Grasshopper SL98 Series Installation and operation manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL & PARTS LIST
THE GRASSHOPPER COMPANY
Moundridge, Kansas 67107 U.S.A.
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Rev. 11-00
Form 172422
Printed in U.S.A.
SL98 MOWER DECK
MODELS 9852 and 9861

2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your selection of Grasshop-
per equipment. We believe you have exercised
excellent judgment in the purchase of Grasshop-
per equipment. We are most appreciative of
your patronage.
We recommend that you carefully read this en-
tire manual before operating the unit. Time
spent becoming fully acquainted with its perfor-
mance features, adjustments and maintenance
will add a longer and more satisfactory life to
your Grasshopper.
The Grasshopper equipment you have pur-
chased has been carefully engineered and
manufactured to provide dependable and satis-
factory use. Like all mechanical products it will
require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate it as
specified in the manual. Observe all safety in-
formation in this manual and all safety decals on
the tractor and attachments.
The illustrations and data used in this manual
were current at the time of printing, but due to
possible in-line production changes your ma-
chine may vary slightly in detail. The
manufacturer reserves the right to make changes
or add improvements to its products at any time
without incurring any obligation to make such
changes to products manufactured previously.
As with all lawn and grounds equipment, if
handled carelessly this machine is a dangerous
piece of equipment. If used incorrectly this
machine can cause severe injury. You, the op-
erator, are responsible when operating it.
Therefore, safety is of the utmost importance.
Copyright © 2000 by The Grasshopper Company. All rights reserved.
ATTENTION:
Read the instructions and warnings care-
fully before using this machine.
Read your Grasshopper warranty, en-
closed with the tractor manual. To
validate warranty, fill in the required in-
formation and return the warranty form
within 10 days of purchase to:
THE GRASSHOPPER CO.
P.O. Box 637
Moundridge, Kansas 67107
Use only genuine Grasshopper service parts.
Substitute parts will void the warranty and may
not meet standards required for safe and satis-
factory operation. Record the model and serial
number of your mower.
MODEL:
SERIAL NUMBER:
(Serial tag is located on the right back side of
the deck.)
Provide this information to your dealer to obtain
correct repair parts.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
SAFETY SYMBOLS 5
SAFETY DECALS 6
SAFETY INFORMATION
Training .................................................................................................................................... 7
Preparation ................................................................................................................................ 7
Operational Safety ................................................................................................................. 7-8
Maintenance Safety .................................................................................................................. 8
Storing Safely ........................................................................................................................... 8
GENERAL INFORMATION
General Information ................................................................................................................. 9
Measurement Conversion ....................................................................................................... 10
Bolt Size and Tightening Recommendations ......................................................................... 10
OPERATION
Mower Setup Instructions ....................................................................................................... 11
Converting Deck from Down Discharge Mulching to Side Discharge .................................. 11
Converting Deck from Side Discharge to Down Discharge Mulching .................................. 12
When Installing SL98 Series Mower on 600 Series Tractor .................................................. 12
When Installing SL98 Series Mower on 700 or 900 Series Tractor .................................. 12-13
Attaching Mower to Tractor .............................................................................................. 13-14
To Set Deck in Upright Position ............................................................................................ 15
Adjusting Slant of Deck .........................................................................................................15
Pre-Mowing Check List.......................................................................................................... 15
Blades ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Cutting Height Adjustment..................................................................................................... 15
Mowing Techniques ...............................................................................................................16
Mowing Tips - Down Discharge Mulching Option................................................................ 16
Mowing Tips - Side Discharge and Vacuum Attachment Option ..................................... 16-17
Uneven Terrain ....................................................................................................................... 17
Transporting Mower on Trailer .............................................................................................. 17
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
Lubrication.............................................................................................................................. 18
Deck Cleaning ........................................................................................................................ 18
Blade Inspection ..................................................................................................................... 18
Blade Sharpening.................................................................................................................... 19
Blade Removal ....................................................................................................................... 19
Blade Installation .................................................................................................................... 19
Belt Adjustment ...................................................................................................................... 19

4
(continued)
ADJUSTMENTS AND TROUBLE SHOOTING
Belt Replacement .................................................................................................................... 20
Gearbox Removal ................................................................................................................... 21
Blade Spindle Assembly Removal ......................................................................................... 21
Blade Spindle Repair .............................................................................................................. 21
PARTS LISTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Mower Assembly - Model 9852 ........................................................................................ 22-23
Mower Assembly - Model 9861 ........................................................................................ 24-25
Lift Arm Assembly ............................................................................................................ 26-27
Landing Gear Assembly ......................................................................................................... 28
Stabilizer Rod Assembly ........................................................................................................ 29
Traction Kit Adapter ............................................................................................................... 30
Wheel Lift Assembly .............................................................................................................. 31
Blade Spindle Assembly......................................................................................................... 32
Right Angle Gearbox .............................................................................................................. 33
Gearbox - 9861 ....................................................................................................................... 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS - (CONTINUED)

5
SAFETY SYMBOLS
This Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS IN-
VOLVED!
Throughout this manual, the term IMPORTANT
is used to indicate that failure to observe can cause
damage to equipment. The terms CAUTION,
WARNING and DANGER are used in conjunc-
tion with the Safety Alert Symbol [a triangle with
an exclamation mark] to indicate the degree of haz-
ard for items of personal safety.
CAUTION
WARNING
Is used for general reminders of good
safety practices or to direct attention
to unsafe practices.
Denotes a specific potential hazard.
Denotes the most serious specific
potential hazard.
DANGER