestherisksinvolved;
2.issufcientlymaturetousecaution;and
3.isofsufcientsizeandweighttooperate
thecontrolscomfortablyandtomanagethe
mowerwithouttakingrisks.
•Theowner/usercanpreventandisresponsible
foraccidentsorinjuriesoccurringtohimselfor
herself,otherpeopleorproperty.
Preparation
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbyExmark.
•Wearappropriateclothingincludingsafetyglasses,
substantialfootwear,longtrousers,andhearing
protection.DoNotoperatewhenbarefootor
whenwearingopensandals.Longhair,loose
clothingorjewelrymaygettangledinmoving
parts.
CAUTION
Thismachineproducessoundlevelsin
excessof85dBAattheoperator’searand
cancausehearinglossthroughextended
periodsofexposure.
Wearhearingprotectionwhenoperatingthis
machine.
•Inspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe
usedandremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,
bones,andotherforeignobjectswhichcanbe
thrownbythemachineandmaycausepersonal
injurytotheoperatororbystanders.
5

Safety
DANGER
Incertainconditionsgasolineisextremely
ammableandvaporsareexplosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburn
you,others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsonlevel
ground,inanopenarea,whentheengine
iscold.Wipeupanygasolinethatspills.
•Neverrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosed
trailer.
•DoNotllthefueltankcompletelyfull.
Fillthefueltanktothebottomoftheller
neck.Theemptyspaceinthetankallows
gasolinetoexpand.Overllingmayresult
infuelleakageordamagetotheengine
oremissionsystem(ifequipped).
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,
andstayawayfromanopenameor
wheregasolinefumesmaybeignitedby
spark.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainer
andkeepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
Neverremovethecapofthefueltankor
addfuelwhenengineisrunningorwhen
theengineishot.
•Iffuelisspilled,DoNotattempttostart
theengine.Moveawayfromtheareaof
thespillandavoidcreatinganysourceof
ignitionuntilfuelvaporshavedissipated.
•DoNotoperatewithoutentireexhaust
systeminplaceandinproperworking
condition.
DANGER
Incertainconditionsduringfueling,static
electricitycanbereleasedcausingaspark
whichcanignitegasolinevapors.Areor
explosionfromgasolinecanburnyouand
othersandcausepropertydamage.
•Alwaysplacegasolinecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
lling.
•DoNotllgasolinecontainersinsidea
vehicleoronatruckortrailerbedbecause
interiorcarpetsorplastictruckbedliners
mayinsulatethecontainerandslowthe
lossofanystaticcharge.
•Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelson
theground.
•Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma
gasolinedispensernozzle.
•Ifagasolinedispensernozzlemustbe
used,keepthenozzleincontactwiththe
rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.
WARNING
Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporshascaused
cancerinlaboratoryanimals.Failuretouse
cautionmaycauseseriousinjuryorillness.
•Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
•Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
•Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Neversiphonbymouth.
•Checkthattheoperator’spresencecontrols,
safetyswitches,andshieldsareattachedand
functioningproperly.DoNotoperateunlessthey
arefunctioningproperly.
6

Safety
Operation
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythe
mufer,becomeextremelyhot.Severeburns
canoccuroncontactanddebris,suchas
leaves,grass,brush,etc.cancatchre.
•Allowengineparts,especiallythemufer,
tocoolbeforetouching.
•Removeaccumulateddebrisfrommufer
andenginearea.
•Installandmaintaininworkingordera
sparkarresterbeforeusingequipment
onforest-covered,grass-covered,or
brush-coveredunimprovedland.
WARNING
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,
whichisanodorlessdeadlypoisonthatcan
killyou.
DoNotrunengineindoorsorinasmall
connedareawheredangerouscarbon
monoxidefumescancollect.
•Operateonlyindaylightorgoodarticiallight,
keepingawayfromholesandhiddenhazards.
•Besurealldrivesareinneutralandparkingbrake
isengagedbeforestartingengine.
•Neverraisedeckwithbladesrunning.
•Neveroperatethemowerwithdamagedguards,
shields,orcovers.Alwayshavesafetyshields,
guards,switchesandotherdevicesinplaceandin
properworkingcondition.
•Nevermowwiththedischargedeectorraised,
removedoralteredunlessthereisagrass
collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•DoNotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor
overspeedtheengine.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop,
removekeyandengageparkingbrake:
–Beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
mower.
–Afterstrikingaforeignobjectorabnormal
vibrationoccurs(inspectthemowerfor
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestarting
andoperatingthemower).
–Beforeclearingblockages.
–Wheneveryouleavethemower.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop,and
engageparkingbrake:
–Beforerefueling.
–Beforedumpingthegrasscatcher.
–Beforemakingheightadjustments.
WARNING
Hands,feet,hair,clothing,oraccessoriescan
becomeentangledinrotatingparts.Contact
withtherotatingpartscancausetraumatic
amputationorseverelacerations.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithout
guards,shields,andsafetydevicesin
placeandworkingproperly.
•Keephands,feet,hair,jewelry,orclothing
awayfromrotatingparts.
•DONOToperatethemowerwhenpeople,
especiallychildren,orpetsareinthearea.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhenmaking
turns.Lookbehindandtothesidebefore
changingdirections.
•Stoptheblades,slowdown,andusecautionwhen
crossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
transportingthemowertoandfromtheareato
bemowed.
•Beawareofthemowerdischargepathanddirect
dischargeawayfromothers.
•DoNotoperatethemowerundertheinuence
ofalcoholordrugs.
•Useextremecarewhenloadingorunloadingthe
machineintoatrailerortruck.
•Usecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscurevision.
SlopeOperation
UseExtremecautionwhenmowingand/orturning
onslopesaslossoftractionand/ortip-overcould
occur.Theoperatorisresponsibleforsafeoperation
onslopes.
7

Safety
DANGER
Operatingonwetgrassorsteepslopescan
causeslidingandlossofcontrol.Lossof
controland/orlossofoperator’sfooting
couldresultinafallwithanarmorleg
gettingunderthemowerorenginedeck
whichmayresultinseriousinjury,deathor
drowning.
•Mowacrossslopes,neverupanddown.
•DoNotmowslopeswhengrassiswet.
•DoNotmowneardrop-offsornearwater.
•DoNotmowslopesgreaterthan20
degrees.
•Reducespeedanduseextremecaution
onslopes.
•Avoidsuddenturnsorrapidspeed
changes.
•Seeinsidethebackcovertodeterminethe
approximateslopeangleoftheareatobemowed.
•Removeormarkobstaclessuchasrocks,tree
limbs,etc.fromthemowingarea.Tallgrasscan
hideobstacles.
•Watchforditches,holes,rocks,dipsandrisesthat
changetheoperatingangle,asroughterraincould
overturnthemachine.
•Avoidsuddenstartswhenmowinguphillbecause
themowermaytipbackwards.
•Beawarethatoperatingonwetgrass,acrosssteep
slopesordownhillmaycausethemowertolose
traction.Lossoftractiontothedrivewheelsmay
resultinslidingandalossofbrakingandsteering.
•Alwaysavoidsuddenstartingorstoppingona
slope.Iftireslosetraction,disengagetheblades
andproceedslowlyofftheslope.
•Followthemanufacturer’srecommendationsfor
wheelweightsorcounterweightstoimprove
stability.
•Useextremecarewithgrasscatchersor
attachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machineandcauselossofcontrol.
MaintenanceandStorage
•Disengagedrives,lowerimplement,setparking
brake,stopengineandremovekeyordisconnect
sparkplugwire.Waitforallmovementtostop
beforeadjusting,cleaningorrepairing.
•Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.Thesematerialscanbecome
combustibleandmayresultinare.
•Letenginecoolbeforestoringanddonotstore
nearameoranyenclosedareawhereopenpilot
lightsorheatappliancesarepresent.
•Shutofffuelwhilestoringortransporting.Do
Notstorefuelnearamesordrainindoors.
•Parkmachineonlevelground.Neverallow
untrainedpersonneltoservicemachine.
•Usejackstandstosupportcomponentswhen
required.
•Carefullyreleasepressurefromcomponentswith
storedenergy.
•Disconnectbatteryorremovesparkplugwire
beforemakinganyrepairs.Disconnectthe
negativeterminalrstandthepositivelast.
Reconnectpositiverstandnegativelast.
•Usecarewhencheckingblades.Wraptheblade(s)
orweargloves,andusecautionwhenservicing
them.Onlyreplacedamagedblades.Never
straightenorweldthem.
•Keephandsandfeetawayfrommovingparts.
Ifpossible,donotmakeadjustmentswiththe
enginerunning.
•Chargebatteriesinanopenwellventilatedarea,
awayfromsparkandames.Unplugcharger
beforeconnectingordisconnectingfrombattery.
Wearprotectiveclothinganduseinsulatedtools.
8

Safety
DANGER
Chargingorjumpstartingthebatterymay
produceexplosivegases.Batterygasescan
explodecausingseriousinjury.
•Keepsparks,ames,orcigarettesaway
frombattery.
•Ventilatewhenchargingorusingbattery
inanenclosedspace.
•Makesureventingpathofbatteryis
alwaysopenoncebatteryislledwith
acid.
•Alwaysshieldeyesandfacefrombattery.
DANGER
Batteryelectrolytecontainssulfuricacid,
whichispoisonousandcancausesevere
burns.Swallowingelectrolytecanbefatalor
ifittouchesskincancausesevereburns.
•Wearsafetyglassestoshieldeyes,and
rubberglovestoprotectskinandclothing
whenhandlingelectrolyte.
•DoNotswallowelectrolyte.
•Intheeventofanaccident,ushwith
waterandcalladoctorimmediately.
CAUTION
Iftheignitionisinthe“ON”positionthere
ispotentialforsparksandengagement
ofcomponents.Sparkscouldcausean
explosionormovingpartscouldaccidentally
engagecausingpersonalinjury.
Besureignitionswitchisinthe“OFF”
positionbeforechargingthebattery.
•Keepallguards,shieldsandallsafetydevicesin
placeandinsafeworkingcondition.
•Checkallboltsfrequentlytomaintainproper
tightness.
•Frequentlycheckforwornordeteriorating
componentsthatcouldcreateahazard.
WARNING
Removingstandardoriginalequipment
parts,orusingnon-Exmarkreplacement
partsandaccessoriesmayalterthewarranty,
traction,andsafetyofthemachine.Failure
touseoriginalExmarkpartscouldcause
seriousinjuryordeath.
Replaceallpartsincluding,butnotlimitedto
tires,belts,andbladeswithoriginalExmark
parts.
WARNING
Hydraulicuidescapingunderpressure
canpenetrateskinandcauseinjury.Fluid
accidentallyinjectedintotheskinmustbe
surgicallyremovedwithinafewhoursbya
doctorfamiliarwiththisformofinjuryor
gangrenemayresult.
•Makesureallhydraulicuidhoses
andlinesareingoodconditionand
allhydraulicconnectionsandttings
aretightbeforeapplyingpressureto
hydraulicsystem.
•Keepbodyandhandsawayfrompinhole
leaksornozzlesthatejecthighpressure
hydraulicuid.
•Usecardboardorpaper,notyourhands,
tondhydraulicleaks.
•Safelyrelieveallpressureinthehydraulic
systembyplacingthemotioncontrol
leversinneutralandshuttingoffthe
enginebeforeperforminganyworkon
thehydraulicsystem.
9

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.
1-303508
1-403005
98-5954
103-2076
109-3148
115-4186
1.Interval
2.PowerT ake-off(PTO)
3.Parkingbrake
4.Neutral
5.Operatorpresenceswitch
6.Battery
10

Safety
116-0404
116-2040
116-3076
116-3260
1.Forwardposition-faster
2.Backwardposition-slower
116-3267
116-3283
11

Safety
116-3290
116-1886
116-1887
1.Fast3.Neutral
2.Slow4.Reverse
116-3067
1.PTO-on4.Slow
2.PTO-off5.Choke-on
3.Fast6.Choke-off
12

Specications
Specications
ModelNumbers
SerialNos:850,000andHigher
VT20KAS484;VT20KAS524;VT24KAS484;VT24KAS524
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•RPM:FullSpeed:3600±100RPM(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:8.0gal.(30.2L)
•TypeofFuel:Regularunleadedgasoline,87
octaneorhigher;containingnomorethan10%
methanolorethanol.
•FuelFilter:ReplaceableIn-line
•FuelShut-OffValve:1/4turnincrements
ElectricalSystem(ElectricStart)
•ChargingSystem:FlywheelAlternator
•ChargingCapacity:15amps
•BatteryType:BCIGroupU1
•BatteryVoltage:12Volt
•Polarity:NegativeGround
•Fuses:
–30ampmainfuse
–25ampchargingsystemfuse
–10ampPTOfuse
–15ampaccessoryfuse
SafetyInterlockSystem
•LCDindicatorsappearfortheparkbrake,drive
levers,andoperatorpresenceinthemessage
displayonthefrontcontrolpanel.
Note:BecausethePTOmustbedisengaged
tostarttheengine,theLCDindicatorwillnot
illuminateatthistime.
•PTOmustbedisengaged,brakeengaged,and
motioncontrolleversinneutraltostartengine.
(Itisnotnecessaryfortheoperatortobeonthe
platformtostarttheengine.)
•Mowerbladeswillstopiftherightsidemotion
controlleverismovedorreleasedintoneutral
lockposition.
•Enginewillstopifthemotioncontrolleversare
movedfromtheneutralpositionwiththepark
brakeengaged.
OperatorControls
SteeringControl:Fingertipdrivecontrollevers
provideindependentspeedcontrol,brakingand
neutraltoeachdrivewheelformovingforwardor
reverse,stopping,andpowerturning.
Transmission
•TwoHydroGearvariabledisplacementhigh
efciencypumpsindependentlycoupledtotwo
highefciencyParker/Rosswheeldrivemotors.
•HydraulicOil:UseExmarkPremiumHydroOil.
•HydraulicOilCapacity:2.4qt.(2.2L)
•HydraulicFilterisreplaceablecartridgetype.
P/N109-4180:25microns,10psibypass
(Summeruseabove32°F(0°C))
P/N1-523541:40microns,18psibypass(Winter
usebelow32°F(0°C))
•Speeds:
–0-8.0mph(13km/hr)forward.
–0-4.0mph(6km/hr)reverse.
•Drivewheelsreleasevalvesallowmachinetobe
movedwhenengineisnotrunning.
WheelDriveSystem
DrivewheelsaredirectcoupledtoParkerwheeldrive
motorswith1inch(25.4mm)taperedshaft.
13

Specications
Tires&Wheels
DriveFrontCaster
Pneumatic
(Air-Filled)
Semi-
Pneumatic
Quantity22
TreadTurfMasterSmooth
Size20x10.00–811x4.00-5
PlyRating4
Pressure14psi
(97kPa)
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:
–48inchDeck:48inches(121.9cm)
–52inchDeck:52.00inches(132.1cm)
•Discharge:Side
•BladeSize:(3ea.)
–48inchDeck:16.25inches(41.3cm)
–52inchDeck:18.00inches(45.7cm)
•BladeSpindles:Solidsteelspindleswith1.00inch
(25.4mm)I.D.bearings.
•DeckDrive:
–Electricclutchmountedonengineshaft.
–Bladesdrivenbyonebelt(w/self-tensioning
idlers).
•Deck:Fulloatingdeckisattachedtosupport
frame,removableforservice.Deckdesignallows
forbagging,mulchingorsidedischarge.
•DeckDepth:
–48inchDeck:5.5inches(14.0cm)
–52inchDeck:5.5inches(14.0cm)
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:
Adjustsfrom1inch(2.5cm)to5inches(12.7cm)
in1/4inch(6.4mm)increments
•MulchingKit:Optional
•Bagger:Optional
Dimensions
OverallWidth:
48inchDeck52inchDeck
DeectorUp51.8inches
(131.6cm)
56.3inches
(143.0cm)
DeectorDown59.6inches
(151.4cm)
64.8inches
(164.6cm)
OverallLength:
48inchDeck52inchDeck
PlatformUp59.0inches
(150.0cm)
59.0inches
(150.0cm)
PlatformDown74.0inches
(188.0cm)
74.0inches
(188.0cm)
OverallHeight:
48inchDeck52inchDeck
50.0inches(127.0cm)50.0inches(127.0cm)
TreadWidth:(OutsidetoOutsideof
Tires,Widthwise)
48inchDeck52inchDeck
46.5inches(118.1cm)46.5inches(118.1cm)
CurbWeight:
48inchDeck52inchDeck
855lb(388kg)866lb(393kg)
Note:Weightswillvaryslightlydependingon
engine.
14

ProductOverview
TorqueRequirements
BoltLocationTorque
CutterHousingSpindle
Nut
140-145ft-lb
(190-197N-m)
BladeMountingBolt
(lubricatewithanti-seize)
55-60ft-lb(75-81N-m)
EngineDeck/Mower
DeckSupportMount
Bolts
30-35ft-lb(41-47N-m)
EngineMountingBolts15-20ft-lb(20-27N-m)
WheelLugNuts90-95ft-lb(122-129N-m)
WheelHubSlottedNutsminimum100ft-lb
(136N-m)
WheelMotorMounting
Bolts
30-35ft-lb(41-47N-m)
ProductOverview
Figure3
1.Platform4.Motioncontrollevers
2.FuelCap5.EngineControls
3.Height-of-Cut
Adjustment
6.ParkBrakeLever
15

Operation
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
MotionControlLevers
Themotioncontrollevers,locatedoneachsideofthe
topconsole,controltheforwardandreversemotion
ofthemachine.
Movingtheleversforwardorbackwardturns
thewheelonthesamesideforwardorreverse
respectively.Wheelspeedisproportionaltothe
amounttheleverismoved.
Figure4
1.LHMotioncontrollever6.Neutral
2.RHMotioncontrollever7.Forward
3.RHMotioncontrollever
inneutrallockposition
8.Frontreference/Speed
controlbar
4.Reverse9.Frontofunit
5.Rearreferencebar
Whenthemotioncontrolleversareintheneutral
position,theLCDindicatorappearsinthemessage
displayonthefrontcontrolconsole(seeFigure5
andFigure7).
Whenthemotioncontrolleversareintheneutral
positionandtheRHmotioncontrolleverismoved
intotheneutrallockposition,themowerbladeswill
disengage.
ChokeControl
Locatedonthefrontcontrolconsolerightofthe
PTOengagementswitch.
Thechokeisusedtoaidinstartingacoldengine.
Movingthechokeleverforwardwillputthechokein
the“ON”positionandmovingthechokelevertothe
rear,tothedetent,willputthechokeinthe“OFF”
position.DoNotrunawarmenginewithchokein
the“ON”position.
Figure5
1.Throttle8.Fuelgauge
2.RHMotioncontrollever9.PTOengagementswitch
3.LHMotioncontrollever10.Choke
4.FrontReference/Speed
ControlBar
11.Decklifthandle
5.Messagedisplay12.Fuelcap
6.Parkbrakelever13.Height-of-cutpin
7.Ignitionswitch14.Platformlatch
ThrottleControl
LocatedontheRHsideofthefrontcontrolconsole
(redlever)(seeFigure5).
Thethrottleisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thethrottleleverforwardwillincreaseenginespeed
andmovingthethrottlelevertotherearwilldecrease
enginespeed.Movingthethrottleforwardintothe
detentisfullthrottle.
FrontReference/SpeedControlBar
Locatedinfrontofthemotioncontrollevers(see
Figure5).
Thefrontreference/speedcontrolbarcontrolsthe
maximumforwardspeedandisinnitelyvariable
fromapproximately4–8mph(6–13km/hr).
ParkBrakeLever
Locatedonleftsideofunit,justtothefrontofthe
LHmotioncontrollever(seeFigure5).
16

Operation
Thebrakeleverengagesaparkingbrakeonthedrive
wheels.
Note:TheLCDindicatorappearsinthemessage
displayonthefrontconsolewhentheparkbrakeis
engaged(seeFigure5andFigure7).
Toengagethebrake,pulltheleverrearwardandto
therighttopositionintotheengagedposition.
Torelease,pullthebrakeleverbackandovertothe
left,positionintotheslotandpushtheleverforward.
Whenparkingonasteepslope,thewheelsmustbe
chockedorblockedinadditiontothebrakebeing
engaged.Theunitmustbetieddownandbrake
engagedwhentransporting.
Parkbrakemustbedisengagedbeforemoving
motioncontroloutofneutralorenginewillkill.
IgnitionSwitch
LocatedontheLHsideofthefrontcontrolconsole
(seeFigure5).
Theignitionswitchisusedtostartandstopthe
engine.Theswitchhasthreepositions“OFF”,“ON”
and“START”.Insertkeyintoswitchandrotate
clockwisetothe“ON”position.Rotateclockwiseto
thenextpositiontoengagethestarter(keymustbe
heldagainstspringpressureinthisposition).Allow
thekeytoreturntothe“ON”positionimmediately
aftertheenginestarts.
Figure6
1.Off3.Start
2.On
Note:Brakemustbeengaged,LHmotioncontrol
leverinneutral,theRHmotioncontrolinneutral
lockposition,andPTOswitchdisengagedtostart
engine.(Itisnotnecessaryfortheoperatortobeon
theplatform.)
HourMeter
LocatedontheLHsideofthefrontcontrolconsole
inthemessagedisplay(seeFigure5andFigure7).
Thehourmeterrecordsthenumberofhoursthat
theenginehasrun.
Figure7
1.LCDIndicators
2.Lowvoltageindicatorlight
3.Hour/Voltagedisplay
Thehourmeterisrecordingwhenthedecimalpoint
isashinginHour/Voltagedisplay.
Hoursaredisplayedwhenthekeyisofforwhenthe
machineisrunning.
Note:Iftheignitionkeyisturnedtothe“ON”
positionforafewsecondsbeforecrankingthe
engine,thebatteryvoltagewilldisplayinthearea
wherethehoursarenormallydisplayed.
Note:TheLCDindicatorsappearwheneach
controlmeetsthe“safetostart”mode.Becausethe
PTOmustbedisengagedtostarttheengine,the
LCDindicatorwillnotilluminateatthistime.
FuelShut-OffValve
LocatedontheRHsideofthecontroltowerbehind
thekneecushion.
Thefuelshut-offvalveisusedtoshutoffthefuel
whenthemachinewillnotbeusedforafewdays,
duringtransporttoandfromthejobsite,andwhen
parkedinsideabuilding.
Alignvalvehandlewiththefuellinetoopen.Rotate
90°toclose.
FuelGauge
Locatedonthetopleftsideofthetank(seeFigure5).
17

Operation
Thefuelgaugemonitorstheamountoffuelinthe
tank.
DriveWheelReleaseValves
Locatedontheleftrearcornerofthehydrostatic
pumps.
Drivewheelreleasevalvesareusedtoreleasethe
hydrostaticdrivesystemtoallowthemachinetobe
movedbyhandwithouttheenginerunning.
Witha5/8wrench,turnbothvalvesoneturn
counterclockwisetoreleasethedrivesystem.
Turnclockwisetoresetthedrivesystem.DoNot
overtighten.DoNottowmachine.
PTOEngagementSwitch
Locatedonfrontcontrolpanel(seeFigure5).
Switchmustbepulledout(up)toengagetheblades.
Switchispushedintodisengagetheblades.
TheLCDindicatorwillappearwhenthePTOswitch
isengaged(seeFigure7).
LowVoltageIndicator
Locatedonthefrontcontrolpanelinthemessage
display(seeFigure5andFigure7).
Alowvoltagecondition(lessthan12.3volts)exists
whenthelowvoltageindicatorlightappearsonthe
messagedisplaywhiletheengineisrunning.
Iftheignitionkeyisturnedtothe“ON”positionfor
afewsecondsbeforecrankingtheengine,thebattery
voltagewilldisplayintheareawherethehoursare
normallydisplayed.
Note:Theindicatornormallyappearswhenthe
engineisoffandthekeyswitchisturnedtothe
“ON”position.
DeckLiftHandle
LocatedontheRHofthefrontcontrolpanel.
Pullthehandlerearwardtoraisethecuttingdeck.
Allowthehandletomoveforwardtolowerthe
cuttingdecktothecutheightthathasbeenset.
Pullthehandlerearwardandtotherighttolatch
thecuttingdeckintotheraisedtransportposition
(Figure5).
Pre-Start
Fillfueltankonlevelground.Forbestresultsuse
onlyclean,freshregulargradeunleadedgasolinewith
anoctaneratingof87orhigher.
Important:Neverusemethanol,gasoline
containingmethanol,gasoholcontainingmore
than10%ethanol,premiumgasoline,orwhite
gasbecausethefuelsystemcouldbedamaged.
DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
DoNotusegasolinethathasbeenstoredsincethe
lastmowingseasonorlonger.
DoNotoverllfueltank.Fillthefueltanktothe
bottomofthellerneck.Theemptyspaceinthe
tankallowsgasolinetoexpand.Overllingmayresult
infuelleakageordamagetotheengineoremission
system(ifequipped).
Makesureyouunderstandthecontrols,their
locations,theirfunctions,andtheirsafety
requirements.
RefertotheMaintenancesectionandperformallthe
necessaryinspectionandmaintenancesteps.
OperatingInstructions
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethevalveandalignwiththefuellinetoopen.
StartingtheEngine
1.LeavetheLHmotioncontrolleverinneutral
andtheRHleverintheneutrallockposition(see
Figure4).
2.Pulltheparkingbrakerearwardandovertothe
righttoengagetheparkingbrake.
3.Pushin(down)onthePTOswitchtothe
“disengage”position.
4.Placethethrottlemidwaybetweenthe“SLOW”
and“FAST”positions.
5.Onacoldengine,pushthechokeleverforward
intothe“ON”position.
Onawarmengine,leavethechokeinthe“OFF”
position.
6.Turnignitionswitchtothe“START”position.
Releasetheswitchassoonastheenginestarts.
18

Operation
Important:DoNotcranktheengine
continuouslyformorethantensecondsata
time.Iftheenginedoesnotstart,allowa60
secondcool-downperiodbetweenstarting
attempts.Failuretofollowtheseguidelines
canburnoutthestartermotor.
7.Ifthechokeisinthe“ON”position,gradually
returnchoketothe“OFF”positionastheengine
warmsup.
PTOEngagement
DANGER
Therotatingbladesunderthemowerdeck
aredangerous.Bladecontactcancause
seriousinjuryorkillyou.
DoNotputhandsorfeetunderthemower
ormowerdeckwhenthebladesareengaged.
DANGER
Anuncovereddischargeopeningwillallow
objectstobethrowninanoperator’sor
bystander’sdirection.Also,contactwiththe
bladecouldoccur.Thrownobjectsorblade
contactcancauseseriousinjuryordeath.
Neveroperatethemowerwiththedischarge
deectorraised,removed,oralteredunless
thereisagrasscollectionsystemormulch
kitinplaceandworkingproperly.
ThePTOswitchengagesthecuttingblades.Besure
allpersonsareclearofmowerdeckanddischarge
areabeforeengagingthePTO.
1.Setthrottleto“MIDWAY”position.
2.Releasetheparkingbrake.
3.Movetherightsidemotioncontrollevertothe
center,operateposition.
4.Continueholdingtherightsidemotioncontrol
leverinthecenter,operatepositionandpullup
onthebladecontrolswitch(PTO)andrelease.
Theclutchshouldengageandthemowerblades
beginrotating.
5.Placethethrottleinthe“FAST”positiontobegin
mowing.
DisengagingthePTO
1.Setthethrottlemidwaybetweenthe“SLOW”
and“FAST”positions.
2.PushdownonthePTOswitchtodisengagethe
blades.
Note:ThePTOwillbedisengagedbyreleasing
therightsidemotioncontrolleverandallowing
ittospringoutwardtotheneutrallockposition.
ThePTOwillnotre-engagewhentheRHmotion
controlleverismovedoutoftheneutrallock
positionwithoutpullinguponthePTOswitch.
TofullydisengagethePTO,continuetopushthe
switchdownward.
StoppingtheEngine
1.Bringtheunittoafullstop.
2.Movethemotioncontrolleverstotheneutral
position;movetheRHcontrolleverouttothe
neutrallockposition.
3.Placethethrottlemidwaybetweenthe“SLOW”
and“FAST”positions.
4.PushdownonthePTOswitchtodisengagethe
blades.
5.Engagetheparkingbrake.
6.Allowtheenginetorunforaminimumof15
seconds,thenturntheignitionswitchtothe
“OFF”positiontostoptheengine.
7.Removethekeytopreventchildrenorother
unauthorizedpersonsfromstartingengine.
8.Closethefuelshut-offvalvewhenthemachine
willnotbeinuseforafewdays,when
transporting,orwhentheunitisparkedinside
abuilding.
DrivingtheMachine
CAUTION
Machinecanspinveryrapidlybypositioning
onelevertoomuchaheadoftheother.
Operatormaylosecontrolofthemachine,
whichmaycausedamagetothemachine
orinjury.
•Usecautionwhenmakingturns.
•Slowthemachinedownbeforemaking
sharpturns.
19

Operation
Important:Tobeginmovement(forwardor
backward),thebrakelevermustbedisengaged
(pushedforward)beforethemotioncontrol
leverscanbemovedortheenginewillstop.
WhentheRHmotioncontrolleverispositionedfully
outward(apart)intheT-slot,thedrivesystemisin
theneutrallockposition(Figure8).
Note:The“N”LCDindicatorappearswhenthe
RHleverisintheneutrallockposition.
WhentheRHmotioncontrolleverismoveddirectly
inward(together)thedrivesystemisintheneutral
operateposition.
Figure8
1.LHMotioncontrollever6.Neutral
2.RHMotioncontrollever7.Forward
3.RHMotioncontrollever
inneutrallockposition
8.Frontreference/Speed
controlbar
4.Reverse9.Frontofunit
5.Rearreferencebar
DrivingForward
1.Makesurethemotioncontrolleversareinthe
neutralposition.
2.Releasetheparkingbrake.
3.Tomoveforwardinastraightline,moveboth
leversforwardwithequalpressure.
Figure9
Toturnleftorright,pullthemotioncontrollever
backtowardneutralinthedesiredturndirection.
Themachinewillmovefasterthefartherthe
motioncontrolleversaremovedfromtheneutral
position.
4.Tostop,positionbothmotioncontrolleversin
theneutraloperateposition.
DrivinginReverse
1.Movethemotioncontrolleverstotheneutral
operateposition.
2.Tomoverearwardinastraightline,slowlymove
bothleversrearwardwithequalpressure.
20