RC Mowers 52XP User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
REMOTE-OPERATED SLOPE MOWERS
Revision B - 8/20
Printed in the USA
All rights reserved.
© 2020 RC Mowers
MODELS
52XP / 60XP / 72XP
RCMOWERSUSA.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME ..............................................................1
Product Registration..........................................................1
Introduction to the Manual .................................................1
Disclaimer .........................................................................1
SAFETY ..................................................................2
Practices and Laws ............................................................2
Emission Control System ...................................................2
Required Operator Training ...............................................2
Safety Alert Symbol............................................................2
Signal Words......................................................................2
Safety Decals .....................................................................3
Safety Decal Image Definitions...........................................4
Safety Rules.......................................................................5
ASSEMBLY ...........................................................10
CONTROLS AND FEATURES..................................11
Transmitter Unit (Remote Control)...................................12
Ignition Key ......................................................................12
Emergency Stop Switch....................................................12
Fuel Tank Selection Valve ................................................12
Oil Pressure Warning Light..............................................13
Malfunction Indicator Light ..............................................13
Deck Lift Handle...............................................................13
Height-of-Cut Adustment System ....................................13
Transport Lock.................................................................13
Transaxle Bypass Valves..................................................13
Anti-Scalp Wheels............................................................13
Transport Lock Release Lever .........................................13
Hour/Maintenance Meter .................................................13
Parking Brake Lever ........................................................13
Safety Interlock System ...................................................13
REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM .................................13
Radio Transmitter............................................................14
Inclinometer (Machine Angle) ..........................................15
Radio Receiver .................................................................15
General Information for the Remote Control System .......16
BEFORE OPERATION ............................................16
Set Cutting Height............................................................17
Open Fuel Valve ...............................................................17
OPERATION ..........................................................17
Emergency Stopping ........................................................17
Start the Engine ...............................................................17
Operating the Mower........................................................17
Stop the Engine................................................................18
Move Unit Manually..........................................................18
Transport Unit ................................................................. 18
Release Transport Lock................................................... 18
MOWING INSTRUCTIONS ..................................... 18
Mowing Techniques............................................................ 19
MAINTENANCE .................................................... 20
Service Position .................................................................. 20
Hour / Maintenance Meter ................................................. 20
Maintenance Schedule ....................................................... 21
Service Parts....................................................................... 21
Check Hydraulic System..................................................... 22
Check Mower Blades.......................................................... 23
Sharpen Blades .................................................................. 23
Check Parking Brake.......................................................... 24
Check Mower Battery ......................................................... 24
Charge Battery.................................................................... 25
Check Fasteners................................................................. 25
Lubricate Unit ..................................................................... 25
Check Carbon Canister
Filters........................................... 25
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS.............................. 25
Electrical Service................................................................ 25
Replace Mower Belts.......................................................... 26
Replace Transaxle Drive
Belt............................................. 28
Adjust Anti-Scalp Wheels................................................... 29
Remove / Install Mower Deck ............................................ 29
Level and Pitch Mower
Deck............................................ 300
Adjust Clutch..................................................................... 311
Reverse Clutch Brake Plates ............................................. 32
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 33
TROUBLESHOOTING THE
REMOTE CONTROL .............................................. 34
STORAGE............................................................. 34
Short-Term Storage ........................................................... 34
Long-Term Storage ............................................................ 34
Start-of-Season Preparation.............................................. 34
ACCESSORIES...................................................... 35
RC COMPLIANCE.................................................. 35
Industry Canada Statements.............................................. 35
OEM Responsibilities to Comply With FCC and
Industry Canada Regulations ............................................. 35
Europe................................................................................. 35
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................. 36
LIMITED WARRANTY ......................................... 388
Exclusions and Limitations ................................................ 38
Disclaimer........................................................................... 39
Disclaimer of Further Warranty......................................... 39

1
WELCOME
Welcome to the RC Mowers family! Thank you for putting your trust and confidence in us. It is not lost on us that
you have entrusted your team, your business, and your credibility to the performance of our mowers. We are
confident that you are going to love running your RC Mowers machine. Know that we are here to support you, in
whatever capacity you need. Our customer support team is always available; and if you need parts, we guarantee
that your order will ship within 72 hours, or we'll give them to you for free.
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
 Visit us at RCMOWERSUSA.COM
Or reach us by phone at [phone]
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please take a few moments to register your mower with us, using the serial number. We won’t bombard you with
calls or emails, but we will check in from time to time to make sure you are completely satisfied with your RC
Mowers equipment. Providing your current contact information will also ensure that we can reach you with
important product updates or changes.
Figure 1
Record model number here. Record serial number here.
INTRODUCTION TO THE MANUAL
Before operating or servicing the unit, carefully and
completely read the manuals provided with the unit.
They contain safety instructions and important
information about unit controls.
The engine on this unit is covered by a separate
manual. Refer to the engine manual for engine
service recommendations. Contact the engine
manufacturer for a replacement manual if
necessary.
You should review important information in this
manual upon delivery of the unit. It is your
responsibility to read and understand all safety
precautions and instructions in the manual. If you
do not understand or have difficulty following the
instructions, contact RC Mowers.
Following the proper operation and maintenance
guidelines puts you in control of the performance
and life of your investment.
DISCLAIMER
RC Mowers reserves the right to discontinue, make
changes to, and add improvements upon its
products at any time without public notice or
obligation. The descriptions and specifications
contained in this manual were in effect at printing.
Equipment described in this manual
may be
optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to
your unit.
Serial Number
Model Number
(under hood)

2
SAFETY
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to
follow these rules could lead to loss of control of unit,
severe personal injury or death to you or bystanders, or
result in damage to property or the machine.
CAUTION:
DO NOT use high power radio devices in
close proximity of the remote control.
The operator is required to follow all OSHA (osha.gov)
& other applicable safety standards when operating the
equipment.
PRACTICES AND LAWS
Practice usual and customary safe working precautions.
Learn applicable rules and laws
in your area. Always
follow the practices set forth in this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
This equipment and/or its engine may include exhaust
and evaporative emissions control
system components
required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB)
regulations. Tampering with emission
controls and
components by unauthorized personnel may result in
severe fines or
penalties. Emission controls and
components can only be adjusted by RC Mowers or an
authorized engine manufacturer's service center.
Contact RC Mowers
concerning emission controls and
component questions.
REQUIRED OPERATOR TRAINING
Read and understand the Operator's
Manual and decals on the unit. This
information is
for your safety and the
proper use of your equipment.
Failure to follow these
instructions and warnings may
cause death or serious injury. If you have purchased
this product from an RC Mowers dealer, the dealer can
provide you with training. Watch the operator safety
video and sign the compliance document.
Familiarize yourself and any other operators with all
controls and the safe use of the features of this unit. If
you loan, rent, or sell this product to others; provide
them with all manuals and training materials.
If you have any questions, please contact us at
[phone] or online at RCMOWERSUSA.COM
If after reading the Operator's Manual you have any
questions regarding the safe use of this product, please
do not use this equipment.
WARNING: Avoid Injury
This cutting machine is capable of
amputating body parts and throwing objects.
Failure to
observe the safety instructions in
the manual and on decals could result in
serious injury or death.
ALWAYS make sure the mower blades have
stopped and the engine is off before
approaching the machine.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This is the safety alert symbol. It means:
• ATTENTION!
• YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
When you see this symbol:
• BECOME ALERT!
• OBEY THE MESSAGE!
SIGNAL WORDS
The safety alert symbol above and signal words below
are used on decals and in this
manual. Read and
understand all safety
messages.
Danger
DANGER: Indicates an IMMINENTLY
HAZARDOUS SITUATION If not avoided, WILL
RESULT in death or serious injury.
Warning
WARNING: Indicates a POTENTIALLY
HAZARDOUS SITUATION If not avoided,
COULD RESULT in death or serious injury.
Caution
CAUTION: Indicates a POTENTIALLY
HAZARDOUS SITUATION. If not avoided, MAY
RESULT in minor or moderate injury. It may
also be used to
alert against unsafe practices.
Notice
NOTICE: Indicates information or procedures that
are considered important but not hazard related. If
not avoided, property damage could result.

3
SAFETY DECALS
The safety decals on your machine are visual
reminders of the important safety information in this
manual. All messages on your unit must be fully
understood and carefully
followed. Safety decals on
the machine are
explained below.
ALWAYS replace missing or damaged safety decals.
Replacement decal part numbers are found in the
parts manual for your machine and may be ordered
from RC Mowers. (See Figure 2 for safety decal
locations.)
Figure 2
(Under
hood)
5
(On back)
3
2
4 (On back)
1
5
12
9
11
8
6 (Both sides)
10
11 (Both sides)
9
(Both sides)
(Both sides)
5
4
9
5
2
7
5

4
SAFETY DECAL IMAGE DEFINITIONS
1. HAZARD WARNINGS!
NEVER discharge
toward people,
pets, or
property. Thrown objects
can cause injury or damage.
Keep children and others away
from unit while it is
in operation.
DO NOT operate mower unless
all guards are in operating
position.
Keep hands and feet away from
all rotating or moving parts.
Stop engine, remove key, and
read manual before
servicing or
making adjustments to unit.
ALWAYS WEAR safety goggles
when operating equipment.
Run over hazard – Could cause
injury or death.
DANGER! Stay clear of rotating
blades. DO NOT put hands near
rotating blades.
DANGER! Stay clear of rotating
parts that could cause injury or
death.
NO riders permitted on machine.
Keep hands away from all
rotating or moving parts.
Keep all guards and shields
in
place.
2. SAFETY WARNING!
READ and understand the
Operator’s Manuals, safety
signs, and information decals
before operating equipment.
Wear appropriate safety boots,
gloves, and hard hat for
protection when operating
equipment.
ALWAYS WEAR safety goggles
when operating equipment.
3. SERVICE HAZARD!
Stop engine, remove key, and
read manual before servicing or
making adjustments to unit.
4. DANGER!
Danger: Run over hazard – Could
cause injury or death.
5. ROTATING PARTS!
Amputation Hazard
AVOID INJURY. Stay clear of
rotating blades.

5
6. WARNINGS!
NEVER discharge
toward people,
pets, or
property. Thrown objects
can cause injury or damage.
Keep children and others away
from unit while it is
in operation.
DO NOT operate mower unless
all guards are in operating
position.
Keep hands and feet away from
all rotating or moving parts.
Stop engine, remove key, and
read manual before
servicing or
making adjustments to unit.
DO NOT step or stand in this
area.
7. NO RIDERS!
NO riders permitted on machine.
8. DANGER!
Keep hands and feet away from
all rotating or moving parts.
9. WARNING!
Machine is operated by remote
control. Keep clear.
10. FUEL TANK WARNING!
Overfilling may cause
severe
damage to evaporative system.
NEVER fill fuel tank when
engine
is running, hot, or unit is indoors.
Replace fuel cap securely and
clean up spilled fuel.
No smoking.
Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler
neck – MAXIMUM.
11. WARNING!
Stop engine, remove key, and
read manual before servicing or
making adjustments to unit.
12. HOT SURFACES!
DO NOT touch parts which are
hot from operation. ALWAYS
allow parts to cool.
SAFETY RULES
The following safety instructions are based on the
B71.1 specification of the American National
Standards Institute and ISO 5395 in effect at the time
of production.
Training
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders and
pets
before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.

6
Improper use of power equipment can cause serious
permanent injury or death to the operator or a
bystander.
Understand:
• How to operate all controls.
• The functions of all controls.
• How to STOP in an emergency.
• Braking and steering characteristics.
• Turning radius and clearances.
If the operator or the mechanic cannot read the
manual, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain it
to them.
ALWAYS train any inexperienced operators and
require them to read and understand all manuals
and decals.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate this machine.
Only the operator can prevent and is
responsible for
accidents or injuries
occurring to themselves, other
people, or property.
Operator Age
DO NOT allow children under the age of 18 to
operate any outdoor power equipment.
Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
Data indicates operators age 60 years and
above are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability
to operate the mower in a safe enough
manner to protect themselves and others from
serious injury.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the
mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
NEVER allow children to climb on the mower, even
with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with safe machine
operation. Children who have been allowed to ride
on it in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and may be run over or backed
over by the machine.
NEVER allow children to operate the machine.
Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
Personal Protection
DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry and tie back
hair that may get caught in rotating parts.
Wear adequate outer garments.
NEVER wear open sandals or canvas shoes during
operation. Wear adequate safety gear, protective
gloves, and footwear.
Wear proper footwear to improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
ALWAYS wear eye protection when operating
machine.
Before Operating
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
Maintain the machine to be in compliance with the
maintenance schedule.
Clean grass and debris from unit, especially from
around muffler and engine, to help prevent fires.
Check parking brake operation frequently. Service
as required.
Inspect unit before each use for missing or damaged
decals and shields. Replace or repair as needed.
Ensure Safety Interlock System is functioning
properly. DO NOT operate unit if safety interlock is
damaged or disabled.
Start and operate unit only when operator and all
bystanders are at least 30 feet away.
Steering control joystick must be in neutral and PTO
disengaged when starting engine.
NEVER interfere with the intended function of a
safety device or reduce the protection provided by
a safety device. Check their proper operation
regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage
and remove
any fuel-soaked debris.
Operation
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

7
NEVER operate machine in a closed or poorly
ventilated area.
ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating condition.
A damaged or worn out muffler can cause a fire or
explosion.
This product is equipped with an internal
combustion type engine. The Exhaust system must
contain a spark arrestor if being used near any
forest-covered, brush-covered, or unimproved land.
The spark arrestor must applicable local, state, or
federal laws. A spark arrester, if it is used, must be
maintained in effective working order by operator.
DO NOT operate machine while feeling tired, ill, or
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
DO NOT put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
DO NOT touch parts that are hot. Allow parts to cool.
DO NOT operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in
place and working.
ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all pinch
points.
Avoid slippery surfaces. ALWAYS be sure of your
footing.
NEVER carry passengers or ride on machine for any
reason.
NEVER direct discharged material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the
operator. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
surfaces.
NEVER engage PTO when attachment, including
mower blades, is not in use. ALWAYS turn off power
to attachment when
not in active use such as
traveling or crossing driveways.
ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and engine, and
allow moving parts to stop before
approaching
machine.
NEVER engage PTO while raising the attachment,
including mower blades, or when attachment is in
the raised position.
Keep safety devices or guards in place and
functioning properly. NEVER modify or remove
safety devices.
Stop engine before unclogging chute.
Slow down before turning.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Make any necessary repairs before
restarting.
NEVER leave a running machine unattended.
ALWAYS turn off blade(s), stop engine, remove key,
and set parking brake when leaving stopped
machine unattended.
Disengage blade(s) 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 guard.
Know the weight of loads. Limit loads to those you
can safely control and the unit can safely handle.
When starting, stopping, or adjusting throttle, stand
at least 30 feet to the side of the unit and wheels. DO
NOT put hands, feet, or loose material on wheels or
unit when unit is running.
THROWN HAZARD WARNING! When mowing do not
stand in front of the cutting deck at any time. Do not
point the front of mower at the operator or any other
person while the cutting blades are moving. All
persons must remain 200 feet from the open front
deck of the mower while blades are turning.
When mowing, the operator and all other persons
should remain at least 30 feet to the side or back of
the mower, and at least 200 feet from the front of
the mower.
DO NOT stand on machine while the engine is
running.
DO NOT stand in front of or behind the machine
while the engine is running.
DO NOT allow cutting blades to contact standing
water. DO NOT mow in areas where there could be
more than 2 inches of standing water.
DO NOT drive machine through more than
8 inches of water
DO NOT adjust deck height while PTO is engaged or
when engine is running.
Operating Conditions
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area,
DO NOT operate the machine, seek shelter.
ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances
carefully before operation.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, toys,
etc., which could be thrown by the blades.

8
Check for weak spots on docks, ramps, or floors.
Avoid uneven work areas and rough terrain. Stay
alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc., can reduce vision and cause
an accident.
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
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 traverse the slope with
adequate traction, or if you feel uneasy about it,
DO NOT mow it.
DO NOT operate on slopes of more than 35 degrees.
The operator and any observers MUST NOT stand
directly below the mower in case the mower were to
slide or roll over. While a rollover is rare, it is
possible in certain conditions. The machine is very
heavy and if it were to roll over a person, it would
likely result in severe injury or death.
When mowing a slope, the best position is at the top
of the slope, looking down at the mower. Certain
situations may require the operator to be at the
bottom of the slope. When in this position, all
persons must be at least 30 feet to the side of the
mower at all times. If the mower must cross the
path of any person downhill from the machine, those
persons should be on level ground, at least 30 feet
back from where the hill transitions above
10 degrees.
If operating from the side or bottom of a slope, the
operator must be aware of what is at the top of the
slope and beyond. There may be steep drop-offs,
bystanders, or other hazardous terrain. The
operator must be able to control the area that is not
within direct sightlines, so that people are not able
to approach the machine without the operator
knowing.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
It is NOT RECOMMENDED to mow on moist or wet
grass. Tires
may lose traction causing a loss of
control. If the tires lose traction, disengage the
blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Keep all movements on the slope
slow and gradual .
DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
DO NOT park on a slope unless absolutely necessary.
When parking on a slope, ALWAYS chock or block
wheels. ALWAYS set parking brake.
Choose a low ground speed to better maintain
traction.
USE CAUTION when mowing near drop-offs, ditches,
or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll
over if a wheel goes over the edge, or if the edge
caves in.
DO NOT bypass transmission or allow transmission
to free-wheel when on a slope.
Fuel
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Fuel used should be 87 octane or higher.
RC Mowers recommends 91 octane. See engine
manual for further details.
Ethanol blends must not exceed 10% ethanol.
Higher ethanol content may cause your machine to
run hotter and damage your engine.
Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel
before starting engine.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
NEVER store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as
on a water or space heater or other appliances.
NEVER fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
ALWAYS place containers on the ground away from
your vehicle before filling.
NEVER fuel the machine indoors.
NEVER remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before fueling.
Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle with care. Use only an approved