Scag Power Equipment SW32-13KA User manual

BELT DRIVE
COMMERCIAL MOWER
TECHNICAL MANUAL
MODELS
SW32-13KA
SW-14KA
SWM-52
SW36-13KA
SW-14KH
SWM-61
SW36-13KH
SW-16BV
SWM-72
SW48-14KA
SW-18KH
SW48-14KH
SW-18KHE
PATENT NO. 4,885,903
©1993
SCAG POWER EQUIPMENT
DIVISION OF METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE, INC.
PART NO. 01176
PRINTED 02/93
PRINTED IN USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT
Safety instructions
Before Operating--2
While Operating-2
While Maintaining and Storing_3
Assembiy instructions __3-5
Adjustments
Cutter Deck Drive_6
Drive Controls-6
Transmission Drive Belt-6
Tire Pressures_6
General_7
Cutter Deck_7
Tapered Bearing Spindle_7-8
Lubrication_8
initiai Run-in_9
Operating instructions_9
iliustrated Parts Listings
32" Cutter Deck_10-11
36" Cutter Deck_12-13
48", 52", 61" & 72" Cutter Decks_14-15
Engine Deck_16-18
Transmission-19
Handle Assembly_20-22
Wiring Diagram Electric Start_23
Wiring Diagram Manual Start_24
Replacement Decals_25
Warranty_26
1

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
You r mower is only as safe as the operator! As with any type
of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator may result in serious bodily injury. In addition,
improper maintenance of the machine can also result in
injury. To reduce the potential for injury, please read and
follow these instructions on safe operation and be certain
that anyone using this mower fully understands and
complies with the following instructbns.
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Read and understand the contents of this Technical
Manual before operating the machine. Become familiar
with all controls and know how to stop quickly. A free
replacement manual is available by sending complete
Model and Serial Number to:
Scag Power Equipment, Inc.
1000 Metalcraft Drive
Mayville, Wl 53050
2. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate the machine without proper
instnjction.
3. Before attempting to start engine, shift transmission
into neutral, move blade clutch lever into STOP position
and move neutral latches to NEUTRAL LOCK.
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 defective 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 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.
7. Fill fuel tank with gasoline 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 running.
C. Do not smoke while handling gasoline.
D. Fill fuel tank outdoors and up to about one inch
(25 mm) below the bottom of the filler neck.
E. Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
WHILE OPERATING
8. Start engine when neutral latches are in neutral lock
position, cutter blades are disengaged, and transmis¬
sion is in neutral.
9. Do not run the engine in a confined area without
adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous
and could possibly be deadly.
10. Using the machine demands attention. To prevent toss
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.
11. The discharge chute must always be installed and in the
down position on the side discharge cutting unit except
when optional grass catcher or mulching plate are com¬
pletely installed. If the cutting unit discharge should
plug, shut engine off and wait for all movement to stop
before removing obstruction.
12. Disengage the blades and wait for them to stop before
crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
13. Shut the engine off and wait until the blades come to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher
container.
14. Never raise the cutting unit while the blades are rotat¬
ing.
15. If the cutting blades should strike a solid object or the
equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, 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 and operating the cutter unit.
Be sure blades are in good condition and blade bolts are
tight.
16. 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.
17. Cut grass slopes carefully. Do not start, stop or turn
suddenly. Mow across the face of slopes; never up or
down. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

SCAB
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CONT'D
18. Do not touch engine or muffler while engine is mnning
or soon after it is stopped. These areas could be hot
enough to cause a burn.
19. Before leaving the operator’s position or leaving mower
unattended, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, place
neutral latches in NEUTRAL LOCK position, move
cutter blade engagement lever to STOP and shut OFF
engine.
20. Do not pass or stand on the grass discharge side of any
mower with the engine running. Stop operation when
another person approaches.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
21. Disconnect high tension wire from spark plug to prevent
accidental starting of the engine when servicing, adjust¬
ing or storing the machine.
22. If mower must be tipped to perform maintenance or
adjustment, renx)ve battery, drain gasoline from fuel
tank and oil from crankcase.
23. To reduce potential fire hazard, keep the engine free of
excessive grease, grass, leaves and accumulations of
dirt.
24. Be sure 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.
25. If the engine must be running to perform a maintenance
adjustment, keep hands, feet, clothing and other parts
ofthe body away from the cutter deck blades and other
moving parts.
26. Do not overspeed the engine by changing governor
settings. To be sure of safety and accuracy, have an
authorized dealer check maximum engine speed with a
tachometer.
27. Engine must be shut off before checking oil or adding oil
to the crankcase.
28. Allow engine to cool before storing mower in any
enclosure such as a garage or storage shed. Make sure
the mower fuel tank is empty if machine is to be stored
in excess of 30 days. Do not store mower near any open
flame or where gasoline fumes may be ignited by a
spark.
29. Always store gasoline in a safety-approved, red con¬
tainer.
30. Keep the mower and fuel container in locked storage to
prevent children from playing and tampering with them.
31. Perform only those maintenance instructions described
in this manual. If major repairs are ever needed or
assistance is desired, contact an Authorized Scag
Dealer. To ensure optimum performance and safety,
always purchase genuine SCAG replacment parts and
accessories. NEVER USE “WILL-FIT” replacement
parts and accessories made by other manufacturers.
Using unapproved replacement parts and accessories
may void the warranty.
32. Be careful when servicing the battery as it contains acid,
which is corrosive and could cause burns to skin and
clothing.
33. Batteries release explosive gases when being charged
or discharged. KEEP away from any source of sparks
and/or flame.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTRIC START UNITS ONLY!
Before proceeding with assembly, prep the battery. Fill
each cell with electrolyte until the top of the plates are
covered. Charge the battery at 3 to 4 amps for 4 hours (this
insures a good initial charge), check and add electrolyte as
needed to bring the fluid level to the bottom of the split ring.
Then wash and dry off the battery.
NOTE: Once the above fill and charge procedure has been
completed only distilled water should be added to the
battery cells.
Set the battery into the support, connect the positive cable
to the positive post, then connect the negative cable to the
negative post. Put the battery cover in place (at the back of
the battery), and clamp the battery into place (finger tight)
using the carriage bolts and wing nuts. DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN.
WARNING: Severe chemical burns can result from im¬
proper handling of battery electrolyte. Use proper eye, skin
and clothing protection to prevent contact with eyes, skin
and clothing.
External contact: Flush with water.
Internal contact: Drink large quantities of water, followed by
milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable oil.
CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY!
IMPORTANT - In case of internal contact DO NOT give
fluids that would induce vomiting.
Eye contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and
GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
3

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS CONT'D
WARNING: Explosive gases are vented from a battery
when being charged or discharged which could explode if
exposed to a flame or spark.
SET-UP ALL UNITS
1. Lay out hardware according to the “Where Used” list in the
loose parts packing list.
2. Install handle assembly to handle mounting frame using
four 3/8-16 X r bolts, flat washers, and elastic stop
nuts. Three different handle heights can be obtained
using one of the three slotted holes in the handle
mounting frame.
3. Route the throttle control above the RH jackshaft and up
the right side of handle. Secure to handle with 1/4-20 x
2" hex head boit and ela^ic stop nut. Secure cable
about half way down the handle using a cable tie.
NOTE: Check that the throttle cable moves the carburetor
controls through their full range. If not, adjust as re¬
quired.
4. Route the operator presence interlock wires up the left
handle tube and attach the connector to the switch as
shown. Be certain that the connector does not hit the
safety lever stop tab, if it does, rotate the switch to the
position shown (see figure 1).
5. I nstalling control rods.
a) Thread rods into the swivel joints that are attached
to the idler brackets on each side of the unit.
b) Adjust the rods so that there is about a 1/4"-3/8"
clearance to the bottom of the neutal latch slot
when in the drive position. Secure with small hair
pin cotter as shown (see figure 2)
c) A djust brake rods so the brakes lock when the
steering levers are pulled all the way up.
NOTE: Rods must allow neutral latches to be moved to
the neutral position, (see fig.ure 2)
6. A ttach shift lever assembly as shown (see figure 3) on
top of the short lever that is bolted to the transmission
using two 5/16-18 x 1 ” bolts, flat washers, lock washers
and hex nuts. Two heavy flat washers should be
inserted above the shift lever and two inserted below.
7. T he shift lever should be adjusted so that the shift lever
assembly is 0 to 1/8" away from the stop when the
transmission is in neutral (see figure 4). Tighten nuts
securely.
NOTE: Engine will not start if transmission is not in
neutral.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS CONT'D
8. Attach fuel tank (See figure 5) as follows:
a) Wrap the straps around the fuel tank to pre-form
them, then set aside to be used later.
b) Position the four rubber pads on the gas tank with
two 1/4" thick pads in the strap grooves on top and
two 3/8" pads with adhesive bottoms in the strap
grooves between the gas tank and handle mou nting
frame. Attach the adhesive side of the bottom two
pads to the handle mounting frame.
c) Position the tank so the SCAG logo is forward.
Place the straps around the tank going under the
handle mounting frame, secure the strap together in
front using (2) two 1/4-20 x 2" slotted machine
screws and hex nuts. Tighten screws until the tank
will not slide around. Over tightening will damage
the tank or straps.
d) Attach the fuel line to the valve on the bottom of the
ATTACHING SWM-52, SWM-61, SWM-72 TO ENGINE
DECK
a) B efore beginning, determine which mounting holes are
to be used to best suit the cutting height requirements
of your customer, (see figure 6).
b) Remove belt cover by loosening the wing nuts securing
it to the cutter deck.
c) Position the cutter deck so that the engine deck is
between the mounting brackets of the cutter deck.
Install two bolts through the mounting holes selected,
secure loosely with a flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut. Tilt the engine deck up or down to align the
remaining four holes and secure with remaining hard¬
ware.
d) Torque cutter deck mounting bolts to 50 to 70 ft. lbs..
e) Route belt around engine pulley and tighten bolt on
engine belt guide. Connect lower blade clutch control
rod to eyebolt and over center link with flat washer and
hair pin.
10. Attach discharge chute to cutter deck using two 5/16-18
X 1" bolt and elastic stop nuts. Tighten bolts on chute
until chute moves freely with some resistance.
11. Attach caster wheels supports to cutter deck using four
5/16-18 X 3/4" bolts, lock washers and hex nuts.
NOTE; Check all hardware to be sure it is tightened
properly, also check clearance and routing of drive
belts.
12. Check engine oil level and fill as is necessary. Add oil to
the engine crankcase using type specified in engine
operator’s manual.
13. F ill fuel tank to about 1" below the fill neck with gasoline
as specified in engine operator’s manual.
5

ADJUSTMENTS
CUTTER DECK DRIVE ADJUSTMENTS
1. E ngage blade clutch lever and check for proper over
center clearance. There should be about 3/8" between
rod and straight edge (see figure 7). Bend the stop tab
to adjust clearance.
There are two holes drilled in to the cam link that you can
use for the bolt that secures the cam link to the mounting
post welded to the deck. This will allow you to lengthen
or shorten the engagement linkage to compensate for
belt wear.
ADJUST BELT TENSION
WITH TURN BUCKLE
Figure 7
2. A djust belt tension so that the belt moves 1/2" with 10
lbs. of pressure applied between the center and left
spindle pulleys (see figure 8). Adjustment is made by
loosening the jam nut and tightening/loosening the turn
buckle (see figure 7). Belt driving right spindle should be
checked the same way. Adjust with J-rod on RH belt
tension adjustment idler.
NOTE: Belt tension may need to be increased or
decreased 1 to 2 lbs. to achieve lowest bellt
vibration.
DRIVE CONTROLS
1. Steering control rods should have about 1/4" clearance
between the bottom of the slot and the bottom of the rod
when the steering levers are released (see figure 2).
2. The brake rods should be adjusted so thatthe brakesdo
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.
3. The shift lever is adjustable, and can be moved right to
left allowing proper positioning for neutral (See figu re 4).
TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT
Adjust the transmission drive belt so that there is about a
3/16" deflection with 10 pounds of pressure. Adjust by
loosening idler pulley mounting bolt and sliding the idler
left or right to change belt tension.
TIRE PRESSURES
Drive Wheel Tires 15 psi
Caster Wheels 25 psi

ADJUSTMENTS
GENERAL ADJUSTMENTS
1. Check that all belts clear their guides by 1/8" to 1/4".
2. Adjust tension of blade drive belt by rotating tumbuckle
so that about 10 pounds pull sideways deflects belt
about a 1/2". DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Only a moder¬
ate force should be required on the engagement lever.
3. Check tension of transmission drive belt (under engine
deck). A ten pound pull sideways should deflect belt
about 3/16". Slide idler pulley if required to adjust.
4. The tension of the two Twin Power Wheel Drive belts is
self-adjusting. However, for adequate declutching,
adjust length of steering control rods on each side of
handle until about a 1/4" gap is provided between rod
and bottom of neutral latch slot, when neutral latch is in
drive position.
5. Adjust brake rods so that brakes will lock wheels while
pulling machine rearward with steering levers fully
squeezed. Check that machine rolls freely when neu¬
tral latches are in neutral lock position.
CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS
Due to the many cutting conditions that exist, it is difficult to
suggest a setting that will work for every lawn. There are two
adjustments that can be made on these decks, pitch and
height.
PITCH is the angle of the blades (comparing front to rear).
A pos/f/vep/fch is when the front (leading) edge of the cutting
plane is lowerthan the rear (trailing) edge, teve/p/fc/ris when
both front and rear are the same height, a negative pitch is
when the leading edge is higher than the rear edge. We
suggest that a postive pitch be used when cutting grass. The
front of the deck should be 1/4" to 1/2" lower than the rear
of the deck.
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.
TAPERED BEARING SPINDLE ASSEMBLY
Adjusting the blade height can be done by moving any
number of the four smaller 1/4" spacers on the blade mount¬
ing bolts to the top of the spindle shaft or below the spindle
shaft. (All blades should be positioned equally). The tapered
bearing spindle has a large 1/4" spacer that is installed
directly below the spindle housing and is secured to the
spindle with two roll pins. The blade can be adjusted all the
way up to the spindle assembly if all the smaller 1/4" spacers
are removed and installed above the pulley. The larger 1/4"
spacer can then be removed along with the roll pins. (Do not
install the larger 1/4" spacer above the pulley, store it in a
convenient location away from the machine). When any 1/4"
spacers are installed above the blades the larger 1/4" spacer
must be installed directly below the spindle housing. If a
smaller 1/4" spacer is installed directly below the spindle
housing and contacts the retaining ring this will cause a
spindle failure and not be warrantable. For best cut and
discharge, a minimum of three spacers should be installed
between the blade and spindle, (see figure 10)
Figure 10
7

ADJUSTMENTS CONT'D
Additional range to the cutting height can be achieved by
repositioning the cutter deck in relationship to the engine
deck (This adjustment can also effect the pitch of the deck).
There are 3 positions (see figure 6), suggested mounting is
the middle holes. For cutting lower, mount the deck in the
top holes. To cut higher, mount the deck in the bottom holes.
Remember to check the cutter deck belt alignment. Shim¬
ming or attaching the idler mounting bracket from under¬
neath may be necessary to maintain belt life.
Caster spacers also can be repositioned to change cutting
heights and to change the pitch of the deck (see figure 11).
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
BREAK-IN
aHOURSpAltV)
40 HOURS (WEEKLY)
100 NOUH55 (BIWEEKLY)
200 HOURS (MONTHLY)
_ PROCEDURE _
Check all hardware for proper tightness
Change engine oil and filter at 5 hours _
Ched< engine oil
Remove debris from under belt cover
Sharpen cutter tirades
Grease i^rtdle bearings 2 pumps ol hand gun
Cleart airfilter _
Check tire pressure
Change engine oil _
Replace airfilter
Grease caster wheel bearings
G rease caster wheel pivot shafts
Grease idler pulley bracket pivot bearings
Grease drive wheel bearings
G rease tractiort idler pivot
Grease idler bracket LH RH
rease brake lever pivot
Grease transmission couplers
Check all hardware for proper tightness
COMMENTS
Do not over filf
More often if needed
More often if needed
+ US Liftiium MP White Grease 2125
More often if needed _
Add or adjust as required
See engine mfg. information _
More often if needed
Chassis grease
Chassis grease
Chassis grease
Chassis grease
Chassis grease
Chassis grease
assis grease
Chassis grease
+ Grease spindle until grease comes out the relief valve
8

INITIAL RUN-IN _
WARNING: Use extreme caution during mower’s initial
run-in to assure caster wheels are adequately blocked and
drive wheels do not inadvertently contact ground. Keep
bystanders away from machine. Never allow mower to
discharge towards bystanders. Never leave the machine
unattended during the initial run-in.
1. Lubricate all fittings as specified in Lubrication Section.
2. Locate machine in a secure area, away from bystand¬
ers, and preferably facing a wall. Raise drive wheels off
ground. Block caster wheels. Make sure area under
cutter deck is dear of objects.
3. Start engine and shift transmission into fourth gear.
Engage cutter blades. Set throttle for 3/4 of full engine
rpm.
4. Run the machine for a few minutes.
5. Declutch cutter blades. Shift transmission into
NEUTRAL. Stop engine.
6. Check tension of blade drive belt(s) and transmission
drive belt. Adjust if necessary.
7. If necessary, readjust steering control and brake rods
as indicated in the Adjustments Section.
8. Check function of all safety interlocks. Make sure that
engine will not start unless transmission is in neutral and
blade clutch is disengaged.
9. Check tire pressure and adjust to:
Caster Wheels 25 psi.
Drive Wheels 15 psi.
YOU ARE NOW READY TO MOW WITH
CONFIDENCE!
_ SCAB
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read and understand the instructions on safety before
attempting to operate.
2. Before starting engine:
* Fuel valve must be opened.
* Transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
Blade clutch lever must be in STOP position.
* Neutral latches must be in NEUTRAL LOCK
position.
* Key switch on.
* Choke as required.
3. Start engine. Adjust throttle to achieve proper blade
speed.
4. Engage cutter blades by pushing blade clutch lever
forward until it snaps into the ON position. Pull lever
back to disengage cutter blades.
5. Shift transmission into gear for desired mowing speed.
NOTE: Top speed is suggested only for transport!
6. While squeezing steering brake levers with both hands,
release both neutral latches.
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 neu¬
tral latches, shift transmission into neutral.
WARNING: To avoid serious bodily injury and damage
to transmission, machine must be at full stop before shift¬
ing from forward to reverse or from reverse to forward.
9. In reverse gear, the steering brake levers must be
pushed downward for maximum traction.
9