Scag Power Equipment SW User manual

FROM SERIAL NUMBER 60001 TO 69999
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PART 03023
MODEL SW

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.
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.
his manual covers the operating instructions
and illustrated parts list for:
All SW Machines
with a serial n mber of xxx60001- xxx69999
Always use the entire serial number listed on the serial number
tag when referring to this product.
WARNING:

1
Your mower was built to the highest stan-
dards in the industry. However, your mower
is only as safe as the operator! Careless-
ness 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 oper-
ating the equipment.
- Scag Power Equipment -
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL and
instructions furnished with attachments.
2. A replacement Operator's Manual is available
from your Scag Servicing Dealer or by contact
ing Scag Power Equipment, Service Department
at P.O. Box 152, Mayville WI 53050. Please
indicate the complete model and serial number of
your Scag product.
3. Perform only those maintenance instructions
described in this manual. If major repairs are ever
needed or assistance is desired, contact an Au
thorized Scag Dealer. To ensure optimum per
formance and safety, always purchase genuine
SCAG replacement parts and accessories.
NEVER use WILL FIT replacement parts and
accessories made by other manufacturers. THE
USE OF UNAPPROVED REPLACEMENT
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES WILL VOID
THE WARRANTY.
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly.
2. Before attempting to start engine, shift transmis
sion into neutral, move blade engagement switch
to OFF position and move neutral latches to
neutral.
3. Do not allow children to operate the machine.
Do not allow adults to operate the machine
without proper instruction.
4. 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.
5. 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, tighten all loose nuts, bolts and
screws to assure machine is in safe operating
condition.
6. 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 regula
tions.
7. Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline, with a
minimum octane rating of 87, before starting the
engine. Avoid spilling gasoline. Since gasoline is
flammable, handle it carefully.
A. Use an approved gasoline container.
B. Do not fill tank while engine is hot or run
ning.
C. Do not smoke while handling gasoline.
D. Fill fuel tank outdoors and up to approxi
mately 1" (25 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck.
E. Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
EQUIPMENT SAFETY

2
EQUIPMENT SAFETY CONT'D 8. If the cutting blades should strike a solid object
or the equipment should start to vibrate abnor
mally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire, and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Check the cutting unit and traction unit for
damaged or defective parts. Repair any damage
before starting the engine or operating the cutter
unit. Be sure blades are in good condition and
blade bolts are tight.
9. Always park the mower and/or start the engine
on a level surface. If this is not possible, block
the wheels to prevent the mower from moving
when you are not in the operators position.
10. Cut grass slopes carefully. Do not start, stop or
turn suddenly. When operating on a slope, start
at the bottom of the slope and travel across the
grade whenever possible. Never travel up and
down the grade. Do not mow excessively steep
slopes.
Reduce speed and be very careful when operating
on slopes to prevent tipping. If you need to turn
on a hill, always turn uphill.
11. Do not touch 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, shift the transmission into
neutral, place the neutral latches in the neutral
lock position, and move the blade engagement
switch to OFF. Shut the engine OFF and remove
the key.
13. Do not pass or stand on the grass discharge side
of any mower with the engine running. Stop
operation when another person approaches.
WARNING:
WHILE OPERATING
1. Start the engine when neutral latches are in the
neutral lock position, the cutter blades are disen
gaged, and the transmission is in neutral.
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
artificial light.
B. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
C. Do not drive close to a drop off, ditch or
creek bank or other hazard.
D. Reduce speed when making sharp turns and
when turning on hillsides.
E. Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk never run.
F. 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 completely installed. If the
discharge area should plug, shut the engine off
and wait for all movement to stop before remov
ing 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 cutting unit while the blades are
rotating.

3
EQUIPMENT SAFETY CONT'D
14. Only use Scag approved riding attachments.
Scag Approved Riding Attachments:
RS 2
RS ZT
Using unapproved attachments, (especially "stand
up" riding attachments) may be hazardous.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Disconnect high tension wire from 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 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 main
tenance adjustment, keep hands, feet, clothing
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.
WARNING
FALLING HAZARD
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED
RIDING ATTACHMENTS
SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
481109
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.
9. Always store gasoline in a safety approved, red
container.
10. Keep the mower and fuel container in a locked
storage area to prevent children from playing and
tampering with them.
11. Perform only those maintenance instructions
described in this manual. If major repairs are ever
needed or assistance is desired, contact an Au
thorized Scag Dealer. To ensure optimum per
formance and safety, always purchase genuine
SCAG replacement parts and accessories.
NEVER USE WILL FIT replacement parts
and accessories made by other manufacturers.
Using unapproved replacement parts and acces
sories may void the warranty.
12. Be careful when servicing the battery as it con
tains acid, which is corrosive and could cause
burns to skin and clothing.
13. Batteries release explosive gases when being
charged or discharged. Keep batteries away from
any source of sparks and/or flame.
OPERATION
First day of use or approximately 10 hours.
1. Check belts for proper tension at 2, 4 and
8 hours. Adjust as needed.
INITIAL RUN-IN

4
2. Before starting engine:
* Check oil levels in engine.
* Fill tank with clean, fresh, lead free gasoline.
* The fuel valve must be opened.
NOTE: Use gasoline with an octane rating no
less than 87.
* Transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
* Blade clutch switch must be in OFF position.
* Operator's presence levers must be released.
* Neutral latches must be in neutral lock position.
* Key switch must be on.
3. Start engine:
* Choke as required. If the engine is cold, pull
the choke knob out. When the engine starts,
slowly push choke in. If the engine stalls, repeat
the above operation. When the engine is warm,
choking may not be necessary.
4. Engage cutter blades by lifting and pushing the
blade cluch switch into the ON position. Pull the
switch to the OFF position to disengage the cutter
blades.
NOTE: When PTO is engaged or (possibly)
disengaged, a squealing sound rom the
underside o the machine is normal. It
is caused by the electric clutch plates
meshing as the mower comes up to
speed. For best equipment li e, engage
the clutch with the engine at 1/2 throttle,
not under ull load.
5. Shift the transmission into gear for desired mowing
speed.
NOTE: Top speed is suggested only or transport!
6. While squeezing steering brake levers with both
hands, release both neutral latches.
OPERATION CONT'D
2. Check steering control rods for neutral
adjustment. (See Adjustments, page 6)
3. Check tires for proper pressure.
Caster Wheels 25 psi.
Drive Wheels 15 psi.
4. Check for loose hardware. Tighten as
needed.
5. Check safety switches for proper adjust
ment:
* Engine will crank, but not start
if machine is not in neutral.
* On electric start, engine will not
crank if PTO switch is on.
* Engine should crank and start if
machine is in neutral and PTO
engagement switch is OFF.
6. Grease machine fittings:
Spindle Bearings 2 or 3
Transmission Couplers 2
Drive Wheel Bearings 2
Caster Wheel Bearings 2
Caster Pivot Yoke 2
Idler Pivot Bracket 2
Cutter Deck Idler 1 or 2
MOWER OPERATION
1. Read and understand the safety instructions
before attempting to operate this machine.

5
2. To adjust the cutter deck drive belt: adjust the nut
so that the belt moves 1/2" with 10 pounds of
pressure. (See figure 1)
NOTE: Due to initial belt stretch and to prevent
the belt rom slipping, check this adjust-
ment a ter the irst 2 hours, 4 hours and 8
hours.
Figure 1
3. To adjust the blade drive belt: Using a belt
tension gauge, check the belt tension so the belt
moves 1/2" with 10 lbs. pressure. Adjust the
tension by tightening or loosening the J bolt. (See
figure 2 & 3)
Figure 2
7. When steering brake levers are released, machine
will travel straight. To make a right turn, squeeze
RH lever. To turn left, squeeze LH lever.
8. TO STOP wheel drive, squeeze both levers, lock
neutral latches, and shift transmission into neutral.
To avoid serious bodily injury and damage to
transmission, machine must be at full stop before
shifting from forward to reverse or from reverse
to forward.
8. Only use Scag Approved Riding Attachments.
Scag approved riding attachments:
RS 2
RS ZT
Using unapproved attachments, (especially
"stand up" riding attachments) may be hazardous.
ire pressure can be adjusted for
OPERATION CONT'D
WARNING:
WARNING
FALLING HAZARD
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED
RIDING ATTACHMENTS
SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
481109
ADJUSTMENTS
CUTTER DECK BELT ADJUSTMENTS
1. Remove belt cover.
SC400G
BELT
WASHER
"J" BOLT
NUT
CUTTER DECK DRIVE BELT TENSION
ALIGNMENT IDLER - L.H.
END OF L-SHAPED
BRACKET
SC401G
WASHER
NUT
BELT

6
Figure 3
DRIVE CONTROLS
1. Traction Pl s (Accessory Option): With the
hand controls released, adjust the swivels by
holding the bail 2" (+/ 1/2") from the dash
panel. Adjust so that the swivels just touch the
bottom of the slots in the traction levers. (See
figure 4)
NOTE: The key to proper operation o Traction
Plus is that both swivels are touching the
bottom o the traction lever slots at the
same time when the bail is pulled back.
Figure 4
ADJUSTMENTS CONT'D
SC402G
BELT TENSION
ADJUSTMENT IDLER CUTTER DECK
ADJUSTMENT
IDLER
CHECK BLADE DRIVE
BELT TENSION HERE
DISCHARGE
AREA
SC403G
TRACTION PLUS
LEVER
BAIL
SWIVELS SHOULD
TOUCH BOTTOM
OF SLOT
"J" BOLT
2. Steering Control Rods: There should be
approximately 3/4" clearance from the bottom of
the rod to the bottom of the neutral latch slot
when in the drive position. (See figure 5)
Figure 5
3. Brake Rods: Adjust so that the brakes do not
apply until the steering levers are pulled tight to
the handles. When the steering levers are locked
in the neutral position, the unit may be pushed
around. (See figure 5)
TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT
Adjust the transmission drive belt so that there is
about a 3/16" deflection with 10 lbs. of pressure.
Adjust by loosening idler pulley mounting bolt and
sliding the idler left or right to change belt tension.
CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS
Due to the many cutting conditions that exist, it is
difficult to suggest a cutter deck setting that will
work for every lawn. There are two adjustments that
can be made on these decks, pitch and height.
SC404G
NEUTRAL LOCK
POSITION
DRIVE POSITION
3/4"
STEERING
BRAKE LEVER
NEUTRAL
LATCH

7
ADJUSTMENTS CONT'D
PITCH is the angle of the blades (comparing front to
rear). A 1/4" downward pitch (front of deck down)
is recommended for best cutting performance.
HEIGHT is the nominal distance the blade is off of
the ground. This measurement is made with the
blades pointed side to side and distance is measured
between cutting tip and ground. (Also see Blade
Height Adjustment, next page)
Changes to the cutting height can also be achieved by
repositioning the cutter deck. (This adjustment will
also effect the pitch of the deck). There are three
available positions (see figure 6).
Figure 6
Caster spacers also can be repositioned to change
cutting heights and to change the pitch of the deck. (See
figure 7)
SC406G
PIN SPACERS
REPOSITIONING SPACERS
Figure 7
SC405G
LOW CUT (1 3/4"- 3")
HIGH CUT (3 1/4"- 4 1/2")
MID RANGE
(2 1/2"- 3 3/4")
CUTTER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

8
ADJUSTMENTS CONT'D
BLADE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Adjusting the blade height can be done by moving
any number of the four smaller 1/4" spacers on the
blade mounting bolts to the top of the spindle shaft
or below the spindle shaft.
NOTE: All blades should be positioned equally.
For best cut and discharge, a minimun of three
spacers should be installed between the blade and
spindle. (See figure 8).
CUTTER BLADES
Do not sharpen beyond 1/3 of the width of the blade.
(See figure 9)
NOTE: Dress the blade with a ile. Using a wheel
grinder may burn the blade. Check the
balance o the blade. I blades are out o
balance, vibration and premature wear o
spindle assembly can occur. See your
authorized Scag dealer or blade balancing
or special tools i you choose to balance
your own blades.
SC407G
Figure 8
SC4O8G
ANGLE BLADE BACK
DO NOT CUT IN
X MUST NOT EXCEED
1/3 BLADE WIDTH
X
30
Figure 9