Simplicity 4200 Series User manual

Optidnai
Accessories
TIRE CHAINS for traction.
HOURMETER to record operating
time.
HEADLIGHTS- t o improve visibility.
SEAT SPRING KIT for operator
comfort.
FRONT WEIGHT to improve steer¬
ing and stability with rear mounted
attachment.
REAR WHEEL WEIGHTS to im¬
prove traction and stability.
DUMP CART for vacuum collector
and hauling chores.
ROVING NOZZLE used with vacuum
collector to collect leaves in hard-
to-reach places.
NOTE; Some attachments require
accessories. See your dealer or the
attachment operator's manuals.

Contents
SAFETY RULES . 2
DECALS . 4
MOWER INSTALLATION & REMOVAL . 5
OPERATION . 7
CONTROLS . 7
STARTING THE ENGINE . 8
SELECTING GEARS & ENGINE SPEED . 8
STARTING & STOPPING . 8
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION .... 9
MOWING PATTERN & TIPS . 9
NORMAL CARE . 10
DETERMINING OPERATION TIME. 10
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE. 10
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK/
ADJUSTING SEAT . 10
CHECKING/ADDING GASOLINE . 11
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOR . 11
CHECKING THE FUEL FILTER . 11
CHECKING BATTERY FLUID . 12
CLEANING THE BATTERY & CABLES .12
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURES . 12
TRACTOR NORMAL STORAGE . 12
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE .13
STARTING AFTER STORAGE . 13
LUBRICATING THE MOWER . 14
SHARPENING & BALANCING THE BLADES .... 14
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE .15
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR. 16
CONTENT OF SECTION . 16
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES.16
BATTERY REPLACEMENT . 18
JUMP STARTING . 18
TRACTOR DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT .20
MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT .21
ADJUSTMENTS. 2 2
TRACTOR ADJUSTMENTS . . ... . 2 2
MOWER ADJUSTMENTS . 1 . . . . 23
MOWER DRIVE BELT TENSION .'..... 23
ARBOR BELT STOPS . 24
IDLER PULLEY BELT GUIDE .24
PTO PULLEY BELT STOPS .24
LEVELLING MOWER . '..... 25
LIFT LEVER . 26
SPECIFICATIONS .*.28
COMMON REPLACEMENT PARTS . 29
PARTS MANUAL AVAILABLE. 31
NOTE
In this manual, “left” and “right” are referred to as
seen from operating position.
1

Safety Rules
A Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules
could result In loss of control of vehicle, severe personal Injury to yourself
or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. The triangle ^ In
the text signifies Important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
• Know the controls and how to stop
quickly. READ THIS OPERATOR’S
MANUAL and instructions furnished
with attachments.
• Do not allow children to operate the
machine. Do not allow adults to operate
It without-proper instruction.
• Do not carry passengers. Do not mow
when chiidren and others are around.
• Clear tjie work area of objects (wire,
rocks, etc.) that might be picked up and
thrown. '
• Disengage all attachment clutches
and shift into neutrai before attempting
to start the engine (motor).
• Disengage power to attachments and
stop the engine (motor) before leaving
the operator’s position.
• Disengage power to attachments and
stop the engine (motor) before making
any repairs or adjustments.
2
• Disengage power to attachments
when transporting or not in use.
• Take all possible precautions when
leaving the vehicle unattended, such as
disengaging the power-take-off, lower¬
ing the attachments, setting the parking
brake, stopping the engine, and
removing the key.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when
going uphill or downhill. Mow up and
down the face of steep slopes; never
across the face.
• Reduce speed and exercise extreme
caution on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Be
especially cautious when changing
direction on slopes.
• Stay alert for holes, rocks, and roots in
the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Keep away from drop-offs.
• Use care when pulling loads or using
heavy equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch
points.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely
control.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when
backing.
d. Use counterweights or wheel
weights when suggested in this
operator’s manual.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or
near roadways.
• When using any attachments, never
direct discharge of materiai toward
bystanders or ailow anyone near the
vehicle while in operation.
• Handle gasoline with care — it is
highiy flammable.
a. Use approved gasoline container.
b. Never remove the fuel cap of, or add
gasoline to, a running or hot engine
or an engine that has not been
allowed to cool for several minutes
after running. Never fill the tank
indoors and always clean up spilled
gasoline.
c. Open doors if the engine is run in
the garage — exhaust fumes are
dangerous. Do not run the engine
indoors.

Safety Rules
• Keep the vehicle and attachments in
good operating condition, and keep
safety devices in place and in working
condition.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight
to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
• Never store the equipment with
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves, or excessive
grease.
• The vehicle and attachments should
be stopped and inspected for damage
after striking a foreign object, and the
damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the equipment.
• Do not change the engine governor
settings or overspeed the engine.
• When using the vehicle with mower,
proceed as follows;
a. Mow only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
b. Never make a cutting height ad¬
justment while the engine (motor) is
running if the operator must
dismount to do so.
c. Shut the engine (motor) off when
removing the grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
d. Check the blade mounting bolts for
proper tightness at frequent in¬
tervals.
• Under normal usage, the grass
catcher bag material is subject to
deterioration and wear. Check bag
frequently for deterioration and wear
and replace worn bags. Check that
replacement bags comply with the
original manufacturer's recommen¬
dations or specifications.
• Disengage power to mower before
backing up. Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely necessary and then
only after observation of the entire area
behind the mower.

Decals
ALL WARNING, CAUTION, and instruc¬
tional messages on your tractor and
mower should be carefully read and
obeyed. Personal bodily injury can re¬
sult when these instructions are not fol¬
lowed. The information is for your safe¬
ty and it is important. The safety mes¬
sages on.this page are on your tractor
and mower.
ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
• Do not put hands or feet under mower deck
or Into discharge chute.
• Do not operate mower without discharge
chute or entire grass catcher in place.
Objects may be thrown from mower.
• Clear lawn ol debris and objects.
• Do not mow with bystanders in area.
fSNOW THROWER &
engage \
MOWER PTO
K
L ^DISENGAGE
_ ^
^ &
SHIFT PATTERN
R
ACAUTION
• Before operating, read safety
and operating Instructions
in Operator's Manual.
• Keep all shields in place.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing
away from power driven parts.
• Keep people and pets a safe
distance from machine.
• Never carry riders.
• Do not operate where machine
can slip or tip.
• Look behind machine before
backing up.
• To start engine operator must;
be in seat, set pailiing brake,
shift transmission into neutral
and disengage PTO.
Before leaving operator’s position:
• Set parking brake.
• Disengage PTO clutch.
• Shut off engine and remove key.
• Wait for all movement to stop
before placing hands or feet near
A DANGER
ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
• Do not put hands or feet under or info any
part of this mower deck while blade is
rotating.
4

Mower Installation &
Removal
^^W ARNING
Engage the parking brake, disengage
the PTO, stop the engine and remove
the key before attempting to install or
remove the mower.
A. Lift Chain
B. Lift Arm
C. Hitch Arms
Figure 1. Installing 36" Mower
NOTE
The lift chain (A, figure I) should be
connected to the rear hole in lift arm
(B) unless optional large lift lever (B,
figure 8) is used to raise mower. With
large lift lever, connect chain in for¬
ward hole.
1. Place your tractor and mower on a hard
level surface, such as concrete, with the
mower on the right side of the tractor.
2. Turn the front wheels of the tractor as
far as they go to the left.
3. Place the mower in the lowest cutting
A. Hitch C. Safety Clips
B. Pins 0. Drive Belt
Figure 2. Mower Hitch Attached
position and slide it under the tractor
(see figure I). Align arms (C, figure I) in
tractor hitch (A, figure 2).
4. Insert the link (A, figure 3) into lift arm
(B) then pivot back and down. Secure
chain (C) to clevis (D) with pin (E) and
clip (F). (Early models are equipped
with a simple hook instead of clevis
assembly shown in figure 3.) Use on
three links of chain. '
I
5. Lift up front of mower and insert pins
(B, figure 2) to attach mower hitch arms
to tractor hitch (A). (You can insert a
pry bar under front edge of deck to
raise.) Connect the clips (C) into the
pins.
Figure 3. Lift Assembly
5

Mower Installation & Removal
B. V-Pulley, Left Arbor
C. Engine PTO Pulley
D. Flat Idler Pulley
Figure 4. Mower Belt Pattern - 36"
I
6. Slip the mower drive belt onto the PTO
pulley. Loosen belt stops as necessary.
The left-hand belt stop is item A in
figure 5. The right-hand belt stop is item
A in figure 6.
7. Make sure the belt is properly installed
on the mower pulleys. The belt pattern
is shown in figure 4.
8. Insert one end of the PTO rod (B, figure
7) in the mower PTO arm (A) and the
A. Belt Stop D. Mower Hitch Arm
B. Belt E. Tractor Hitch
C. PTO Pulley F. Spring Clip
Figure 5. Left-Hand Belt Stop
other end in the tractor PTO arm (C) in
hole marked “MOW”. The rod must be
inserted into the holes from the right-
hand side as shown. Refer to figure 7
to make sure you connected correct end
of rod to front. Install the spring clips
(D).
9. I f installing mower for the first time, or
if a new belt was installed, perform the
mower adjustments in the Adjustments
section.
6
EARLY MODELS
A. Belt Stop B. PTO Pulley C. Belt
Figure 6. Right-Hand Belt Stop
A. Mower PTO Arm C. Tractor PTO Arm
B. PTO Rod D. Spring Clip
Figure 7. Installing PTO Rod
10. Reverse the procedure to remove the
mower.

Operation
CONTROLS
Refer to figure 8 for an explanation of
tractor and mower controls.
INTERLOCK SWITCHES
Mfg. No. 1691027 and higher are equipped with a seat
switch which will stop the engine if operator leaves seat
when PTO is engaged and/or transmission is in gear.
Also, switch will prevent starting if operator is not in seat.
The other models are not equipped with this switch. On
all models, the PTO must be disengaged and trans¬
mission in NEUTRAL to start engine.
00
ITEM NAME
FUNCTION
A
Clutch-Brake Disengages tractor clutch when pressed down at least
halfway. Applies brake when fully depressed. Engages
parking brake when latched over footrest.
B Lift Lever
Lifts and holds attachments in transport position (only
required with attachment other than mower). (Optional)
C
Ignition
Switch
Operates with key to start, run, or stop engine.
t
D
Light Switch
1.
Switches headlights on or off (if equipped), t
E
Lift Lever Lifts and holds mower in transport position.
F
Mower Height
Control Lever
Adjusts mower cutting height.
G
PTO (Power
Take Off)
Lever
Engages and disengages power to attachment. Pull
back to disengage.
H Gear Shift
Lever
Shifts transmission gears to control ground speed. Five
speeds forward, one speed reverse.
1
Engine Speed
Control
Position from SLOW to FAST to control engine speed.
Also position for engine CHOKE.
J Gas Gauge/
Cap
Shows amount of gasoline in the tank and serves as
tank cap.
K
Seat Deck
Latch
Press button on each side to tilt the seat deck back.
7

Operation
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Seat yourself on tractor seat, in oper¬
ating position. Set the parking brake.
2. Set engine speed control to CHOKE. A
warm engine may not require choking.
3. Lift PTO lever as far as it will go to the
rear to disengage the attachment.
4. Set gear shift lever in NEUTRAL.
5. Insert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to START. When engine
starts, release the key.
6. Move the engine speed control to
SLOW. Warm up the engine by run¬
ning it for at least a minute before
engaging the PTO lever or driving the
tractor.
SELECTING GEARS & ENGINE SPEED
Most mowing is done in third or fourth gear
with engine speed between 3/4 and full
speed. If the terrain is rough, hilly, or sloping
use first or second gear. If the grass is wet or
over three inches (76 mm) high, use full
engine speed (with low gear) so the mower
will have enough power to cut the grass.
Shift gears only with tractor stopped and
clutch-brake pedal fully depressed.
^^ WARNINC.
Slope Operation
Never operate on slopes greater than
30 percent (16.7°) which is a rise of
three feet vertically in 10 feet hori¬
zontally. When operating on slopes
that are greater than 15 percent (8.5°)
but less than 30 percent use rear wheel
weights (see your dealer). Select slow
ground speed before driving onto
slope. Mow UP and DOWN the slope,
never across the face, use caution
when changing directions and DO
NOT START OR STOP.
STARTING & STOPPING
1. Refer to Normal Care Chart and per¬
form any needed care.
2. Clear the work area of any objects
which may be caught in or thrown by
mower.
3. Position the front wheels straight a-
head. If possible, the first motion
should be straight forward or back¬
ward.
4. Start the engine.
5. Set engine control for 1 /3 to 1/2 speed.
Select the gear best suited for condi¬
tions.
6. Release the parking brake by unlatch¬
ing clutch-brake pedal from the foot
rest.
7. Make sure the path in desired direction
of movement is clear.
8. If you are ready to mow, engage the
mower PTO with moderately fast mo¬
tion. Engaging PTO too slowly may
cause belt wear.
9. Slowly release the clutch-brake pedal to
engage clutch and start tractor into
motion.
10. Adjust engine speed control to desired
speed. Between 3/4 and full speed is
recommended for mowing.
11. For a gradual stop, press the pedal
down only far enough to disengage the
clutch. For a more rapid stop, press
pedal down farther to apply the brake.
See “Before Leaving Operator's Posi¬
tion” (next page).
8

Operation
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S
POSITION
1. Stop tractor motion, and engage the
parking brake.
2. Disengage the PTO and lower the at¬
tachment.
3. Set engine speed control to SLOW.
Stopping a hot engine too fast may
cause engine damage. Let engine idle
for about a minute.
4. Turn key to OFF and remove it.
^^ WARNING
Before leaving the operator's position
for any reason, engage the parking
brake, disengage the PTO, stop the
engine and remove the key.
WARNING
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine,
tractor and mower free of grass, leaves
and excess grease.
MOWING PATTERN & TIPS
For the first use of the mower choose a
smooth level area. Cut long straight strips
overlapping slightly.
The size and type of area to be mowed
determine the best mowing pattern to use.
Obstructions such as trees, fences and build¬
ings must also be considered. Where possi¬
ble, make one or two passes in a clockwise
direction around the outside of the area to
keep cut grass off fences and walks. The
remainder of the mowing should be done in
a counterclockwise direction so the clippings
are dispersed on the cut area.
Where possible, keep the left side of the
mower toward trees, posts, or other obsta¬
cles on the first pass around the obstacles to
keep hand trimming to a minimum.
On moderate size, frequently mowed lawns
where grass is light and dry, it is sometimes
practical to mow in a clockwise direction so
that clippings are thrown toward the center
of the lawn and concentrated for pickup and
removal.
Most lawns should be mowed to keep the
grass approximately two to three inches (50
to 76 mm) high. Best results are obtained by
cutting often and not too short. To help keep
a green lawn, never mow more than one
third off the height of the grass, or a
maximum of one inch (25 mm), in one
mowing. For extremely tall grass, set the
cutting height at maximum for the first pass,
and then reset to the desired height and mow
again. ^
t
On thick, or springy grass or soft ground, the
mower rollers may sink into the ground
giving too low a cut. Adjust the cutting
height as necessary. For best appearance,
grass should be cut in the afternoon or early
evening (in daylight) when it. is free of
external moisture.
Where possible, change patterns occasion¬
ally to eliminate matting, graining or a
corrugated appearance.
9

Normal Care
DETERMINING OPERATING TIME
Determining operating time is easily accom¬
plished if the tractor is equipped with an
optional hourmeter. If not, multiply the time
it takes to do one job by the number of times
you've done the job.
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE
A schedule for normal care is provided in
Table 1.
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK
To raise the hood, grasp both sides of the
hood near the dash and pull outward. There
are two,'styles of seat latches. If there is a
button on each side of the front of the seat
deck, near the foot rests, press in both
buttons and tilt the seat deck back. (On
other models, lift the latch under left side of
seat deck and tilt seat deck back).
ADJUSTING THE SEAT
Raise the seat deck. While holding the seat,
loosen the four capscrews that secure seat to
seat deck. Position the seat as desired then
tighten the capscrews.
Schedule
Car Required
See
Before
First
Use
Before
Each
Use
Every
5-Hours
* *
Every
25
Hours
Every
100
Hours
Spring
and Fall
Check gas gauge P. 11
• •
Check tractor & mower for
loose nuts, screws, bolts,
oil leaks, etc.
• •
•
Check engine oil level
Engine
Manual
• •
•
Clean engine & air filter
Engine
Manual
•
Change engine oil*
Engine
Manual
• «
Lubricate tractor & mower
P. 11,14
• •
Check battery fluid
P.12
• •
Clean battery & cables
P.12
•
Clean/sharpen blades P.14
•
Inspect spark plug(s)
Engine
Manual
•
Check fuel filter
P.11
•
Check tire pressures
P.12
• •
'Change original engine oil after first 5 hours of operation.
“More often in hot (over 85“F: 30°C) weather or dusty operating conditions.
“'Only if tractor is used in both summer (over 40“F) and winter (under 40“F: 4.5“C)
Table 1. Schedule of Normal Care - Tractor & Mower.
10

Normal Care
CHECKING/ADDING GASOLINE
Check the gas gauge/cap to be sure there is
enough gasoline to complete the job. To add
gasoline, remove the gas gauge/cap. Refer
to your engine manual for gasoline recom¬
mendations. Install and hand tighten the gas
gauge/cap.
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOR
Lubricate the tractor as shown in figures 9
thru 12. When a grease gun is shown, wipe
the fitting clean, apply two or three shots of
lithium base automotive grease, and wipe off
excess grease. When an oil can is shown wipe
the area clean, apply a few drops of oil (SAE
30), then wipe up drips or spills.
Figure 9. Shift Lever Lubrication
Figure 10. PTO Lever Lubrication
Figure 11. Front Axle Lubrication
(Two grease fittings on each side)
Figure 12. Clutch & Brake Rod
Lubrication
CHECKING THE FUEL FILTER
^^ WARNING
Do not remove fuel filter when engine
is hot, as spilled gasoline may ignite.
Do not spread hose clamps further
than necessary. Insure clamps grip
hoses firmly over filter after installa¬
tion.
11

Normal Care
The fuel filter is located in fuel line between
fuel tank and carburetor. If filter is dirty or
clogged, replace a.s follows. Place a con¬
tainer below filter to catch spilled gasoline.
1. Using a pliers, open and slide hose
clamps from fuel filter.
2. Remove hoses from filter.
3. Install new filter in proper flow direc¬
tion in fuel line. Secure by reclamping
with'hose clamps. See warningat begin¬
ning of procedure.
CHECKING BATTERY FLUID
1. Raise the seat.
2. Rertjove filler caps, one at a time.
3. Fluid must be even with split ring full
mark (figure 13). If not, add distilled
water.
4. Reinstall filler caps.
CLEANING THE BATTERY & CABLES
^^ WARNING
Be careful when handling the battery.
Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames
and sparks away from the battery.
WARNING
When removing or installing battery
cables, disconnect the negative cable
FIRST and reconnect it LAST. If not
done in this order, the positive ter¬
minal can be shorted to the frame by a
tool.
I. Disconnect the cables from the battery.
A. Positive Terminal C. Battery Clamp
B. Negative Terminal
Figure 13. Battery
2. Remove the battery clamp, then re¬
move the battery.
3. Scrub the battery, cables, and battery
compartment with baking soda and
water.
4. Clean the battery terminals and cable
clamps with a wire brush.
5. Reinstall battery and clamp (figure 13).
6. Connect cables, positive cable first.
7. Coat cable clamps and terminals with
grease or petroleum jelly.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
Check air pressure of all four tires. Front
tires should be 12 to ISpsi. Rear tires should
be 6 to 8 psi. A gauge with one-pound
markings will be necessary for an accurate
check.
TRACTOR NORMAL STORAGE
Clean all grass and dirt from the mower. To
protect your tractor, store it in an enclosed
dry area. Do not store it in an enclosure
where fumes from the fuel tank could reach
an open flame. Clean the seat with a vinyl
cleaner.
12

Normal Care
To store your tractor in a cold area between
winter snow removal jobs, we suggest that
you fill the fuel tank at the completion of
each Job to prevent water condensation in
the fuel tank. Wait for engine to cool before
filling tank.
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When the tractor is to be stored for two
months or longer, take precautions as fol¬
lows:
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep
open flame or spark away from gaso¬
line and fuel tank. Never store tractor
where gasoline fumes may reach an
open flame or spark.
1. T o empty or prepare fuel tank:
a. Run tractor engine until it stops
from lack of fuel, or;
b. Use a gasoline stabilizer. This addi¬
tive, available from your dealer,
prevents formation of gum and var¬
nish for up to one year. With the
additive, fuel may remain in your
tank for long periods.
2. Change engine oil while the engine is
still warm. Record the type and weight
of oil put in crankcase.
3. Remove spark plug(s). Pour one ounce
(30 ml) of SAE 30 oil into engine
through spark plug hole(s). Crank en¬
gine a few times to distribute oil and
then reinstall the spark plug(s).
4. Lubricate the tractor. (See page 11).
5. Check battery fluid level (page 12).
Battery life will be extended if it is
removed and stored in a cool, dry place,
fully charged.
6. Clean tractor thoroughly. Coat all ex¬
posed bare metal parts with a good
quality paint (obtainable from your
dealer) or a light film of grease or oil.
STARTING AFTER STORAGE
1. Replace battery, if removed. Be sure
terminals and clamps are clean (see
page 12).
2. Remove the spark plug and wipe dry.
Crank engine a few times to blow excess
oil out of plug hole. Reinstall the plug.
3. Fill fuel tank with fresh gasoline (unless
a fuel stabilizer was used). ,*
4. Clean engine fins and air filter. (See
engine manual.)
5. Check fluid levels and tire pressure.
(See Normal Care Chart.)
6. Start the engine outdoors. Do not run
engine at high speeds immediately after
starting.
13

Normal Care
LUBRICATING THE MOWER
Lubricate the mower as shown in figure 14
thru 16. Use an oil can with medium weight
(SAE 30) oil. Brush and wipe dirt and grass
from the area before applying oil. Wipe up
drips and spills. Keep oil off belts and
pulleys.
Figure 14. Lubricate Height Control
Lever & Point Where Roller Bar
Contacts Bracket.
Figure 15. Lubricate Brake Lever,
Clevises, & Levelling Rod.
Figure 16. Lubricate Hitch, PTO Rod
and PTO Arm
SHARPENING & BALANCING
THE BLADES
1. Remove the mower from the tractor.
2. Position the mower as in figure 17.
Secure the mower so it will not fall or
slide.
A WARNING
Do not handle the mower blades with
bare hands. Avoid touching the cut¬
ting edge. Careless or improper han¬
dling of blades may result in serious
injury.
3. Remove any dirt or foreign matter from
inside the mower deck and blade.
4. To remove the blade for sharpening use
a wooden block to hold blade while
removing the capscrew (figure 17).
5. Use a file to sharpen blade to fine edge.
Remove all nicks and dents in blade
edge. If blade is severely damaged, it
should be replaced.
14

Normal Care
6. Check and balance blade. Use a balanc¬
ing machine or the fixture shown in
figure 18. Center the blade on a nail
lubricated with a drop of oil. A balanc¬
ed blade will remain level. File material
off heavier end of blade until it is
balanced.
7. Reinstall each blade with the tabs point¬
ing up toward deck and secure with a
capscrew, cup washer, and spline wash¬
er. Be sure all splines are aligned and
washer is flush against blade. Use a
wooden block to prevent blade rotation
and torque capscrew to 55 ft. lbs. (74
N.m) (figure 19).
WARNING
Blade mounting capscrews must be
installed with the cup washer and
spline washer and then securely tight¬
ened. Torque blade mounting cap¬
screws to 55 ft. lbs. (74 N.m).
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE
To protect your mower, store 4 t in an
enclosed dry area. To prepare the mowei' for
off-season storage perform the following.
1. Remove mower from tractor if tractor
is to be used without mower. (See
Mower Installation and Removal sec¬
tion).
2. Clean top and underside of mower to
remove all grass and dirt.
3. Coat all bare metal surfaces with a good
quality paint (available from your
dealer) or a light coat of oil to prevent
rusting.
4. Lubricate mower (page 14).
5. Check, sharpen and balance the mower
blades (page 14).
6. The belt should be stored in a cool, dark
place away from sunlight or any heat
source.
15

Troubleshooting & Repair
CONTENT OF SECTION
This section of the manual provides trouble¬
shooting and repair instructions for the
more common and easily corrected prob¬
lems. For other problems, it is recommend¬
ed that you contact your dealer.
WARNING
To avoid serious injury, perform main¬
tenance on the tractor or mower only
when the engine is stopped and the
parking brake engaged. Always re¬
move the ignition key and disconnect
spark-plug wire and fasten away from
the plug before beginning the main¬
tenance to prevent accidental starting
of the engine.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
Troubleshooting procedures are provided in
Table 2. To use these procedures, first locate
the problem description that best describes
the trouble that you have encountered.
Check the possible causes one at a time in the
order that they are listed.
1. Engine will not start.
A. Gear shift lever not in neutral start position. Shift into neutral.
B. PTO clutch lever not disengaged. Disengage fully.
C. Operator not seated. Operator must be in seat on models equipped with seat switch
D. Out of fuel. Refill fuel tank.
E. Engine flooded. Move control out of choke, & attempt to start.
F. Circuit breaker tripped. Wait one minute for automatic reset. Replace if defective
(see your dealer).
G. Battery terminals require cleaning. See Normal Care section.
H. Battery discharged or dead. Recharge or replace.
i. Wiring loose or broken. Visually check wiring & replace broken or frayed wires.
J. Solenoid or starter motor faulty. Repair or replace.
K. Safety interlock switch faulty. Replace if needed. (See your dealer.)
L. Spark plug or points, fouled, or incorrectly gapped. Clean & gap or replace.
M. Water in fuel tank. Drain fuel & refill with fresh fuel.
N. Old stale gas. Drain fuel & replace with fresh fuel.
2. Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
A. Fuel mixture too rich. Move control out of choke. If problem still exists clean air
filter.
B. Carburetor adjusted incorrectly. See your engine manual.
C. Spark plug or points faulty, fouled or incorrectly gapped. Clean and gap or replace.
Table 2. Troubleshooting
16

Troubleshooting & Repair
3. Engine knocks.
A. Low oil level. Check/add oil as required.
B. Using wrong grade oil. See Normal Care section.
4. Excessive oil consumption.
A. Engine running too hot. Clean engine fins, blower screen
and air cleaner. See Normal Care section.
B. Using wrong weight of oil. See Normal Care section.
C. Too much oil in crankcase. Drain excessive oil.
5. Engine exhaust is black or smoky.
A. Dirty air filter. Clean air filter.
B. Choke not fully open. Move control out of choke and be
sure choke opens fully. If problem still exists, check car¬
buretor adjustment,
6. Engine runs, but tractor will not drive or lacks power.
A. Transmission not in gear. Shift into gear.
B. Drive belt slips. (See problem and cause below.)
7. Drive belt slips.
A. Clutch or belt tension is out of adjustment. See Adjustment
section.
B. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Clean as required.
C. Belt stretched or worn. Replace with correct belt.
D. Clutch rod binding in guide. Oil clutch rod. See Tractor
Lubrication.
Table 2. Troubleshooting (Cont'd)
8. Brake will not hold.
A. Brake is incorrectly adjusted. See Adjustment section.
B. Brake pads worn & require replacement. See your dealer.
9. Tractor handles poorly.
A. Steering linkage is loose. Check and tighten any loose
connections.
B. Improper tire inflation. Check and correct.
C. , Wheels are spinning and slipping. Use weights to provide
additional stability and traction. *
(
D. Moving too fast on slopes. Reduce speed.
10. M ain tractor drive belt does not stop when clutch-brake pedal
is depressed.
A. Belt stops out of adjustment. See Adjustments section.
B. Belt tension out of adjustment. See Adjustments section,
TROUBLESHOOTING (MOWER)
1. Mower will not raise.
Lift chain not attached or broken. Attach or repair.
2. Uneven cut.
A. Mower not leveled properly. See leveling adjustment in
Mower Adjustment section.
B. Tractor tires not inflated equally or properly,
3. Mower cut is rough looking.
A. Engine speed too slow. Set for three-fourths to full speed.
B. Tractor ground speed too fast. Use lower gear.
17

Troubleshooting & Repairs
3. Mower cut is rough (ooking. (Cont’d.)
C. Blades dull & require sharpening. See Normal Care section.
D. Mower drive belt slipping. Belt oily or worn. Clean or
replace belt.as necessary. Readjust belt tension.
4. Engine stalls easily with mower engaged.
A. Tractor ground speed too fast. Use lower gear.
B. Engine Speed too slow. Set for three-fourths to full speed.
C. Cutting height set too low when mowing tall grass. Cut tall grass at maximum
cutting height during first pass.
D. Discharge chute jamming with cut grass. Cut grass with discharge pointing toward
previously cut area.
5. Excessive mower vibration.
A. Blade mounting screws are loose. Torque to 55 ft.lbs. (74 N.m). See Normal Care
section.
B. lyiower blades, arbois, or pulleys are bent. Check and
feplace as necessary.
C. Mower blades are out of balance. Remove, sharpen, and balance blades
(see Normal Care section).
6. Excessive belt breakage.
A. Belt tension too tight. Readjust belt tension.
B. Bent or rough pulleys. Repair or replace.
C. Using incorrect belt. See your dealer.
7. Mower drive belt slips or fails to drive.
A. Mower drive belt out of adjustment. See Adjustment section.
B. Mower drive belt broken. Replace belt. ^able 2. Troubleshooting (Cont’d.)
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
A dead battery or one too weak to start the
engine may not mean the battery needs to be
replaced. It may, as an example, mean that
the charging system is not working properly
or that the battery has lost its charge during
storage. First,, “Clean Battery & Cables”
and “Check Battery Fluid Level” as describ¬
ed on page 12. Have the battery recharged if
necessary. If there is any doubt about the
cause of the problem, see your dealer. If you
must replace the battery, remove and install
the battery as described in “Clean Battery &
Cables”.
JUMP STARTING WITH AUXILIARY
(BOOSTER) BATTERY
Jump starting is not recommended. First,
check the battery as described in “Battery
Replacement” above. If jump starting must
be done, follow these instructions. Both
booster and discharged batteries should be
treated carefully when using jumper cables.
Follow exactly procedures one through five,
being careful not to cause sparks.