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. 03133
PRINTED7/03
PRINTED IN USA
©2003
SCAGPOWEREQUIPMENT
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 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 of the equipment.
This manual covers the operating instructions
and illustrated parts list for:
STHM-23CV with a serial number of 9220001 to 9229999
SM-61A with a serial number of 9230001 to 9239999
SM-72A with a serial number of 9240001 to 9249999
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........................................................................................... 4-5
Maintenance and Storage ........................................................................... 5-6
Initial Run-In Procedures ............................................................................. 6
Mower Operation ......................................................................................... 6-7
Parking Brake Adjustments ......................................................................... 8
Neutral Adjustment ...................................................................................... 8-9
Belt Tension................................................................................................. 9-10
Belt Alignment ............................................................................................. 10
Cutter Deck Adjustments ............................................................................. 10-11
Cutter Blades............................................................................................... 11
Custom-Cut Baffle Adjustment..................................................................... 11-12
Lubrication and Maintenance ...................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions ............................................................ 14-16
Technical Specifications.............................................................................. 17-18
Notes .......................................................................................................... 19
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WE SUPPORT OPE
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
SUBJECT PAGE
Illustrated Parts List
SM61A,72ACutterDeck...................................................................... .. 20-21
Engine Deck ..................................................................................... 22-23
Upper Hydraulics.............................................................................. 24-25
LowerHydraulics........................................................................................ 26-27
ControlLinkage.......................................................................................... 28-29
InstrumentPanel ............................................................................... 30-31
Rider Frame Assembly ..................................................................... 32-33
Brake Linkage................................................................................... 34-35
Eletrical System ................................................................................ 36
Winch Lift System ............................................................................. 37
Replacement Decals ........................................................................
WarrantyStatement........................................................ 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. Usethecontactformtomakeyour
request. Pleaseindicatethecompletemodelandserial
numberofyourScagproduct.
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

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. Know the operating controls and how to stop
quickly.
2. Do not allow children to operate the machine.
Do not allow adults to operate the machine
without proper instruction.
3. Remove all debris or other objects that might be
picked up and thrown by the cutter blades. Keep
all bystanders away from the mowing area.
4. Keep all shields, safety devices, and decals in
place. If a shield, safety device or decal is defec-
tive or damaged, repair or replace it before
operating. Also, check all nuts, bolts and screws
for proper tightness, to assure the machine is in
safe operating condition.
5. Do not operate the machine while wearing
sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers or shorts. Also,
do not wear loose fitting clothing which could get
caught in moving parts. Always wear long pants
and substantial shoes. Wearing safety glasses and
safety shoes is advisable and required by some
local ordinances and insurance regulations.
6. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline, with a
minimum octane rating of 87. Avoid spilling
gasoline. Gasolineishighlyflammable,handleit
carefully.
A. Use an approved gasoline container.
B. Do not fill the tank while the engine is hot or
running.
C. Do not smoke while handling gasoline.
D. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and up to approxi-
mately 1" (25 mm) below the bottom of the
fillerneck.
E. Wipe upanyspilled gasoline.
7. Before attempting to start the engine, move the
blade engagement switch to the OFF position and
apply the parking brake.
WHILE OPERATING
1. Start the engine when the cutter blades are
disengaged, the parking brake is on and the right
foot pedal is in the neutral position.
2. Do not run the engine in a confined area without
adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazard-
ous and could possibly be deadly.
3. Using the machine demands attention. To
prevent loss of control:
A. Mow only in daylight or when there is good
artificiallight.
B. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
C. Do not drive close to a drop-off, ditch, creek
bank, or other hazard.
D. Reduce speed when making sharp turns and
whenturningonhillsides.
E. Do not operate where conditions are slippery.
4. The discharge chute must always be installed and
in the down position on the side discharge cutter
deck except when the Scag optional grass
catcher or mulching plate are properly installed.
If the discharge area should plug, shut the engine
off and wait for all movement to stop before
removing the obstruction.
5. Disengage the blades and wait for them to stop
before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
6. Shut the engine off and wait until the blades
come to a complete stop before removing the
grass catcher container.
7. Never raise the cutter deck while the blades are
rotating.
8. Always park the mower and/or start the engine
on a level surface. Apply the parking brake to
prevent the mower from moving when you are
not in the operator’s position.

5
13. Donotpassorstandonthegrassdischargesideof
anymowerwiththeenginerunning. Stopthecutter
bladeswhenanotherpersonapproaches.
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
knownto the State of California to cause cancer
andreproductive harm.Washhandsafterhan-
dling.
9. If the cutting blades should strike a solid object
or the equipment should start to vibrate abnor-
mally,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wires,andcheckimmediatelyforthecause. Vibra-
tionisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.Checkthe
machinefordamagedordefectiveparts. Repairany
damagebeforestartingtheengineoroperatingthe
cutterdeck. Besurethebladesareingoodcondi-
tionandthebladeboltsaretight.
10. 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.
11. Do not touch the engine or muffler while the
engine is running or soon after it is stopped.
These areas could be hot enough to cause a burn.
12. Before leaving the operator’s position or leaving
the mower unattended, move the right foot pedal
into the neutral position, apply the parking brake,
and move the blade engagement switch to OFF.
Shut the engine OFF and remove the key.
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
the crankcase.
3. To reduce potential fire hazard, keep the engine
free of excessive grease, grass, leaves and accu-
mulations of dirt.
4. Be sure the machine is in safe operating condition
by keeping nuts, bolts, and screws tight. Check
the blade mounting bolts and nuts frequently to
be sure they are tightened.
5. If the engine must be running to perform a
maintenance adjustment, keep hands, feet, cloth-
ing and other parts of the body away from the
cutter deck blades and other moving parts.
6. Do not overspeed the engine by changing gover-
nor settings. To be sure of safety and accuracy,
have an authorized dealer check maximum engine
speed with a tachometer.
7. The engine must be shut off before checking the
oil or adding oil to the crankcase.
8. Allow the engine to cool before storing the
mower in any enclosure such as a garage or
storage shed. Make sure the fuel tank is empty if
the machine is to be stored in excess of 30 days.
Do not store the mower near any open flame or
where gasoline fumes may be ignited by a spark.
WARNING:
WARNING:

6
9. Always store gasoline in a safety-approved, red
container.
10. Be careful when servicing the battery as it con-
tains acid, which is corrosive and could cause
burns to skin and clothing.
11. Batteries release explosive gases when being
charged or discharged. Keep batteries away from
any source of sparks and/or flame.
12. Make sure all hydraulic connections are tight and
all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condi-
tion before starting the machine.
13. Hydraulic fluid is under high pressure. If you
need service on your hydraulic system, please see
your authorized Scag dealer.
INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES
(FIRST DAY OF USE OR APPROXI-
MATELY 10 HOURS)
1. Check the belts for proper tension at 2, 4 and 8
hours. Adjust as needed. (See Belt Tension,
page9).
2. Check the neutral adjustment. (See Adjust-
ments,page8)
3. Check the tires for proper pressure.
CasterWheels 25psi
DriveWheels 12 psi
Rear Steering Wheel 15 psi
4. Checkforloosehardware. Tightenasneeded.
5. Checkthesafetyswitchesforproperadjustment:
* Theengineshouldcrankandstartifthe
machineisinneutral,thePTOengagement
switchisOFFandtheparkingbrakeisON.
7. Applylubricanttoallthegreasefittings. Lubricant
wasappliedatthefactory. Thisisjustaprecaution-
arychecktomakesurethatallthefittingshavebeen
lubricated.
MOWER OPERATION
-NOTE-
Use gasoline with an octane rating no less than
87.
* The right hand foot pedal must be in the
NEUTRAL position.
* The blade clutch switch must be in the OFF
position.
* The parking brake must be ON.
3. Start the engine:
* Choke as required. If the engine is cold, pull
the choke knob out. When the engine starts,
slowly push the choke in. If the engine stalls,
repeat the above operation. When the engine
is warm, choking may not be necessary.
4. Depress the left hand operator presence pedal.
5. Engagethecutterbladesbypullingthebladeclutch
switchintotheONposition. Pushtheswitchtothe
OFFpositiontodisengagethecutterblades.
1. Read and understand the safety instructions
before attempting to operate this machine.
2. Before starting the engine:
* Check the oil level in the engine and the
hydraulicreservoir.
* Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh, lead-free
gasoline.
* Open the fuel valve on the bottom of the
fuel tank.
390S0138
PULL UP TO ENGAGE
PUSH DOWN TO DISENGAGE