Scag Power Equipment SWU User manual

MODEL SWU
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS 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 SPECIFICMODELSTHAT THIS
BOOK COVERS ARE CONTAINED ON THE
INSIDECOVER. BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR
MACHINE, PLEASE READ ALL THE INFOR-
MATION ENCLOSED.
PART NUMBER 03066

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:
SWU36-15KH with a serial number of 4750001 to 4759999
SWU48-17KA with a serial number of 4760001 to 4769999
Always use the entire serial number listed on the serial number
tag when referring to this product.
WARNING:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGE
Introduction.................................................................................................. 1
General Safety Instructions ......................................................................... 1
Signal Words ............................................................................................... 1
Before Operating ......................................................................................... 2
While Operating........................................................................................... 2-3
Maintenance and Storage ........................................................................... 3-4
Initial Run-In Procedures ............................................................................. 4
Mower Operation ......................................................................................... 4-5
Cutter Deck Belt Adjustments...................................................................... 5
Transmission Drive Belt ............................................................................... 5
Drive Control Adjustments........................................................................... 5
"Adjust-A-Grip" Settings .............................................................................. 5-6
Adjusting Cutting Height.............................................................................. 6
Cutter Blades............................................................................................... 6
Lubrication and Maintenance Chart ............................................................ 7
Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions ............................................................. 8-10
Technical Specifications .............................................................................. 11-12
Limited Warranty Statement......................................................Inside Back Cover
I
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TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION
Equipment & Engine
Training Council
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MEMBER

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
SUBJECT PAGE
Illustrated Parts List
Notes ................................................................................................ 13
SWUM - 36" Cutter Deck .................................................................. 14-15
SWUM - 48" Cutter Deck .................................................................. 16-17
Deck Frame - 36" .............................................................................. 18-19
Deck Frame - 48" .............................................................................. 20-21
Engine Deck ..................................................................................... 22-23
Handle Assembly .............................................................................. 24-25
Instrument Panel............................................................................... 26
Peerless Transmission ...................................................................... 27
Wire Harness - Handle ..................................................................... 28
Wire Harness - Engine Deck ............................................................ 29
Wire Harness Adapter - Kawasaki .................................................... 29
Replacement Decals......................................................................... 30-32
Limited Warranty Statement............................................Inside Back Cover
II

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
attentiontosafetymessages found onthedecalsand
throughoutthismanual. Themessagethatfollowsthe
symbolcontainsimportantinformationaboutsafety.
To avoid injury and possible death, carefully read the
message! Be sure to fully understand the causes of
possible injury or death.
SignalWord:
It is a distinctive word on safety decals and through-
out this manual that alerts the viewer to the existence
and relative degree of the hazard.
The signal word “DANGER” denotes that an ex-
tremely hazardous situation exists on or near the
machinethatcould result in high probability of death
or irrepairable 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 prolongedlife andmaximum
efficiency of your mower depends on you following
theoperating,maintenanceandadjustmentinstruc-
tionsinthismanual.
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, WI 53050. Please indicate the
complete model and serial number of your Scag
product.
USEOFOTHERTHAN ORIGINALSCAG
REPLACEMENTPARTSWILLVOIDTHE
WARRANTY.
The “Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of the
machine are referenced from the operator’s per-
spective when in the normal operating position and
facing the forward travel direction.
GENERALSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
READTHISOPERATOR'SMANUALand
instructionsfurnishedwithattachments.
Performonlythosemaintenanceproceduresdescribed
in this manual. If major repairs are ever needed or
assistanceis desired, contact an Authorized Scag
Dealer. To ensure optimum performance and safety,
always purchase genuine SCAG replacement parts
andaccessories.
Your safety and the safety of others depends
significantly upon your knowledge and
understanding of all correct operating practices and
procedures of this machine.
WARNING:
CAUTION:

2
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly.
2. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do
not allow adults to operate the machine without
properinstruction.
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
defective or damaged, repair or replace it before
operating. Also, check all nuts, bolts and screws
for proper tightness, to assure the machine is in
safeoperatingcondition.
5. Do not operate the machine while wearing san-
dals, 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. Gasoline is highly flammable, handle it
carefully.
A. Use an approved gasoline container.
B. Do not fill the tank while the engine is hot or
running.
C. Donotsmoke while handlinggasoline.
D. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and up to approxi-
mately 1" (25 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck.
E. Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
7. Beforeattemptingtostarttheengine,shiftthe
transmissioninto neutral,move theblade engage-
ment switch to the OFF position, and move the
neutrallatches toneutral.
WHILE OPERATING
1. 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.
2. Do not run the engine in a confined area without
adequateventilation. Exhaustfumes arehazard-
ous and could possibly be deadly.
3. Usingthemachinedemandsattention. 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, creek
bank,or other hazard.
D. Reduce speedwhen makingsharp turns and
whenturningonhillsides.
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 properly installed. If the
dischargearea shouldplug, shutthe engine off
and wait for all movement to stop before remov-
ingtheobstruction.
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
catchercontainer.
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.

3
14. UseonlyScagapprovedriding attachments.
ScagApprovedRidingAttachments:
RS-2
RS-ZT
Usingunapprovedattachments,(especially"stand-
up"ridingattachments)maybehazardous.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plugto prevent accidentalstarting of the engine
whenservicing,adjusting orstoring themachine.
2. If the mower must be tipped to perform mainte-
nance or adjustment, remove the battery if it has
one,drain the gasoline from the fuel tankand the
oil from the crankcase.
3. To reduce potential fire hazard, keep the engine
free of excessive grease, grass, leaves and
accumulationsofdirt.
4. Be sure the machine is in safe operating condition
by keeping nuts, bolts, and screws tight. Check
theblademountingboltsand nutsfrequentlytobe
suretheyaretightened.
5. Iftheenginemustberunningtoperformamainte-
nanceadjustment,keephands,feet,clothingand
other parts of the body away from the cutter deck
blades and other moving parts.
6. Donotoverspeed theengine bychanging gover-
nor settings. To be sure of safety and accuracy,
haveanauthorizeddealercheckmaximumengine
speed with a tachometer.
7. Theenginemustbeshutoffbeforecheckingthe
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
FALLING HAZARD
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED
RIDING ATTACHMENTS
SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
481109
9. If the cutting blades should strike a solid object
or the equipment should start to vibrate abnor-
mally,stop theengine, disconnectthe sparkplug
wire, and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Checkthe machine fordamaged or defective
parts. Repair any damage before starting the
engine or operating the cutter deck. Be sure the
blades are in good condition and the blade bolts
aretight.
10. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or
loss of control. Be especially cautious when
changingdirections 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. Donot touch theengine or mufflerwhile 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
themowerunattended,shiftthetransmissioninto
neutral, place the neutral latches in the neutral
lockposition,and movetheblade engagement
switch to OFF. Shut the engine OFF and remove
thekey.
13. Do not pass or stand on the grass discharge side
ofany mowerwith theengine running. Stop
operation when another person approaches.
WARNING:

4
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
burnstoskinandclothing.
11. Batteries release explosive gases when being
charged or discharged. Keep batteries away from
any source of sparks and/or flame.
INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES (FIRST
DAY OF USE OR APPROXIMATELY 10
HOURS)
1. Check the belts for proper tension at 2, 4 and 8
hours. Check for abnormal wear and adjust as
needed.
2. Check the steering control rods for neutral
adjustment. (SeeAdjustments, page6)
3. Check the tires for proper pressure.
Caster Wheels 25 psi.
Drive Wheels 15 psi.
4. Check for loose hardware. Tighten as needed.
5. Checkthe safety switches for properadjustment:
* The engine will crank, but not start if the
machineis not inneutral.
* On electric start machines, the engine will
not crank if the PTO switch is on.
* Theengineshould crank and start if the
machineisinneutralandthePTO
engagementswitchisOFF.
6. Apply lubricant to all the grease fittings.
Lubricant was applied at the factory. This is
just a precautionary check to make sure that
all the fittings have been lubricated properly.
1. Readandunderstandthesafetyinstructions
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.
2. Beforestartingtheengine:
* Check the oil level in the engine.
* Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh, lead-free
gasoline.
* Open the fuel valve on the bottom of the fuel
tank.
MOWER OPERATION
-NOTE-
Use gasoline with an octane rating no less than
87.
* ThetransmissionmustbeinNEUTRAL.
* The blade clutch switch must be in the OFF
position.
* The operator's presence levers must be
released.
* The neutral latches must be in the neutral lock
position.
* Thekey switch must be on.
3. Starttheengine:
* Choke as required. If the engine is cold, pull
thechokeknobout. Whentheenginestarts,
slowly push the choke in. If the engine stalls,
repeat the above operation. When the engine
is warm, choking may not be necessary.
4. Engage the cutter blades by pulling the blade
clutch switch into the ON position. Push the
switch to the OFF position to disengage the cutter
blades.
390S0138
PULL UP TO ENGAGE
PUSH DOWN TO DISENGAGE

5
TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT
ThetransmissiondrivebeltontheSWUbeltdrivemachine
hasaspring-loadedidlersystemandneedsnoadjustment.
Ifyoufindthatthetransmissionslips,seeyourlocalScag
ServicingDealerforservice.
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
1. Adjust the steering control rods so that there is
approximately3/4" clearance from the bottom of
the rod to the bottom of the neutral latch slot when
in the drive position. (See figure 1)
Figure 1. Steering Control Rod Adjustment
2. Adjustthesteeringbrakerodssothatthebrakesdo
notapplyuntilthesteeringleversarepulledtightto
thehandles. Whenthesteeringleversarelockedin
theneutralpositionthemachineshouldmovefreely.
"ADJUST-A-GRIP SETTINGS"
"Adjust-A-Grip,"withthreesettings,allowshandforce
adjustmentinthefield,withnotoolsrequired. To
operatethe"Adjust-A-Grip",pullbackonthehandle
andmovetheleverupordowndependingonthe
amountofbeltforceneeded(SeeFigure2,page6).
-NOTE-
When the PTO is engaged or (possibly) disen-
gaged, a squealing sound from the underside of
the machine is normal. It is caused by the
electric clutch plates meshing as the cutter
blades come up to speed. For best equipment
life, engage the clutch with the engine at 1/2
throttle, not under full load.
To avoid serious bodily injury and damage to the
transmission, the machine must be at a full stop
before shifting between gears or shifting between
forward and reverse.
5. Shift the transmission into gear for the desired
mowingspeed.
-NOTE-
Top speed is suggested only for transport!
6. While squeezing the steering brake levers with
both hands, release both neutral latches.
7. When the steering brake levers are released, the
machine will travel straight. To make a right
turn, squeeze the RH lever. To turn left, squeeze
the LH lever.
8. TO STOP, squeeze both levers, lock the neutral
latches,and shiftthe transmissioninto neutral.
CUTTER DECK BELT ADJUSTMENTS
Dueto a spring-loaded idler system,there is no ad-
justmentnecessaryforthecutterdeckbelts. The36"
cutterdeckhasonespring-loadedidler. The48"cutter
deckhastwospringloadedidlers.
WARNING:
SC404GB
NEUTRAL LOCK
POSITION
DRIVE POSITION
3/4"
STEERING
BRAKE LEVER
NEUTRAL
LATCH

6
SWU99AG
Figure 2. "Adjust-A-Grip"
Cutting conditions will determine what setting is needed
for the Adjust-A-Grip" and your machine. If the drive
belts slip due to high moisture conditions, the tension may
need to be increased. On the other hand, if the day is dry
and you are cutting on flat terrain the tension may be
decreased. To change the settings:
1. Pull back and move the lever up to reduce tension
on the drive belt.
2. Pull back and move the lever down to increase
tension on the drive belt.
ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
The mower deck can be adjusted from a height of
1-inch to 4-1/2 inches at 1/2-inch intervals. To adjust
thecuttingheight:
Do not adjust the cutting height with the mower
blades rotating. Shut off the engine and remove
the ignition key. Bodily injury could occur from
the rotating blades.
1. Shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
2. Remove the two hairpins from the adjusting pins on
one side of the cutter deck (Figure 3).
3. Lift or lower the deck to the desired cutting height
and reinstall the hairpins. A deck height decal is
located on the deck mounting frame as an aid in
adjusting the deck to the desired height.
4. Repeat the above process on the other side of the
cutter deck.
Figure 3. Cutting Height Adjustment
CUTTER BLADES
Donotsharpenbeyond1/3ofthewidthoftheblade.
(See figure 3)
-NOTE-
Dress the blade with a file. Using a wheel
grinder may burn the blade. Check the balance
of the blade. If blades are out of balance,
vibration and premature wear of spindle assem-
bly can occur. See your authorized Scag dealer
for blade balancing or special tools if you
choose to balance your own blades.
Figure 4. Blade Sharpening
SC4O8G
ANGLE BLADE BACK
DO NOT CUT IN
X MUST NOT EXCEED
1/3 BLADE WIDTH
X
30
Remove Hair Pins SWU99DHA
WARNING: