Scag Power Equipment SWZ User manual

MODEL SWZ
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 SPECIFIC MODELSTHATTHIS
BOOK COVERS ARE CONTAINED ON THE
INSIDECOVER. BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR
MACHINE, PLEASE READ ALL THE INFOR-
MATION ENCLOSED.
©2004
SCAGPOWER EQUIPMENT
DIVISION OF METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE, INC.
PART NO. 03146 Rev. 1
PRINTED11/05
PRINTED IN USA

* 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.
WARNING:
Thismanual coversthe operatinginstructions
andillustrated partslist for:
SWZ36A-15KA with a serial number of A1400001 to A1499999
SWZ48A-17KA with a serial number of A1600001 to A1699999
SWZ48A-17KAE with a serial number of A1700001 to A1799999
SWZ48A-18HN with a serial number of A1800001 to A1899999
SWZ52A-17KA with a serial number of A1900001 to A1999999
SWZ52A-18HN with a serial number of A2000001 to A2099999
SWZ52A-18KH with a serial number of A2100001 to A2199999
SWZ52A-19KAI with a serial number of A2200001 to A2299999
SWZ-17KA with a serial number of A3100001 to A3199999
SWZ-19KAI with a serial number of A3200001 to A3299999
SWZ-21KAE with a serial number of A3300001 to A3399999
SWM-52A with a serial number of A3400001 to A3499999
SWM-61A with a serial number of A3500001 to A3599999
Alwaysusetheentireserial numberlistedon theserial number
tagwhen referringtothisproduct.
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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGE
Introduction..............................................................................................................1
Direction Reference ................................................................................................1
Servicing the Engine and DriveTrain Components .................................................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
BeltTension .............................................................................................................10
Cutter Deck Adjustments ........................................................................................10-11
Blade Height Adjustments .......................................................................................11
Cutter Blades ..........................................................................................................11
Custom-Cut Baffle Adjustment................................................................................12
Neutral Adjustment..................................................................................................13
Steering Control Rod Adjustment ............................................................................13
Tracking Adjustment................................................................................................13-14
Parking Brake..........................................................................................................14
Lubrication and Maintenance Chart.........................................................................15
Checking Hydraulic Oil Level..................................................................................16
Changing Hydraulic Oil ........................................................................................... 16
I
WE SUPPORT OPE
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
SUBJECT PAGE
Changing Hydraulic Oil Filter Element.....................................................................16-17
Engine Oil Maintenance ..........................................................................................17
Engine Air Cleaner Maintenance .............................................................................17
Checking Electrolyte Level and Cleaning Battery ...................................................17
Charging the Battery ...............................................................................................18
Jump Starting ..........................................................................................................18
CleaningThe Machine ............................................................................................. 18
Troubleshooting Cutting Conditions .........................................................................19-21
Technical Specifications ..........................................................................................22-23
II
Notes .....................................................................................................................24
Caster Assembly.....................................................................................................25
SWM-36" .................................................................................................................26-27
SWM-48", 52", 61" Cutter Deck ..............................................................................28-29
Engine Deck - Manual Start ....................................................................................30-31
Engine Deck - Electric Start....................................................................................32-33
Drive And Brake Components ................................................................................34-35
Notes .....................................................................................................................36
Serial Number Breakdown ......................................................................................37
Handle Assembly - Small Frame (16") Refer to Serial Breakdown on Page 37 .............. 38-39
Notes .....................................................................................................................40
Serial Number Breakdown ......................................................................................41
Handle Assembly - Small Frame (16") Refer to Serial Breakdown on Page 41 .............. 42-43
Handle Assembly - Large Frame (20") ....................................................................44-45
Hydraulic Assembly ................................................................................................46-47
Hydraulic Pump Assembly......................................................................................48-49
Engine Deck Wire Harness (Manual Start) .............................................................50
Handle Wire Harness (Manual Start) ......................................................................50
Engine Deck Wire Harness - Kawasaki (Electric Start)..........................................51
Handle Wire Harness - Kawasaki (Electric Start)...................................................51
Wire Harness Adapter-Honda (18 HP) ...................................................................52
Wire Harness Adapter-Kawasaki (15 HP, 17 HP & 19 HP) ....................................52
Replacement Decals ...............................................................................................53-55
Warranty Statement .........................................................................Inside Back Cover
Illustrated Parts List

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/n 9258, 9259,9260,9261)
HurricaneMulchSystem (p/n9263,9264,9265,9266)
Cup Holder (p/n 9240)
Hour Meter (p/n 48023)
TurboBaffle(p/n423955,423956,423957)
Blade Buddy (p/n 9212)
Flat-Free Caster Tires (9275)
SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND
ACCESSORIES:
TM
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.
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 alltimes until 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.
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 parking brake is on, and the speed
adjustment lever is in the neutral position. The
systemshuts off theengine if theoperator 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. 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.
A. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
B. Use only an approved gasoline container.
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.
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.
sources of ignition.
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT DISCHARGE CHUTE, MULCHING
KIT, OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER 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
changingdirectionsonslopes.
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.
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.
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
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.
12. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight
and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
before starting the machine.
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.
3. Be sure the interlock switches are functioning
correctly.
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.