Scag Power Equipment SFW36-16BV User manual

PART NO. 03253
PRINTED 12/2008
PRINTED IN USA
© 2008
Scag Power Equipment
Division of Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc.
Congratulations on owning a Scag mower! This manual contains the operating
instructions and safety information for your Scag mower. Reading this manual
can provide you with assistance in maintenance and adjustment procedures to
keep your mower performing to maximum efciency. The specic models that
this book covers are listed on the inside cover. Before operating your machine,
please read all the information enclosed.
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
SFW
Walk-Behind
Model: SFW36-16BV
SFW48-16BV

WARNING
FAILURETO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES MAY RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Read this manual completely as well as other manuals that came with your mower.•
ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.•
DO NOT operate on steep slopes.•
Always travel across slopes.•
DO NOT mow on wet grass.Wet grass reduces traction and steering control.•
Keep all shields in place, especially the grass discharge chute.•
Before performing any maintenance or service, stop the machine and remove the• spark plug wire and ignition key.
If a mechanism becomes clogged, stop the engine before cleaning.•
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven parts.•
Keep others off the mow• er (only one person at a time)
REMEMBER -YOUR MOWER IS ONLY AS SAFE ASTHE OPERATOR!
HAZARD CONTROL AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION ARE DEPENDENT UPON THE AWARENESS,
CONCERN, PRUDENCE, AND PROPER TRAINING OF THE PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE
OPERATION,TRANSPORT, MAINTENANCE, AND STORAGE OFTHE EQUIPMENT.
This manual covers the operating instructions and illustrated parts list for:
SFW36-16BV with a serial number of E5600001 to E5699999
SFW48-16BV with a serial number of E5700001 to E5799999
Always use the entire serial number listed on the serial number tag when referring to this product.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATIONSECTION 1 - ...................................................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 DIRECTION REFERENCE...........................................................................................................................1
1.3 SERVICINGTHE ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS.................................................................1
1.4 SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................................................................2
SAFETY INFORMATIONSECTION 2 - ......................................................................................3
2.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
2.2 SIGNALWORDS..........................................................................................................................................3
2.3 BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS................................................................................................3
2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS................................................................................................................4
2.5 MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS & STORAGE....................................................................................5
2.6 USING A SPARK ARRESTOR.....................................................................................................................6
2.7 SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS.................................................................................................7
SPECIFICATIONSSECTION 3 - ................................................................................................8
3.1 ENGINE ........................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 ELECTRICAL ...............................................................................................................................................8
3.3 ENGINE DECK.............................................................................................................................................8
3.4 CUTTER DECK ............................................................................................................................................8
3.5WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS.....................................................................................................................9
3.6 PRODUCTIVITY ...........................................................................................................................................9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONSSECTION 4 - ...........................................................................10
4.1 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................10
4.2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM................................................................................................................11
4.3 INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES................................................................................................................11
4.4 STARTINGTHE ENGINE ...........................................................................................................................11
4.5 GROUNDTRAVEL AND STEERING .........................................................................................................12
4.6 ENGAGINGTHE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER BLADES)................................................................................13
4.7 HILLSIDE OPERATION..............................................................................................................................13
4.8 PARKINGTHE MOWER.............................................................................................................................13
4.9 AFTER OPERATION..................................................................................................................................14
4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL........................................................................................................14
4.11 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE STOPPED..........................................................................................14
4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING....................................................................................................14
4.13 ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT..............................................................................................................15
TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONSSECTION 5 - ...............................................16

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Table of Contents
ADJUSTMENTSSECTION 6 - .................................................................................................19
6.1 DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS ..........................................................................................................19
6.2THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHOKE ADJUSTMENTS............................................................................19
6.3 BELT ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................................................................19
6.4 BELT ALIGNMENT.....................................................................................................................................19
6.5 CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS ..............................................................................................................19
6.6 ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT.........................................................................................................20
MAINTENANCESECTION 7 - ..................................................................................................22
7.1 MAINTENANCE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS ......................................................22
7.2 LUBRICATION............................................................................................................................................23
7.3 ENGINE OIL ..............................................................................................................................................24
7.4 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM............................................................................................................................24
7.5 ENGINE AIR CLEANER.............................................................................................................................25
7.6 DRIVE BELTS.............................................................................................................................................25
7.7 CUTTER BLADES......................................................................................................................................25
7.8TIRES..........................................................................................................................................................26
ILLUSTRATED PARTS LISTSECTION 8 - ..............................................................................27
8.1 SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES......................................................................27
36" CUTTER DECK..........................................................................................................................................28
48" CUTTER DECK..........................................................................................................................................30
CUTTER DECK CONTROLS...........................................................................................................................32
HANDLE ASSEMBLY.......................................................................................................................................34
ENGINE DECK.................................................................................................................................................36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ANDTHROTTLE CONTROL ....................................................................................38
REPLACEMENT DECALS AND INFORMATION PLATES .............................................................................40
SFW ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC ....................................................................................................................42
LIMITEDWARRANTY - SFW...................................................................Inside Back Cover

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Section 1
INTRODUCTION1.1
Your mower was built to the highest standards in the
industry. However, the prolonged life and maximum
efficiency of your mower depends on you following the
operating, maintenance and adjustment instructions in
this manual.
If additional information or service is needed, contact your
Scag Power Equipment Dealer.
We encourage you to contact your dealer for repairs.
All Scag dealers are informed of the latest methods to
service this equipment and provide prompt and efficient
service in the field or at their service shop.They carry a
full line of Scag service parts.
- IMPORTANT -
The replacement of any part on this product
by other than the manufacturer's authorized
replacement part may adversely affect the
performance, durability or safety of this
product.
Use of other than original Scag replacement
parts will void the warranty.
When ordering parts, always give the model and serial
number of your mower.The serial number plate is located
on the frame of the machine between the engine and
transmission were shown in Figure 1-1.
SERIAL NUMBER
PLATE LOCATION
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MODEL
SERIAL
Divisionof Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc.
Mayville,Wisconsin 53050
PatentsIssued and Pending
Mower Serial Number Plate LocationFigure 1-1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND
ACCESSORIES.
Attachments and accessories manufactured by companies
other than Scag Power Equipment are not approved for
use on this machine.See Section 8-1.
WARNING
Forpictorialclarity,someillustrationsandfigures
inthismanualmay show shields,guards orplates
open orremoved.Undernocircumstancesshould
your mower be operated without these devices
in place.
All information is based upon product information available
at the time of approval for printing.Scag Power Equipment
reserves the right to make changes at any time without
notice and without incurring any obligation.
DIRECTION REFERENCE1.2
The “Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of the machine
are referenced from the operator’s right and left when
seated in the normal operating position and facing the
forward travel direction.
SERVICINGTHE ENGINE AND DRIVE1.3
TRAIN COMPONENTS
The detail servicing and repair of the engine and
transmission are not covered in this manual; only routine
maintenance and general service instructions are
provided. For service of these components during the
limited warranty period, it is important to contact your
Scag dealer or find a local authorized servicing agent
of the component manufacturer. Any unauthorized work
done on these components during the warranty period
may void your warranty.

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Section 1
SYMBOLS1.4
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Choke Transmission
Parking Brake
48071S
Spinning Blade
On/Start Spring Tension on Idler
Off/Stop Oil
Falling Hazard Thrown Object Hazard
Fast Slow
Continuously Variable - Linear Cutting Element - Basic Symbol
481039S
Pinch Point Cutting Element - Engage
Hour meter/Elapsed Operating Hours Cutting Element - Disengage
STT MODELS
Seat must be installed under the seat
hold down bracket during installation.
Failure to secure the seat under the hold
down bracket could result in serious
injury or death in a roll over.
CE Mark
Thrown Object Hazard
Keep Bystanders Away
Read Operator's Manual

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Section 2
INTRODUCTION2.1
Your mower is only as safe as the operator.Carelessness
or operator error may result in serious bodily injury
or death. Hazard control and accident prevention are
dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and
proper training of the personnel involved in the operation,
transport,maintenance andstorageof theequipment.Make
sure every operator is properly trained and thoroughly
familiar with all of the controls before operating the
mower.The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidentsor injuriesoccurringto themselves, otherpeople
or property.
READ THIS OPERATOR’S MANUAL BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO STARTYOUR MOWER.
A replacement manual is available from your authorized
Scag Service Dealer or by contacting Scag Power
Equipment,ServiceDepartmentat P.O.Box152, Mayville,
WI 53050 or contact us via the Internet at www.scag.com.
The manual for this machine can be downloaded by using
the model and serial number or use the contact form to
make your request. Please indicate the complete model
and serial number of your Scag product when requesting
replacement manuals.
SIGNALWORDS2.2
This symbol means “Attention! Become Alert! Your
Safety is Involved!" Thesymbol is used with the following
signal words to attract your attention to safety messages
found on the decals on the machine and throughout this
manual. The message that follows the symbol contains
important information about safety. To avoid injury and
possibledeath,carefullyreadthemessage!Besuretofully
understand the causes of possible injury or death.
SIGNALWORD:
It is a distinctive word found on the safety decals on the
machine and throughout this manual that alerts the viewer
to the existence and relative degree of the hazard.
DANGER
The signal word “DANGER” denotes that an extremely
hazardous situation exists on or near the machine that
couldresultin high probabilityofdeath or irreparable injury
if proper precautions are not taken.
WARNING
The signal word“WARNING”denotes that a hazard exists
on or near the machine that can result in injury or death if
proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
Thesignal word“CAUTION”isareminderofsafetypractices
on or near the machine that could result in personal injury
if proper precautions are not taken.
Your safety and the safety of others depends significantly
upon your knowledge and understanding of all correct
operating practices and procedures of this machine.
BEFORE OPERATION2.3
CONSIDERATIONS
NEVER allow children to operate this mower. Do not1. allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instructions.
Do not mow when children and/or others are2. present. 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.
DO NOT allow children to ride or play on the3. machine, it is not a toy.
Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be4. picked up and thrown by the cutter blades.
DO NOT carry passengers.5.
DO NOT operate the machine under the influence of6. alcohol or drugs.
SAFETY INFORMATION

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Section 2
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English7. or Spanish, it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them. Contact your local Authorized
Scag Dealer for a Spanish Decal Kit.
DO NOT wear loose fitting clothing. Loose clothing,
8. jewelry or long hair could get tangled in moving
parts.Do not operate the machine wearing shorts;
always wear adequate protective clothing including
long pants.Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes and
a helmet is advisable and is required by some local
ordinances and insurance regulations.
WARNING
Always wear hearing protection. Operating this
machine over prolonged periods of time can
cause loss of hearing.
Keep the machine and attachments in good9. operating condition.Keep all shields and safety
devices in place.If a shield, safety device or decal
is defective or damaged, repair or replace it before
operating the machine.
WARNING
Thismachineisequippedwithaninterlocksystem
intended to protect the operator and others from
injury. This is accomplished by preventing the
engine from starting unless the deck drive is
disengaged and the transmission is in neutral.
The system shuts off the engine if the operator
releases the operator presence levers with the
deck drive engaged and/or the transmission
is not in neutral. Never operate equipment
with the interlock system disconnected or
malfunctioning.
Be sure the interlock switches are functioning
10. correctly.
Fuel is flammable;handle it with care.Fill the fuel11. tank outdoors.Never fill it indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage.Clean up any spillage
before starting the engine.
DO NOT add fuel to a running or hot engine.Allow12. the engine to cool for several minutes before adding
fuel. Never fuel indoors or inside enclosed trailers.
Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc.),
13. open flames and sparks away from the fuel tank and
fuel container. Use only approved containers.
Equipment must comply with the latest requirements14. per SAE J137 and/or ANSI/ASAE S279 when driven
on public roads.
Do not operate without the side discharge chute15. installed and in the down position or with an optional
grass catcher or mulch plate completely installed.
Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals16. for proper tightness.
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS2.4
Know the function of all controls and how to stop1. quickly.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on2. slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop3. smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at
reduced speed.
When using any attachment, never direct the4. discharge of material toward bystanders or allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
Start the engine when the neutral latches are in5. the neutral lock position, the cutter blades are
disengaged, and the transmission is in neutral.
If the mower discharge ever plugs, shut off the6. engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all
movement to stop before removing the obstruction.

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Section 2
WARNING
DO NOT use your hand to dislodge the clogged
discharge chute. Use a stick or other device to
remove clogged material after the engine has
stopped running and the blades have stopped
turning.
Be alert for holes, rocks, roots and other hidden7. hazards in the terrain.Keep away from any drop-
offs.Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs,
etc.), underground obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree
roots, etc.).Cautiously enter a new area.Be alert for
hidden hazards.
Disengage power to cutter deck before backing up.8. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary
and then only after observation of the entire area
behind the mower. If you must mow in reverse,
maintain a constant lookout to the rear of the
machine and mow slowly.
DO NOT turn sharply. Use care when backing up.9.
Disengage power to cutter deck before crossing10. roads, walks or gravel drives.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.11.
NEVER raise the deck with the blades engaged.12.
Take all possible precautions when leaving the13. machine unattended, such as disengaging the
mower, stopping the engine, and removing the key.
Disengage power to the attachments when14. transporting or when not in use.
The machine and attachments should be stopped15. and inspected for damage after striking a foreign
object, and damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the machine.
CAUTION
Do not touch the engine or the muffler while the
engine is running or immediately after stopping.
These areas may be hot enough to cause a
burn.
DANGER
DO NOT run the engine inside a building or
a confined area without proper ventilation.
Exhaust fumes are hazardous and contain
carbon monoxide which can cause brain injury
and death.
Keep hands and feet away from cutter blades and16. moving parts. Contact can injure.
Transport the mower using a heavy duty trailer17. or truck. Insure the trailer or truck has all of the
necessary lighting and markings as required by
laws, codes, and ordinances.Secure a trailer with a
safety chain.
Be cautious when loading and unloading onto18. trailers or trucks. Use only a full width ramp.
When transporting the mower, make sure the19. transmission is in neutral, the neutral latches are in
the neutral lock position, the engine is off with the
key removed, and the wheels have been blocked.
Tie the mower down securely using straps, chains,20. cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps must be
directed down and outward from machine.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,21. trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
NEVER leave the machine running unattended.22.
MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS &2.5
STORAGE
Never make adjustments to the machine with the1. engine running unless specifically instructed to do
so. If the engine is running, keep hands, feet, and
clothing away from moving parts.
Place the transmission in neutral, neutral latches2. are in the neutral lock position, stop engine and
remove key or disconnect spark plug wire to prevent
accidental starting of the engine when servicing or
adjusting the machine.Wait for all movement to stop
before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
Remove spark plug wire before making any repairs.3.

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Section 2
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight, to ensure the4. machine is in safe working condition. Check blade
mounting bolts frequently to be sure they are tight.
Do not change the engine governor settings or
5. overspeed the engine. See the engine operator's
manual for information on engine settings.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the cutting units, drives,
6. muffler and engine free of grass, leaves, excessive
grease, oil and dirt.
Park the machine on level ground.7.
NEVER allow untrained personnel to service the8. machine.
Use care when checking blades. Use a Blade Buddy,9. wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and USE CAUTION
when servicing blades.Only replace blades.NEVER
straighten or weld blades.
Keep all parts in good working condition. Replace all
10. worn or damaged decals.
Use jack stands to support components when
11. required.
Carefully release pressure from components with12. stored energy.
Let the engine cool before storing.13.
DO NOT store the machine near an open flame.14.
Shut off fuel while storing or transporting.15.
DO NOT store fuel near flames or drain indoors.16.
USING A SPARK ARRESTOR2.6
The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark
arrestor muffler. It is in violation of California Public
ResourceCodeSection4442 touseoroperate thisengine
on or near any forest covered, brush covered or grass
covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrestor meetingany applicablelocal or state laws.
Otherstatesor federal areas mayhavesimilarlaws.Check
withyourstateorlocalauthoritiesforregulationspertaining
to these requirements.