HUSTLER 3500 User manual

109627_0910
Hustler 3500/3700
Owner’s Manual
•••••
P.O. Box 7000
•••
Hesston, Kansas
•
67062-2097

109627_0910
NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT OF SPARK ARRESTER MUFFLER
This equipment may create sparks that can start fires around dry vegetation. California Public Resources Code Sec-
tion 4442.6 provides that it is unlawful to use or operate an internal combustion engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective
working order. A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable materials specifically for the purpose of
removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 of an inch in size from the exhaust flow of
an internal combustion engine that uses hydrocarbon fuels or which is qualified and rated by the United States For-
est Service. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws. The Operator Should Contact Local Fire Agencies
For Laws or Regulations Relating to Fire Prevention Requirements. THIS EQUIPMENT DOES NOT HAVE A
SPARK ARRESTER AND YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE PURCHASE OF A
SPARK ARRESTER.
Inspect spark arrester daily; replace every 500 hours or as needed.
The Engine Owner’s Manual provides information regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the California Emission Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance and warranty.
Keep Engine Owner’s Manual with your unit. Should the Engine Owner’s Manual become damaged or illegi-
ble, replace immediately. Replacements may be ordered per the information found in the Product Informa-
tion section of the owner’s manual.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING:

109627_0910 1-1
GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual applies to the following Hustler equipment
lines:
Hustler 3500
Hustler 3700
To the new owner
The purpose of this manual is to assist owners and operators
in maintaining and operating the 3500/3700 tractor. Please read
it carefully; information and instructions furnished can help you
achieve years of dependable performance.
A separate Engine Owner’s Manual is included with your
owner’s packet which contains additional engine information
that will not be repeated in this manual. You are urged to read it
before attempting any operation or repair of the engine.
The decals are designed to give the operator brief information
needed in the daily operation and service of the machine. These
decals are not intended to be used in place of this manual but
instead are to be used as an extension of this manual. These
decals should not be removed or obliterated. Replace these
decals if they become unreadable.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the
operators and mechanics read and understand this manual and
all decals before operating this machine. It is also the owner’s
responsibility to make certain that the operators and mechanics
are qualified and physically able individuals, properly trained in
the operation of this equipment. All operator and mechanics
must become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls and safety signs.
Never let children or untrained people operate or service the
equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
For more detailed maintenance and adjustment information
refer to the proper parts manual for your machine. Refer to the
Product Literature section of this manual for ordering
information.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or
injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property.
Using this manual
General operation, adjustment and maintenance guidance is
outlined for both the experienced and novice Hustler user.
Operating conditions vary considerably and cannot all be
addressed individually. Through experience, however,
operators should find no difficulty in developing good operating
skills suitable to most conditions.
Directions used in this manual, for example RIGHT or LEFT,
refer to directions when seated on tractor facing forward, unless
otherwise stated.
Photographs and illustrations used were current at the time of
printing, but subsequent production changes may cause your
machine to vary slightly in detail. Hustler Turf Equipment
reserves the right to redesign and change the machine as deemed
necessary, without notification and without incurring any
obligation to make changes or additions to equipment sold
previously. If a change has been made to your machine which is
not reflected in this owner’s manual, or the parts manual, see
your Hustler dealer for current information and parts.
Warranty registration
The Delivery and Warranty Registration form must be
completed and signed to validate your warranty protection. As
the new equipment owner, you are expected to see that the form
is completed and forwarded to Hustler Turf Equipment at time
of delivery.
Be sure to register the tractor plus each attachment that
displays a model and serial identification number plate with
Hustler Turf Equipment.
IMPORTANT: Any unauthorized modification, alteration,
or use of non-approved attachments voids the warranty and
releases Hustler Turf Equipment from any liability arising from
subsequent use of this equipment.
Tractor gross vehicle weight (GVW)
This tractor has a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of
3500 lbs. which must not be exceeded. Use only Hustler
approved attachments and accessories
Model and serial number
Tractor model and serial numbers are found on the serial
identification plate, located on the frame directly in front of the
left rear wheel.
These numbers are required on the Warranty Registration
form. They will also assure you of the correct service parts
when replacement becomes necessary.
Parts and service
Use original Hustler replacement parts only. These parts are
available through your local Hustler dealer. To obtain prompt,
efficient service, always provide the following information
when ordering parts:
1. Correct part description
2. Correct part number
3. Correct model number.
4. Correct serial number.
All warranty repair and service must be handled through an
authorized Hustler dealer. Arrangements should be made
through your local service center.

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109627_0910 1-3
3500/3700 TRACTORS
HUSTLER TURF COMMERCIAL PRODUCT
TWO YEAR (1500 HOURS) LIMITED WARRANTY
WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY
Hustler Turf Equipment, makes the following warranty to the original pur-
chaser only:
a. Hustler Turf Equipment Tractors and Power Units are warranted for two
(2) years or 1500 hours whichever comes first, from date of delivery
on all defects in materials and workmanship.
If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a defect in materials
or workmanship:
zHe must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment, or an authorized
dealer, in writing of the defect. In no event shall such notification be
received by Hustler Turf Equipment, or an authorized dealer later than
30 days after expiration of warranty.
zWithin a reasonable time after such notification, Hustler Turf Equip-
ment, will correct any defect in material or workmanship on the Hus-
tler Turf Equipment, by repairing or replacing part(s) with either new
or used replacement parts.
zSuch repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of Hustler
Turf Equipment, and,
b. Rental Units (90 days): Within 90 days of date of delivery Hustler Turf
Equipment, provides a limited warranty on all materials and workman-
ship for units used for rental purposes.
zIf the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a defect in mate-
rials or workmanship:
zHe must promptly notify Hustler Turf Equipment, or an authorized
dealer, in writing of the defect. In no event shall such notification be
received by Hustler Turf Equipment, or an authorized dealer later than
120 days from date of delivery.
zWithin a reasonable time after such notification, Hustler Turf Equip-
ment, will correct any defect in material or workmanship on the Hus-
tler Turf Equipment, by repairing or replacing part(s) with either new
or used replacement parts.
zSuch repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of Hustler
Turf Equipment, and,
c. The Shibaura diesel engine is covered by a three (3) year or 2000 hour,
whichever comes first, limited warranty, to the original owner only, and,
d. The battery is covered by a one (1) year limited warranty to the original
owner only.
WHO MUST PERFORM THE WARRANTY SERVICE
All warranty service will be performed by dealers authorized by Hustler
Turf Equipment. Service calls and/or transportation expense of the product
to and from the authorized dealer, for warranty work, will be paid by the owner
of the product. For warranty service contact an authorized dealer.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY
Hustler Turf Equipment, does not warranty:
zSome product, components or parts not manufactured by Hustler Turf
Equipment
zRepairs made by unauthorized persons
zDamage caused by use of the Hustler Turf Equipment for purposes
other than those for which it was designed
zDamages caused by disasters such as fire, flood, wind, and lightening
zDamages caused by neglect, abuse, abnormal use, improper or unrea-
sonable use, accident, negligence, misuse or foam filled/solid filled
tires
zRepairs or replacement resulting from the use of unauthorized parts,
accessories or attachments
zRepairs or replacement as the result if any alterations or modifications,
in the determination of Hustler Turf Equipment, which adversely
affects the operation, performance or durability of the equipment.
zHustler Turf Equipment which has the serial number removed or made
illegible
zDepreciation or damage caused by normal wear, lack of reasonable and
proper maintenance, failure to follow the product’s owner’s manual
operating, maintenance and adjustment instructions or other opera-
tional instructions provided by Hustler Turf Equipment.
zNormal maintenance parts and service including, but not limited to, fil-
ters, fuel, lubricants, tune-up parts, belts, blades, blade sharpening,
bearings, brake or steering adjustments
zRepairs necessary due to improper fuel, contaminates in the fuel sys-
tem, or failure to properly prepare the fuel system prior to any period
of non-use over three months
zDamage caused by foam filled or solid filled tires.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or
implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. However, if the Hustler Turf Equipment is
purchased as a consumer product, any implied warranty of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose is limited to the duration of this limited warranty.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES
In no case shall Hustler Turf Equipment, be liable for any special, inciden-
tal, or consequential damages based upon breach of warranty, breach of contract,
negligence, strict liability in tort, or any other legal theory.
Such damages include, but are not limited to:
zLoss of profits
zLoss of savings or revenue
zLoss of use of Hustler Turf Equipment or any associated equipment
zCost of capital
zCost of any substitute equipment, facilities, services or downtime
zThe claims of third parties including customers, and injury to property
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or conse-
quential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
TIME LIMIT
Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within 30 days after
expiration of warranty in a non-rental application. Any action for breach of
warranty must be commenced within 30 days after expiration of warranty in a
rental application.
NO OTHER WARRANTIES
Unless modified in writing, signed by both parties, and approved by the
President of Hustler Turf Equipment, this agreement is understood to be the
complete and exclusive agreement between the parties, superseding all prior
agreements, oral or written, and all other communications between the parties
relating to the subject matter of this agreement. No employee of Hustler Turf
Equipment, or any other party is authorized to make any warranty in addition to
those made in this agreement.
ALLOCATION OF RISKS
This agreement allocates the risks of product failure between Hustler Turf
Equipment, and the purchaser. This allocation is recognized by both parties and
is reflected in the price of the goods.
OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY
You must maintain your Hustler Turf Commerical Product following the
maintenance procedures described in your owner's manual. Such routine main-
tenance, whether performed by a dealer or by you, is at your expense.
This machine like any other powered equipment is potentially danger-
ous unless properly operated. Any operator must be cautious and keep safety
in mind at all times. Any operator, prior to using the Hustler Turf Equipment,
should thoroughly familiarize himself with the owner's manual regarding opera-
tion and safety of the machine, as well as all safety warnings on the machine
itself.

1-4 109627_0910
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
1. Dealers must register the unit on-line at www.Hustlerdealer.com or by fill-
ing out the Warranty registration form, provided in the owner’s packet. If
using the Warranty registration form it MUST be completed and signed by
the authorized dealer and original purchaser.
2. For validation, the completed Warranty registration form MUST be for-
warded to Hustler Turf Equipment, within ten (10) days following date of
purchase.
3. The date of purchase constitutes delivery.

109627_0910 2-1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a
message intended to provide a reasonable degree of
PERSONAL SAFETY for operators and other persons
during the normal operation and servicing of this
equipment.
DANGER: denotes immediate hazards which WILL
result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING: denotes a hazard or unsafe practice which
COULD result in severe personal injury or death.
This manual uses two other words to highlight information.
IMPORTANT calls attention to special mechanical
information and NOTE emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.
All operators and mechanics should read this manual,
and be instructed about safe operating and maintenance
procedures. If the operators or mechanics cannot read
and understand English, it is the owner’s responsibility to
explain this material to them.
Improper use or maintenance of this machine by the
operator or owner can result in injury. To reduce the
potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions
and always pay attention to the safety alert Vsymbol,
which means DANGER or WARNING - “personal safety
instructions.” Failure to comply with the instructions may
result in personal injury or death.
Incorrect usage of this machine may result in severe
injury. Personnel operating and maintaining it should be
trained in the proper use and should read the manuals
completely and thoroughly before attempting to set-up,
operate, adjust, or service this machine.
The decals are designed to give the operator brief
information needed in the daily operation and service of the
machine. These decals are not intended to be used in place of
this manual but instead are to be used as an extension of this
manual. These decals should not be removed or obliterated.
Replace these decals if they become unreadable.
• It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the
operators and mechanics read and understand this man-
ual and all decals before operating this machine.
• It is also the owner’s responsibility to make certain that
the operators and mechanics are qualified and physically
able individuals, properly trained in the operation of this
equipment.
• All operators and mechanics must become familiar with
the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls
and safety signs.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or service
the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of
the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for acci-
dents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or
property.
• The owner should also ensure that the operator/
mechanic know that they are responsible for their own
safety as well as the safety of other persons within the
vicinity. Remember, the operator is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
Safety and Instruction Decals
V
Specific safety warning decals are located on the equipment near the immediate areas of potential hazards. These decals
should not be removed or obliterated. Replace them if they become non-readable.
The following illustrations show the various decals that are located on the machine. A brief explanation, for those requiring
one, is shown to help the operator understand the meanings of these decals.
• Read Owner’s Manual and decals
before attempting to operate this
machine.
728469 REV. B
USE ONLY LOW
OR ULTRA LOW
SULFUR FUEL
• Do not smoke while refueling.
• Do not fill tank with engine running, or
while the engine is hot.
• Allow engine to cool before storing
machine inside a building.
• Store away from open flame or spark.
• Clean up any gasoline spills.
• Do not refuel while in enclosed trailer or
other enclosed areas

2-2 109627_0910
WARNING: Hot surface! • Keep a safe distance from the
machine.
• Do not open while engine is hot. Wait
until the system has fully cooled to ser-
vice.
• Always keep shields or covers in place
WARNING: Hot fluid under pressure
• Keep hands, feet and clothing clear
of this area.
• Always keep shields or covers in
place while machine is in operation.
WARNING: Rotating fan
blade!
601968
• Avoid hydraulic fluid escaping under
pressure
• Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
can penetrate skin.
• Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
may have sufficient force to penetrate
skin and cause serious injury. Foreign
fluid injected into the skin must be surgi-
cally removed within a few hours by a
doctor, familiar with this form of injury, or
gangrene may result.
• Before applying pressure to hydraulic
system, make sure all connections are
tight and all hoses and lines are in good
condition.
• Relieve all pressure in the system before
disconnecting or working on hydraulic
lines.
• To find a leak under pressure, use a
piece of cardboard or wood – never use
your hands.
• To relieve all pressure in system, lower
attachment and turn engine off.
WARNING:
Fluid under pressure!
DANGER: Battery Hazards
• Always wear eye protection
when checking the battery,
acid can cause serious injury
to skin and eyes. If contact
occurs, flush area with clean
water and call physician imme-
diately. Acid will also damage
clothing.
• Hydrogen gas forms inside the
battery. This gas is both toxic
and flammable and may cause
an explosion if exposed to flame.
Always remove the negative
ground first and replace it last.
• Do not allow open flame
near the battery when
charging.
• Avoid skin contact with
battery acid.

109627_0910 2-3
WARNING: Read Owner’s Manual and
decals before attempting to operate or
service this machine.
• Wear ear protection, eye protection and safety shoes when operat-
ing this equipment.
601623
• Keep hands, feet and clothing clear of
this area.
• Keep a safe distance from the machine.
• Keep shields or covers in place while
machine is in operation.
WARNING: Rotating driveshaft!
601624
• Never operate the mower deck with side
deflector damaged, altered, removed or in
raised position, except when the entire
grass catcher attachment or mulching sys-
tem is being used.
WARNING: Thrown
objects
WARNING: This structure’s protective
capability may be impaired by struc-
tural damage, overturn, or alteration.
If any of these conditions occur, this
structure must be replaced.
• Avoid crushing, use seat belt.
• Do not jump if machine tips.
• To minimize chance of injury or death
from rollover; keep ROPS in the raised
and locked position and use the seat
belt.
• Never operate machine on a slope
with the ROPS folded down (lowered
position).
• There is no roll over protection when
the ROPS is in the lowered position.
• Lower the ROPS only when abso-
lutely necessary. Drive slowly and
carefully. Raise the ROPS as soon as
clearance permits.
• Read and follow slopes operation
instructions and warnings.
• Do not wear seat belt when the ROPS
is in the lowered position.
• Always pull from the tractor hitch.
• Do not attach chains or ropes to the
ROPS for pulling purposes, as the
machine can tip backwards.
601635
601635
Part Number
601635
DANGER: Rotating blades,
pulleys & belts
WARNING:
Thrown objects
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away.
• Always keep shields or covers in place
while machine is in operation.
• Always maintain a
safe distance from
people and pets
when mowing.
• Always stop
machine if some-
one enters the area.

2-4 109627_0910
601415
601415
WARNING: Rollover!
• Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10
feet) away from drop-offs, retaining
walls, drainage ditches, embankments,
water, and other types of hazards to
avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or
to avoid the ground from breaking away.
WARNING: Back over!
• Always be aware of what is behind the
machine before backing up. Do not
mow in reverse unless absolutely neces-
sary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing up.
• Do not carry passengers
• Always stop machine if someone enters
the area.
WARNING: Rollover!
• Do not operate on slopes
greater than 15 degrees.
• Keep all movement on slopes
slow and gradual. Never make
sudden changes in speed and
direction.
WARNING: Ejection!
• Never push down suddenly on reverse
or brake pedal while the machine is in
forward motion because machine may
tip forward causing loss of control.
• Slow down before turning.
• Wear seat belt
601415
WARNING: Ejection!
• Never drive the tractor at high speeds
without a front-end attachment mounted
to the tool bars.
• Never push down suddenly on reverse
or brake pedal while the machine is in
forward motion because machine may
tip forward causing loss of control.
WARNING: Ejection!
• Never push down suddenly on reverse
or brake pedal while the machine is in
forward motion because machine may
tip forward causing loss of control.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and
gradual.
• Do not make sudden changes in speed
or direction.
• Keep attachment as low to the ground
as possible, mower decks should rest on
the gauge wheels.
• Keep deck gauge wheels on the ground
during transport.
WARNING: Loss of traction
• While driving on slopes, always run in
AWD (All wheel drive) locked position.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and
gradual.
• Never make sudden changes in speed
or direction.