Simplicity 5216 User manual

FORM - 1674501

SAFETY RULES ^ 1
DECALS .. 3
MOWER INSTALLATION & removal . ; 4
OPERATION .... . . , . _. 7
CONTROLS ..i:..... _ . f
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING ... .............. 8
. starting the engine ....................... 8
SELECTING GEARS & ENGINE SPEED ^...;..;. 8
Starting & STOPPING ...... ............8
BEFORE leaving OPERATOR'S POSITION f: .. 9
^ MOWING PATTERN & TIPS ,: .^T.v........,...: 9
NORMAL CARE .............v. 10
DETERMINING OPERATING time 10
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE .................... 10
V RAISING HOOD/SEAT DECK . 10
CHECKING/ADDING GASOLINE .............. 10
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOlR . . 11
CHECKING THE FUEL FILTER .. .. . I . .. .. IT
, OHECKING THE BATTERY FLUID LEVEL ...'..;. 12
CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURES ............ .12
GLEANING BATTERY & CABLES .............,. 12
TRACTOR NORMAL STORAGE^ ..... 12
, TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE ............ 12
starting AFTER STORAGE ..13
LUBRICATING THE MOWER ..... i............. 13
, SHARPENING & BALANCING THE BLADES .... 15
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE ......., ■ . . . . 16
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR .. ........ 17 ;
CONTENT OF SECTION . . ...... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES . ; .. . 17 ;
BATTERY REPLACEMENT ...............;..... 19
JUMP STARTING .............................. I 9
TRACTOR DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT .....
BELT REPLACEMENT - 36" MOWER . . ...... 22
BELT REPLACEMENT - 42" MOWER ..... . . ... . ^ 22
ADJUSTMENTS 1;;... ^ ...... . ...;.. 24
TRACTOR ADJUSTEMENTS ..... ; . . . .
. . . .2 4
Parking Brake ...
.. . . 24
Brake Rod ...
.. 24
- CluteW'Rod . .
... 24
Drive Pulley Bell Stops ............ s.
.......... 25
MOWER ADJUSTMENTS ..
......... 26
Drive Beit Tension .;...... . ^.
26
PTO.Pulley Belt Stops . . .
.......... 27
Idler Pulley Belt Guide ..
.......... 27
Mower Belt Stops - 36" Mower ...
.....27
Mower Beit Stops - 42" Mower .
. . 2 8
- Moweri Levelling - 36" Mower .
.......... 28
Mower Leveiling - 42" Mower ...
.. 28,30
Lift Lever - 36" Mower ....
31
Lift Leverl ......
...32
SEAT ADJUSTMENT ....-.
. . . . 3 2
ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES .. . .
.. . . . 33
common REPLACEMENT PARTS .. ., . 34
PARTS MANUAL AVAILABLE . .. . 35
SPECIFICATIONS ...... ; Inside Back Cover

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 yo^sef
or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. The triangle 44 In
the text signifies Important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
GENERAL
•Read the Operator's Manual carefully.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment.
•Never allow children to operate the
machine. Do not allow adults to operate
it without proper instruction.
•Do not carry passengers.
•Use only attachments or accessories
designed for your machine. See your
dealer for a complete list of recommend¬
ed attachments or accessories.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets.
•Never direct discharge of material to¬
ward bystanders.
•Make sure:
a. t ractor and attachments are in good
operating condition,
b. all safety devices and shields are in
place and in good working condi¬
tion, and
c. all adjustments are correct.
PREPARATION
•Handle gasoline with care - it is highly
flammable.
a. Use approved gasoline container.
b. Never remove the fuel tank cap or
add gasoline to a running or hot
engine, or fill the fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilled gasoline.
•Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are deadly.
•Clear the work area of objects which
might be picked up and thrown by attach¬
ments.
•Disengage all attachment clutches and
shift into neutral before attempting to
start the engine.
•Wear heavy footwear. Do not operate
tractor when barefoot or when wearing
open sandals and canvas shoes.
OPERATION
•Stop tractor engine, disengage power
to attachment(s), set parking brake, re¬
move the key and wait for moving parts
to stop before leaving the operator's
position for any reason, such as to
unclog attachment chutes or to make
repairs or adjustments.
•Stop tractor and attachments and in¬
spect for damage after striking a foreign
object. Repair any damage before re¬
starting and operating the equipment.
•Watch out for traffic when crossing or
operating near roadways.
•Operate only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
•Never make any adjustment while the
engine is running.

Safety Rules
•Operate only up and down the face of
slopes; never across the face. Do not
stop or start suddenly on slopes.
•Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp
turns to prevent tipping or ioss of con-
troi. Use extreme caution when chang¬
ing direction on siopes.
•Be especlaliy carefui not to touch trac¬
tor or attachment parts which might be
hot from operation. Ailow such parts to
cooi before attempting to maintain, ad¬
just, or service.
•Stay aiert for hoies in the terrain and
other hidden hazards. Be extra carefui
when operating on wet, siippery sur¬
faces.
•if equipment begins to vibrate abnor-
maiiy, disengage power to attachments
and stop engine at once, inspect for
damage and correct before starting up
tractor.
•Use care when putting toads or using
heavy equipment.
a. U se only draw bar hitch point.
b. Limit toads to those you can safely
control.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when
backing.
d. Use weights when recommended in
the tractor or attachment Opera¬
tor’s Manual.
•Disengage power to attachment(s)
when transporting or not in use.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
•Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to
be sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
•Do not change the engine governor
settings or overspeed the engine.
•To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
and mower free of grass, leaves and
excess grease.
•Never store the equipment with gaso¬
line in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach on open flame or
spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
2

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
followed. The information is for your
safety and it is important. The safety
messages on this page are on your
tractor and mower.
A DANGER
1. Stand clear of
discharge opening.
2. Do not operate
mower without dis¬
charge deflector or
entire grass collector
system properly
installed.
fSNOW THROWER & I
ENGAGE \
VIOWER PTO
K
L ^DISENGAGE
_ _ :
ACAUTION
• Keep all shields in place
• Keep hands, feel, and clothing
away from power driven parts.
• Keep people and pets a sale dis¬
tance away Irom machine.
• For your safety, to start tractor
transmission shift lever must be in
neutral and PTO disengaged. Set
parking brake.
• Before operating read safety
instructions in operator's manual.
Before leaving operators position:
• Shift transmission to neutral
• Disengage PTO.
• Set parking brake.
• Shut off engine and remove key.
• Wait lor all movemoni lo slop
before servicing
r 1
A DANGER
keep hands & feet
from under mower
3

Mower Installation &
Removal
^^ WARNING
Engage the parking brake, disengage
the PTO, stop the engine and remove
the key before attempting to instail or
remove the mower.
NOTE
If there are two holes in the mower lift
bracket (D, figure 1), make sure the
chain (E) is connected to the rear hole.
INSTALLATION
1. Place the tractor and mower on a flat,
level surface, such as concrete, with the
mower on the right side of the tractor.
2. The PTO rod must be attached to
mower PTO arm before sliding mower
under tractor. Insert the end of the PTO
rod from the right-hand side and work
the “S” bend around until rod (A, figure
I) appears as shown.
3. Using the mower height control lever,
place the mower in lowest cutting height.
Figure 1. PTO Rod Connection - 36"
Mower Shown
A. PTO Rod D. Lift Bracket
B. PTO Arm E. Chain
C. "S" Bend
4. Turn the front wheels toward the left.
5. Place the lift lever fully forward so that
lift arm (B, figure 2) is in lowest posi¬
tion.
6. Slide the mower under the tractor so
that the lift chain (C, figure 2) is under
the lift arm (B).
4
' //
Figure 2. Lift Assembly
A. Lift Rod
B. Lift Arm
C. Chain
D. Clevis
E. Pin
F. Clip
7. T he lift rod (A, figure 2) must be
hooked into the lift arm (B) as shown.
Insert the lift rod into the hole from the
left side then pivot back and down.
8. S ecure 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 2 and
figure 44). Use only 3 links of chain.

Mower Installation <& Removal
Figure 3. L.H. Belt Stop - All Mowers
A. Belt Stop D. Mower Hitch Arm
B. Belt E. Tractor Hitch
C. PTO Pulley
Figure 4. Mower Hitch Attached
A. Tractor Hitch C. Safety Clips
B. Pins D. Drive Belt
9. Insert the mower hitch arms in the
tractor hitch (figure 3). Align the holes
in the hitch arms with the rear holes in
the tractor hitch. Insert the pins (B,
figure 4) from the outside and install the
clips (C).
10. Slip the mower drive belt onto the
engine PTO pulley (C, figure 3) loosen¬
ing belt stops as necessary. The left-
hand belt stop is item A in figure 3. The
right-hand belt stop is shown in figure 5
(36" mower) or figure 6 (42" mower).
Figure 5. R.H. PTO Pulley
Belt Stop, - 36" Mower
A. Belt Stop
B. PTO Pulley
C. Belt
Figure 6. Right-Hand PTO Puiiey Beit
Stop - 42" Mower
A. Belt Stop
B. PTO Pulley
C. Belt
Installation procedure continued on page 6.
5

Mower Installation & Removal
11. Insert the rear end of the PTO rod in the
hole marked “MOW” in the PTO arm
(B, figure 7). Insert the spring clip (C).
(36" Mower Shown)
A. PTO Rod
B. Tractor PTO Arm
C. Spring Clip
12. If installing mower for the first time,
check the following adjustments.
a. Mower belt tension (page 26).
b. PTO pulley belt stops (page 27).
c. Mower belt stops (page 27 or 28).
d. Mower levelling (page 28 or 29).
e. Lift lever (page 31).
REMOVAL
1. Place mower in lowest cutting height.
Lower the lift lever. Disengage the PTO
lever.
2. Remove the belt from the PTO pulley,
loosening belt stops as necessary.
3. Remove the spring clip (C, figure 7) and
pull PTO rod from hole. Reinstall the
spring clip in the rod for storage.
4. Disconnect the lift chain (C, figure 2)
from the lift link (A). Remove the lift
link (A) from the lift arm (B). Store the
assembly until reinstallation of mower.
5. Pull the safety clips from the hitch pins.
Push the pins out while holding mower
hitch up then allow mower to drop
down.
6. Turn the tractor wheels as far as they go
to the left.
7. Slide the mower out from under the
tractor from the right side.
6

Operation
CONTROLS
Refer to figure 8 for an explanation of
tractor and mower controls.
Figure 8. Tractor & Mower Controls
ITEM NAME FUNCTION
A Clutch-Brake Disengages tractor drive when pressed down at least
Pedal 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.
Choke
Aids in starting engine. Pull knob out to activate choke.
Light Switch Switches headlights on or off.
Lift Lever
Lifts and holds mower in transport position.
G
Mower HeightAdjusts mower cutting height.
Control Lever
H
PTC
(Power Take
Off) Lever
Engages and disengages power to attachment. Pull back
to disengage.
'
Gear Shift
Lever
Shifts transmission gears to control ground speed. Five
speeds forward, one speed reverse.
J
Engine
Speed
Control
Position from SLOW to FAST to control engine speed.
K Gas Gauge/
Cap
Shows amount of gasoline in the tank and serves as
tank cap.
L
Seat Deck
Latch
Press button on each side to tilt the seat deck back.
7

Operation
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING
Perform any needed care listed in Table 1,
Schedule of Normal Care (page 10). Always
make checks listed under “Before Each
Use”.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Pull choke knob out to choke engine.
Mfg. No. 1690915 and 1690934 will
probably require choke to start hot
engine.
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
Shift gears only with tractor stopped and
8
clutch-brake pedal fully depressed. Use the
gear shift lever to control tractor speed. Use
the engine speed control lever to control
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.
^^ WARNING
Slope Operation
Never operate on slopes greater than
30 percent (16.7°) which is a rise of
three feet vertically in 10 feet horizon¬
tally. When operating on slopes that
are greater than 15 percent (8.5°) hut
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 STOP OR START.
STARTING & STOPPING
1. Clear the work area of any objects
which may be caught in or thrown by
the mower.
2. Position the front wheels straight a-
head. If possible, the first motion should
be straight forward or backward.
3. Start the engine.
4. Set engine control for 1 / 3 to 1/2 speed.
Select the gear best suited for condi¬
tions.
5. Release the parking brake by unlatch¬
ing clutch-brake pedal from the foot
rest. Keep pedal depressed.
6. Make sure the path in desired direction
of movement is clear.
7. If you are ready to mow, engage the
mower PTO with moderately fast mo¬
tion. Engaging PTO too slowly may
cause belt wear.
8. Slowly release the clutch-brake pedal to
engage clutch and start tractor into
motion.

9. Adjust engine speed control to desired
speed. Between 3/4 and full speed is
recommended for mowing.
10. 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.
WARNING
To reduce fire hazard keep the engine,
tractor and mower free of grass, leaves
and excess grease.
^kwARNING
Never store the tractor where gasoline
fumes can reach an open flame or
spark.
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S
POSITION
I. S top tractor motion by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal. Set the parking
brake. Disengage the PTO.
2. Set engine speed control to SLOW. Let
the engine idle for 20 seconds then turn
the key to OFF. Remove the key to
prevent unauthorized use of tractor.
3. Lower the attachment.
4. Wait for all moving parts to stop.
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 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.
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, changing patterns oceasion-
ally to eliminate matting, graining or a
corrugated appearance.
9

Normal Care
Schedule
DETERMINING OPERATING TIME
Determining operating time is easily accom¬
plished if the tractor is equipped with an
optional hourmeter. If not, multiply the time
Care Required
See
Before
First
Use
Before
Each
Use
Every
5 Hours
**
Every
25
Hours
Every
100
Hours
***
Spring
and Fall
Check gas gauge
P. 10
•
•
it takes to do one job by the number of times
you've done the Job.
Check tractor & mower for
loose nuts, screws, bolts.
•
• •
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE
oil leaks, etc.
A schedule for normal care is provided in
Check engine oil level
•
•
•
Table 1,
Clean engine & air filter
•
RAISING HOOD/SEAT DECK Change engine oil*
•
•
To raise the hood, pull the sides of the hood
Lubricate tractor & mower
P.11,13
•
•
ward. To raise the deck, press the two
Check battery fluid
P. 12
•
•
buttons (L, figure 8) and tilt seat deck back.
Clean battery & cables
P. 12
•
CHECK/ADD GASOLINE
Clean/sharpen blades
P. 15
•
Remove the gas gauge/cap. Fill the tank
Inspect spark plug(s)
•
with clean, fresh, leaded or low-lead regular
grade gasoline. The use of lead-free gasoline
produces fewer combustion deposits, but
may shorten valve life if carburetor adjust¬
ment is too lean. Also refer to the 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).
10
Table 1. Schedule of Normal Care - Tractor & Mower

LUBRICATE 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
grease, then wipe off excess grease. When an
oil can is shown, wipe the area clean, apply a
few drops of medium weight (SAE 30) oil,
then wipe up drips or spills.
CHECK FUEL FILTER
^^W ARNING
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.
The fuel filter is located in fuel line between
fuel tank and carburetor. If filter is dirty or
clogged, replace as follows.
1. Using a pliers, open and slide hose
clamps from fuel filter. Drain fuel into
an approved container.
2. Remove hoses from filter.
3. Install new filter in proper flow direc¬
tion in fuel line. Secure by reclamping
with hose clamps. See warning at begin¬
ning of procedure.
Figure 9. Shift Lever Lubrication
Figure 10. PTO Lever Lubrication
Normal Care
Figure 11. Front Axle Lubrication
(Two grease fittings on each side)
Figure 12. Clutch & Brake Rod
Lubrication
11

Normal Care
CHECK BATTERY FLUID LEVEL
1. Raise the seat.
2. Remove filler caps, one at a time.
3. Fluid must be even with bottom of split
ring full mark (figure 13). If not, add
distilled water.
4. Reinstall filler caps.
Figure 13. Battery
A. Positive Terminai
B. Negative Terminal
C. Battery Clamp
CHECK TIRE PRESSURES
Check air pressure of all four tires. Front
tires should be 12 to 15 psi. Rear tires should
be 6 to 8 psi. A gauge with one-pound
markings will be necessary for an accurate
check.
CLEAN BATTERY & CABLES
^^ WARNING
For your personal safety when remov¬
ing or installing battery cables, always
disconnect the negative cable FIRST
and reconnect it LAST. The positive
battery terminai can easiiy be shorted
to the tractor frame by a wrench or
other tool if this is not done.
WARNING
Be careful when handling the battery.
Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames
and sparks away from the battery. _
1. Disconnect the cables from the battery,
negative cable first (figure 13).
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. Coat the
terminals with petroleum jelly or grease.
5. Reinstall battery and clamp (figure 13).
6. Connect cables, positive cable first.
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 vinyl
cleaner.
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.
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When the tractor is to be stored for two
months or longer, take precautions as fol¬
lows:
12

Normal Care
^^WARNING
Keep open flame or spark away from
flammable gasoline when working
near the fuel tank. Never store tractor
where gasoline fumes reach an open
flame or spark.
1. To 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 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 spark plugs and wipe dry.
Crank engine a few times to blow excess
oil out of plug holes. Then reinstall the
plugs.
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 battery fluid level and tire pres¬
sures. (See page 12).
6. Start the engine outdoors. Do not run
engine at high speeds immediately after
starting.
LUBRICATE MOWER
Lubricate all points where metal rubs against
metal. For the 36" mower, lubricate the
points shown in figures 14 thru 16. For the
42" mower, lubricate the points shown in
figure 17 thru 19. 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 or spills. Keep
oil off belts and pulleys.
Figure 14. Lubricate Height Control
Lever & Point Where Roller Bar
Contacts Bracket.

Normal Care
Figure 15. Lubricate Brake Lever,
Clevises, & Levelling Rod.
Figure 16. Lubricate Hitch, PTO Rod
and PTO Arm.
14
Figure 17. Lubricate Height Control
Lever & Point where roller bar
Contacts Bracket.
Figure 18. Lubricate Clevises & Two
Points Where Roller Bar Contacts
Brackets.
Figure 19. Lubricate Hitch, PTO Rod
& PTO Arm.

CLEAN, SHARPEN & BALANCE
BLADES
1. Remove the mower from the tractor.
2. Position the mower as in figure 20.
Secure the mower so it will not fall or
slide.
^^ WARNING
Do not handle the sharp mower blades
with hare hands. Avoid touching the
cutting edge. Careless or improper
handling of blades may result in ser¬
ious 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 20).
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.
Normal Care
6. C heck and balance blade. Use a balanc¬
ing machine or the fixture shown in
figure 21. 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.
^^ 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 50 ft. lbs. (68 N.m).
7. R einstall 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 50 ft. lbs. (68
N.m) (figure 22).
15

Normal Care
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE
To protect your mower, store it in an
enclosed dry area. To prepare the mower for
off-season storage perform the following.
1. Remove mower from tractor. (See Mow¬
er Installation and Removal section.)
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 deal¬
er) or a light coat of oil to prevent
rusting.
4. Lubricate mower (page 13).
5. Check, sharpen and balance the mower
blades (page 15).
6. The belt should be stored in a cool, dark
place away from heat and sunlight.

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 before beginn¬
ing the maintenance to prevent acci¬
dental 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. Out of fuel. Refill fuel tank.
D. Engine flooded. Push choke knob in & attempt to start.
E. Circuit breaker tripped. Wait one minute for automatic reset. Replace if defective
(see your dealer).
F. Battery terminals require cleaning. See Normal Care section.
G. Battery discharged or dead. Recharge or replace.
H. Wiring loose or broken. Visually check wiring & replace broken or frayed wires.
Tighten loose connections.
I. Solenoid or starter motor faulty. Repair or replace.
J. Safety interlock switch faulty. Replace if needed. (See your dealer).
K. Spark plug or points faulty, fouled, or incorrectly gapped. Clean & gap or replace.
L. Water in fuel tank. Drain fuel & refill with fresh fuel.
M. Old stale gas. Drain fuel & replace with fresh fuel.
2. Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
A. Fuel mixture too rich. Push choke knob in. 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
17

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. Push choke knob in and be
sure choke opens fully. If problem still exists, check
carburetor adjustment.
6. Engine runs, but tractor will not drive or iacks 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)
18
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 (see page 10).
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.
A. Lift ch ain not attached or broken. Attach or repair. __
2. Uneven cut.
A. Mower not leveled properly. See levelling adjustment in
Mower Adjustment section.
B. Tractor tires not inflated equally or properly. See page 10.
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.