Exmark VANTAGE X Series User manual

V ANTAGE®X-SERIES
ForSerialNos.
315,000,000&Higher
PartNo.4502-224Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Thisproductcontainsachemical
orchemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orreproductiveharm.
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Important:Theengineinthisproductisnot
equippedwithasparkarrestermufer.Itisa
violationofCaliforniaPublicResourceCode
(CPRC)Section4442touseoroperatethis
engineonanyforest-covered,brush-covered,
orgrass-coveredlandasdenedinCPRC4126.
Otherstatesorfederalareasmayhavesimilar
laws.
Toacquireasparkarresterforyourunit,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
Thissparkignitionsystemcomplieswiththe
CanadianstandardICES-002.Cesystèmed’allumage
parètincelledevèhiculeestconformeàlanorme
NMB-002duCanada.
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.
©2014ExmarkMfg.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.
Important:Tomaximizesafety,performance,
andproperoperationofthismachine,itis
essentialthatalloperatorscarefullyreadand
fullyunderstandthecontentsoftheOperator’s
manualprovidedwiththeproduct.Safe
operationofExmarkequipmentisessential.
Failuretocomplywiththeoperatinginstructions
orreceivepropertrainingmayresultininjury.
Gotohttp://www.Exmark.comforadditional
safeoperationinformation,suchassafetytips,
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.
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
3

Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
SafeOperatingPractices..................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals......................10
Specications........................................................16
ModelNumbers.............................................16
Systems..........................................................16
Dimensions....................................................17
TorqueRequirements.....................................18
ProductOverview.................................................18
Operation..............................................................19
Controls.........................................................19
Pre-Start.........................................................22
OperatingInstructions...................................22
Transporting..................................................26
Maintenance..........................................................27
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)............27
PeriodicMaintenance........................................28
CheckEngineOilLevel..................................28
CheckMowerBlades......................................30
CheckSafetyInterlockSystem........................31
CheckforLooseHardware.............................32
ServiceAirCleaner.........................................32
ChangeEngineOil.........................................32
CheckHydraulicOilLevel..............................32
CheckTirePressures......................................33
CheckConditionOfBelts...............................33
LubricateGreaseFittings................................33
LubricateCasterWheelHubs.........................33
CheckSparkPlugs..........................................34
ChangeHydraulicSystemFilterand
Fluid..........................................................34
WheelHubNutTorqueSpecication..............36
CheckSparkArrester(ifequipped)..................36
ThreadLockingAdhesives..............................37
MobilHTSGrease(OrFood-Grade
Anti-seize)..................................................37
Copper-BasedAnti-seize................................37
DielectricGrease............................................37
Adjustments......................................................37
DeckLeveling................................................37
AdjustingtheCuttingDeckRake....................38
AdjustingtheRearoftheDeck........................39
PumpDriveBeltTension................................39
MowerDeckDriveBeltTension.....................39
ChecktheParkBrake......................................39
ParkBrakeAdjustment...................................39
ElectricClutchAdjustment.............................41
NeutralAdjustment........................................42
TrackingAdjustment......................................45
DriveLeverResistanceAdjustment.................45
CasterPivotBearingsPre-Load
Adjustment................................................46
Cleaning............................................................46
CleanEngineandExhaustSystem
Area...........................................................46
RemoveEngineShroudsandClean
CoolingFins...............................................46
CleanDebrisFromMachine...........................46
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck.................47
WasteDisposal...............................................47
Troubleshooting....................................................48
Schematics............................................................51
4

Safety
Safety
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThislawnmowermeetsorexceedstheB71.4
specicationsoftheAmericanNationalStandards
Instituteineffectatthetimeofproduction.
Exmarkdesignedandtestedthislawnmowertooffer
reasonablysafeservice;however,failuretocomply
withthefollowinginstructionsmayresultinpersonal
injury.
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents.
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
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.
SafeOperatingPractices
Training
•ReadtheOperator’sManualandothertraining
material.Iftheoperator(s)ormechanic(s)cannot
readthismanual,itistheowner’sresponsibilityto
explainthismaterialtothem;otherlanguagesmay
beavailableonourwebsite.
•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,andhearingprotection.Do
Notoperatewhenbarefootorwhenwearingopen
sandals.Longhair,looseclothingorjewelrymay
gettangledinmovingparts.
CAUTION
Thismachineproducessoundlevelsinexcess
of85dBAattheoperator’searandcancause
hearinglossthroughextendedperiodsof
exposure.
Wearhearingprotectionwhenoperatingthis
machine.
5

Safety
•Inspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe
usedandremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,
bones,andotherforeignobjectswhichcanbe
thrownbythemachineandmaycausepersonal
injurytotheoperatororbystanders.
DANGER
Incertainconditionsgasolineisextremely
ammableandvaporsareexplosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburn
you,others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsonlevelground,
inanopenarea,whentheengineiscold.
Wipeupanygasolinethatspills.
•Neverrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosed
trailer.
•DoNotllthefueltankcompletelyfull.
Fillthefueltanktothebottomoftheller
neck.Theemptyspaceinthetankallows
gasolinetoexpand.Overllingmayresult
infuelleakageordamagetotheengine
oremissionsystem.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,and
stayawayfromanopenameorwhere
gasolinefumesmaybeignitedbyspark.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainer
andkeepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Never
removethecapofthefueltankoradd
fuelwhenengineisrunningorwhenthe
engineishot.
•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.Do
Notuseanozzlelockopendevice.
WARNING
Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporshascaused
cancerinlaboratoryanimals.Failuretouse
cautionmaycauseseriousinjuryorillness.
•Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
•Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
•Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Neversiphonbymouth.
•Checkthattheoperatorpresencecontrols,
safetyswitches,andshieldsareattachedand
functioningproperly.DoNotoperateunlessthey
arefunctioningproperly.
6

Safety
Operation
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythemufer,
becomeextremelyhot.Severeburnscanoccur
oncontactanddebris,suchasleaves,grass,
brush,etc.cancatchre.
•Allowengineparts,especiallythemufer,to
coolbeforetouching.
•Removeaccumulateddebrisfrommuferand
enginearea.
WARNING
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,
whichisanodorlessdeadlypoisonthatcankill
you.
DoNotrunengineindoorsorinasmallconned
areawheredangerouscarbonmonoxidefumes
cancollect.
•Operateonlyindaylightorgoodarticiallight,
keepingawayfromholesandhiddenhazards.
•Lightningcancausesevereinjuryordeath.If
lightningisseenorthunderisheardinthearea,
DoNotoperatethemachine;seekshelter.
•Besurealldrivesareinneutralandparkingbrake
isengagedbeforestartingengine.
•Neverraisedeckwithbladesrunning.
•Neveroperatethemowerwithdamagedguards,
shields,orcovers.Alwayshavesafetyshields,
guards,switchesandotherdevicesinplaceandin
properworkingcondition.
•Nevermowwiththedischargedeectorraised,
removedoralteredunlessthereisagrass
collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•DoNotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor
overspeedtheengine.
•Parkmachineonlevelground.Stopengine,wait
forallmovingpartstostop,removekeyand
engageparkingbrake:
–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,andsafetydevicesinplace
andworkingproperly.
•Keephands,feet,hair,jewelry,orclothing
awayfromrotatingparts.
•NEVERcarrypassengers.DONOToperate
themowerwhenpeople,especiallychildren,or
petsareinthearea.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhen
makingturns.Lookbehindandtothesidebefore
changingdirections.
•Stoptheblades,slowdown,andusecaution
whencrossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
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.Lossofcontrol
and/orlossofoperator'sfootingcouldresultina
fallwithanarmorleggettingunderthemower
orenginedeckwhichmayresultinseriousinjury,
deathordrowning.
•Mowacrossslopes,neverupanddown.
•DoNotmowslopeswhengrassiswet.
•DoNotmowneardrop-offsornearwater.
•DoNotmowslopesgreaterthan20degrees.
•Reducespeedanduseextremecautionon
slopes.
•Avoidsuddenturnsorrapidspeedchanges.
•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,setparkingbrake,stopengine
andremovekeyordisconnectsparkplugwire.
Waitforallmovementtostopbeforeadjusting,
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.
DANGER
Chargingorjumpstartingthebatterymay
produceexplosivegases.Batterygasescan
explodecausingseriousinjury.
•Keepsparks,ames,orcigarettesaway
frombattery.
•Ventilatewhenchargingorusingbattery
inanenclosedspace.
•Makesureventingpathofbatteryis
alwaysopenoncebatteryislledwith
acid.
•Alwaysshieldeyesandfacefrombattery.
8

Safety
DANGER
Batteryelectrolytecontainssulfuricacid,
whichispoisonousandcancausesevere
burns.Swallowingelectrolytecanbefatalor
ifittouchesskincancausesevereburns.
•Wearsafetyglassestoshieldeyes,and
rubberglovestoprotectskinandclothing
whenhandlingelectrolyte.
•DoNotswallowelectrolyte.
•Intheeventofanaccident,ushwith
waterandcalladoctorimmediately.
CAUTION
Iftheignitionisinthe“ON”positionthere
ispotentialforsparksandengagementof
components.Sparkscouldcauseanexplosion
ormovingpartscouldaccidentallyengage
causingpersonalinjury.
Besureignitionswitchisinthe“OFF”
positionbeforechargingthebattery.
•Keepallguards,shieldsandallsafetydevicesin
placeandinsafeworkingcondition.
•Checkallboltsfrequentlytomaintainproper
tightness.
•Frequentlycheckforwornordeteriorating
componentsthatcouldcreateahazard.
WARNING
Removalormodicationoforiginalequipment,
partsand/oraccessoriesmayalterthewarranty,
controllability,andsafetyofthemachine.
Unauthorizedmodicationstotheoriginal
equipmentorfailuretouseoriginalExmark
partscouldleadtoseriousinjuryordeath.
Unauthorizedchangestothemachine,engine,
fuelorventingsystem,mayviolateapplicable
safetystandardssuchas:ANSI,OSHAand
NFPAand/orgovernmentregulationssuchas
EPAandCARB.
WARNING
Hydraulicuidescapingunderpressure
canpenetrateskinandcauseinjury.Fluid
accidentallyinjectedintotheskinmustbe
surgicallyremovedwithinafewhoursbyadoctor
familiarwiththisformofinjuryorgangrenemay
result.
•Ifequipped,makesureallhydraulicuid
hosesandlinesareingoodconditionandall
hydraulicconnectionsandttingsaretight
beforeapplyingpressuretohydraulicsystem.
•Keepbodyandhandsawayfrompinhole
leaksornozzlesthatejecthighpressure
hydraulicuid.
•Usecardboardorpaper,notyourhands,to
ndhydraulicleaks.
•Safelyrelieveallpressureinthehydraulic
systembyplacingthemotioncontrollevers
inneutralandshuttingofftheenginebefore
performinganyworkonthehydraulicsystem.
WARNING
Fuelsystemcomponentsareunderhigh
pressure.Theuseofimpropercomponentscan
resultinsystemfailure,gasolineleakageand
possibleexplosion.
Useonlyapprovedfuellinesandfuelltersfor
highpressuresystems.
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.
106-5517
1.Warning—donottouchthehotsurface.
112-8760
1.Thrownobjecthazard—keepbystandersasafedistance
fromthemachine.
2.Cutting/dismembermentofhandorfoot—stayaway
frommovingparts.
112-9028
1.Warning—stayawayfrommovingparts;keepallguards
inplace.
114-3489
1.Thrownobjecthazard;cutting/dismemberment
hazard—donotoperatethemachinewiththedischarge
openinguncovered;alwaysoperatethemachinewith
thereardischargedeector,dischargecoverorgrass
collectorinstalled.
115-4212
1.Hydraulicoillevel3.Warning—donottouch
thehotsurface.
2.ReadtheOperator's
Manual.
10

Safety
116-2040
1.Heightofcut(HOC)-
high
3.Heightofcut(HOC)-low
2.Heightofcut(HOC)-
medium
116-3283
116-7217
116-7912
1.Interval4.Neutral
2.PowerTake-off(PTO)5.Operatorpresence
control
3.Parkingbrake6.Battery
116-8283
1.Warning—readtheOperator'sManualforinstructions
ontorquingthebladebolt/nutto55-60ft-lb(75-81N-m).
116-8772
1.Accessory,15A3.Charge,25A
2.PTO,10A4.Main,30A
11

Safety
116-8894
1.Motioncontrol—forward3.Motioncontrol—reverse
2.Motioncontrol—neutral
116-9143
1.Warning-ReadtheOperator’sManual.DoNotoperate
thismachineunlessyouaretrained.Wearhearing
protection.
2.Warning-Stayawayfrommovingparts;keepallguards
inplace.Stopengineandremovekeybeforeadjusting,
servicing,orcleaning.
3.Warning-DisengagePTO,shiftspeedcontroltoneutral,
andengageparkingbrakebeforeleavingtheoperator’s
position.
117–2718
126-2055
1.Wheellugnuttorque95ft-lb(129N-m)(4x)
2.Wheelhubnuttorque235ft-lb(319N-m)
3.ReadandunderstandtheOperator’smanualbefore
performinganymaintenance,checktorqueafterrst
100hoursthenevery500hoursthereafter.
12

Safety
116-8778
EFIUnits
1.Parkingbrake-disengage5.Throttle-fast
2.Parkingbrake-engaged6.Continuousvariablesetting
3.PTO-on7.Throttle-slow
4.PTO-off8.Checkengine
116-9144
1.Thrownobjecthazard-Pickupobjectsthatcouldbethrown
bymower.DoNotoperatewhenpeopleandpetsarein
thearea.Keepdeectorinplace.
4.ReadtheOperator’smanual.
2.Cutting/dismembermenthazard-DoNotoperateonslopes
greaterthan20degrees.DoNotmowwetslopes-use
extremecautionwhenoperatingonslopes;mowacross
slopesnotupanddown.
5.Filltobottomofllerneck;warning-DoNotoverllthetank.
3.Crushing/dismembermenthazardofbystanders-DoNot
carrypassengers,lookforwardanddownwhenoperating
themachine,lookbehindanddownwhenreversing.
13

Safety
116-9145
1.Speedcontrol–fast6.Turnknobtoadjusttracking
2.Continuousvariablespeed7.Motioncontrol–forward
3.Speedcontrol–slow8.Motioncontrol–neutral
4.Speedcontrol–neutral9.Motioncontrol–reverse
5.Readtheinstructionsbeforeservicingorperforming
maintenance
116-9164
1.ReadtheOperator’sManualbeforeperformingan
maintenance
4.Greaselinkagepivots(7)every50hours
2.Greasethebeltidlerevery500hours5.Checktirepressureevery50hours
3.Greasefrontcasterpivotsandwheelbearingsevery500
hours
6.Checkhydraulicoillevel(Onlyuserecommendedhydro
oil)
14

Safety
116-9321
AllUnitsExceptEFI
1.Parkingbrake–disengaged6.Continuousvariablesetting
2.Parkingbrake–engaged7.Throttle–slow
3.PTO–on8.Choke–on
4.PTO–off9.Choke–off
5.Throttle–fast
15

Specications
Specications
ModelNumbers
SerialNos:315,000,000andHigher
VTX651GKA48400;VTX730EKC52400;VTX740EKC60400
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•EngineOilType:Exmark4–CyclePremium
EngineOil
•RPM:FullSpeed:3600±100RPM(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:8.0gal.(30.2L)
•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:
–Kawasaki:
KawasakiP/N49019-0014
–KohlerEFI:
KohlerP/N2505042
•FuelShut-OffValve:1/4turn
ElectricalSystem(ElectricStart)
•ChargingSystem:FlywheelAlternator
•ChargingCapacity:
Kawasaki:15amps
KohlerEFI:20amps
•BatteryType:BCIGroupU1
•BatteryVoltage:12Volt
•Polarity:NegativeGround
•Fuses:
–30ampmainfuse
–25ampchargingsystemfuse
–10ampPTOfuse
–15ampaccessoryfuse
SafetyInterlockSystem
•LCDindicatorsappearfortheparkbrake,drive
levers,andoperatorpresenceinthemessage
displayonthefrontcontrolpanel.
Note:BecausethePTOmustbedisengaged
tostarttheengine,theLCDindicatorwillnot
illuminateatthistime.
•PTOmustbedisengagedandspeedcontrollever
inneutraltostartengine.(Itisnotnecessaryfor
theoperatortobeontheplatformtostartthe
engine.)
•MowerbladeswillstopifboththeOPClevers
arereleased.
•Enginewillstopifthespeedcontrolleveris
movedfromtheneutralpositionwiththepark
brakeengaged.
OperatorControls
SteeringControl:Fingertipdrivecontrollevers
provideindependentspeedcontrol,brakingand
neutraltoeachdrivewheelformovingforwardor
reverse,stopping,andpowerturning.
Transmission
•TwoHydroGearvariabledisplacementhigh
efciencypumpsindependentlycoupledtotwo
highefciencyParker/Rosswheeldrivemotors.
16

Specications
•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.
•Drivewheelreleasevalvesallowmachinetobe
movedwhenengineisnotrunning.
WheelDriveSystem
DrivewheelsaredirectcoupledtoParkerwheeldrive
motorswith11/4inch(31.8mm)taperedshaft.
Tires&Wheels
DriveFrontCaster
Pneumatic
(Air-Filled)
Semi-
Pneumatic
Quantity22
TreadK500Smooth
Size20x10.50–811x4.00-5
PlyRating4
Pressure13psi
(90kPa)
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:
–48inchDeck:48inches(121.9cm)
–52inchDeck:52inches(132.1cm)
–60inchDeck:60inches(152.4cm)
•Discharge:Side
•BladeSize:(3ea.)
–48inchDeck:16.25inches(41.3cm)
–52inchDeck:18.00inches(45.7cm)
–60inchDeck:20.50inches(52.1cm)
•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)
–60inchDeck:5.5inches(14.0cm)
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:Adjustsfrom1inch
(2.5cm)to5.5inches(14cm)in1/4inch(6.4
mm)increments.
•MulchingKit:Optional
•Bagger:Optional
Dimensions
OverallWidth:
48inch
Deck
52inch
Deck
60inch
Deck
Deector
Up
51.8inches
(131.6cm)
56.3inches
(143.0cm)
63.9inches
(162.3cm)
Deector
Down
59.6inches
(151.4cm)
64.8inches
(164.6cm)
72.8inches
(184.9cm)
OverallLength:
48inch
Deck
52inch
Deck
60inch
Deck
Platform
Up
60.5inches
(153.7cm)
60.5inches
(153.7cm)
62.4inches
(158.5cm)
Platform
Down
74.0inches
(188.0cm)
74.0inches
(188.0cm)
75.9inches
(192.8cm)
OverallHeight:
48inchDeck52inchDeck60inchDeck
50.0inches
(127.0cm)
50.0inches
(127.0cm)
50.0inches
(127.0cm)
TreadWidth:(OutsidetoOutsideof
Tires,Widthwise)
48inchDeck52inchDeck60inchDeck
46.5inches
(118.1cm)
46.5inches
(118.1cm)
50.5inches
(128.3cm)
17

ProductOverview
CurbWeight:
48inchDeck52inchDeck60inchDeck
855lb
(388kg)
875lb
(397kg)
883lb
(401kg)
Note:Weightswillvaryslightlydependingonengine.
TorqueRequirements
BoltLocationTorque
CutterHousingSpindle
Nut
130-160ft-lb
(176-217N-m)
BladeMountingBolt
(lubricatewithanti-seize)
50-60ft-lb(68-81N-m)
ClutchMountingBolt50-60ft-lb(68-81N-m)
EngineDeck/Mower
DeckSupportMount
Bolts
30-35ft-lb(41-47N-m)
EngineMountingBolts
Kawasaki
Kohler
30-35ft-lb(41-47N-m)
27-33ft-lb(37-45N-m)
WheelLugNuts85-105ft-lb(115-142
N-m)
WheelHubNuts175-225ft-lb
(237-305N-m)
WheelMotorMounting
Bolts
67-83ft-lb(91-113N-m)
HydroPumpRelease
Valves
110-130in-lb(12-15N-m)
ProductOverview
Figure3
1.Platform4.Drivelevers
2.FuelCap5.EngineControls
3.Height-of-Cut
Adjustment
6.ParkBrakeLever
18

Operation
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
OperatorPresenceControl(OPC)
Levers
Locatedontheupperhandleassemblydirectlybelow
thehandlegrips(seeFigure4).
Figure4
LHupperhandleassemblyshown
1.Neutrallocklatch3.OPCLever
2.Rotateneutrallocklatch4.Driveleverinneutral
position
Whentheseleversaredepressed,theOPCsystem
sensesthattheoperatorisinthenormaloperator's
position.
Note:TheLCDindicatorappearsinthemessage
displayonthefrontconsolewhentheOPCleversare
depressed(seeFigure5andFigure7).
Whentheleversarereleased,theOPCsystem
sensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthenormal
operatingposition.
•Iftheleversarereleasedwiththespeedcontrol
notinneutral,theenginewillkill(withorwithout
PTOengaged).
•Iftheleversarereleasedwiththespeedcontrolin
neutralandthePTOengaged,themowerblades
disengagebuttheengineremainsrunning.
DriveLevers
Locatedoneachsideoftheupperhandleassembly
aheadofandbelowthehandlegrips(seeFigure4).
Theseleversindividuallycontrolthespeedand
directionofeachdrivewheel.Whenthespeed
controlleverismovedoutoftheneutralposition
andtheneutrallocklatchesaremovedintothedrive
positionandthedriveleversarereleased,thedrive
wheelsareengagedintheforwarddirection.
Squeezingthelefthandand/orrighthandlever
causesthelefthandand/orrighthanddrivewheel
respectivelytoslowdown,stop,orreverse,depending
onhowfareachdriveleveris“squeezed”.Squeezing
thedriveleversbeyondtheneutralpositioncauses
thedrivewheelstoengageinthereversedirection
regardlessofthepositionoftheneutrallocklatches
andthespeedcontrollever.
NeutralLockLatches
Locatedontheupperhandleassemblyontheends
ofthehandlegrips(seeFigure4).
Theselatchesallowtheoperatortolockthedrive
leversina“neutral”positionwherethedrivewheels
arenotengagedineitheraforwardorreverse
direction.
ChokeControl(AllUnitsExcept
KohlerEFI)
LocatedontheRHsideofthefrontcontrolconsole
(seeFigure5).
Thechokeisusedtoaidinstartingacoldengine.
Movingthechokeleverforwardwillputthechokein
the“ON”positionandmovingthechokelevertothe
rear,tothedetent,willputthechokeinthe“OFF”
position.DoNotrunawarmenginewithchokein
the“ON”position.
19

Operation
Figure5
1.Platformlatch9.Ignitionswitch
2.Choke10.Fuelgauge
3.RHhandlegripwith
neutrallocklatch
11.PTOengagementswitch
4.Trackingknob12.Throttle
5.Speedcontrollever13.Decklifthandle
6.LHhandlegripwith
neutrallocklatch
14.Fuelcap
7.Parkbrakelever15.Height-of-cutpin
8.Messagedisplay
ThrottleControl
LocatedontheRHsideofthefrontcontrolconsole
(redlever)(seeFigure5).
Thethrottleisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thethrottleleverforwardwillincreaseenginespeed
andmovingthethrottlelevertotherearwilldecrease
enginespeed.Movingthethrottleforwardintothe
detentisfullthrottle.
SpeedControlLever
Locatedinmiddleofcontrolconsole(seeFigure5).
Thespeedcontrollevercontrolsthemaximum
forwardspeedandisinnitelyvariablefromneutral
0–8.0mph(12.9km/hr).
Parkbrakemustbedisengagedtomovespeedcontrol
outofneutralorenginewillkill.
Note:TheLCDindicatorappearsinthemessage
displayonthefrontconsolewhenthespeedcontrol
leverisintheneutralposition(seeFigure5and
Figure7).
ParkBrakeLever
Locatedonleftsideofunit(seeFigure5).
Thebrakeleverengagesaparkingbrakeonthedrive
wheels.
Note:TheLCDindicatorappearsinthemessage
displayonthefrontconsolewhentheparkbrakeis
engaged(seeFigure5andFigure7).
Toengagethebrake,pulltheleverrearwardandto
therighttopositionintotheengagedposition.
Torelease,pullthebrakeleverbackandovertothe
left,positionintotheslotandpushtheleverforward.
Whenparkingonasteepslope,thewheelsmustbe
chockedorblockedinadditiontothebrakebeing
engaged.Theunitmustbetieddownandbrake
engagedwhentransporting.
Parkbrakemustbedisengagedbeforemovingspeed
controloutofneutralorenginewillkill.
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:Tostarttheengine,operatormusthavespeed
controlleverinneutral,OPCleversdepressed,and
thePTOdisengaged.(Itisnotnecessaryforthe
operatortobeontheplatform.)
20