Simplicity GTH Series User manual

Operator's
Manual
Slmplltsily

Table of Contents
SAFETY RULES . .. 1
DECALS. 3
MOWER INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL. 5
OPERATION. 9
CONTROLS . 9
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING . 11
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM . 11
STARTING THE ENGINE . 12
GENERAL INFORMATION. 12
SELECTING ENGINE SPEED . 12
STARTING AND STOPPING . 13
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION . 14
PUSHING TRACTOR BY HAND . 15
MOWING SUGGESTIONS . 16
NORMAL CARE .. 17
DETERMINING OPERATING TIME. 17
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK. 17
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE. 17
ADDING GASOLINE . 19
TRACTOR AND MOWER LUBRICATION . 19
FLUID LEVELS. 22
TIRE PRESSURE . 22
CHANGING TRANSMISSION FLUID & FILTER .... 23
FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT . 25
CLEANING THE BATTERY & CABLES .25
SHARPENING & BALANCING THE BLADES .26
NORMAL STORAGE . 28
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE .28
STARTING AFTER STORAGE .28
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE .. 29
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR . 30
CONTENT OF SECTION . 30
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES. 30
BATTERY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT . 33
JUMP STARTING . 33
ENGINE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT . 35
MOWER DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT . 37
ADJUSTMENTS . 40
TRACTOR BRAKE SPRING ADJUSTMENT.40
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT . 41
SHIFT QUADRANT (NEUTRAL) ADJUSTMENT ... 41
MOWER ADJUSTMENTS . 43
Drive Belt Tension .... 43
PTO Pulley Belt Stops . 43
Left Idler Pulley Belt Stop . 44
Mower Leveling. Side-to-Side . 44
Mower Leveling, Front-to-Back . 46
Blade Brake Adjustment . 48
Lift Lever. 49
SEAT ADJUSTMENT . 50
TRACTOR IDENTIFICATION . 50
SPECIFICATIONS . 51
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES.53
COMMON REPLACEMENT PARTS .54
PARTS MANUAL AVAILABLE . 55
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING

Safety Rules
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 attempt to override the safety start circuit. Make
sure the seat switch is securely plugged in.
• 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 children and
others are around.
• Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc.) that might
be picked up and thrown.
• Disengage ail attachment clutches and shift into neutral
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.
• 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,
lowering 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 slopes; never across
the face. Do not mow on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°); use front counterweights and rear wheel weights on
slopes greater than 15 percent (8.5°).
• 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.
1

Safety Rules
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b. Limit toads 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
material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the vehicle
while in operation.
• Handle gasoline with care — it is highly 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.
• 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 adjustment 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 unciogging chute.
d. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at
frequent intervals.
• 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
recommendations 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.
2

Decals
ALL WARNING, CAUTION, and instructional
messages on your tractor and mower should be
carefully read and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can
result when these instructions are not followed. Decal
information is important for your safe operation of the
tractor. The safety messages on this page are on your
tractor and mower.
A DANGER
8 ^
ROTATING CUTTING BIADE
•DO NOT OPERATE MOWER WITHOUT
DEFLECTOR OR ENTIRE GRASS
CATCHER IN PLACE
A DANGER ~l
ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
•DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET UNDER
MOWER DECK WHILE BLADE IS
ROTATING,
IMPORTANT
DO NOT TOW TRACTOR
DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION WILL
RESULT. DISENGAGE TRANSMISSION
TO MANUALLY PUSH TRACTOR.
TRANSMISSION
ENGAGED
TRANSMISSION
DISENGAGED
A CAUTION
ALWAYS CHECK MOWER BRAKE PAD
TO V-PULLEY CLEARANCE WHEN
REPLACING BELT OR REPAIRING
MOWER. BRAKE PADS WILL BE
DAMAGED IF BRAKE PAD CONTACTS
PULLEY WHEN MOWER IS ENGAGED.
A DANGER ROTATING FAN BLADE ^
3

Decals
TO AVOID POSSIBLE INJURY
• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS
• KEEP SAFETY OEVICES (GUARDS. SHIELDS
AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN
BY BLADE.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN AND OTHERS
ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
• ALWAYS LOOK BEHIND MACHINE BEFORE
BACKING.
• DO NOT MOW WHERE MACHINE COULD TIP
OR SLIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL. STOP
BLADE AND BACK SLOWLY DOWN.
• BE SURE BLADE AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED
BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR
BLADE.
• WHEN LEAVING MACHINE REMOVE KEY AND
, SET PARKING BRAKE.
4

Mower Installation & Removal
A WARNING
Stop engine, set parking brake, and remove key to
prevent accidental starting. Never attempt to install or
remove your mower when engine is running.
INSTALLATION
1. Place the tractor and mower on a smooth, hard surface,
such as concrete, with the mower on the right side of the
tractor, and the hitch toward front of the tractor.
2. Notice that one end of the PTO rod (A, figure I) does
not have a drilled hole. Insert this end into the mower
PTO arm (B) and work around until rod (A) appears as
in figure 1.
3. Turn the front wheels of the tractor as far as they go to
the left.
4. Lower the tractor lift lever. Place the mower in lowest
cutting position using the mower height control lever.
5. Slide the mower under the tractor so that the mower lift
arm (C, figure 1) is under the tractor lift arm (B, figure
2 ).
6. C onnect the chain (C, figure 2) to the trunnion (D) with
clip (E). For electric lift, use only three links of chain.
A. PTO Rod
B. Mower PTO Arm
C. Mower Lift Arm
5

Mower Installation & Removal
Figure 2. Lift Chain
A. Lift Rod D. Trunnion
B. Lift Arm E. Clip
C. Chain F. Nut
7. Position the mower hitch arms (C, figure 3) so they are
underneath the rear holes in tractor hitch (A, figure 4).
Lift up one side of mower with both hands and align
hole in mower hitch arm with rear hole in tractor hitch.
When holes align, insert clevis pin (B) through hitch
with pin head on outside as shown in figure 4. Using a 2'
x 4' wood block for support may make hole alignment
easier. Go to the other side and insert the other pin.
Install the two safety clips (C) in the pins.
Figure 3. L.H. PTO Pulley Belt Stop
A. Tractor Hitch
B> Belt
C. Mower Hitch Arm
D. PTO Pulley
E. Belt Stop
8. Slip the mower drive belt onto the engine PTO pulley
(D, figure 3). Loosen the belt stops if necessary. The left-
hand belt stop is item E in figure 3. The right-hand belt
stop is item A in figure 5.

Figure 4, Mower Hitch Attached
A. Tractor Hitch C. Safety Clips
B. Pins D. Drive Belt
Figure 5. R.H. PTO Pulley Belt Stop
A. Belt Stop B. PTO Pulley C. Belt
Figure 6. PTO Pulley Rod
A. PTO Lever
B. Left Rear Tire
C. PTO Rod
D. Spring Clip

Mower Installation & Removal
9. Attach the PTO rod (C, figure 6) to the tractor PTO
lever (A) in hole marked “MOW” with the spring clip
provided (D).
10. Check Mower Adjustments (page 39. Be sure to check
belt stop adjustment if loosened in step 8. If installing
for the first time, check Mower Leveling and Lift Lever
in Adjustments section.
NOTE
If belt is new, check belt tension adjustment and blade
brake adjustment again after two hours of operation.
REMOVAL
Reverse the procedure to remove the mower.
A WARNING
Take special care when working near the engine
muffler. If it is hot from recent operation it can cause
serious burns.
8

Operation
CONTROLS
Refer to figure 7 A for tractor controls and figure 7B
for engine/dash controls.
Figure 7A. Tractor Controls
ITEM NAME FUNCTION
A Gas Gauge/Cap
Shows the amount of gasoline in the tank & serves
as gas tank cap.
B
PTO (Power
Take Off) Lever
Move the lever forward to engage power to the
attachment. Move the lever back to disengage.
Shuts off engine if operator leaves seat when PTO
is engaged and/or hydrostatic control lever is in
forward/reverse slot.
D
Lifts & holds the mower & other attachments in
transport position.
E
Clutch-Brake
Pedal/Parking
Brake
Disengages tractor drive when pressed down at
least halfway. Applies brake when fully depressed.
Engages parking brake when latched over footrest.
F
Height Control
Lever
Adjusts mower cutting height.
G Ground Speed
Control Lever
Controls ground speed and forward/reverse direction.
Ground speed is increased when lever is pushed down
(for forward direction) and pulled up (for reverse
direction) in slot. Tractor movement begins
immediately after lever is pushed out of neutral slot.
Puli down on latch underneath left foot rest while
raising seat deck.
1
Hydro Release
Lever
Allows tractor to be pushed by hand (located
under seat deck).
9

Operation
| ITEM
NAME
FUNCTION
H
Throttle Lever
Position from SLOW to FAST to adjust engine
speed.
B
Hourmeter
Shows number of hours engine has been operated.
C PTO Safety
Interlock
Lamp (Green)
Lights up when ignition switch is turned to ON
& PTO is disengaged. (PTO must be disengaged
to start engine.) With engine running, lamp will
be lit whenever ground speed control lever is in
neutral position.
D
Trans. Safety
Interlock
Lamp (Green)
Lights up when ignition switch is turned to ON
position & ground speed control lever is in
NEUTRAL position. (Control lever must be in
NEUTRAL position to start engine.) With engine
running, lamp will be lit whenever PTO is
disengaged.
E
Light Switch
Switches headlights on or off (when engine is running).
F
Ignition Switch
Operates with key to start, run or stop the engine.
G
Choke
Aids in starting a cold engine.
H
Oil Pressure
Lamp (Red)
Lights up when ignition switch is turned
to START position. Should go out immediately
after engine is running, indicating sufficient
oil pressure. Shut off engine immediately
if light comes on during operation.
Check oil level.
10

Operation
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING
Refer to the Normal Care Chart on page 18 and perform any
needed care.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Your tractor is equipped with a seat switch safety system
that will automatically shut the engine off when the operator
leaves the seat with the PTO engaged or with the
transmission lever in gear. The tractor engine will continue
to run when the operator leaves the seat if the PTO is
disengaged and the transmission is in neutral.
Check the seat switch (A, figure 7C) every fall and spring
with the following three tests. Make sure the wiring harness
(B) is securely plugged into the switch.
^ WARNING
If the tractor does not pass the test, do not operate
tractor. See your authorized dealer. Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety system.
Test 1 — Engine should not crank if:
A. Seat not occupied, or;
B. Transmission lever out of neutral, or;
C. PTO engaged.
Test 2 — Engine should crank if:
A. Seat is occupied, and;
B. Transmission lever in neutral, and;
C. PTO disengaged.
Test 3 — Engine should shut off if:
A. Operator rises off seat with transmission in
gear or;
B. Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged.
Figure 7C.
A. Seat Switch
B. Wiring Harness

Operation
STARTING THE ENGINE
^WARNING
Do not start or run engine in an enclosed area.
Exhaust fumes are deadly.
L Make sure the parking brake is set and the PTO is
disengaged.
NOTE
It is very important for cold weather starting that the
parking brake is set. This will declutch the
transmission drive belt and allow the engine to turn
over easier.
2. To start engine, the ground speed control lever must be
in NEUTRAL, the PTO disengaged, and operator in
tractor seat.
3. For cold starts, pull out the choke knob. It may not be
necessary to choke in warm weather.
4. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn to
START position. When the engine starts, release the
key.
5. As the engine warms, push in choke.
12
6. A ll o w the engine to warm up before engaging the PTO
or driving the tractor. Do not idle engine for extended
periods - it may cause carbon build-up.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The hydrostatic drive system provides a variable speed
range of 0 - 5.5 mph in the forward direction and 0-3 mph in
the reverse direction.
Speed is controlled by the ground speed control lever.
Engine speed also affects ground speed, but is used mainly to
control the drive speed of the attachment (mower,
snowthrower, etc.). The further the control lever is in the
forward or reverse gate, the faster the ground speed.
SELECTING ENGINE SPEED
Most mowing is done with the engine speed control lever set
between 3/4 and full throttle. Best results are often obtained
at full throttle. If the grass is wet or high, select a slow
ground speed, and use full engine speed.

Operation
^WARNING
Operation on Slopes
Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet in a travel distance
of ten feet. When operating on slopes that are greater
than 15 percent (8.5°) but less than 30 percent use rear
wheel weights and front counterweights (available
from your dealer). A 15 percent slope is a rise of one
and a half feet in a travel distance of ten feet.
Use the ground speed control lever to reduce ground
speed before driving onto any slope. Drive UP and
DOWN the slope, never across the face. Use caution
when changing directions and DO NOT STOP OR
START ON SLOPES WHEN OPERATING
UPHILL OR DOWNHILL._
A CAUTION
Do not operate the ground speed control lever unless
engine is running and parking brake is released.
STARTING AND STOPPING
1. M a k e sure the PTO is disengaged, transmission is in
neutral and parking brake is set. Operator must be in
seat.
2. Start the engine.
3. For transporting, use the lift lever to raise the mower.
For mowing, lower the lift lever. Select the desired
mowing height using the height control lever. When the
lift lever is raised and lowered, the mower will return to
the height set by the height control lever.
4. If possible, the First motion should be straight forward
or backward. Position the front wheels straight ahead.
5. Place the throttle lever at half throttle.
6. Release the brake pedal from the parking brake
position (latched to footrest).
7. Use the ground speed control lever to select forward or
reverse travel. For forward direction, move lever to
right slot and push down; for reverse direction, move
lever to the far right and pull up.
8. Use the ground speed control lever to control speed.
The further the control lever is in the forward or reverse
gate, the faster the ground speed.
9. When you are ready to mow, engage the PTO lever with
moderate speed. Engaging too slowly may cause belt
wear.
10. M o v e the engine throttle lever between 3/4 and full for
mowing. If necessary, readjust ground speed with the
control lever.
13

Operation
11. Select the appropriate ground speed for conditions. If
the terrain is rough, hilly or sloping, drive slowly. You
should also drive slowly to cut thick grass or blow heavy
snow. On level ground, with light grass or snow, adjust
your speed accordingly.
12. Use the transmission control lever to slow down for
turns or to trim around objects, then increase speed.
13. To stop, move the transmission control lever into
NEUTRAL position. For a more rapid stop, depress
the clutch-brake pedal, move control lever to
NEUTRAL before releasing pedal.
NOTE
The tractor may creep a small amount forward or
backward while in neutral when the parking brake is
not locked. Move control lever slightly forward or
back in the neutral gate to eliminate creeping. If
tractor continues to creep, see Shift Quadrant
(Neutral) Adjustment, page 37.
14. Before leaving the operator seat:
a. Stop tractor motion and engage parking brake.
b. Disengage the PTO and lower the attachment.
c. For Kohler engines, set engine speed control to
SLOW. For Briggs & Stratton engines, set engine
speed control halfway between fast and slow (if
tractor backfires when shutting off, move speed
control a little higher than halfway). Let engine idle
for about a minute. However, do not idle engine for
extended period - it may cause carbon buildup,
d. T u r n key to OFF and remove it.
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION
Refer to figure 8. Depressing pedal from position A to B
disengages transmission drive. Depressing pedal further
from position B to C will also apply tractor brake. Parking
brake is applied at position C when pedal is latched over foot
rest as shown in figure 8.
14

Operation
jQ^warning
Never store the tractor where gasoline fumes can reach
an open flame or spark. To reduce fire hazard, keep
the engine, tractor and mower free of trash, leaves and
excess grease.
A WARNING
Refer to your attachment Operator’s Manual for
special requirements. When mowing with a vacuum
collector attachment, always use the front
counterweight.
PUSHING THE TRACTOR BY HAND
A WARNING
Rotating cooling fan is located under battery
compartment on top of transaxle. Do not allow hands
or dangling objects near the fan blades.
To push the tractor by hand, the transmission must be
disengaged by moving the release valve. To release the valve,
open seat deck, pull up on the release lever (A, figure 9), and
insert screw (B) into upper bracket hole (shown in dotted
A. Release Lever
B. Screw
lines in figure 9). Release valve must be repositioned in the
bottom (drive) hole before tractor will move in a forward or
reverse direction.
15

Operation
MOWING SUGGESTIONS
When mowing for the first time, operate on a level surface at
a slow ground speed until you become familiar with the
controls and handling of the machine. Make sure mower is
properly installed and adjustments are correct.
Set the throttle between 3/4 to full and use hydrostatic
control lever to control ground speed.
The size and type of area to be mowed determine the best
mowing pattern to use.
Obstructions such as trees, fences and buildings must be
considered. Where possible, 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.
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.
Where possible, keep the left side of the mower toward trees,
posts, or other obstacles on the first pass around the
obstacles to keep hand trimming to a minimum.
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.
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 after or early
evening (in daylight) when it is free of external moisture.
Where possible, change mowing patterns occasionally to
eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appearance.
16

Normal Care
A WARNING
Stop engine, disengage PTO, remove key, set parking
brake, and wait for moving parts to stop before
performing maintenance. Wait for engine to coo!
before working around engine.
DETERMINING OPERATING TIME
An hourmeter, located on the left side of the control panel,
indicates the operating time of the engine. Use this meter to
determine proper schedule for checks and service shown in
the Normal Care Schedule.
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK
To raise the hood, puli out on each side of the hood next to
the dash and lift up. To raise the seat deck, puli down on the
release (underneath rear left-hand footrest) with your left
hand, then lift the seat deck with your right hand. Refer to
figure 10.
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE
A schedule for normal care is provided in the following
chart.
Figure 10. Seat Deck Latch
17

Normal Care
Safety
See
Before
First
Use
Before
Each
Use
Every
5 Hours
Every
25
Hours
Every
100
Hours
Spring
& Fall
Check safety interlock system.
pg. ii
•
•
Check tractor brakes.
pg. 14
•
•
Check mower blade brake.
pg. 48
•
•
Norma! Care Items
Check gas gauge.
pg- 9
• #
Check tractor & mower for loose nuts, screws,
bolts, oil leaks, etc.
•
•
•
Check engine oil level.
Eng.Mn.
• • •
Check engine & air filter.
" "
**•
Change engine oil and filter.*
" "
**•
***•
Lubricate tractor & mower.
pg. 19
•
**•
Check fluid levels & tires.
pg- 22
• • **•
Change transmission fluid & filter.
pg. 23
Every 400 hrs. or for transaxle service only.
Check fuel filter.
pg. 25
•
Clean battery & cables.
pg. 25
•
Clean/sharpen blades.
pg. 26
•
inspect spark plugs.
Eng.Mn.
•
Check mower belt tension.
pg. 43
•
‘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).
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil for cold weather operation (under 30° F).
Normal Care Schedule
18