Scag Power Equipment SWZ Series User manual

MODEL SWZ
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.
©2003
SCAGPOWEREQUIPMENT
DIVISION OF METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE, INC.
PART NO. 03131
PRINTED7/03
PRINTED IN USA

This manual covers the operating instructions
and illustrated parts list for:
SWZ36A-15KA with a serial number of 9020001 to 9029999
SWZ48A-17KA with a serial number of 9040001 to 9049999
SWZ48A-17KAE with a serial number of 9050001 to 9059999
SWZ48A-18HN with a serial number of 9620001 to 9629999
SWZ52A-17KA with a serial number of 9060001 to 9069999
SWZ52A-18HN with a serial number of 9070001 to 9079999
SWZ52A-18KH with a serial number of 9080001 to 9089999
SWZ-17KA with a serial number of 9150001 to 9159999
SWZ-21KAE with a serial number of 9160001 to 9169999
SWM-52A with a serial number of 9170001 to 9179999
SWM-61A with a serial number of 9180001 to 9189999
Alwaysusetheentireserial number listed on the serialnumber
tag when referring to this product.
* 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)
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
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.
WARNING:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGE
Introduction.................................................................................................. 1
Direction Reference..................................................................................... 1
Servicing the Engine and Drive Train Components ..................................... 1
Symbols....................................................................................................... 2-3
General Safety Instructions.......................................................................... 4
Signal Words ............................................................................................... 4
Before Operating ......................................................................................... 4
Operation Considerations............................................................................ 6
Maintenance and Storage ........................................................................... 7
Initial Run-In Procedures ............................................................................. 7
Mower Operation ......................................................................................... 8
Cutter Deck Belt Adjustments...................................................................... 9
Cutter Deck Adjustments ............................................................................. 9-10
Blade Height Adjustments ........................................................................... 10
Cutter Blades............................................................................................... 10-11
Custom-Cut Baffle Adjustment..................................................................... 11-12
Neutral Adjustment ...................................................................................... 12
Steering Control Rod Adjustment ................................................................ 12
Tracking Adjustment .................................................................................... 13
Parking Brake .............................................................................................. 13
Lubrication and Maintenance Chart ............................................................ 14
Checking Hydraulic Oil Level ...................................................................... 15
Changing Hydraulic Oil ............................................................................... 15
I
WE SUPPORT OPE
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
SUBJECT PAGE
Changing Hydraulic Oil Filter Element ........................................................ 15
Engine Oil Maintenance .............................................................................. 16
Engine Air Cleaner Maintenance................................................................. 16
Checking Electrolyte Level and Cleaning Battery ....................................... 16
Charging the Battery.................................................................................... 17
Jump Starting .............................................................................................. 17
Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions ............................................................ 18-20
Technical Specifications.............................................................................. 21-22
II
Illustrated Parts List
CasterAssembly..................................................................................................... 23
SWM-36"CutterDeck............................................................................................ 24-25
SWM-48",52",61"CutterDecks.......................................................................... 26-27
EngineDeck............................................................................................................ 28-29
DriveAndBrakeComponents.............................................................................. 30-31
HandleAssembly-SmallFrame(16")................................................................ 32-33
HandleAssembly-LargeFrame(20")................................................................ 34-35
HydraulicAssembly................................................................................................ 36-37
HydraulicPumpAssembly.................................................................................... 38-39
EngineDeckWireHarness(ManualStart)......................................................... 40
HandleWireHarness(ManualStart)...................................................................40
EngineDeckWire Harness - Kawasaki(Electric Start).................................... 41
HandleWireHarness -Kawasaki (ElectricStart).............................................. 41
WireHarnessAdaptor-Honda.............................................................................42
WireHarnessAdaptor-Kawasaki(15HP&17HP)...........................................42
ReplacementDecals..............................................................................................43-45
Notes.........................................................................................................................46
WarrantyStatement..........................................................................InsideBackCover

1
GENERAL INFORMATION
SERVICING THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN
COMPONENTS
The detailed servicing and repair of the engine and
hydraulic pumps are not covered in this manual; only
routine maintenance and general service instructions are
provided. For service of these components during the
limited warranty period, it is important to contact your
Scag dealer or find a local authorized servicing agent of
the component manufacturer. Any unauthorized work
done on these components during the warranty period
may void your warranty.
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.
DIRECTION REFERENCE
The “Right” and “Left”, “Front” and “Rear” of the
machine are referenced from the operator’s right and left
when seated in the normal operating position and facing
the forward travel direction.
WARNING
FALLING HAZARD
USE ONLY SCAG APPROVED
RIDING ATTACHMENTS
SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
481109
Use only Scag approved attachments and accessories.
Scag Approved Attachments:
GC-F4
GC-4D
Scag Approved Accessories:
Mulch Plate
Mulch Master
Cup Holder
Hour Meter
Turbo Baffle
BladeBuddy
Using unapproved attachments, (especially "stand-up"
riding attachments) may be hazardous.

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
SIGNALWORDS
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.
Signal Word:
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. NEVER allow children to operate this machine.
Do not allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instructions.
2. DO NOT mow when children and/or others are
present.
3. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be
picked up and thrown by the cutter blades.
4. DO NOT wear loose fitting clothing that 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.
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.
READ THIS OPERATOR’S MANUAL BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO START YOUR MOWER.
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. Use the contact form to make your
request. Please indicate the complete model and serial
number of your Scag product when requesting
replacement manuals.
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.

5
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.
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 parking brake is on, and the speed
adjustment lever is 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 speed adjustment lever not in
the neutral position, or the parking brake
disengaged. Never operate equipment with the
interlock system disconnected or malfunctioning.
WARNING:
7. Gasolineishighlyflammable,handleitcarefully.Fill
the fuel tank outdoors. Never indoors. Fill the fuel
tank with clean, fresh gasoline, with a minimum
octane rating of 87. Use a funnel or spout to prevent
spillage.
8. Before attempting to start the engine, move the
speed adjustment lever into the neutral position, move
the blade engagement switch to the OFF position,
apply the parking brake, 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.
11. Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness.
12. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight
and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
before starting the machine.
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.
BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
(CONT'D)
A. Use an approved gasoline container.
B. DO NOT add fuel to a running or hot engine.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes
before adding fuel.
C. Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches,
etc.), open flames and sparks away from the fuel
tank and fuel container.
D. Fill the fuel tank outdoors and up to approxi-
mately 1" (25 mm) below the bottom of the filler
neck.
E. Wipe upanyspilledgasoline.

6
12. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended, such as disengaging the mower,
setting the parking brake, stopping the engine, and
removing the key.
13. DO NOT touch the engine or the muffler while the
engine is running or immediately after stopping.
These areas may be hot enough to cause a burn.
14. DO NOT run the engine inside a building or a
confined area without proper ventilation. Exhaust
fumes are hazardous and could cause death.
10. DO NOT direct the discharge of material toward
bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while
inoperation.
9. DO NOT operate without the side discharge chute
installed and in the down position.
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, the parking brake is on and the speed adjust-
ment lever is in the neutral position.
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Know the function of all controls and how to stop
quickly.
4. Using the machine demands attention. To prevent
lossofcontrol:
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.
5. 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.
6. Disengage power to the cutter deck before crossing
roads, walks or gravel drives.
7. Shut the engine off and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher
container.
8. Never raise the cutter deck while the blades are
rotating.
NEVER PUTYOUR HANDS INTOTHE DISCHARGE
CHUTEFORANY REASON!
ROTATING BLADES
11. 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 machine for damaged
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 are tight.
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. 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