Scotts S2048, S2554 User manual

OMM138757 L8
English
L8 S2048 Yard Tractor
and
S2554 Garden Tractor
Serial No. (010,001- )
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
North American Version
Litho in U.S.A.

Introduction
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU for purchasing a Scotts
product.
Read this manual and your attachment manual
thoroughly. Failure to do so could result in personal
injury or equipment damage.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of
your machine and should remain with the machine when
you sell it.
Measurements in this manual are metric units and their
U.S. customary equivalents. RIGHT-HAND and LEFT-
HAND sides are determined by facing in the direction
the machine will travel when going forward. When you
see a broken line arrow (------>), it indicates the part it is
pointing to is hidden.
Record identification numbers below. Be sure to record
all the numbers to help in tracing the machine if it is
stolen. You also need to give these numbers to your
dealer when you order parts.
DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________________
DEALER NAME: ____________________________________
DEALER PHONE: ___________________________________
TRACTOR SERIAL NUMBER (A), (Located on rear
of tractor): __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (B), (Located on engine):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
cWARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
A
B

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OMM138757 L8
All information, illustrations and
specifications in this manual are based
on the latest information at the time of
publication. The right is reserved to
make changes at any time without
notice.
COPYRIGHT© 1998
Deere & Co.
Assembly............................................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Signs........................................................................................................................................... 5
Controls ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Operating Machine ................................................................................................................................ 9
Operating Mower.................................................................................................................................26
Replacement Parts............................................................................................................................. 32
Service Machine Safely.......................................................................................................................33
Service Interval Chart.......................................................................................................................... 35
Service Engine .................................................................................................................................... 37
Service Transmission........................................................................................................................... 44
Service Mower..................................................................................................................................... 45
Service Electrical.................................................................................................................................49
Service Miscellaneous......................................................................................................................... 54
Removing Mower.................................................................................................................................62
Installing Mower................................................................................................................................... 64
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 65
Storing Machine................................................................................................................................... 70
Specifications....................................................................................................................................... 73
Warranty .............................................................................................................................................. 76
Index....................................................................................................................................................82
Service Literature ...............................................................................................................................87

Notes
NOTES

Notes
NOTES

Notes
NOTES

Assembly - Page 1
ASSEMBLY
Identify Parts
Clear Plastic Bag Contains:
• Scotts Operator’s Manual
• Engine Owner’s Manual
• Safety Video
• Warranty Cards
Bag of Parts Contains:
• Hardware for Steering Wheel
• Hardware for Battery Cables
• Key Chain
• Padded Key
NOTE: There is an extra ignition key strapped to
one of the seat suspension springs.
Check and Connect Battery
Check Battery
Battery is filled with acid and charged when it left the
factory. If necessary, charge the battery prior to
operation. (See Charging the Battery in Service-
Electrical Section.)
Locate label attached to battery. Find the service
expiration date information (A).
If battery is put into service after date shown, charge the
battery for a minimum of 1 hour at 6 - 10 amps.
Check battery voltage. Battery is fully charged at 12.6
volts.
cCAUTION: Prevent Battery Explosions:
- Keep sparks, lighted matches, and open
flame away from the top of battery. Battery
gas can explode.
- Never check battery charge by placing a
metal object across the posts. Use a volt-
meter or hydrometer.
- Do not charge a frozen battery; it may
explode. Warm battery to 16 degrees C (60
degrees F).
IMPORTANT: This battery comes fully charged. If
the mower is not used by the Service Expiration
Date indicated on the battery, charge the battery.
(See Charging the Battery in the Service -
Electrical section.)
M86467
A

Assembly - Page 2
ASSEMBLY
Connect Battery
NOTE: Do not remove the BLACK negative (–)
protective cap at this time.
1. Remove and discard the RED positive (+) protective
cap from the positive (+) battery terminal.
2. Connect blue harness wire (A) and RED positive (+)
cable (B) to battery. Apply petroleum jelly or silicone
spray to terminal to prevent corrosion. Make sure
connection is tight. Install the red terminal cover.
3. Remove and discard the BLACK (–) protective cap
from the negative battery terminal.
4. Connect black negative (–) cable (C) to battery. Apply
petroleum jelly or silicone spray to terminal to prevent
corrosion. Make sure connection is tight.
Install Steering Wheel
1. Put front wheels in the straight forward position.
2. Lubricate the steering shaft.
3. Install steering wheel with logo in the upright position.
4. Install shoulder bolt (A). Drive bolt in until head of bolt
contacts steering wheel.
5. Install washer and nut (B).
6. Tighten lock nut until it is snug. Do not tighten lock nut
to pull washer or head of bolt into steering wheel.
cCAUTION: DO NOT attempt to open, add fluid
or service battery. Any attempt to do so will
void warranty and lead to possible injury.
M97159
B
C
A
M88566
A
B

Assembly - Page 3
ASSEMBLY
Check Engine Oil
1. Lift hood.
Picture Note: Model S2048 used for photo purposes.
2. Remove dipstick (A). Wipe with clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap
on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube.
4. Remove dipstick to check oil level.
5. Oil must be between ADD and FULL marks.
6. Add oil to FULL mark if necessary. DO NOT overfill.
(See See Engine Oil in Service Engine section.)
7. Install and tighten dipstick. Lower hood.
Break-In Electric PTO Clutch
Picture Note: Model S2554 used for photo purposes.
1. Start engine and push throttle lever (A) up to full
throttle (
r) position.
2. With no load on mower, ENGAGE PTO (B) and allow
mower to run for 10 seconds.
3. DISENGAGE PTO and wait 10 seconds.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for 12-15 cycles.
5. PTO clutch is now properly burnished.
IMPORTANT: To avoid engine damage, DO NOT
run engine if oil level is below ADD mark.
M97157
A
M97167
B
A

Assembly - Page 4
ASSEMBLY
Check Machine Safety System
Perform safety system check to make sure the
electronic safety interlock circuit is functioning properly.
Perform all six Tests. (See Testing Safety System in the
Operating section.)
Checking Tire Pressure
1. Check tires for damage.
2. Check tire pressure with an accurate gauge.
3. Add or remove air, if necessary:
cCAUTION: Explosive separation of a tire and
rim parts can cause serious injury or death:
- Do not attempt to mount a tire without the
proper equipment and experience to perform
the job.
- Always maintain the correct tire pressure.
Do not inflate the tires above the
recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a
wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause
an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire
explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or
deform the wheel.
- When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and
extension hose long enough to allow you to
stand to one side and NOT in front of or over
the tire assembly.
- Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles,
damaged rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.
Tire Size Pressure
Model S2048:
Front = 16 x 6.5 x 8
Rear = 23 x 9.50 x 12 97 kPa (14 psi) 83 kPa (12 psi)
Models S2554:
Front = 16 x 7.5 x 8
Rear = 24 x 12 x 12 83 kPa (12 psi) 69 kPa (10 psi)

Safety Signs - Page 5
SAFETY SIGNS
Safety-Alert Symbol
Read and recognize safety information. Be alert to the
potential for personal injury when you see this safety-
alert symbol.
On your machine safety labels, the words DANGER,
WARNING, and CAUTION are used with this safety-
alert symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious
hazards.
In this manual, the word CAUTION and this symbol call
attention to safety messages.
Machine Safety Labels
DANGER
ROTATING BLADES CUT OFF ARMS AND LEGS
• Do not mow when children or others are around
• Do not mow in reverse
• Look down and behind before and while backing
• Never carry children
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• Drive up and down slopes, not across
• Avoid sudden turns
• If machine stops going uphill, stop blade and back
down slowly
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and switches)
in place and working
• Read operator’s manual
• When leaving machine:
–Stop engine
–Set park brake
–Remove key
M97152

Safety Signs - Page 6
SAFETY SIGNS
WARNING
LOADED SPRING
LOCK LIFT LEVER FORWARD BEFORE CHANGING
ATTACHMENTS
Picture Note: One decal on each side of tractor frame.
DANGER/POISON
SHIELD EYES.
EXPLOSIVE GASES CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS OR
INJURY.
NO
•SPARKS
• FLAMES
• SMOKING
SULFURIC ACID CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS OR
SEVERE BURNS
FLUSH EYES IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER.
GET MEDICAL HELP FAST.
MAINTENANCE-FREE
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. DO NOT
TIP. DO NOT OPEN BATTERY!
Picture Note: Located on Battery
M97152
M97152

Safety Signs - Page 7
SAFETY SIGNS
DANGER
ROTATING BLADE
DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET UNDER OR INTO
MOWER WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING
THROWN OBJECTS
BEFORE MOWING, CLEAR AREA OF OBJECTS THAT
MAY BE THROWN BY BLADE
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER WITHOUT DISCHARGE
CHUTE OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER IN PLACE
DANGER
ROTATING BLADE
DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET UNDER OR INTO
MOWER WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING
Picture Note: Located on Left-Hand side of deck.
Certification Label
This OPEI label on your mower indicates that this model
has been certified by an independent laboratory for
compliance with American National Standard B-71.1-
1996, “Safety Specifications” for Power Lawn Mowers,
Lawn and Garden Tractors, and Lawn Tractors.
M97152
M97152
1-1996

Controls - Page 8
CONTROLS
Controls
Picture Note: Model S2554 used for photo purposes.
A - Engine Oil Pressure Light (Model S2554 Only)
B - Hour Meter (Model S2554 Only)
C - Battery Discharge Light
D - Light Switch
E - PTO Switch/RIO Switch
F - Choke Knob
G - Throttle Lever
H-KeySwitch
I - Park Brake Lever
J - Brake Pedal
K - Forward Travel Pedal
L - Reverse Travel Pedal
M - Mower Deck Lift Lever
N - Cut Height Adjustment Lever
M97167
F
G
C
D
E
AB
M97165
I
J
K
L
H
M97160
N
M

Operating Machine - Page 9
OPERATING MACHINE
Operate Safely
• In addition to reading your Operator’s Manual, view
your Mowing Safety Video.
• Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or
service brakes as necessary.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure
hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly
worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and shields are
in good condition and fastened in place. Make any
necessary adjustments before you operate.
• Clear work area of objects that might be thrown. Keep
people and pets out of the work area. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• If you hit an object, stop the machine and inspect it.
Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine and
attachments properly maintained and in good working
order.
• DO NOT leave machine unattended when it is
running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial
light.
• Be careful of traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while
operating the machine. Safe operation requires your full
attention.
Park Safely
• Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
• Disengage mower blades.
• Lower attachments to the ground.
• Engage park brake.
• STOP engine.
• Remove key.
• Before you leave the operator’s seat, wait for engine
and all moving parts to STOP.

Operating Machine - Page 10
OPERATING MACHINE
Rotating Blades are Dangerous - Protect
Children and Prevent Accidents
PROTECT CHILDREN:
• Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay
alert to the presence of children.
• Keep children in the house when you are operating
the machine.
• Turn machine off if a child enters the mowing area.
• Use extra care when you come to blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
vision.
• DO NOT let children or an untrained person operate
the machine.
• DO NOT carry or let children ride on machine or any
attachment. DO NOT tow children in a cart or trailer.
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
• Be alert at all times, drive forward carefully. People
especially children can move quickly into the mowing
area before you know it.
• Back carefully. Disengage mower blades and look
behind the machine carefully, especially for children,
before you back up.
• DO NOT mow in reverse unless it is absolutely
necessary.
• Disengage mower blades when you are not mowing.
• DO NOT operate machine if you are under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.

Operating Machine - Page 11
OPERATING MACHINE
Avoid Tipping
• DO NOT drive where machine could slip or tip.
• Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the
terrain.
• Keep away from drop-offs.
• Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate
on a slope.
• When pulling loads or using heavy equipment, use
only approved hitches, limit loads to those you can
safely control, and use counterweights or wheel
weights when required per this manual or your
attachment manual.
• Drive up and down a hill—not across. Be careful
when you change direction on a slope.
• DO NOT stop when going up hill or down hill. If
machine stops going up hill, DISENGAGE mower
blades and back down slowly.
• DO NOT mow wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
• DO NOT try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
Keep Riders Off
• Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep
riders off.
• Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck
by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing
serious injury.
• Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the
machine being operated in an unsafe manner.

Operating Machine - Page 12
OPERATING MACHINE
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate for the job.
• Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing,
wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs.
Transport Safely
• Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving machines
when driven on public roads are hard to see, especially
at night. Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a
collision with a vehicle.
• Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing
warning lights and turn signals according to local
regulations. Extra flashing warning lights may need to
be installed.
Adjusting Seat
1. Tip seat forward and loosen two knobs (A) to slide
seat assembly forward or rearward to most comfortable
OPERATOR position.
2. Tighten knobs after adjustment to keep seat in place.
M97164
A

Operating Machine - Page 13
OPERATING MACHINE
Using the Park Brake
LOCKING PARK BRAKE:
1. Push brake pedal (A) all the way down.
2. Lift park brake lever (B) up.
3. Release pedal and park brake lever. Pedal should
stay down and park brake lever should stay LOCKED in
UP position.
UNLOCKING PARK BRAKE:
1. Push and hold brake pedal (A) down.
2. Push park brake lever (B) down to UNLOCK park
brake.
3. Release pedal.
Using Headlights
Picture Note: Model S2554 used for photo purposes.
Push top of light switch (A) to turn headlights ON.
Push bottom of light switch to turn headlights OFF.
cCAUTION: The machine may begin to move
when engine is shut off and park brake is not
engaged. To avoid injury, always LOCK park
brake before getting off tractor or leaving
tractor unattended.
M97165
BA
M97167
A

Operating Machine - Page 14
OPERATING MACHINE
Checking Indicator Lights and Hour Meter
Picture Note: Model S2554 used for photo purposes.
•(
b) BATTERY DISCHARGE light (A) should go out
when throttle lever is moved to the HIGH IDLE/Mowing
(
a) position. The voltage light may remain on for
several minutes while the battery is being charged.
•(
o) OIL PRESSURE light (B), on Model S2554 only,
will come on when engine starts and should go out
within 5 seconds.
If indicator lights stay on longer than given time, STOP
engine.
• HOUR METER (C), on Model S2554 only, shows the
number of hours the engine has run. To display hours,
key must be in the “ON” position. Check the hour meter
daily to see what services need to be done.
Starting Engine
Picture Note: Model S2554 used for photo purposes.
1. Lock the park brake or depress brake pedal.
2. Push PTO switch (A) down to DISENGAGE.
3. Pull choke knob (B) out to the ON (
k) position.
4. Move throttle lever (C) to the HALF-SPEED (
R)
position.
5. Turn key (D) to START position.
6. When engine starts, release key to RUN position.
cCAUTION: Engine exhaust fumes can cause
sickness or death. • If it is necessary to run an
engine in an enclosed area, remove the
exhaust fumes from the area with an exhaust
pipe extension. • If you do not have an
exhaust pipe extension, open the doors and
get outside air into the area.
IMPORTANT: Do not operate starter more than 20
seconds at a time, or you may damage it. If engine
does not start: Wait two minutes before you try
again. See Troubleshooting section.
M97167
BA
C
M97167
B
A
C
D