Exmark Vikingtm Hydro 4500-355 User manual

VIKING™HYDRO
ForSerialNos.
790,000&Higher
PartNo.4500-355Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,or
otherreproductiveharm.
Important:Whenthemowerisusedoroperated
onanyCaliforniaforest,brushorgrasscovered
land,aworkingsparkarrestermustbeattached
tothemufer.Ifnot,theoperatorisviolating
statelaw,Section4442PublicResourceCode.To
acquireasparkarresterforyourunit,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.
©2008—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.
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....................................14
ProductOverview................................................15
Operation.............................................................15
Controls........................................................15
Pre-Start........................................................17
OperatingInstructions..................................17
Transporting.................................................19
Maintenance.........................................................20
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)...........20
PeriodicMaintenance.......................................21
CheckEngineOilLevel.................................21
CheckMowerBlades.....................................21
CheckSafetyInterlockSystem.......................22
CheckforLooseHardware............................22
ServicePre-CleanerElementandAir
Cleaner......................................................23
ChangeEngineOil........................................23
CheckHydraulicOilLevel.............................23
CheckTirePressures.....................................23
CheckConditionOfBelts..............................23
LubricateGreaseFittings...............................24
CheckSparkPlugs.........................................24
ChangeHydraulicSystemFilter.....................24
WheelHub-SlottedNutTorque
Specication..............................................26
ThreadLockingAdhesives.............................26
MobilHTSGrease(OrFood-Grade
Anti-seize).................................................26
Copper-BasedAnti-seize..............................26
DielectricGrease...........................................26
Adjustments.....................................................27
AdjustingtheCuttingHeight.........................27
AdjustingtheAxlePosition............................28
AdjustingtheNumberofSpacersbelow
CasterSupportHub...................................29
AdjustingtheCuttingHeightwithBlade
Spacers......................................................29
PTOEngagementLinkage
Adjustment...............................................30
PTOSafetySwitchAdjustment......................30
EnginetoMowerDeckBelt
Adjustment...............................................31
BladeBrakeAdjustment................................32
BeltGuideAdjustment..................................32
PumpDriveBeltTensionAdjustment............32
HydroDriveLinkageAdjustment..................33
HydroPumpSpringTensionSetting..............35
ParkBrakeAdjustment..................................35
Cleaning...........................................................36
CleanEngineAirCoolingSystem...................36
RemoveEngineShroudsandCleanCooling
Fins...........................................................36
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck................36
WasteDisposal..............................................36
Troubleshooting...................................................37
Schematics...........................................................39
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.
•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.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsinanopen
area,whentheengineiscold.Wipeup
anygasolinethatspills.
•Neverrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosed
trailer.
•DoNotllthefueltankcompletely
full.Addgasolinetothefueltankuntil
thelevelis1/4to1/2inch(6–13mm)
belowthebottomofthellerneck.This
emptyspaceinthetankallowsgasoline
toexpand.
•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.
•Usecarewhencheckingblades.Wraptheblade(s)
orweargloves,andusecautionwhenservicing
them.Onlyreplacedamagedblades.Never
straightenorweldthem.
•Keephandsandfeetawayfrommovingparts.
Ifpossible,donotmakeadjustmentswiththe
enginerunning.
•Keepallguards,shieldsandallsafetydevicesin
placeandinsafeworkingcondition.
•Checkallboltsfrequentlytomaintainproper
tightness.
•Frequentlycheckforwornordeteriorating
componentsthatcouldcreateahazard.
•Allreplacementpartsmustbethesameas
orequivalenttothepartssuppliedasoriginal
equipment.
8

Safety
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
1-303517
1-323427
36inchDeckUnitsOnly
1-403005
1-403143
1-413214
98-5954
10

Safety
103-1798
103-2076
103-2103
103-2196
103-2242
11

Safety
103-2243
103-4935
103-5626
48inchDeckUnitsOnly
116-0404
12

Specications
Specications
ModelNumbers
SerialNos:790,000andHigher
VH15KA362;VH15KA483;VH17KA362CA;VH17KA483CA
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•RPM:FullSpeed:3600RPM(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:5.0gal.(18.9L)
•TypeofFuel:Regularunleadedgasoline,87
octaneorhigher.
•FuelFilter:ReplaceableIn-line
•FuelShut-OffValve:1/4turnincrements
SafetyInterlockSystem
Operatormusthavethespeedcontrolleverinneutral
andPTOdisengagedtostartengine.Releaseof
OperatorPresenceControl(OPC)leverswillcause
enginetostopifspeedcontrolleverisnotinneutral
and/orPTOisengaged.
Steering/BrakeControls
Fingertipdrivecontrolleversprovideindependent
speedcontrol,brakingandneutraltoeachdrive
wheelformovingforwardorreverse,stoppingand
powerturning.
Transmission
•TwoHydroGearvariabledisplacementpiston
pumpsindependentlycoupledtotwohigh
efciencyParkerwheeldrivemotors.
•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:
–0-6.2mph(10.0km/hr)forward.
–0-2.2mph(3.5km/hr)reverse.
WheelDriveSystem
DrivewheelsaredirectcoupledtoParker/Rosswheel
drivemotorswith1.0inch(25.4mm)taperedshaft.
Tires&Wheels
DriveFrontCaster
Pneumatic
(Air-Filled)
Semi-
Pneumatic
Quantity22
TreadTurfMasterSmooth
Size16x6.50–89x3.50-4
PlyRating4
Pressure14psi
(97kPa)
13

Specications
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:
–36inchDeck:35.38inches(89.9cm)
–48inchDeck:47.25inches(120.0cm)
•Discharge:Side
•BladeSize:
–36inchDeck:18.00inches(45.7cm)—
Quantity:2
–48inchDeck:16.25inches(41.3cm)—
Quantity:3
•DeckDrive:Manualengagementofbeltwith
over-centerlock.Bladebelttensionisadjustable
viaturnbuckle.
•BladeBrake:WhenthePTOengagementcontrol
ismovedtothedisengagedpositionafriction
brakepadstopstherotationoftheblades.
•DeckMounting:Bolteddirectlytoenginedeck.
•DeckDepth:
–36inchDeck:5.0inches(12.7cm)
–48inchDeck:5.0inches(12.7cm)
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:
Adjustsfrom1inch(2.5cm)to41/4inches(10.8
cm)in1/4inch(6.4mm)incrementsbyvarious
adjustmentsofcasterspacers,bladespacers,and
axleheight.
Dimensions
OverallWidth:
36inchDeck48inchDeck
DeectorUp36.4inches
(92.5cm)
48.1inches
(122.2cm)
DeectorDown47.0inches
(119.4cm)
57.9inches
(147.1cm)
OverallLength:
36inchDeck48inchDeck
77.3inches(196.3cm)72.3inches(183.6cm)
OverallHeight:
36inchDeck48inchDeck
43.2inches(109.7cm)43.2inches(109.7cm)
TreadWidth:(OutsidetoOutsideof
Tires,Widthwise)
36inchDeck48inchDeck
35.6inches
(90.4cm)
40.4inches
(102.6cm)
CurbWeight:
36inchDeck48inchDeck
498lb(226kg)551lb(250kg)
TorqueRequirements
BoltLocationTorque
Blade/CutterHousing
SpindleBolt
75-80ft-lb(102-109N-m)
CasterBracketMounts30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
MowerDeck/Engine
DeckMount
30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
EngineMountingBolts15-20ft-lb(20-27N-m)
WheelLugNuts90-95ft-lb(122-129N-m)
WheelHubSlottedNutminimum100ft-lbs
(136N-m)
WheelMotorMounting
Bolts
30-35ft-lb(41-48N-m)
14

Operation
ProductOverview
Figure3
1.ECSHandles3.FuelCap
2.Controls4.BladeSpacers
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
OperatorPresenceControl(OPC)
Levers
Locatedontheupperhandleassemblydirectlyabove
thehandlegrips.
Whentheseleversaredepressed,theOPCsystem
sensesthattheoperatorisinthenormaloperator’s
position.Whentheleversarereleased,theOPC
systemsensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthe
normaloperatingpositionandwillkilltheengineif
eitherthespeedcontrolleverisnotintheneutral
positionorthePTOisengaged(seeFigure4).
Figure4
1.OPCLever3.NeutralLockLatch
2.Rotateneutrallocklatch
downwardforneutral
lockposition
4.DriveLeverinneutral
position
DriveLevers
Locatedoneachsideoftheupperhandleassembly
aheadofandbelowthehandlegrips.
Theseleversindividuallycontrolthespeedand
directionofeachdrivewheel.Whenthespeedcontrol
leverismovedoutoftheneutralpositionandthe
neutrallocklatchesaremovedintothedriveposition,
15

Operation
asshowninFigure4,andthedriveleversarereleased,
thedrivewheelsareengagedintheforwarddirection.
Squeezingthelefthandand/orrighthandlever
causesthelefthandand/orrighthanddrivewheel
respectivelytoslowdown,stop,orreverse,depending
onhowfareachdriveleveris“squeezed”.Squeezing
thedriveleversbeyondtheneutralpositioncauses
thedrivewheelstoengageinthereversedirection
regardlessofthepositionoftheneutrallocklatches
andthespeedcontrollever.
NeutralLockLatch
Locatedattheendofthehandles.
Thepurposeoftheselatchesistoallowtheoperator
tolockthedriveleversina"neutral"positionwhere
neitherofthedrivewheelsareengagedineithera
forwardorreversedirection(seeFigure4).
ParkBrakeLever
Locatedontherightsideoftheunitabovethe
hydraulictank.
Thebrakeleverengagestheparkbrakeonthedrive
wheels.
Pulltheleverupandrearwardtoengagethebrake.
Pushtheleverforwardanddowntodisengagethe
brake.
Whenparkingonasteepslope,thewheelsmustbe
chockedorblockedinadditiontothebrakebeing
engaged.Theunitmustbetieddownandbrake
engagedwhentransporting.
Parkbrakemustbedisengagedtomovespeedcontrol
outofneutralorenginewillkill.
ChokeControl
Locatedonthefrontleftcornerofthefueltank
support.
Chokeisusedtoaidinstartingacoldengine.The
chokecontrolispulledouttobeinthe“ON”position
andpushedintobeinthe“OFF”position.DoNot
runawarmenginewithchokeinthe“ON”position.
ThrottleControl
Locatedontheonthecontrolconsolerightside.
Thethrottleisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thethrottlecontrolforwardwillincreaseengine
speedandmovingittotherearwilldecreaseengine
speed.Movingthethrottleforwardintothedetent
isfullposition.
SpeedControlLever
Locatedinmiddleofcontrolconsole.
Thespeedcontrollevercontrolsthemaximum
forwardspeedandisinnitelyvariablefromneutral
0–6.2mph(10.0km/hr).
Parkbrakemustbedisengagedtomovespeedcontrol
outofneutralorenginewillkill.
“Off-Run”Switch
Locatedonthecontrolconsole.
Turnthekeytothe“Run”positiontoallowthe
enginetobestarted.Turnthekeytothe“Off”
positiontoshutengineoff.
FuelShut-OffValve
Locatedinthefuellinemidwaybetweenthetank
andengine.
Thefuelshut-offvalveisusedtoshutoffthe
owoffuelwhenparkinginsideabuilding,during
transportationtoandfromthejobsites,andwhen
themachinewillnotbeusedforafewdays.
Rotatevalve1/4turnclockwisetoshutfueloff.
Rotatevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturnfuel
on.
DriveWheelReleaseValves
Locatedonthetoprearcornerofthehydrostatic
pumps.
Drivewheelreleasevalvesareusedtoreleasethe
hydro-staticdrivesystemtoallowthemachinetobe
movedbyhandwithouttheenginerunning.
Witha5/8wrench,turnbothvalvesoneturn
counterclockwisetoreleasethedrivesystem.
Turnclockwisetoresetthedrivesystem.DoNot
overtighten.
TrackingAdjustmentKnob
Locatedontheright-handsideoftherearofthefuel
tanksupport.
16

Operation
Theknobcanbeadjustedsothatmachinewill
“track”straightaheadwiththedriveleversreleased.
PTOEngagementControl
Locatedonleftsideofcontrolconsole.
Toengagetheblades,theknobmustbepulled
towardtheoperatoruntiltheturnbuckle(attached
tothebladeengagementidler)locksover-center.To
disengagetheblades,pushtheknobdownuntilthe
assistarmcontactsthepinonthedeck.
ParkbrakemustbedisengagedbeforePTOis
engagedorenginewillkill.
ColdStartKit
Locatedontherighthandsideofenginedeck,below
andslightlyaheadofthehydrocontrolshield.
Thecoldstartkitisusedtoeasethestartingofthe
unitincoldweatherorwhentheunithasnotbeen
operatedforaperiodoftime.Thecoldstartkit
movestheidlerpulleyawayfromthepumpbelt,
releasingthetensiononthebeltwhichallowsthe
enginetoturnoverwithlessresistance(seeStarting
theEnginesectioninOperation).
Pre-Start
Fillfueltank.Forbestresultsuseonlyclean,fresh
regulargradeunleadedgasolinewithanoctanerating
of87orhigher.Regulargradeleadedgasolinemay
alsobeused;however,combustionchamberand
cylinderheadwillrequiremorefrequentservice.See
EngineOwner’sManual.
DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
DoNotoverllfueltank.Neverllthefueltankso
thatthefuellevelrisesabovealevelthatis1/2inch
belowthebottomofthellernecktoallowforfuel
expansionandpreventfuelspillage.
Makesureyouunderstandthecontrols,their
locations,theirfunctions,andtheirsafety
requirements.
RefertotheMaintenancesectionandperformallthe
necessaryinspectionandmaintenancesteps.
OperatingInstructions
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
fuelon.
StartingtheEngine
Note:OperatormusthavePTOdisengagedand
speedcontrolleverinneutralpositionwhenstarting
theengine.
Lockdriveleversinneutralandengageparkbrake
Note:Acoldweatherstartingkithasbeenaddedfor
easeofstartingineithercoldweatherorwhenthe
unithasnotbeenrunforaperiodoftime.
•Tousecoldstartkit:
1.Pullsplitringstraightoutthesideoftheunit,
andhooktheringoverthelowerfronthydro
controlshieldbolt.
2.Startengine.Refertothefollowingguidelines
forfurtherstartingsuggestions.
•Toengagepumpdrive(disengagecoldstartkit):
1.Pullchainstraightoutfromthesideofthe
unituntilthesplitringcanberemovedfrom
thebolt.
2.Slowlyreleasetensiononchain.
1.Pulloutthechokecontrol.Placethethrottle
controlmidwaybetweenthe“Slow”and“Fast”
positions.Turnthekeyswitchtothe“Run”
position.
2.Pullrecoilropetostartengine.Afterengine
warmsup,graduallypushinthechokecontrol.
DoNotrunwarmenginewiththechokeinthe
“ON”position.
Note:Kawasakienginesgenerallyneedtobe
“choked”evenwhenwarm.
PTOEngagement
DANGER
Therotatingbladesunderthemowerdeck
aredangerous.Bladecontactcancause
seriousinjuryorkillyou.
DoNotputhandsorfeetunderthemower
ormowerdeckwhenthebladesareengaged.
17

Operation
DANGER
Anuncovereddischargeopeningwillallow
objectstobethrowninanoperator’sor
bystander’sdirection.Also,contactwiththe
bladecouldoccur.Thrownobjectsorblade
contactcancauseseriousinjuryordeath.
Neveroperatethemowerwiththedischarge
deectorraised,removed,oralteredunless
thereisagrasscollectionsystemormulch
kitinplaceandworkingproperly.
ThePTOswitchengagesthecuttingblades.Besure
thatallpersonsareclearofmowerdeckanddischarge
areabeforeengagingthePTO.
1.Setthrottleto“MIDWAY”position.
2.PullthePTOengagementknobuptoengage
blades.
3.Placethethrottleinthe“FAST”positiontobegin
mowing.
Note:ParkbrakemustbedisengagedbeforePTOis
engagedorenginewillkill.
DisengagingthePTO
1.Setthrottleto“MIDWAY”position.
2.PushdownonthePTOengagementknobto
disengagetheblades.
StoppingtheEngine
1.Bringtheunittoafullstop.
2.Lockdriveleversin“neutral”position.
3.Engagetheparkingbrake.
4.DisengagethePTO.
5.Movespeedcontrollevertoneutral.
6.Placethethrottlemidwaybetweenthe“SLOW”
and“FAST”positions.
7.Allowtheenginetorunforaminimumof15
seconds,thenturntheignitionswitchtothe
“OFF”positiontostoptheengine.
8.Removethekeytopreventchildrenorother
unauthorizedpersonsfromstartingengine.
9.Closethefuelshut-offvalvewhenthemachine
willnotbeinuseforafewdays,when
transporting,orwhentheunitisparkedinside
abuilding.
DrivingtheMachine
DriveLever/NeutralLockLatchOperation
Tolockthedriveleversin“neutrallock”,squeezethe
driveleverstothe“neutral”position(DoNotsqueeze
thedriveleversallthewaybackasthiswillcausethe
drivewheelstogointofullreversedirection).See
Figure5position1.Placethumbsontheinnerlobe
oftheneutrallocklatchesandrotatethemunder
thedriveleversintothe“neutrallock”position.See
Figure5position2.Releasethedrivelevers.
CAUTION
Iftheneutrallocklatchesarenotcompletely
engagedthedriveleverscouldunexpectedly
slipintotheforwarddriveposition.Ifthe
driveleversslipintothedrivepositionthe
unitcouldlurchforwardandcauseinjuryor
propertydamage.
Besurethedriveleversarepasttherollerand
securelyseatedatthebottomoftheneutral
locklatches.
Toplacethedriveleversinthe“forward”position,
slightlysqueezethedriveleverswhileplacingthumbs
ontheouterthumblobeoftheneutrallocklatches
(ortheindexngeronthefrontlobe)androtatethem
fromunderthedrivelevers.Slowlyandcarefully
releasethedrivelevers.SeeFigure5position3.
Toplacethedriveleversinthe“reverse”position,
squeezethedriveleverspasttheneutralposition.See
Figure5position4.
18

Operation
Figure5
1.DriveLeverinneutral
position
3.DriveLeverinforward
position
2.DriveLeverlockedin
neutralposition
4.DriveLeverinreverse
position
DrivingForward
1.Releasetheparkingbrake.
2.Withdriveleverslockedin“neutral”,shiftspeed
controllevertodesiredforwardspeed.
3.Slowlysqueezeandholdbothdriveleversin
theneutralpositionandrotatebothneutrallock
latchesfromtheneutrallockpositiontothe
forwardposition.
Note:DoNotsqueezebothdriveleversallthe
wayback.Thiswillcausethedrivewheelsto
engageinthereversedirection.
4.Tomoveforwardinastraightline,smoothly
releasebothdriveleverstoengagedrivewheels.
Toturnleftorright,squeezetherighthanddrive
levertoturnrightandthelefthanddrivelever
toturnleft.
Tomakea“zeroturn”,squeezeeithertheleft
handortherighthanddriveleverbackintothe
reversepositionwhiletheoppositedriveleverisin
aforwardpositionatanequalbutoppositespeed.
Note:Forsmoothoperationofthismachine,
avoidquick,jerkymovementsofthedrivelevers.
Movethedriveleverssmoothlyanddeliberately.
Tostop,squeezedriveleversbacktothe“neutral”
position.Movetheneutrallocklatchesintothe
“neutrallock”positionandreleasedrivelevers.
Movethespeedcontrollevertotheneutral
position.
DrivinginReverse
Tomoverearwardinastraightline,squeezedrive
leversintothereverseposition.
Toturnleftorright,squeezetherighthanddrivelever
toturnleftandthelefthanddrivelevertoturnright.
Tomakea“zeroturn”,squeezeeitherthelefthand
ortherighthanddriveleverbackintothereverse
positionwhiletheoppositedriveleverisinaforward
positionatanequalbutoppositespeed.
Note:Forsmoothoperationofthismachine,avoid
quick,jerkymovementsofthedrivelevers.Movethe
driveleverssmoothlyanddeliberately.
Tostop,squeezedriveleversbacktothe“neutral”
position.Movetheneutrallocklatchesintothe
“neutrallock”positionandreleasedrivelevers.Move
thespeedcontrollevertotheneutralposition.
Transporting
TransportingaUnit
WARNING
Loadingthemowerontoatrailerwithout
strongenoughorproperlysupportedramps
couldbedangerous.Therampscould
collapsecausingtheunittofall,whichcould
causeinjury.
•Useproperrampsthataresecuredtothe
truckortrailer.
•Keepfeetandlegsoutfromunderthe
unitwhenloadingandunloading.
•Ifnecessary,useassistancewhenloading.
Besurethefuelshut-offvalveisclosed.
Useaheavydutytrailertotransportthemachine.
Engageneutrallocklatchesandparkbrake,then
blockwheels.
Securelyfastenthemachinetothetrailerwithstraps,
chains,cables,orropes.
DoNotrelysolelyontheparkingbraketoholdthe
machineonthetrailer.
Besurethatthetrailerhasallnecessarylightingand
markingasrequiredbylawanduseasafetychain.
19

Maintenance
Maintenance
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthemachinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
WARNING
Whilemaintenanceoradjustmentsarebeing
made,someonecouldstarttheengine.
Accidentalstartingoftheenginecould
seriouslyinjureyouorotherbystanders.
Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitch,
engageparkingbrake,andpullthewire(s)
offthesparkplug(s)beforeyoudoany
maintenance.Alsopushthewire(s)aside
soitdoesnotaccidentallycontactthespark
plug(s).
WARNING
Theenginecanbecomeveryhot.Touching
ahotenginecancausesevereburns.
Allowtheenginetocoolcompletelybefore
serviceormakingrepairsaroundtheengine
area.
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)
MaintenanceService
IntervalMaintenanceProcedure
Aftertherst5hours•Changetheengineoil.
Aftertherst100hours•Checkwheelhub-slottedtorquespecication.
Aftertherst250hours•Changethehydrauliclter.
Beforeeachuseordaily
•Checktheengineoillevel.
•Checkthemowerblades.
•Checkthesafetyinterlocksystem.
•Checkforloosehardware.
•Greasethecasterwheelbearings.
•Greasecasterpivots.
•Cleanengineaircoolingsystem(SeeEngineOwner’sManual)
•Cleanthegrassbuild-upfromunderthedeck.
Every25hours•Servicetheaircleaner.(Mayneedmoreoftenundersevereconditions.SeetheEngine
Owner’smanualforadditionalinformation.)
Every40hours
•Checkthehydraulicoillevel.
•Checkthetirepressures.
•Checktheconditionofthebelts.
•Greasethepumpdriveidlerpivot.
•Greasethepumpcontrolbearings.
•Greasethemowerdeckidlerpivot
Every80hours•Removeengineshroudsandcleancoolingns.
Every100hours•Changetheengineoil.(Mayneedmoreoftenundersevereconditions.)
Every160hours•Checkthesparkplugs.
Every500hours•Changethehydrauliclter(Every250hours/yearlyifusingMobil115W50)
•Checkwheelhub-slottedtorquespecication.
Monthly•GreasethePTOengagementbellcrank.
20