Kunz AcrEase MR55KE User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
With Assembly Instructions
KUNZ ENGINEERING, INC. 42 / PH [phone]
1/09
For Model: MR55KE
/ MENDOTA, IL 613
57” ROUGH CUT
WITH ELECTRIC CLUTCH BLADE ENGAGEMENT

SAFETY INTRODUCTION
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on
labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt
you or others.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels – on the mower.
Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal
words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations
typically for machine components which, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information. Please read it
carefully.
1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and
comprehended the safety manual and who has not been properly trained in the safe
operation of the equipment.
WARNING: Operator should be familiar with all functions of the unit.
DANGER: Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
WARNING: Remove all objects from the work area that might be picked up and thrown by
the blades.
WARNING: Do not mow when children and others are around.
WARNING: Keep all safety shields and deflectors in place during operation.
WARNING: Shut off the engine and allow the mower blades to come to a complete stop
before making any adjustments to the mower.
WARNING: Shut off engine before disconnecting the mower from the tow vehicle or
attempting to move the mower by hand.
WARNING: Never carry children or passengers.
WARNING: Do not allow children to operate this machine.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information. Please read it
carefully.
2

SAFETY SIGNS AND LOCATIONS
Clean or R
Mendota, IL
eplace Any Safety Signs That Are not Readable or Damaged
Replacement decals can be purchased from your local dealer or
Kunz Engineering Inc.
61342
[phone]
275003 – Danger
Decal, Cut Hand & Foot 275007 – Warning Decal, Belt Sheild
275002 – Warning
Decal, General
Serial # and Model #
Decal
3

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Read the complete assembly instructions before starting the assembly.
You should have:
- one mower deck assembly
- two carrier arm assemblies
- two rear tire assemblies
- one ATV tongue assembly
A. ASSEMBLY OF MOWER WHEELS
1. Set the mower deck assembly on wood blocks so that it is suspended off the ground.
Note: The operator controls are on the front of the deck. (Left and right are determined by
looking in the direction of travel or by standing at the rear of the deck assembly looking
forward.)
2. Install the rear tire assemblies on the carrier arm assemblies. Remove the hex nut and lock
washer from the rear tire assembly and install the 5/8”x7-1/2” tire axle bolt through the hole in
the carrier arm assembly. See figure 1. Secure assembly with the lock washer and hex nut
provided on the rear tire assembly. The rear tires should be offset to the outside of the deck
assembly on both sides. See figure 2.
3. Install the two carrier arm assemblies in the pivot arms, which are located on the mower deck
assembly. Place the assembly so that the castered tires are on the front and the fixed tires are
on the back. See figure 2. Secure with 1/2" x 3-1/2" hex head bolts and lock nuts provided on
the pivot arms. Mount the height adjust screw on the deck assembly in the hole provided.
Secure with the 1/2”x1” hex head bolt and lock nut provided on the height adjust screw.
Note: Tighten 1/2” x 3-1/2” and 1/2” x 1” hex head bolts until just snug. This area needs to
pivot when adjusting the height. Under tightening can result in excessive wear and
flexing. Over tightening will make adjusting the cutting height very difficult.
B. INSTALLATION OF TONGUE ASSEMBLY
1. The tongue can be installed either on the left or right caster assembly depending on how the
tow-behind mower will be towed. See figure 2. Secure the hitch pivot on the chosen caster
assembly with the 1/2” x 3-1/2” hex head bolt, lock washer, and nut provided.
2. Install the tongue into the hitch pivot and secure by placing the provided 5/16” wire lock pins on
each side of the hitch pivot.
Note: To help prevent any unwanted pin removal caused by oncoming debris install the 5/16”
wire lock pins with the wire lock section back from the direction of travel. See Figure 3.
4

Figure 1: Rear Tire Assembly Installation
Rear Tirerrier Arm
sembly
Ca
As
Figure 2: Assembly of Carrier Arm Assy., Hitch Pivot, and Tongue
Rear Tire As
Carrier Arm
A
Direct Behind PositionOffset Position
sy.
(Attach on outside for
both left and right sides) Pivot Arm
ssy.
Height Adjust
Screw
Hitch Pivot – Attach to
Either Left or Right
Carrier Arm Assy.
Tongue
Front (Rubber
Flap Side)
Flat Washer
Lock Washer Cup Washer
Hex Nut and
Bolt
5

Figure 3: ATV Tongue Assembly
TIONS AND ADJUSTMENTSOPERA
indicate safety instructions. Follow
injury and/or property damage.
This safety alert symbol is used to
these instructions to avoid personal
w all instructions in this manual and the attached engine
:Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and
comprehended the safety manual and who has not been properly trained in the safe
operation of the equipment.
WARNING: Operator should be familiar with all functions of the unit.
A. TONGUE CONFIGURATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Shut off the engine and allow the mower blades to come to a complete stop
before adjusting the tongue.
The hitching system is designed so that the rough cut mower can be pulled directly behind a tow
vehicle or offset to the left or right. See Figure 4.
Note: When pulling the mower directly behind, the hitch pivot should be fastened on the right
carrier arm for maximum maneuverability. See Figure 2. When pulling the mower in
the offset position the hitch pivot can be fastened on either the right or left carrier arm.
See Figure 2.
Read and follo
manual.
WARNING
Wire Lock Section of
Wire Lock Pin
(Placed Back From
Direction of Travel)
5/16” Wire
Lock Pins
Direction of Travel Screw Pin Shackle
Clevis
Tongue
Shift Tong
Between Hol
ue Left or Right
es
6

The tongue is equipped with a screw pin shackle clevis to provide movement in all directions on
rough uneven ground. To prev ration or debris, place the screw
pin through the tow vehicle hitch and clevis and turn the screw pin until snug.
The tongue is designed to adjust from left to right within the hitch pivot. This allows the mowers
position to be varied behind the tow vehicle. This is accomplished by pulling the 5/16” wire lock
pins out and choosing two other hole locations on the tongue. See Figure 3.
Figure 5: Adjusting Rough Cut Mower Cutting Height
ent loss of the screw pin due to vib
OffsetDirectly Behind
Figure 4: Rough Cut Tow Behind Towing Suggestions
B. ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
W
be
ARNING: Shut off the engine and allow the mower blades to come to a complete stop
fore adjusting the cutting height.
Measure
and Add This Distance 1-5/16” to get Cutting Height
1-5/16”
Cutting Height
Smooth
Surface
Lower Edge of
Adjustment Crank: Roughly 6
turns e
q
uals 1.0”
Mower Blade
Deck
7

The cutting height can be adjusted in a range from 2.0" to 8.0". This is accomplished by turning
the height adjust cranks on both sides of the mower. See Figure 5. Turn the cranks clockwise to
raise the mower cutting height and counter-clockwise to lower the mower cutting height.
allow easier pivoting. Care should be taken not to loosen too much or excess wear and
flexing may occur. Greasing the threads may also allow greater ease in adjustment.
Note: After leveling mower deck, quick field adjustment can be completed by counting crank
turns. Roughly 6 turns will equal 1” of vertical movement.
The adjustment crank may unturn due to vibration. This will allow the mower’s cutting height to
change. The crank can be secured by folding it down between the adjustment nut tube and the
upper pivot support. See Figure 6.
DANGER: Shut off tow vehicle engine and allow mower blades to stop completely before
attempting to measure the cutting height.
Adjust the mower as follows:
1. Pull the mower o
2. Adjust the mower evenly from side to side by measuring to the ground from the lower edge of
eight will be the distance from the ground to the outside lower
edge of the mower deck plus 1-5/16”. The mower blade cutting edge is 1-5/16” above the
outside lower edge of the mower deck.
Note: If the height adjust cranks do not turn easily, the pivot bolts holding the carrier arm
assemblies and height adjust screw may be too tight. Loosen the pivot bolts slightly to
n to a smooth, level surface.
the mower deck. The desired h
Adjustment Crank
Carrier Arm
Adjustment Nut Tube
Upper Pivot Support
Figure 6: Securing Crank While Not In Use
8

C. START
:Set parking brake on tow vehicle.
Tur on the underside of the gas tank.
Set
Set the th
Start engine and allow engine to warm up.
Set the en des clutch by pulling
outward on the PTO switch. (The PTO switch is located at the front of the mower deck on the
he clutch the engine rpm should be placed as low as possible
efore clutch engagement. If the engine should stall during clutch engagement raise
the engine rpm
CAUTION: If the mower’s engine dies while in use, remove the rough cut mower from the
uncut area before attempting to engage the clutch. Inspect the blades for any obstructions
that may prevent blade engagement. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
premature clutch and belt failure or a fire.
Adjust engine speed to full throttle.
D. SHUTTING OFF ROUGH CUT MOWER
WARNING: Shift to neutral and set the parking brake before dismounting the tow vehicle.
Slow the engine speed down and disengage the clutch by pushing inward on the PTO switch.
Allow engine to cool down for a short time before moving the ignition switch to the off position.
Turn off fuel shut off valve which is located on the underside of the gas tank.
ING ENGINE
WARNING
Attach mower tongue to tow vehicle.
WARNING: Do not start rough cut mower unless it is attached to the tow vehicle.
n on fuel shut off valve which is located
the choke to the desired position.
rottle at approximately half throttle.
gine speed at about half throttle and engage the mower bla
control panel.)
Note: To help extend the life of t
buntil clutch engagement is possible.
9

E.
damaged.
s from the work area that might be picked up and thrown by
the blades.
WARNING: Do not mow when children and others are around.
WARNING: Do not fill fuel tank while engine is running or hot.
CAUTION: Remove grass build up from under safety shields before each use. Do not
sh
WARNING: Shut off engine before disconnecting the mower from the tow vehicle or
WARNING: Do not allow children to operate this machine.
CAUTION: Slow down and watch the ends of the mower when making turns so objects
backing over something or someone. Care should also be taken while backing so that the
stops going forward because of loss of traction. Shut off the engine on the mower before
isten to the rough cut mower engine while mowing. The engine should run free and not work too
ard. Working the engine too hard will cause overheating and premature failure.
CAUTION: If the mower’s engine dies while in use, remove the rough cut mower from the
uncut area before attempting to engage the clutch. Inspect the blades for any obstructions
blade engagement. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
premature belt failure or a fire.
MOWER OPERATION
DANGER: Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
CAUTION: Clean or replace any safety signs that are not readable or
WARNING: Remove all object
WARNING: Keep all safety shields and deflectors in place during operation.
remove safety shields while engine is running. Dry grass build up around belts and
eaves can cause fires.
attempting to move the wing mower by hand.
WARNING: Never carry children or passengers.
are not struck and/or run over.
WARNING: Look down, to the sides, and behind before and while backing to avoid
wing mower or mowers do not jackknife and damage hitches.
WARNING: Stop the mower blades on the mower if the tow vehicle becomes stuck or
attempting to push or pull the tow vehicle.
L
h
that may prevent
10

Do not
F.
dels
allow material to build up on the air inlet to the engine cooling system. Special care should
be taken to make sure the engine is getting enough inlet air. Do not allow the engine cooling fins
under t
overhea
DRIVE
ning before making any
adjustments or repairs.
Remove the safety shields.
Loosen er and
h
Slip the
Install the new belt and then adjust the tension as follows: See Figure 7.
he shroud to be blocked. If air flow over the engine is restricted, the engine could
t.
BELT REMOVAL AND TENSION – Refer to Figure 7
WARNING: Shut off engine and allow mower blades to stop tur
the nuts on the spring-loaded idler; adjust bolt until the belt can be slipped off the idl
eaves.drive s
belt down under the drive sheave and off the blade spindle sheaves.
Figure 7: Belt Pattern and Spring Adjustment
Adjust the nuts on the spring-loaded idler adjuster bolt until the length of the spring is between 1”
and 1-1/16” (For models with 1-1/2” long spring) or 2-1/2” and 2-9/16” (For models with 4-1/2” long
spring). This is the initial belt break in spring length. When the belt is broken in after several
hours of mowing, the running spring length should be between 1-1/8” and 1-3/16” (For mo
Engine/Clutch
Fron
t
Initial Spring Length: 1” – 1-1/16” (Models with 1-1/2” long spring), 2-1/2” – 2-9/16” (Models with 4-1/2” long spring)
Running Spring Length: 1-1/8” – 1-3/16” (Models with 1-1/2” long spring), 2-3/4” – 3-1/4” (Models with 4-1/2” long spring)
11

with 1-1/2” long spring) or 2-3/4” and 3-1/4” (For models with 4-1/2” long spring). For maximum
ks every 3-4 hours should be done to make sure the spring length has not
ex
Note: ailure to periodically adjust the belt tension will result in severe belt wear and
ure.
G.
CAUTION: Sharp blades can cause bodily injury if not handled properly.
When removing the blade, it is recommended that a block of wood be placed between the blade
de without the need to
hold the blade by hand.
CAUTION: Always balance the mower blades each time they are sharpened.
CAUTION: Always properly tighten the blade bolts to the specified torque. Failure to do so
can lead to unwanted loosening of the blade and damage to the blade holding saddle.
The Model MR55KE uses the Kunz Engineering Part # (202141) blade bolt. This particular hex
head bolt is a 3/4” – 16NF x 1-1/4” long, grade 5 and it’s proper torque is 300 ft-lbs.
To ease in the blade installation process, use the same block of wood and method used during
the removal of the blades.
H. LUBRICATION
There are five lubrication points on the rough cut mower -- one spring-loaded idler pivot, two
caster wheel pivots, and two blade spindles. Lubricate at approximately 10 hr. intervals or more
often as required in dusty conditions. Lubricate the blade spindles 2-5 pumps every 50 hours.
(The bearings have trash guard seals to hold the seals in place during lubrication.) Lubricate with
a high grade of pressure gun grease.
y.
e
I.
Tur r is
sto
during heavy rainstorms. See the Engine Manual for additional information.
belt life, periodic chec
ceeded the recommended running length.
F
premature belt fail
MOWER BLADE REMOVAL, BALANCING & INSTALLATION
and the underside of the mower deck. This will allow the removal of the bla
Out of balance mower blades cause excess vibrations which lead to premature bearing failures,
bolts coming loose, and overall deterioration of the wing mowers.
Note:Do not over grease blade spindles. Blade spindles are initially greased at the factor
Greasing before 50 hrs. may cause bearing seal damage which will result in prematur
bearing failure.
STORAGE
n off fuel shut off valve which is located on the underside of the gas tank. If the mowe
red outside, the engine should be covered to prevent water from getting inside the engine
12

ACREASE ROUGH CUT MOWER SPECIFICATIONS
MR55KE
Model
ENGINE:
Engine Make Kohler
Engine Model Command OHV CV20
Cylinders 2
Cycles
Crank
Engine HP 20
2.64"
Di lacement 38.1 cubic inches
Oil Ca
Crank
Key Sl
Starter Electric
4
shaft Vertical
Bore 3.03"
Stroke
sp pacity 2 U.S. qts.
shaft Dia. 1"
t1/4"o
Crankshaft Length 3.15"
Threaded Hole in End of Crankshaft 7/16-20
Engine Mounting Bolts 5/16-18 x 1.50 Through Bolt
Choke Manual
MOWER:
Fuel Tank 3.75 gal.
idth 57"
10 ga. Welded steel
Bl a. 2-30"
En
CLUTCH T
Effective Cutting W
Deck Cons uctiontr
Cutting Height 2" to 8"
Height Adjustment 2 Cranks
Rear Wheels (Fixed) Two 15/600 x 6
(4 ply Turf Pnuematic)
Front Wheels (Caster) Two 5.30/4.50 x 6
(4 ply Turf Pnuematic)
ade Di
gine Speed, Blades Running 3600 RPM
YPE Electric
NSDIMENSIO
Length 98"
60"
29"
Width
Height
Weight 580 lbs
HITCH
Hitch Type ATV Tongue
TOUCH-UP PAINT COLOR Pewter Gray, Krylon #1606
13

ACREASE ROUGH CUT MOWER PARTS LIST
Item Part # Description Quantity
1 214021 Cup Washer 6
2 216002 Wire Lock Pin, .31" x 2.50" 2
3 216009 Screw Pin Shackle Clevis 1
4 222005 Worm Drive Hose Clamp (7-7/8" to 9-1/8" Clamping Dia.) 2
5 225000 Compression Spring, 1.50"Lx 1-3/32" O.D.x .135" Wiredia. (Builtduring2005-2006) 1
5 225005 Compression Spring, 4.50"L x 1-3/32" O.D. x .125" Wire dia. (Built from 2007-Current) 1
6 226003 Offset Wheel Assy. (15/600 x 6, 2 Ply Turf) 2
7 226004 Centered Wheel Assy. (5.30/4.50 x 6, 2 Ply Stud) 2
8 238004 "V" Belt, .62" x 95.9" O.C. 1
9 241001 Flat Idler, 4" O.D. x 3/8" Hole 1
10 241009 Flat Idler (Steel), 4" O.D. x 1/2" Hole 1
11 258022 Spindle Assy. 2
900075 Spindle Shaft (1)
900160 Housing Assy. (With Two Bearings) (1)
243006 Bearing (6206 w/ Trash Guard Seals) (2)
600271 Bearing Spacer (3.33" Long) (1)
241008 Sheave, (7-1/2" Dia., B-Section) (1)
12 258018 Electric Clutch 1
235062 Clutch Cable Assembly (1)
13 259002 Offset Mower Blade, 2-1/2" Wide, 30" Long, 3/4" Hole 2
14 264003 Hour/Tack Meter Optional
15 264010 Ignition Switch 1
16 264005 PTO Switch 1
17 264006 Fuse Holder 1
18 269007 Choke Control, 22.5" 1
19 269008 Throttle Control, 46" 1
20 275001 Control Panel Decal, Starting Instructions 1
20 275002 Warning Decal General 1
20 275003 Danger Decal, Cut Finger 2
20 275007 Warning Decal, Belt Sheild 2
20 275019 Name Decal, Kunz 1
20 275021 Name Decal, AcrEase 1
20 275022 Name Decal, 57" Rough Cut 1
21 277002 Rubber Gromet 6
22 277010 Fuel Tank, 3.75 Gal. (Plastic)(Use Gas Cap 277013) 1
23 277013 Gas Cap (For Fuel Tank 277010) 1
24 600126 Flap Retainer Strip 1
25 600133 Belt Sheild 2
26 600142 Upper Pivot Support 2
27 600143 Safety Belting 1
28 600146 Crank Arm 2
29 600189 Idler Spacer Block 1
30 600198 Clutch Stop 1
31 600200 Spacer, 1.38" O.D. x 1.33" Wall x 1.00" Long 1
14

Item Part # Description Quantity
32 9 1
33 900058 Hitch Pivot 1
34 900061 Pivot Arm 4
35 900062 Height Adjust Nut 2
36 900066 Screw Adjuster 2
37 900069 Mower Deck 1
38 600172 Engine Support Bracket 1
39 900079 Tank Support 1
40 900082 Tongue 1
41 900106 Carrier Arm 2
243010 Plastic Bearing, 1-3/8" O.D. x 1.00" I.D. 4
42 900111 Control Panel 1
43 900128 Idler Arm Assy. 1
243000 Bronze Bearing, 1/2"I.D. x 3/4" O.D. x 1.50" Long 1
44 900148 Caster Fork 2
222012 Single Split Collar (1" I.D. x .1/2" Thick) 2
00049 Battery Box Assy.
15

16
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
11 12
13
15
16
14
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
30
26
27
28
38
31
42
32
33
34
35
43
36
37
41
44
40
39
29
19
17
9
UACREASE ROUGH CUT MOWER PARTS

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
OPTIONAL WETLANDS KIT
•
•
•
•
•
•
The optional wetlands kit features an extra set of tires for added ground support in soft or water
saturated areas. The following are applications and features that the wetlands kit works best in.
Great for wetlands or marshy areas that stay wet all year around.
Works well in combination with small personal amphibious vehicle r tracked ATVs.
More than doubles the tire surface area in contact with the ground.
Very easy to install bolt-on kit.
Works on all existing and new rough cut mowers.
The rough cut mower will not
so
float with the wetlands kit installed. Water greater than 2-3" in
depth should be avoided.
With the Wetlands Kit installed the minimum cutting height is 3.5” – 4”. •
Wetlands Kit (Part # 003905)
17

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
OP
d
Electric Lift Kit (Part # 003909)
TIONAL ELECTRIC LIFT KIT
The optional electric lift kit consists of all of the mounting hardware, brackets, electric actuator an
wiring with remote control panel.
•Great for constantly changing terrain and grass/brush heights.
•Allows for quick cutting height changes on the go from the seat of the tow vehicle.
•Raise up and over rocks and logs with ease.
•Heavy duty 1500 lb linear screw actuator made by Linak.
•Works on all existing and new rough cut mowers.
18

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
OPTIONAL FLOATATION KIT
The optional floatation kit consists of one additional front and rear tire, mounting brackets and
hardware.
•Great for mowing around ponds and on rough uneven ground where scalping would normally
s from side to side with both the front and rear
not needed.
•orks on all existing and new rough cut mowers.
Part numbers needed for standard manual lift rough cut models.
occur.
•Clamping style receiver allows for adjustment
tires.
•Pinned receivers make for quick kit removal when
W
Rear Floatation Kit (Part # 003907)
Front Floatation Kit (Part # 003908)
Cross Brace Tube (Part # 900113) (Purchase one brace for each front and rear kit)
Part numbers needed for rough cut models with the electric lift kit.
Rear Floatation Kit (Part # 003907)
Front Floatation Kit (Part # 003908)
19