Scag Power Equipment SW User manual

MODEL SW
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. 03145
PRINTED7/04
PRINTED IN USA
©2004
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)
WARNING:
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:
SW32-15KA with a serial number of A0100001 to A0199999
SW36A-15KA with a serial number of A0300001 to A0399999
SW36A-15KH with a serial number of A0400001 to A0499999
SW48A-15KA with a serial number of A0500001 to A0599999
SW48A-15KH with a serial number of A0600001 to A0699999
SW48A-17KA with a serial number of A0800001 to A0899999
SW52A-17KA with a serial number of A1000001 to A1099999
SW52A-18HN with a serial number of A1100001 to A1199999
SW52A-18KH with a serial number of A1200001 to A1299999
Alwaysusetheentireserialnumber listed on the serial number
tagwhenreferringtothisproduct.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MODEL SW
I
WE SUPPORT OPE
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION
SUBJECT PAGE
Introduction.................................................................................................. 1
Direction Reference..................................................................................... 1
Servicing the Engine ................................................................................... 1
Symbols....................................................................................................... 2-3
General Safety Instructions.......................................................................... 4
Signal Words ............................................................................................... 4
Before Operating Considerations ................................................................ 4-6
Operation Considerations............................................................................ 6-7
Maintenance and Storage ........................................................................... 7-8
Initial Run-In Procedures ............................................................................. 8
Mower Operation ......................................................................................... 8-9
Cutter Deck Belt Adjustments...................................................................... 9
Transmission Drive Belt............................................................................... 10
Drive Control Adjustments........................................................................... 10
Cutter Deck Adjustments ............................................................................. 10-11
Blade Height Adjustments ........................................................................... 11
Cutter Blades............................................................................................... 11
Custom-Cut Baffle Adjustment..................................................................... 12
Engine Oil Maintenance .............................................................................. 13
Engine Air Cleaner Maintenance................................................................. 13
Cleaning The Machine ................................................................................ 13
Lubrication and Maintenance Chart ............................................................ 14
Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions ............................................................ 15-17
Technical Specifications.............................................................................. 18-19

II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
SUBJECT PAGE
Illustrated Parts List
SWM-32", 36" Cutter Deck .......................................................................... 20-21
SWM-48", 52" Cutter Deck .......................................................................... 22-23
Notes .......................................................................................................... 24
Caster Assembly ......................................................................................... 25
Engine Deck - 15KH, 18KH, 15KA, 17KA, 18HN ........................................ 26-27
Handle Assembly ........................................................................................ 28-29
InstrumentPanel.......................................................................................... 30
Peerless Transmission................................................................................. 31
Engine Deck Wire Harness ......................................................................... 32
Handle Wire Harness .................................................................................. 32
Wire Harness Adapter-Honda (18 HP) ........................................................ 33
Wire Harness Adapter-Kawasaki (15 HP & 17 HP)..................................... 33
Replacement Decals ................................................................................... 34-35
WarrantyStatement.........................................................................InsideBackCover

1
GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
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.
WARNING
FALLING HAZARD
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED
RIDING ATTACHMENTS
SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
481109
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. Using unapproved
attachments, (especially "stand-up" riding attachments)
may be hazardous.
GC-F4 (p/n 9002)
GC-4D (p/n 9001)
MulchPlate(p/n9258,9259,9260,9261)
Hurricane Mulch System (p/n 9263, 9264, 9265, 9266)
Cup Holder (p/n 9240)
Hour Meter (p/n 48023)
TurboBaffle(p/n423955,423956,423957)
Blade Buddy (p/n 9212)
Flat-Free Caster Tires (p/n 9275)
SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND
ACCESSORIES:
SERVICING THE ENGINE
The detailed servicing and repair of the engine is not
covered in this manual; only routine maintenance and
general service instructions are provided. For service of
the engine during the limited warranty period, it is
important to contact your Scag dealer or find a local
authorized servicing agent of the engine manufacturer.
Any unauthorized work done on the engine during the
warranty period may void your warranty.
DIRECTION REFERENCE
The “Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of the
machine are referenced from the operator’s right and left
when standing in the normal operating position and facing
the forward travel direction.

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
Thrown Object Hazard

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
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 BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO START YOUR MOWER.
Signal Word:
The signal word 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.
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 OPERATION
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
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 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.
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 your 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.
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English or
Spanish, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them.
2. NEVER allow children or untrained people to
operate or service this machine.
3. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be
picked up and thrown by the cutter blades.

5
BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
(CONT'D)
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
tankor container opening at all timesuntil 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.
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.
5. 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 hearing loss.
4. Always wear appropriate clothing, loose fitting
clothing, long hair or jewelry 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. 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.
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 transmission is in neutral, and the
neutral latches are in the neutral position. The
systemshuts off the engine if the operator releases
the operator presence levers with the deck drive
engaged and/or the transmission not in neutral.
Never operate equipment with the interlock system
disconnected or malfunctioning.
WARNING:
A. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sourcesofignition.
B. Use only an approved gasoline container.
8. Before attempting to start the engine, shift the
transmission into neutral, move the blade engagement
switch to the OFF position, and move the neutral
latches to neutral.
WARNINGWARNING
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT DISCHARGE CHUTE, MULCHING
KIT, OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER INSTALLED
9. 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.

6
BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
(CONT'D)
A. Mow only in daylight or when there is good
artificiallight.
B. Be alert for holes, rocks, roots and other hidden
hazards in the terrain. Keep away from any
dropoff. Beware of overhead obstructions (low
limbs,etc),undergroundobstacles(sprinklers,
pipes, tree roots, etc.). Cautiously enter a new
area. Be alert for hidden hazards.
C. Do not drive close to a drop-off, ditch, creek
bank, or other hazard.
D. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or
loss of control. Be especially cautious when
changingdirections onslopes.
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
6. Using the machine demands attention. To prevent
lossofcontrol:
7. Disengage power to the cutter deck before backing
up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary and then only after observation of the
entire area behind the mower.
8. Disengage power to the cutter deck before crossing
roads, walks or gravel drives. Stop blades if not
mowing.
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. ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED
OPERATION.
11. Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness.
ROTATING BLADES
NEVER PUTYOUR HANDS INTOTHE DISCHARGE
CHUTE FOR ANY REASON! Shut off the engine and
remove the key and only then use a stick or similar
object to remove material if clogging has occurred.
10. 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.
Do not use your hand to dislodge the clogged
discharge chute. Use a stick or other device to
remove clogged material.
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
3. Be sure the interlock switches are functioning
correctly.
2. Start the engine when the neutral latches are in the
neutral lock position, the cutter blades are disen-
gaged, and the transmission is in neutral.
1. Before operating the mower, familiarize yourself
with all mower and engine controls. Knowing the
location, function and operation of these controls is
important for safe and efficient operation of the
mower.
4. 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 the machine off if a
child enters the area.
5. DO NOT carry passengers.
9. Shut the engine off and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher
container.
10. Never raise the cutter deck while the blades are
rotating.