Scag Power Equipment STHM User manual

MODEL STHM
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. 03168
PRINTED 10/05
PRINTED IN USA
©2005
SCAG POWER EQUIPMENT
DIVISION OF METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE, INC.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
* 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.
* 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.
This manual covers the operating instructions
and illustrated parts list for:
STHM-23CV with a serial number of B3600001 to B3699999
SM-61V with a serial number of B3700001 to B3799999
SM-72A with a serial number of B3800001 to B3899999
Always use the entire serial number listed on the serial number
tag when referring to this product.
WARNING:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MODEL STHM
SUBJECT PAGE
Introduction .................................................................................................. 1
General Safety Instructions .......................................................................... 1
Signal Words ............................................................................................... 1
Symbols....................................................................................................... 2-3
Before Operating ......................................................................................... 4
While Operating ........................................................................................... 5-6
Maintenance and Storage ........................................................................... 6-7
Initial Run-In Procedures ............................................................................. 7
Mower Operation ......................................................................................... 8-9
Parking Brake Adjustments ......................................................................... 9
Neutral Adjustment ...................................................................................... 9-10
Belt Tension ................................................................................................. 10-11
Belt Alignment ............................................................................................. 11
Cutter Deck Adjustments ............................................................................. 11-12
Cutter Blades ............................................................................................... 13
Custom-Cut Baffle Adjustment..................................................................... 13-14
Lubrication and Maintenance ...................................................................... 15
Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions ............................................................ 16-18
Technical Specifications .............................................................................. 19-20
Notes .......................................................................................................... 21
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WE SUPPORT OPE
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
SUBJECT PAGE
Illustrated Parts List
SM 61V, 72A Cutter Deck...................................................................... ... 22-23
Engine Deck ..................................................................................... 24-25
Upper Hydraulics .............................................................................. 26-27
Lower Hydraulics........................................................................................ 28-29
Control Linkage......................................................................................... . 30-31
Instrument Panel ............................................................................... 32-33
Rider Frame Assembly ..................................................................... 34-35
Brake Linkage ................................................................................... 36-37
Eletrical System ................................................................................ 38
Winch Lift System ............................................................................. 39
Replacement Decals ........................................................................ 40
Warranty Statement........................................................ followingsection8
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1
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 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.
Signal Word:
It is a distinctive word on safety decals and through-
out this manual that alerts the viewer to the exist-
ence and relative degree of the hazard.
The signal word “DANGER” denotes that an ex-
tremely 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.
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 “CAUTION” is a reminder of
safety practices on or near the machine that could
result in personal injury if proper precautions are not
taken.
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 instruc-
tions in this manual.
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.
A replacement Operator's Manual is available from
your Scag Servicing Dealer or by contacting Scag
Power Equipment, Service Department at P.O. Box
152,Mayville,WI53050orcontactusviatheInternet
atwww.scag.com. Themanualforthismachinecanbe
downloadedbyusingthemodelandserialnumberor
usethecontactformtomakeyourrequest.
USE OF OTHER THAN ORIGINAL SCAG
REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.
The “Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of the
machine are referenced from the operator’s perspec-
tive when in the normal operating position and
facing the forward travel direction.
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL and all
instructionsfurnished withattachments.
Perform only those maintenance procedures de-
scribed in this manual. If major repairs are ever
needed or assistance is desired, contact an Author-
ized Scag Dealer. To ensure optimum performance
and safety, always purchase genuine SCAG replace-
ment parts and accessories.
Your safety and the safety of others depends signifi-
cantly upon your knowledge and understanding of
allcorrectoperatingpracticesandproceduresofthis
machine.
WARNING:
CAUTION:

2
CE Mark
Transmission
Choke
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 Thown Object Hazard

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

4
BEFORE OPERATING
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. 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.
3. The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occuring to themselves, other
people or property.
4. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be
picked up and thrown by the cutter blades.
5. DO NOT carry passengers.
6. DO NOT operate the machine under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
7. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline, with a
minimum octane rating of 87. To avoid personal
injury or property damage, use extreme care in
handlinggasoline. Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and the vapors are explosive.
A. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sourcesofignition.
B. Use only an approved gasoline container.
C. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before
fueling.
D. Never fuel the machine indoors or in an enclosed
trailer.
E. Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame , spark or pilot light such as
on a water heater or other appliances.
F. 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
beforefilling.
G. Remove the machine from the truck or trailer and
fuel on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel the machine with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
H. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open
device.
I. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
J. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
8. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English
or Spanish, it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Keep the machine and attachments in good 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.
12. Be sure the safety switches are functioning correctly.
13. 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. Scag approved
attachments and accessories:
Mulch Plate (p/n 9288, 9262)
Hurricane Mulch (p/n 9285, 9267)
Cup Holder (p/n 9240)

5
10. Keephandsandfeetawayfromcuttingunits.
11. Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladescome
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catchercontainer.
12. Neverraisethecutterdeckwhilethebladesare
rotating.
13. Alwaysparkthemowerand/orstarttheengineon
alevelsurface. Applytheparkingbraketo
preventthemowerfrommovingwhenyouarenot
intheoperator’sposition.
14. Ifthecuttingbladesshouldstrikeasolidobjector
theequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugwires,
andcheckimmediatelyforthecause. Vibrationis
generallyawarningoftrouble. Checkthemachine
fordamagedordefectiveparts. Repairany
damagebeforestartingtheengineoroperatingthe
cutterdeck. Besure thebladesareingood
conditionandthebladeboltsaretight.
15. Reducespeedandexerciseextremecautionon
slopesandinsharpturnstopreventtippingorloss
ofcontrol. Beespeciallycautiouswhenchanging
directionsonslopes.
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.
16. Usecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscurevision.
17. Donottouchtheengineormufflerwhiletheengine
isrunningorsoonafteritisstopped. Theseareas
couldbehotenoughtocauseaburn.
WARNING:
WHILE OPERATING
1. Starttheenginewhenthecutterbladesaredisen-
gaged,theparkingbrakeisonandtherightfoot
pedalisintheneutralposition. Onlystartthe
enginefromtheoperatorsposition.
2. Donotruntheengineinaconfinedareawithout
adequateventilation. Exhaustfumesarehazardous
andcouldpossiblybedeadly.
3. Usecarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachine
ontoatrailerortruck.
4. Lookbehindanddownbeforebackinguptobe
sureofaclearpath.
5. Usingthemachinedemandsattention. To
preventlossofcontrol:
A. Mowonlyindaylightorwhenthereisgood
artificiallight.
B. Watchforholesorotherhiddenhazards.
C. Donotdriveclosetoadrop-off,ditch,creek
bank,orotherhazard.
E. Donotoperatewhereconditionsareslippery.
6. Thedischargechutemustalwaysbeinstalledand
inthedownpositiononthesidedischargecutter
deckexceptwhenthemulchingplateorHurricane
MulchKitareproperlyinstalled. Ifthedischarge
areashouldplug,shuttheengineoffandwaitfor
allmovementtostopbeforeremovingtheobstruc-
tion.
7. NEVERoperatewiththePTOshield,orother
guardsnotsecurelyinplace. Besureallinter-
locksareaattached,adjustedandfuncioning
properly.
8. Disengagethebladesandwaitforthemtostop
beforecrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
9. Beawareofdischargedirectionanddonotpoint
atanyone.

6
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug to prevent accidental starting of the engine
when servicing, adjusting or storing the machine.
2. If the mower must be tipped to perform mainte-
nance or adjustment, remove the battery, drain
the gasoline from the fuel tank and the oil from
thecrankcase. Usejackstandstosupportthe
machinewhenrequired.
3. To reduce potential fire hazard, keep the engine
free of excessive grease, grass, leaves and accu-
mulations of dirt.
4. Parkthemachineonlevelground. Neverallow
untrainedpersonneltoservicethemachine.
5. Disconnectbatteryorremovesparkplugwires
beforemakinganyrepairs. Disconnectthenegative
terminalfirstandthepositivelast. Reconnect
positivefirstandnegativelast.
6. Usecarewhencheckingblades. Wraptheblades
orwearglovesandusecautionwhenservicingthem.
Onlyreplaceblades. Neverstraightenorweld
them.
19. Donotpassorstandonthegrassdischargeside
ofanymowerwiththeenginerunning. Stopthe
cutterbladeswhenanotherpersonapproaches.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
WARNING:
18. Beforeleavingtheoperator’spositionorleaving
themowerunattended,movetherightfootpedal
intotheneutralposition,applytheparkingbrake,
andmovethebladeengagementswitchtoOFF.
ShuttheengineOFFandremovethekey.
7. Besurethemachineisinsafeoperatingconditionby
keepingnuts,bolts,andscrewstight. Checkthe
blademountingboltsandnutsfrequentlytobesure
theyaretightened.
8. Iftheenginemustberunningtoperformamainte-
nanceadjustment,keephands,feet,clothingand
otherpartsofthebodyawayfromthecutterdeck
bladesandothermovingparts.
9. Donotoverspeedtheenginebychanginggovernor
settings. Tobesureofsafetyandaccuracy,havean
authorizeddealercheckmaximumenginespeedwith
atachometer.
10. Theenginemustbeshutoffbeforecheckingtheoil
oraddingoiltothecrankcase.
11. Allowtheenginetocoolbeforestoringthemowerin
anyenclosuresuchasagarageorstorageshed.
Makesurethefueltankisemptyifthemachineisto
bestored inexcessof 30days. Do notstorethe
mowernearanyopenflameorwheregasolinefumes
maybeignitedbyaspark.
12. Alwaysstoregasolineinasafety-approved,red
container.
13. Becarefulwhenservicingthebatteryasitcontains
acid,whichiscorrosiveandcouldcauseburnsto
skinandclothing.
14. Batteriesreleaseexplosivegaseswhenbeing
chargedordischarged. Keepbatteriesawayfrom
anysourceofsparksand/orflame. Chargebatter-
iesinanopen,wellventilatedarea.
15. Makesureallhydraulicconnectionsaretightandall
hydraulichosesandlinesareingoodcondition
beforestartingthemachine.