Lastec The Articulator 3696H User manual

The Articulator
Models 3696H/3696M
Owner’s Manual
Serial #28320707 and later
Manual Part #: Man-3696H/M-P

8 Lastec, 2018
Printed in the United States of America, all rights reserved. No part of this manual may be
reproduced in any form by any photographic, electronic, mechanical or other means or
used in any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from
Lastec, LLC
8180 W. 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Phone [phone], Fax [phone]
www.lastec.com
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its
constituents are known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth
defects, and other reproductive
harm.

Table of Contents Section-Page
Table of Contents Lastec//021819 iii
SECTION 1 TO THE OWNER 1-1
1.1 Read This Manual BEFORE Operating The Articulator .......................................... 1-2
1.2 Product Registration .................................................................................................. 1-3
1.3 If You Need To Order Parts ...................................................................................... 1-3
1.4 Lastec Product Warranty ........................................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Component Manufacturers’ Warranties .................................................................... 1-6
1.6 Servicing The Articulator .......................................................................................... 1-7
1.7 Warranty Registration ............................................................................................... 1-8
SECTION 2 SAFETY INFORMATION 2-1
2.1 Warning Symbols ...................................................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Safety Decals and Symbols ....................................................................................... 2-2
2.3 About This Manual.................................................................................................... 2-4
2.4 Safety Guards And Covers ........................................................................................ 2-5
2.5 Pre-operational Safety Rules ..................................................................................... 2-6
2.6 Operational Safety Rules........................................................................................... 2-7
2.7 Maintenance Safety Rules ....................................................................................... 2-10
2.8 Storage Safety Rules................................................................................................ 2-11
2.9 Use Caution When Working With Batteries ........................................................... 2-12
2.10 Hazard Identified Chart ........................................................................................... 2-15

Table of Contents Section-Page
Table of Contents Lastec//021819 iv
SECTION 3 INITIAL SET-UP 3-1
3.1 Assembly ................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.2 Parking Brake ............................................................................................................ 3-3
3.3 Fuel............................................................................................................................ 3-4
3.4 Engine Cover/Operator Seat Pan............................................................................... 3-5
3.5 Fuel Shut-Off Valve .................................................................................................. 3-5
3.6 Engine Oil.................................................................................................................. 3-6
3.7 Air Cleaner ................................................................................................................ 3-7
3.8 Coolant ......................................................................................................................3-7
3.9 Hydraulic Fluid.......................................................................................................... 3-8
3.10 Hydrostatic Pump Adjustment .................................................................................. 3-9
3.11 Towing (Hydrostatic Pump Adjustment) ................................................................ 3-10
3.12 Hydrostatic Pump Belts........................................................................................... 3-10
3.13 Gearbox ................................................................................................................... 3-11
3.14 Gearbox Belts .......................................................................................................... 3-11
3.15 Gearbox Alignment ................................................................................................. 3-12
3.16 Mower Deck Drive Belt ......................................................................................... 3-13
3.17 Mower Deck Belts................................................................................................... 3-15
3.18 Weight Transfer Springs.......................................................................................... 3-16
3.19 Blades ......................................................................................................................3-17
3.20 Operator Seat ........................................................................................................... 3-18
3.21 Steering Control Arms............................................................................................. 3-18
3.22 Lights....................................................................................................................... 3-18
3.23 Mower Deck Height ............................................................................................... 3-19
3.24 Mower Deck Height Calibration (3696H)............................................................... 3-20
3.25 Mower Deck Height Calibration (3696M).............................................................. 3-21
3.26 Tires and Wheels ..................................................................................................... 3-22
3.27 General Inspection................................................................................................... 3-22
3.28 Battery .....................................................................................................................3-23
3.29 Engine......................................................................................................................3-24
3.30 Mower Deck Lift ..................................................................................................... 3-25
3.31 Hour Meter .............................................................................................................. 3-25
3.32 Maintenance Checklists........................................................................................... 3-26
3.33 Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checklist ...................................................... 3-26

Table of Contents Section-Page
Table of Contents Lastec//021819 v
SECTION 4 OPERATING PROCEDURES 4-1
4.1 Starting The Engine................................................................................................... 4-2
4.2 Stopping The Engine ................................................................................................. 4-3
4.3 Motion Control .......................................................................................................... 4-4
4.4 Recommended Blades ............................................................................................... 4-5
4.5 Ground Speed ............................................................................................................ 4-6
4.6 Mower Height Adjustment (3696H) ......................................................................... 4-6
4.7 Mower Height Adjustment (3696M)......................................................................... 4-7
4.8 Mower Deck Operation ............................................................................................ 4-7
4.9 Anti-Scalp Wheel Adjustment................................................................................... 4-8
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE 5-1
5.1 Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 5-2
5.2 Every 8 Operating Hours or Daily............................................................................. 5-2
5.3 First 50 Operating Hours........................................................................................... 5-3
5.4 Every 50 Operating Hours......................................................................................... 5-3
5.5 Every 100 Operating Hours....................................................................................... 5-4
5.6 Every 200 Operating Hours....................................................................................... 5-4
5.7 Every 400 Operating Hours....................................................................................... 5-4
5.8 Every 500 Operating Hours....................................................................................... 5-4
5.9 Annual .......................................................................................................................5-5
5.10 Bi-Annual .................................................................................................................. 5-5
5.11 Maintenance Schedule............................................................................................... 5-6
5.12 Daily Maintenance Checklist .................................................................................... 5-7
5.13 Articulator Specifications, 3696H/M ........................................................................ 5-8
5.15 Hydraulic System Diagram ..................................................................................... 5-10
5.16 Schematics (Serial #5911005 and later) .................................................................. 5-12
5.17 Electrical Schematics (Serial #5900905 and prior)................................................. 5-14
5.18 Articulator Lubrication Diagram (Drive Unit), 3696H/M ...................................... 5-17
5.19 Articulator Lubrication Diagram (Deck), 3696H/M ............................................... 5-18
5.20 Deck Belt Illustration .............................................................................................. 5-20
5.21 Urethane Bushings................................................................................................... 5-21

Lastec//021819 1-1
1
SECTION 1 TO THE OWNER

To The Owner
Read This Manual BEFORE Operating The Articulator
1
1-2 Lastec//021819 To The Owner
1.1 Read This Manual BEFORE Operating The Articulator
Do not allow anyone to operate the Articulator without first read-
ing and understanding this operator’s manual in its entirety.
Never allow children to operate the Articulator. Never operate
the Articulator when children are present.
The information presented herein will prepare you to operate the
Articulator in a safe and knowledgeable manner. Proper opera-
tion of the Articulator will provide a safer working environment,
promote higher quality, and provide more efficient results.
Keep this manual on hand at all times for ready reference. The designed and tested
safety of the Articulator is dependent upon its operation within the guidelines and limita-
tions outlined in this manual. Always adhere to all the safety rules presented in this man-
ual.

To The Owner
Product Registration
To The Owner Lastec//021819 1-3
1
1.2 Product Registration
Immediately record the model and serial numbers of your Articulator in the spaces pro-
vided below.
Model Number: ______________________________
Serial Number: ______________________________
These numbers can be found on the serial number plate which is permanently affixed to
the mower.
You should now fill out the warranty registration form online at www.lastec.com or
located in the back of this section. This form must be completed and returned to the fac-
tory within fifteen (15) days of purchase in order to validate the warranty. Please do not
hesitate!
1.3 If You Need To Order Parts
To order parts, contact your distributor. Be sure to have your model and serial number
available as a reference. This will assist them in supplying you the correct and most cur-
rent parts available for your Articulator.
CAUTION!
Always use only genuine Lastec parts when servicing your Articulator! Use of sub-
stitute parts may cause unsafe operation, unsatisfactory performance, and void the
warranty of your Articulator!
Caution

To The Owner
Lastec Product Warranty
1
1-4 Lastec//021819 To The Owner
1.4 Lastec Product Warranty
GOLF & TURF WARRANTY
Lastec (“warrantor”), with its place of business at 8180 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46214 war-
rants as stated herein to the original purchaser (“purchaser”) for two (2) years or 2000 hours* of
equipment use, whichever comes first, on parts and one (1) year of labor for equipment use from
the date of purchase from Lastec (“warrantor”), that the equipment manufactured by warrantor and
any optional equipment or accessories purchased at the same time, subject to the exclusions
herein, will be free from defects in material and workmanship attributable to warrantor so long as it
is operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions provided by warrantor and pur-
chaser has completed the registration form or warrantor may choose to not honor any warranty
claims. All urethane bushing hardware will be warranted for five (5) years from the date of pur-
chase from Lastec.
* Applies to units with hour meters
90 Day Limited Warranty
Warrantor agrees to replace any defective wear components including but not limited to seals,
bearings, idlers with bearings, wheels/tires, bushings and blades for ninety (90) days from date of
purchase. After ninety (90) days, all wear components are no longer covered under further war-
ranty from warrantor. Component failure as a result of improper maintenance of wear items may
not be covered under warranty at the warrantor’s discretion. After ninety (90) days, component fail-
ure as a result of loose hardware is no longer covered under further warranty from warrantor.
Warrantor agrees to warrant for a period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase to any original
purchaser who is a rental yard, lease-based business or temporary use facility that the equipment
manufactured by warrantor and any optional equipment or accessories purchased at the same
time will be free from defects in material and workmanship attributable to warrantor so long as it is
operated and maintained in accordance with instructions provided by warrantor. After ninety (90)
days, no further warranty will exist for rental yard, lease-based or temporary use businesses or
facilities.
Freight Allowance
Freight allowance for warranty – Next Day Air freight covered by warrantor in “mower down” situa-
tions for first year of warranty not to include wear items as listed above in the (90) day limited war-
ranty. After the first year freight for warranty items would be limited to regular ground shipment at
the discretion of the warrantor.
Warrantor’s Obligations as to Defects
Warrantor’s only responsibility shall be to replace any covered defects or repairs without cost to
purchaser. Warrantor may request that such part or unit be returned to Warrantor’s place of busi-
ness. Purchaser will be responsible for transportation or shipping of part or unit to the distributor
and such part must be returned to distributor within fifteen (15) days after requested. Warrantor
shall have a reasonable time within which to replace or repair defective part or unit. If warrantor

To The Owner
Lastec Product Warranty
To The Owner Lastec//021819 1-5
1
determines that the part or unit is not defective under the terms of this warranty, then purchaser
shall be responsible for expenses incurred by warrantor in returning part or unit to original pur-
chaser. Warrantor gives no allowance for labor, travel time, mileage or incidental or consequential
damages. Purchaser must submit warranty claims to a distributorship authorized by Warrantor.
Warrantor’s authorized distributors are responsible for all repairs and the processing of all war-
ranty claims.
Warranty Parts Return
Lastec reserves the right to have parts returned that have been submitted for warranty. The ser-
vice department will issue an RMA number. The part must be returned within 30 days of the
requested return date. Parts not returned within 30 days of the RMA issue date will result in rejec-
tion of claim.
Limitations and Disclaimers of Other Warranties
EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PROVISIONS STATED ABOVE, WARRANTOR DIS-
CLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND/OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
No representation or other affirmation of fact by representatives of warrantor, whether verbal or in
writing, including photographs, brochures, samples, models, or other sales aids, shall constitute a
warranty or other basis for any legal action against warrantor. THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER, ANY
PERSONS TO WHOM THIS EQUIPMENT IS TRANFERRED AND ANY INTENDED USER OR
BENEFICIARY OF THIS EQUIPMENT SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER ANY CONSE-
QUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FROM WARRANTOR FOR ANY REASON WHATSO-
EVER, INCLUDING WARRANTY OR DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT. Warrantor does not warrant
that its equipment meets or complies with the requirements of a particular safety code or govern-
mental requirements.
Design Changes
Warrantor reserves the right to change the design of its products from time to time without notice
and without obligation to make corresponding changes in its products previously manufactured.
Rights of Purchasers
The validity and effect of this limited warranty as well as its interpretation, operation and effect,
shall be determined exclusively by the principles of law and equity of the State of Indiana. This lim-
ited warranty gives purchaser specific legal rights. Purchaser may also have other rights, which
may vary from State to State. Some States may not allow limitations as to duration of warranties so
the above may not apply.
This contract supersedes all prior written and oral agreements related to the purchase and is
intended to be an integration of the entire agreement between the parties. All of the promises, war-
ranties, guarantees and representations made by warrantor or its representatives that are not spe-
cifically contained herein are not included in this warranty.

To The Owner
Component Manufacturers’ Warranties
1
1-6 Lastec//021819 To The Owner
1.5 Component Manufacturers’ Warranties
Some of the component parts of your Articulator are warranted by their respective manu-
facturers. These parts include:
Engine
Clutch
Hydro-Gear Hydraulic Pumps
Warner Linear Actuator
Ross Hydraulic Motors
Curtis or Superior Gearbox
The complete manufacturers’ warranty information for these components is available
upon request. Contact your Lastec dealer if you have questions concerning warranties on
these component parts.

To The Owner
Servicing The Articulator
To The Owner Lastec//021819 1-7
1
1.6 Servicing The Articulator
Caution
CAUTION!
Always use only genuine Lastec parts when servicing the Articulator! Use of substi-
tute parts may cause unsafe operation, unsatisfactory performance, and void the
warranty of the Articulator!
The Articulator is carefully engineered and manufactured to provide safe, dependable,
and satisfactory service. As with all other mechanical equipment, the Articulator requires
routine inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
When servicing the Articulator, be sure to use only genuine Lastec parts. Utilization of
substitute parts will not only void the warranty, but may also cause unsafe or unsatisfac-
tory operation of the Articulator due to their substandard quality or incorrect application.
In order to handle all of your service needs, your authorized Lastec dealer stocks genuine
Lastec parts, and has trained mechanics on hand.
Be sure to complete the following Lastec Warranty Registration Form and return to Lastec
within 15 days of the purchase of the Articulator. This will aid you, Lastec, and Lastec dis-
tributor in warranting and servicing of your Articulator.
Warranty registration can also be done online through the Lastec website at www.las-
tec.com.

1.7 Warranty Registration
Company Name
Company Contact
Mailing Address
Shipping Address
Phone
Fax
A
uthorized Company
Representative Signature:
Detatch Here Detatch Here Detach Here
Serial Number:
Please check the box that most accurately describes your business:
Please check the box to your left if you would not allow Lastec to use your company's name for marketing purposes.
Lastec Warranty Registration Form
IMPORTANT! To validate the warranty, this registration form must be completed in full and returned to Lastec within
fifteen
(
15
)
da
y
s of
p
urchase
!
Mower Model:
How did you hear about Lastec?
Who referred you to Lastec?
Date Purchased:
Distributor/Dealer Purchased From:
How Did You Hear About Us? Your Lastec Mower
Average Operating Hours:
Total Acreage Cut:
Customer Profile Information
I have read and understand the warranty policy
and maintenance sections of the operators
manual for the machine described below.
Who was the salesman that assisted you?
Please help us to better serve you by completing the following survey
information:
Please list the features and/or benefits which
helped you to choose your Lastec Mower:
Do you own a Lastec Mower, and if so what model?
Purchase Price:
Golf Course
Municipal
Sod Farm
Government
Sports Complex
Other
Weekly
Weekly Monthly
Monthly Annually
Annually
Schools
College Landscaping Company
Light Agriculture

Lastec//021819 2-1
2
SECTION 2 SAFETY INFORMATION

Safety Information
Warning Symbols
2
2-2 Lastec//021819 Safety Information
2.1 Warning Symbols
Following is a legend describing the warning symbols utilized throughout this manual, and
the potential types of hazards which they indicate:
DANGER!
Caution
Warning
Danger
This symbol indicates a potential serious or fatal injury hazard. Failing to properly
adhere to the instructions, rules, or procedures may result in serious injury or death.
WARNING!
This symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard. Failing to properly adhere
to the instructions, rules, or procedures may result in personal injury.
CAUTION!
This symbol indicates a potential equipment hazard. Failing to properly adhere to
the instructions, rules, or procedures may result in personal equipment malfunction,
damage, or destruction.
The above illustrated symbols are displayed throughout this manual in order to indicate
important safety information. When one of these symbols appears in this manual, be
aware of a potential hazard being discussed in the accompanying paragraphs. Hazards
such as damage to equipment, serious personal injury, or even fatal injury are possible,
perhaps even likely, if the accompanying instructions or procedures are not heeded.
2.2 Safety Decals and Symbols
The following safety symbols are used on your Lastec Mower. Operators should become
familiar with these symbols and heed the warnings where they appear on your Lastec
Mower.
Attention!
Pinching/Crushing Danger!

Safety Information
Safety Decals and Symbols
Safety Information Lastec//021819 2-3
2
Caution! Rotating Blades!!
Keep Hands and Feet Away from Blades!
Keep Covers Locked Down
Pinch Point!
Read the Manual!
Remove the Key!
Rotating Parts!
Rotating Shaft!
Stay Away!
Thrown Objects!

Safety Information
About This Manual
2
2-4 Lastec//021819 Safety Information
2.3 About This Manual
DANGER!
Safety instructions are important! Read all safety rules in
this manual as well as all safety rules in any related
equipment manuals!
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in properly and
safely operating and maintaining your Lastec Mower. Read
and understand this entire manual before attempting to
set-up, operate, adjust, perform any maintenance on, or store your Lastec Mower.
This manual provides essential information and instructions which will help you enjoy
years of dependable performance from your Lastec Mower.
The designed and tested safety of your Lastec Mower is dependent upon its operation
within the parameters and limitations explained in this manual. Be familiar with and follow
all safety rules in this manual as well all safety rules for any related equipment.
Although these instructions have been compiled through extensive field experience and
engineering data, some information presented herein may be general in nature due to
unknown and/or varying operating conditions. However, these instructions, combined
with your experience with your Lastec Mower, will enable you to develop procedures suit-
able to your particular application.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were current at the time of printing, but your
Lastec Mower may vary slightly due to ongoing engineering changes. Lastec reserves the
right to implement engineering and design changes to your Lastec Mower as may be nec-
essary without prior notification.
NOTE: Throughout this manual, there are references to right and left directions. We
determine right and left while sitting in the operator seat and facing in the direction of for-
ward travel. Blade rotation is clockwise as viewed from the top of your Lastec Mower.
Danger

Safety Information
Safety Guards And Covers
Safety Information Lastec//021819 2-5
2
2.4 Safety Guards And Covers
Danger
DANGER!
NEVER operate your Lastec Mower with any safety covers removed!
Work safely! Follow all safety rules! A careful operator is the best insurance against
accidents!
Some illustrations in this manual show your Lastec Mower with safety covers removed in
order to provide improved viewing of the particular components being discussed. This is
for informational purposes only -- NEVER operate your Lastec Mower with any of
the safety covers removed!
Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of all Lastec products.
Unfortunately, our extensive efforts to provide safe equipment can be negated by a single
careless act of an operator. In addition to the design and configuration of your Lastec
Mower, hazard control and accident prevention are also dependent upon the awareness,
concern, prudence and proper training of all personnel involved in the operation, trans-
portation, maintenance, and storage of your Lastec Mower.
The best safety device is an informed, careful operator!
We ask you to be that kind of operator.

Safety Information
Pre-operational Safety Rules
2
2-6 Lastec//021819 Safety Information
2.5 Pre-operational Safety Rules
DANGER!
NEVER allow children to operate your Lastec Mower!
NEVER allow children on or near your Lastec Mower!
NEVER operate your Lastec Mower when children are present.
ALWAYS clear area of all personnel before operating your Lastec Mower!
WARNING!
NEVER allow anyone to operate your Lastec Mower without proper instruction! Any
and all operators must be instructed in and capable of the safe operation of your
Lastec Mower, its attachments, and controls!
KNOW the controls and how to stop your Lastec Mower quickly in an emergency!
READ this entire manual before attempting to operate your Lastec Mower! Only
allow persons who have read and understand the entire operator's manual to oper-
ate your Lastec Mower!
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid entanglement in moving
parts. Wear sturdy rough-soled work shoes, as well as protective equipment for the
eyes, hands, ears, and head. Never operate your Lastec Mower or related equip-
ment in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
Never operate with ROPS in the folded position.
Clear the cut area of stones, branches, trash, or other debris that may be thrown
and cause injury or damage.
Verify that all safety decals are properly installed, visible, and intelligible.
Always remove accumulated debris, fuel, or excess grease and oil from your Lastec
Mower engine area to avoid a fire hazard.
Always perform the pre-operation equipment inspection and the appropriate mainte-
nance schedule before operating your Lastec Mower.
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine.
Warning
Danger