Scag Power Equipment SFZ52-23FS User manual

PART NO. 03360
PRINTED 9/2013
PRINTED IN USA
© 2013
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
Freedom Z
Models: SFZ52-23FS
SFZ52-25BS
SFZ61-24FS
SFZ61-27BS

WARNING
FAILURE TO 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.•
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. To check a slope, attempt to back up it (with the•
cutter deck down). If the machine can back up the slope without the wheels slipping,
reduce speed and use extreme caution.
Under no circumstances should the machine be operated on slopes greater than 15•
degrees. ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs, ditches and retaining walls.•
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 AS THE 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 OF THE EQUIPMENT.
This manual covers the operating instructions and illustrated parts list for:
SFZ52-23FS with a serial number of J8300001 to H8399999
SFZ52-25BS with a serial number of J8400001 to J8499999
SFZ61-24FS with a serial number of J8500001 to J8599999
SFZ61-27BS with a serial number of J8600001 to J8699999
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 SERVICING THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS.................................................................1
1.4 SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................................................................2
SAFETY INFORMATIONSECTION 2 - ......................................................................................3
2.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
2.2 SIGNAL WORDS ..........................................................................................................................................3
2.3 BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS................................................................................................3
2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS................................................................................................................5
2.5 ROLL-OVER PROTECTION SYSTEM.........................................................................................................6
2.6 MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS & STORAGE ....................................................................................7
2.7 USING A SPARK ARRESTOR.....................................................................................................................8
2.8 SPARK IGNITION SYSTEM .........................................................................................................................8
2.9 SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS.................................................................................................9
SPECIFICATIONSSECTION 3 - ..............................................................................................10
3.1 ENGINE ......................................................................................................................................................10
3.2 ELECTRICAL .............................................................................................................................................10
3.3 MOWER ......................................................................................................................................................10
3.4 CUTTER DECK ..........................................................................................................................................11
3.5 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ...............................................................................................................................11
3.6 WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS ...................................................................................................................11
3.7 PRODUCTIVITY .........................................................................................................................................11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONSSECTION 4 - ...........................................................................12
4.1 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................12
4.2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM ................................................................................................................14
4.3 INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES................................................................................................................14
4.4 STARTING THE ENGINE ...........................................................................................................................14
4.5 GROUND TRAVEL AND STEERING .........................................................................................................14
4.6 ENGAGING THE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER BLADES)................................................................................16
4.7 HILLSIDE OPERATION..............................................................................................................................16
4.8 PARKING THE MOWER .............................................................................................................................17
4.9 AFTER OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................17
4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL ........................................................................................................17
4.11 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE STOPPED..........................................................................................17
4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING ....................................................................................................17
4.13 ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT..............................................................................................................18
4.14 TOWING (OPTIONAL HITCH ACCESSORY)...........................................................................................18
TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONSSECTION 5 - ...............................................19

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Table of Contents
ADJUSTMENTSSECTION 6 - .................................................................................................22
6.1 PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................22
6.2 TRAVEL ADJUSTMENTS ..........................................................................................................................23
6.3 THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHOKE ADJUSTMENTS ............................................................................24
6.4 BELT ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................................................................24
6.5 BELT ALIGNMENT.....................................................................................................................................24
6.6 CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS ..............................................................................................................25
6.7 ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT.........................................................................................................27
MAINTENANCESECTION 7 - ..................................................................................................28
7.1 MAINTENANCE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS ......................................................28
7.2 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ...............................................................................................................................29
7.3 ENGINE OIL ...............................................................................................................................................30
7.4 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................31
7.5 ENGINE AIR CLEANER.............................................................................................................................32
7.6 BATTERY....................................................................................................................................................33
7.7 DRIVE BELTS.............................................................................................................................................34
7.8 CUTTER BLADES......................................................................................................................................34
7.9 TIRES..........................................................................................................................................................35
7.10 BODY, DECK, AND UPHOLSTERY .........................................................................................................35
ILLUSTRATED PARTS LISTSECTION 8 - ..............................................................................36
8.1 SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES......................................................................36
NOTES..............................................................................................................................................................37
52" CUTTER DECK..........................................................................................................................................38
61" CUTTER DECK..........................................................................................................................................40
CUTTER DECK CONTROLS - SFZ52 .............................................................................................................42
CUTTER DECK CONTROLS - SFZ61 .............................................................................................................44
SHEET METAL COMPONENTS SFZ ..............................................................................................................46
SEAT ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................................................................48
NOTES..............................................................................................................................................................49
BRAKE COMPONENTS - SFZ.........................................................................................................................50
SFZ ROLL-OVER PROTECTION SYSTEM .....................................................................................................52
DRIVE SYSTEM COMPONENTS - SFZ52 & SFZ61 .......................................................................................54
EXHAUST AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SFZ...............................................................................................56
SFZ FUEL SYSTEM .........................................................................................................................................58
ZT-3100 HYDRAULIC AXLE ASSEMBLY - SFZ52..........................................................................................60
ZT-3400 HYDRAULIC AXLE ASSEMBLY - SFZ61..........................................................................................62
REPLACEMENT DECALS AND INFORMATION PLATES .............................................................................64
ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC .............................................................................................................................66
LIMITED WARRANTY - SFZSECTION 9 - ......................................................Following Section 8

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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.
THE REPLACEMENT OF ANY PART ONTHIS PRODUCT
BY OTHERTHANTHE 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
where shown in Figure 1-1.
SERIAL NUMBER
PLATE LOCATION
2012 SFZ SPL
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, Paragraph 8-1.
WARNING
For pictorial clarity, some illustrations and figures
in this manual may show shields, guards or plates
open or removed. Under no circumstances should
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.
SERVICING THE ENGINE AND DRIVE1.3
TRAIN COMPONENTS
The detail servicing and repair of the engine, hydraulic
pumps and gearboxes 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
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 and storage of the equipment. 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
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people
or property.
READ THIS OPERATOR’S MANUAL AND WATCH THE
TIPS FOR SAFE OPERATION OF YOUR SCAG ZERO-
TURN MOWER VIDEO BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
START YOUR MOWER..
A replacement manual is available from your authorized
Scag Service Dealer or by contacting Scag Power
Equipment, Service Department at P.O. Box 152, 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.
SIGNAL WORDS2.2
This symbol means “Attention! Become Alert! Your
Safety is Involved!" The symbol 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
possible death, carefully read the message! Be sure to fully
understand the causes of possible injury or death.
SIGNAL WORD:
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
could result in high probability of death 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
The signal word “CAUTION” is a reminder of safety practices
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
WARNING
Check all hydraulic connections for tightness.
Inspect all hydraulic hoses and / or lines to insure
they are in good condition before operating.
NEVER allow children to operate this riding mower.1.
Do not 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.
SAFETY INFORMATION

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Section 2
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.
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English7.
or Spanish, it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them.
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
This machine is equipped with an interlock system
intended to protect the operator and others from
injury. This is accomplished by preventing the
engine from starting unless the deck drive is
disengaged, the steering control levers are in the
neutral position and the operator is in the seat.
The system shuts off the engine if the operator
leaves the seat with the deck drive engaged and/
or the steering control levers are not in the neutral
position and the parking brake is not engaged.
Never operate equipment with the interlock
system disconnected or malfunctioning.
Be sure the interlock switches are functioning10.
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.
See Section 7.4 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM for fueling14.
procedure.
Equipment must comply with the latest requirements15.
per SAE J137 and/or ANSI/ASAE S279 when driven
on public roads.
- NOTE -
If the mower is driven on public roads, it must
comply with state and local ordinances as well as
SAE J137 and/or ANSI / ASAE S279 requirements.
Contact your local authorities for regulations and
equipment requirements.
Do not operate without the side discharge chute16.
installed and in the down position or with an optional
grass catcher or mulch plate completely installed.
Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals17.
for proper tightness.
Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight18.
and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good
condition before starting the machine.

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Section 2
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS2.4
Know the function of all controls and how to stop1.
quickly.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes.To check a slope,
attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down).
If the machine can back up the slope without the
wheels slipping, reduce speed and use extreme
caution. Under no circumstances should the
machine be operated on slopes greater than 15
degrees. See Figure 2-2, Page 7 to determine
approximate slope of area to be mowed. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on2.
slopes and sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,3.
ditches and retaining walls.
To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop4.
smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at
reduced speed. Use caution when operating the
mower on an incline with the optional grass catcher
installed.
Immediately apply the parking brake if you lose5.
steering control while operating. Inspect the machine
and correct the problem before continuing to operate.
When using any attachment, never direct the6.
discharge of material toward bystanders or allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
Before attempting to start the engine, with the7.
operator in the seat, disengage power to the cutter
deck, place the steering control levers in the neutral
position and engage the parking brake.
If the mower discharge ever plugs, shut off the8.
engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all
movement to stop before removing the obstruction.
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 hidden9.
hazards in the terrain. Keep away from any drop-offs.
Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs, etc.)
and 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.10.
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.11.
Disengage power to cutter deck before crossing12.
roads, walks or gravel drives.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.13.
NEVER raise the deck with the blades engaged.14.
Take all possible precautions when leaving the15.
machine unattended, such as disengaging the
mower, lowering the attachments, setting the parking
brake, stopping the engine, and removing the key.
Disengage power to the attachments when16.
transporting or when not in use.
The machine and attachments should be stopped17.
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.

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Section 2
Any or all parts of the Roll-Over Protection System MUST
NOT be removed. Failure to adhere to this guideline could
result in injury or death.
The potential exposure of the seat belt to severe
environmental conditions make it crucial to inspect the seat
belt system regularly.
It is recommended that the seat belt be inspected on a
daily basis for signs of damage. Any seat belt system that
shows cuts, fraying, extreme or unusual wear, significant
discoloration due to UV exposure, dirt or stiffness, abrasion
to the seat belt webbing, or damage to the buckle, latch
plate, hardware or any other obvious problem should be
replaced immediately.
WARNING
Failure to properly inspect and maintain the seat
belt can cause serious injury or loss of life.
Check the full length of the seat belt webbing for1.
cuts, wear, fraying, dirt and stiffness. See Figure 2-1.
Check the seat belt webbing in areas exposed to2.
ultra violet rays from the sun or extreme dust or
dirt. If the original color of the webbing in these
areas is extremely faded and/or is packed with dirt,
the physical strength of this webbing may have
deteriorated. If this condition exists, replace the seat
belt system.
Check the buckle and latch for proper operation3.
and determine if the latch plate is excessively worn,
deformed, or if the buckle is damaged or cracked.
See Figure 2-1.
INSPECT WEBBING
INSPECT BUCKLE
& LATCH
Seat Belt InspectionFigure 2-1.
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 and18.
moving parts. Contact can injure.
Transport the mower using a heavy duty trailer19.
or truck. Ensure 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 onto20.
trailers or trucks. Use only a full width ramp. Ramp
angle should be no more than 15 degrees. Back up
the ramp and drive down forward.
When transporting the mower, make sure the park21.
brake is engaged, the steering control levers are in
the neutral position, the engine is off with the key
removed, and the wheels have been blocked.
Tie the mower down securely using straps, chains,22.
cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps must be
directed down and outward from machine.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,23.
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
NEVER leave the machine running unattended.24.
ROLL-OVER PROTECTION SYSTEM2.5
WARNING
The seat belt must be securely fastened during
operation. Failure to do so could cause serious
injury or loss of life.
This mower has been designed for good traction and
stability under normal mowing conditions. However, caution
must be used when traveling on slopes, especially when the
grass is wet. Do not mow on wet grass. Wet grass reduces
traction and steering control.