Scag Power Equipment STC User manual

MODEL STC
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
THIS MANUALCONTAINS THE OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY INFORMA-
TION FOR YOUR SCAG MOWER. READING
THIS MANUAL CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH
ASSISTANCE IN MAINTENANCE AND AD-
JUSTMENT PROCEDURES TO KEEP YOUR
MOWER PERFORMING TO MAXIMUM EFFI-
CIENCY. THE SPECIFIC MODELS THATTHIS
BOOK COVERS ARE CONTAINED ON THE
INSIDECOVER. BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
MACHINE, PLEASE READ ALL THE INFOR-
MATION ENCLOSED.
PART NO. 03119
PRINTED4/03
PRINTED IN USA
©2003
SCAGPOWEREQUIPMENT
DIVISION OF METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE, INC.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
* Keepall shields inplace, especially thegrass 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.
* Read this manual completely as well as other manuals that came
with your mower.
* Keep others off the tractor (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.
Thismanualcoverstheoperatinginstructions
andillustratedparts list for:
STC48A-19KA with a serial number of 8400001 to 8409999
STC48A-20CV with a serial number of 8410001 to 8419999
STC48A-21KA with a serial number of 8420001 to 8429999
STC52A-23KA with a serial number of 8430001 to 8439999
STC52A-24HN with a serial number of 8750001 to 8759999
STC61A-23KA with a serial number of 8770001 to 8779999
STC61A-25KA with a serial number of 8440001 to 8449999
SMTC-48A with a serial number of 8450001 to 8459999
SMTC-52A with a serial number of 8460001 to 8469999
SMTC-61A with a serial number of 8470001 to 8479999
Alwaysusetheentireserial number listed on the serialnumber
tag when referring to this product.
WARNING:

I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGE
Section 1 - General Information
1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
1.2 Directional Reference.............................................................................................................1
1.3 Servicing the Engine and DriveTrain Components ................................................................1
1.3 Symbols ............................................................................................................................... 2-3
Section 2 - Safety Information
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................4
2.2 SignalWords ...........................................................................................................................4
2.3 Before Operation Considerations ...........................................................................................4
2.4 OperationConsiderations........................................................................................................5
2.5 Maintenance Considerations ...................................................................................................6
2.6 Safety and Instructional Decals ..............................................................................................7
Section 3 - Specifications.......................................................................................................8-9
Section 4 - Operating Instructions
4.1 Controls and Instrument Identification ..................................................................................10
4.2 Safety Interlock System........................................................................................................ 11
4.3 Initial Run-In Procedures ......................................................................................................12
4.4 Starting the Engine................................................................................................................12
4.5 Ground Travel and Steering ..................................................................................................12
4.6 Engaging the Deck Drive .....................................................................................................13
4.7 HillsideOperation .................................................................................................................14
4-8 Parking the Mower ...............................................................................................................14
4.9 After Operation ....................................................................................................................14
4.10 Removing Clogged Material .................................................................................................14
4.11 Moving Mower with Engine Stopped ...................................................................................15
4.12 Recommendations for Mowing .............................................................................................15
4.13 Adjusting Cutting Height .......................................................................................................16
Section 5 -Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions.............................................................17-19
4.14 Towing ..................................................................................................................................16

II
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT'D)
SUBJECT PAGE
Section 6 - Adjustments
6.1 Parking Brake Adjustment ....................................................................................................20
6.2 TravelAdjustments ...............................................................................................................21
6.3 Throttle Control and ChokeAdjustments ..............................................................................22
6.4 BeltAdjustment ....................................................................................................................22
6.5 BeltAlignment ......................................................................................................................22
6.6 Cutter Deck Adjustments .....................................................................................................23
Section 7 - Maintenance
7.1 Maintenance Chart ...............................................................................................................26
7.2 LubricationFittingPoints ......................................................................................................27
7.3 Hydraulic System ..................................................................................................................29
7.4 EngineOil .............................................................................................................................30
7.5 Engine Fuel System ..............................................................................................................30
7.6 EngineAir Cleaner................................................................................................................31
7.7 Battery ..................................................................................................................................31
7.8 Drive Belts ............................................................................................................................33
7.9 Cutter Blades ........................................................................................................................33
7.10 Tires ......................................................................................................................................34
7.11 Body, Deck and Upholstery ..................................................................................................35
Section 8 - Replacement Parts
STC48A, STC52A Cutter Deck ............................................................................................... 36-37
Cutter Deck Controls................................................................................................................ 38-39
STC61A Cutter Deck ............................................................................................................... 40-41
Sheet Metal Components.......................................................................................................... 42-43
Drive System Components ....................................................................................................... 44-45
Engine and Attaching Parts - Kawasaki & Kohler .................................................................. 46-47
Engine and Attaching Parts - Honda ........................................................................................ 48-49
Steering Components ................................................................................................................ 50-51
Brake Components ................................................................................................................... 52-53
Fuel and Hydraulic System ....................................................................................................... 54-55
Electrical System (Kawasaki & Kohler).................................................................................. 56-57
Hydraulic Pump (BDP-10A) .................................................................................................... 58-59
Replacement Decals................................................................................................................. 60-61
Electrical Schematic (Kawasaki & Kohler) ...................................................................................62
Warranty Statement..............................................................................................following section 8

1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
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.
USE OF OTHER THAN ORIGINAL SCAG
REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.
When ordering parts, always give the model and serial
number of your tractor. The serial number plate is located
where shown in Figure 1-1.
For pictorial clarity, some illustrations and figures in this
manualmay show shields,guardsorplates open orremoved.
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.
1.2 DIRECTION REFERENCE
The“Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of themachine
are referenced from the operator’s right and left when
seated in the normal operating position and facing the
forward travel direction.
1.3 SERVICINGTHE ENGINE AND DRIVE
TRAIN COMPONENTS
Thedetailservicingand repairof theengine,hydraulicpumps
and gearboxes are not covered in this manual; only routine
maintenance and general service instructions are provided.
Forserviceofthese 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.
Section 1
Figure 1-1Tractor Serial Number Plate Location
Model 
Serial
SCAG 
Power Equipment
STC 2001 SPL-1
SERIAL NUMBER 
PLATE LOCATION

2
CE Mark
TransmissionChoke
On/Start Spring Tension on Idler
Oil
Off/Stop
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
ISO Symbols
SpinningBlade
48071S
Parking Brake
WARNING
FALLING HAZARD 
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED 
RIDING ATTACHMENTS
SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
481109
FallingHazard

3
Slow
Fast
Cutting Element - Engage
Cutting Element - Basic symbol
Cutting Element - Disengage
Continuously Variable - Linear
Read Operator's Manual
Keep Bystanders Away
Pinch Point
481039S
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Hourmeter/Elapsed Operating Hours
Thown Object Hazard

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Your mower is only as safe as the operator. Carelessness
oroperatorerrormay result in serious bodily injury ordeath.
Hazardcontrolandaccident 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.
READ THIS OPERATOR’S MANUAL 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.
UsetheContactFormtomakeyourrequest. Pleaseindicate
thecompletemodeland serial number of your Scag product
when requesting replacement manuals.
2.2 SIGNAL WORDS
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 mower decals 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.
SignalWord:
It is a distinctive word found on the mower safety decals
and throughout this manual that alerts the viewer to the
existence and relative degree of the hazard.
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.
The signal word “DANGER” denotes that an extremely
hazardoussituation exists on or near the machine thatcould
result in high probability of death or irreparable injury if
proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION:
The signal word “CAUTION” is a reminder of safety
practicesonornear 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.
2.3 BEFORE OPERATION
CONSIDERATIONS
1. NEVER allow children to operate this riding mower.
Do not allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instructions.
2. DO NOT mow when children and/or others are
present.
3. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be
picked up and thrown by the cutter blades.
4. DO NOT carry passengers.
WARNING:
Section 2

5
11. Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc.),
open flames and sparks away from the fuel tank and
fuel container.
12. Equipment must comply with the latest requirements
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.
13. DO NOT operate without the side discharge chute
installed and in the down position.
14. Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness.
15. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and
allhydraulic hosesandlinesare ingoodcondition before
starting the machine.
2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Know the function of all controls and how to stop
quickly.
2. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on slopes
and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control.
Be especially cautious when changing directions on
slopes.
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. ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED
OPERATION.
2.3 BEFORE OPERATION
CONSIDERATIONS (CONT'D)
5. DO NOT wear loose fitting clothing that 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.
6. Operator hearing protection is recommended,
particularly for continuous operation of the mower.
Wear suitable hearing protection. Prolonged exposure
to loud noise can cause hearing impairment or loss.
7. Keep the machine and attachments in good operating
condition. Keepall shields and safety devicesin place.
If a shield, safety device or decal is defective or
damaged, repair or replace it before operating the
machine.
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 parking brake is on, 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
driveengagedand/orthe steering control levers not
in the neutral position and the parking brake not
engaged. Neveroperateequipmentwiththe interlock
system disconnected or malfunctioning.
8. Be sure the interlock switches are functioning correctly.
9. Fuel is flammable; handle it with care. Fill the fuel
tank outdoors. Never fill it indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage. Clean up any spillage before
starting the engine.
10. DO NOT add fuel to a running or hot engine. Allow
the engine to cool for several minutes before adding
fuel.
Section 2
WARNING:
WARNING:

6
Section 2
2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
(CONT'D)
3. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop
smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns andtravelatreduced
speed.
4. When using any attachment, never direct the discharge
of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near
the machine while in operation.
5. Before attempting to start the engine, with the operator
in the seat, disengage power to the cutter deck, place
the steering control levers in the neutral position and
engage the parking brake.
6. If the mower discharge ever plugs, shut off the engine,
remove the ignition key, and wait for all movement to
stop before removing the obstruction. Donotuseyour
hand to dislodge the clogged discharge chute. Use
a stick or other device to remove clogged material.
7. Bealert for holes, rocks, roots and otherhidden hazards
in the terrain. Keep away from any dropoff. Beware
ofoverheadobstructions(lowlimbs,etc.), underground
obstacles(sprinklers,pipes,treeroots,etc.). Cautiously
enter a new area. Be alert for hidden hazards.
8. Disengage power to cutter deck before backing up.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary
andthenonlyafterobservationoftheentireareabehind
the mower.
9. DO NOT turn sharply. Use care when backing up.
10. Disengage power to cutter deck before crossing roads,
walks or gravel drives.
11. Mowonlyin daylight or good artificial light.
12. Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended, such as disengaging the mower, lowering
theattachments, setting the parking brake, stoppingthe
engine, and removing the key.
13. Disengagepower to theattachments when transporting
or when not in use.
14. The machine and attachments should be stopped and
inspected for damage after striking a foreign object,
and damage should be repaired before restarting and
operating the machine.
15. DO NOT touch the engine or the muffler while the
engineis running or immediately after stopping. These
areas may be hot enough to cause a burn.
16. DONOTrun the engine inside a building or a confined
area without proper ventilation. Exhaust fumes are
hazardous and could cause death.
2.5 MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS
1. Never make adjustments to the machine with the
engine running unless specifically instructed to do so.
If the engine is running, keep hands, feet, and clothing
away from moving parts.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
accidental starting of the engine when servicing or
adjusting the machine.
3. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight, to ensure the
machine is in safe working condition. Check blade
mounting bolts frequently to be sure they are tight.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeedtheengine. Seetheengineoperator'smanual
for information on engine settings.
5. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass,
leaves, excessive grease, oil and dirt.
6. Hydraulic fluid is under high pressure. Keep body
and hands away from pinholes or nozzles that eject
hydraulicfluidunderhighpressure. Ifyouneedservice
on your hydraulic system, please see your authorized
Scag dealer.
7. Hydraulic fluid under high pressuremayhavesufficient
force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If
hydraulic fluid is injected into the skin, it must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor or
gangrene may result.