McCulloch MC19542LT User manual

www.mcculloch.biz
532 44 58-30 08.25.11 TH
Printed in the U.S.A.
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Service and Adjustments
• Storage
• Troubleshooting
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MODEL NO. MC19542LT
19.5 HP
*
42 INCH
LAWN TRACTOR
*As rated by the engine manufacturer
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor:
call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
WARNING:
Read this Manual and follow all Warnings
and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury.

2
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
areinvolvedinalargepercentageofridingmower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• Keepmachinefreeofgrass,leavesorotherdebrisbuild-up
which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden ob-
jects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Alwayskeepthemachineingearwhengoingdownslopes.
Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
• Useextracarewhileoperatingmachinewithgrasscatch-
ers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of
the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge
or if the edge caves in.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the ma-
chine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
machine.Keepclearofthedischargeopeningatalltimes.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
dischargingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction.Material
may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Donotoperatemachinewithouttheentiregrasscatcher,dis-
chargechute,orothersafetydevicesinplaceandworking.
• Slow down before turning.
WARNING: In order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjustingormakingrepairs,alwaysdiscon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
WARNING
Engineexhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
containleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknown
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
WARNING:Donotcoastdownahillinneut-
ral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments that
are recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
whenon a slope. Too heavyof a load,while
on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.

3
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
• Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have been given rides
in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area
for another ride and be run over or backed over by the
machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed
the maximum recommended operation angle of 15°.
III. CHILDREN
WARNING. CHILDRENCANBEINJUREDBY
THISEQUIPMENT. TheAmericanAcademy
ofPediatricsrecommendsthatchildrenbea
minimumof12yearofagebeforeoperating
a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a
minimumof16yearsofagebeforeoperating
a riding lawn mower.
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have been given rides
in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for
anotherrideandberunoverorbackedoverbythemachine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees,or other objects thatmayblockyour view of achild.
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitch
point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• Onslopes,the weightof thetowed equipmentmaycause
loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguishallcigarettes, cigars,pipes, andothersources
of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwiththeenginerunning.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keepmachine freeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-
up. Cleanoilorfuel spillageand removeany fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stopandinspectthemachine.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthedischargechute
frequentlyandreplacewithmanufacturer'srecommended
parts, when necessary.
• Mowerblades are sharp. Wraptheblade or weargloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as nec-
essary.

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES.........................................................2-3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS.......................................4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES.................................4
ASSEMBLY.................................................................6-7
OPERATION .............................................................8-13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE......................................14
MAINTENANCE .....................................................14-17
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS............................18-22
STORAGE....................................................................23
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................24-25
WARRANTY.................................................................28
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.50 GALLONS/5,67 L
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API: SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C)
SAE5W-30(below32°F/0°C)
OIL CAPACITY: W/ FILTER: 56 Oz./1,65 L
W/O FILTER: 48 Oz./1,4 L
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
(GAP: .030".76 mm)
GROUND SPEED Forward: 1st 1.0/1,6
(MPH/KPH): 2nd 1.4/2,3
3rd 2.1/3,4
4th 3.1/5,1
5th 4.0/6,4
6th 5.1/8,2
Reverse: 1.6/2,6
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 28
MIN. CCA: 230
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 45-55 FT. LBS. (62-75 Nm)
CONGRATULATIONS on yourpurchase ofa new tractor.
It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to
giveyou thebestpossibledependabilityandperformance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. Wehavecompetent,well-trainedtechni-
cians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enableyoutoassembleandmaintainyourtractorproperly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.
• Followtheinstructionsunder“Maintenance”and“Stor-
age” sections of this manual.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
whileoperatingthismachine,including(ataminimum)
sturdyfootwear,eyeprotection,andhearingprotection.
Do not mow in shorts and/or, open toed footwear.
• Always let someone know you are outside mowing.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any un-
improvedforest-covered,brush-coveredorgrass-covered
land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.
In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands.

5
Steering Wheel
(1) Washer
(1) Knob
Steering
Wheel Insert
Seat
(1) Seat
Steering
Boot
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Steering Wheel
Adapter
Keys
(2) Keys
Slope Sheet
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 4 (1) 5/16 Lock Washer
(1) Large Flat Washer
UNASSEMBLED PARTS