Simplicity RTH Series User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

Table of Contents
SAFETY RULES
DECALS .
MOWER INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
OPERATION.
CONTROLS .’’’
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM ...
PUSHING THE TRACTOR BY HAND ....
BEFORE OPERATING .
RECOMMENDED FUEL .
STARTING THE ENGINE.. .
STARTING AND STOPPING OPERATION
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION ...
MOWING PATTERN AND TIPS.
10
10
11
12
12
12
13
13
14
15
NORMAL CARE .
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE ...
CHECKING/ADDING GASOLINE
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOR .
LUBRICATING THE MOWER ...
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE ..
CHECKING THE FUEL FILTER .,
SERVICING THE BATTERY .
ADJUSTING THE SEAT.
16
16
17
17
18
19
21
21
22
22
SHARPENING & BALANCING THE BLADES
CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL_
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE.
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE .
STARTING AFTER STORAGE .
TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR .
BATTERY REPLACEMENT .
JUMP STARTING .
TRACTOR BELT REPLACEMENT
MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT .
ADJUSTMENTS .
TRACTOR BRAKE .
ENGINE PULLEY BELT STOPS .
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT .
MOWER ADJUSTMENTS.
SMALL LIFT LEVER.
LARGE LIFT LEVER .
28
32
32
35
36
38
38
39
39
40
45
46
SPECIFICATIONS
REPLACEMENT PARTS
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES
PARTS MANUAL AVAILABLE .
NOTE
In this manual “left” and “right” are referred to as seen from
the 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.
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 aiiow
aduits to operate it without proper instruction.
• Do not carry passengers.
• Use oniy attachments or accessories designed for your
machine. See your dealer for a complete list of
recommended attachments or accessories.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children, and pets.
• Never direct discharge of materiai toward bystanders.
• Make sure:
a. tractor and attachments are in good operating
condition,
b. ail safety devices and shields are In place and In good
working condition, 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 fuei tank indoors. Wipe
up spilied 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 attachments.
• Disengage ali attachment clutches and move transmission
control lever into neutral before attempting to start the
engine.
• Wear heavy footwear. Do not operate tractor when
barefoot or when wearing open sandals or canvas shoes.
OPERATION
• Engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, lower the
attachment, stop the engine and remove the key before
leaving the operator's position for any reason, such as to
unclog attachment chutes or to make repairs or adjustments.
2

• stop tractor and attachments and inspect for damage after
striking a foreign object. Repair any damage before
restarting and operating the equipment.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or operating near
roadways.
• Operate only in daylight or in good artificial light.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
d. Use weights when recommended in the tractor or
attachment Operator's Manual.
• Disengage power to attachment(s) when transporting or
not in use.
• Never make adjustment while the engine is running.
• After operation, place transmission control lever in
forward position to help prevent accidental starting.
• 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 loss of control. Use extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
• Be especially careful not to touch tractor or attachment
parts which might be hot from operation. Allow such parts to
cool before attempting to maintain, adjust, or service.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Be extra careful when operating on wet, slippery surfaces.
• If equipment begins to vibrate abnormally, disengage
power to attachments and stop engine at once. Inspect for
damage and correct before starting up tractor.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a. Use only drawbar hitch point.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
^^WARNING
Never place hands near the hydro pump cooling fan
when the tractor is running. Cooling fan is located on
left-hand side of hydro pump inside the rear frame.
3

Safety Rules
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 free of grass,
ieaves, and excess grease.
• Never store the equipment with gasoiine in the tank inside
a buiiding where fumes may reach an open fiame or spark.
Aiiow the engine to cooi before storing in any enciosure.
4

Decals
ALL WARNINGS, CAUTIONS,
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. The information is for
your safety and it is important. The
safety messages on this page are
on your tractor and mower.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT TOW TRACTOR
DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION WILL
RESULT. DISENGAGE TRANSMISSION
TO MANUALLY PUSH TRACTOR.
TRANSMISSION
ENGAGED
TRANSMISSION
DISENGAGED
SNOWTHROWER &
MOWER PTO
A DANGER
ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER
WITHOUT DEFLECTOR
OR ENTIRE GRASS
CATCHER IN PLACE.
A C A U T I O N
TO AVOID POSSIBLE INJURY
' READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S|.
KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS.
KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS. SHIELDS
AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
REMOVE ODJECTS THATCOULO 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 KEYANO
SET PARKING BRAKE.
BRAKE & CLUTCH
ENGAGE,
BRAKE
CLUTCH
A DANGER
ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
DO NOT PUT HANDS
OR FEET UNDER
MOWER DECK WHILE
BLADE IS ROTATING.
5

Mower Installation & Removal
Figure 1. Installing 36" Mower
A. Lift Chain
B. Lift Arm
C. Mower Hitch Arms
6
NOTE
The lift chain (A, figure 1) should be connected to the
rear hole in lift arm (B) unless optional large liftarm (B,
figure 8) is used to raise mower. With large lift lever,
connect chain in forward hole.
1. Place your tractor on a level surface, with the mower on
the right side of the tractor.
2. Turn the tractor front wheels full left (figure 1).
3. Place the mower in lowest cutting position and slide it
under the tractor, aligning arms (C, figure 1) with tractor
hitch (A, figure 2).
Figure 2. Mower Hitch Arms
A. Hitch C. Safety Clips
B. Pins D. Drive Belt

Mower Installation & Removal
4. I n sert 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). If chain has four links, be sure to use
only three links.
Figure 3. Lift Assembly
A. Lift Link D. Clevis
B. Lift Arm E. Pin
C. Chain F. Clip
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 or wood under front edge to raise deck.)
Connect the clips (C) into the pins.
6. Slip the mower drive belt onto the PTO pulley (C, figure
4). Loosen belt stops as necessary. The left-hand belt
stop (A) is shown in figure 4. The right-hand belt stop is
shown in figure 5. Make sure that the belt is routed
between belt stop fingers. Check routing of belt by
referring to figure 6.
Figure 4. Left-Hand Belt Stop
A. Belt Stop D. Mower Hitch Arm
B. Belt E. Tractor Hitch
C. PTO Pulley F. Spring Clip
7

Mower Installation & Removal
7 . Insert one end of the PTO rod (B, figure 7) in the mower
PTO arm (A) and the 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 the rod is correctly positioned.
Install the spring clips (D).
8. If installing mower for the first time, or if a new belt was
installed, perform the mower adjustments in the
Adjustments section.
9. Reverse the procedure to remove the mower.
A. Belt Stop B. PTO Pulley
8
Figure 6. Mower Belt Pattern - 36"
A. V-Pulley, Right Arbor
B. V-Pulley, Left Arbor
C. Engine PTO Pulley
D. Flat Idler Pulley
E. Belt
C. Belt

A. Mower PTO Arm
B. PTO Rod
C. Tractor PTO Arm
D. Spring Clip
Mower Installation & Removal
9

Operation
Figure 8. Tractor & Mower Controls
Ref. 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 Optional
Lift Lever
Lifts and holds attachments in transport position (only
required with attachment other than mower).
C Ignition
Switch
Operates with key to start, run, or stop engine.
D
Light Switch
Switches headlights on or off (if equipped).
E Mower 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 attachments. Pull
back to disengage.
H Transmission
Control Lever
Controls ground speed and forward/reverse motion.
Push toward left to move out of neutral (center)
position. Push down to go forward. Pull up to go
rearward.
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
Pull down on latch underneath left foot rest while
raiisng seat deck.
10

Operation
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 9) 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 of 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 9. Seat Switch
A. Seat Switch
B. Wiring Harness

Operation
CAUTION
Do not tow tractor. Transmission damage may result.
PUSHING THE TRACTOR BY HAND
To push the tactor by hand, the hydro release lever (A, figure
10) must be in the “PUSH” position. Rotate the lever upwards
and engage lever capscrew in wrapper hole. To drive tractor,
rotate lever downward, making sure that bottom of lever is
several inches away from plunger (B).
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Refer to Normal Care Chart and perform any needed
care.
2. Clear the work area of any objects which may be caught
in or thrown by the attachment.
RECOMMENDED FUEL
Refer to your engine manual for specific fuel and oil
recommendations. Never use gasoline containing methanol,
gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol, gasoline
^ditives (except gas stabalizerfor winterstorage), premium
^oline, or white gas because engine/fuel system damage
■ ddaW result.
A. Hydro Release Lever
B. Plunger

Operation
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Place transmission control lever in NEUTRAL. The lever
will snap into NEUTRAL notch when moved to center
position.
3. Lift the PTO lever fully back to disengage the
attachment.
4. Set engine speed control lever in CHOKE position. (A
warm engine may not require choking.)
5. Insert the key into ignition switch and turn to START.
Release when engine starts.
6. Move the throttle out of CHOKE position.
^^WARNING
Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason,
engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, stop the
engine and remove the key.
STARTING & STOPPING OPERATION
1. Start the engine as described in previous procedure.
2. Place the engine speed control lever between 3/4 and
full speed. Full engine speed is recommended,
especially if mowing thick grass or blowing heavy snow.
3. Release the parking brake by depressing pedal and
unlatching from end of footrest.
4. If possible, the first motion should be straight forward or
back. Position the front wheels straight ahead.
5. To go forward, move transmission control lever to leftto
move out of neutral, then press downward. The farther
downward you press, the faster forward ground speed.
To go rearward, move transmission control lever to left
to move out of neutral, then pull up. The farther upward
you pull lever, the faster rearward ground speed.
6. Use the ground speed control lever to select 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, you can use full speed.
7. Use the transmission control lever to slow down for
turns or to trim around objects, then increase speed.
8. To stop, move the transmission control lever into
NEUTRAL position. For a more rapid stop, depress the
clutch-brake pedal. If you stop by depressing the pedal,
move control lever to NEUTRAL before releasing pedai.
13

b. Disengage the PTO and lower the attachment.
c. Set engine speed control to SLOW. Stopping a hot
engine too fast may cause engine damage. Let engine
idle for about a minute.
d. Turn key to OFF and remove it.
^^WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10 feet
horizontally. 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.
WARNING
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, tractor and
mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease.
Refer to figure 11. 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 11.
14
Figure 11. Brake/Clutch Pedal

Operation
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 buildings must also 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 mower 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 obstacles 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 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 to 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 925 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)
where it is free of external moisture.
Where possible, change patterns occasionally to eliminate
matting, graining or a corrugated appearance.
15

Normal Care
Safety Items
See
Before
First
Use
Before
Each
Use
Every
5 Hours
Every
25
Hours
Every
100
Hours
Spring
& Fall
Check safety interlock system.
pg - 1 1
•
•
Check tractor brakes.
pg. 38
•
•
Check mower blade stopping time.
pg. 45
•
After adjustment or mower
belt replacement.
•
Normal Care Items
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.‘
» »
**•
hirlr^
Lubricate tractor & mower.
pg. 18
Check fluid levels & tire pressure.
pg- 21
•
•
Check transmission fluid.
pg 25
•
•
•
Check fuel filter.
pg- 21
•
Clean battery & cables.
pg- 23
•
Clean/sharpen blades.
pg- 27
•
Inspect spark plug(s).
Eng.Mn.
•
‘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
16

NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE
A schedule for normal care is provided in Table 1. If your
tractor is not equipped with an optional hourmeter, you will
need to keep a record of operating time.
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
recommendations. Install and hand tighten the gas
gauge/cap.
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK
To raise the hood, grasp both sides of the hood near the
dash. Pull sides of hood outward and tilt the hood forward.
To raise the seat deck, position yourself as shown in figure
12. Pull down on the release located underneath the left-
hand footrest and raise the seat deck.
Do not close the seat deck with the release lever pulled down.
Normal Care
Figure 12. Opening the Seat Deck

Normal Care
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOR
Lubricate the tractor as shown in figures 13 thru 15. When a
grease gun is shown, wipe the fitting clean, apply two or
three shots of grease, and wipe off excess grease. Ask your
dealer or refer to Common Replacement Parts section in this
manual for recommended 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. Keep oil off belts, brake pads, and
pulleys.
18
Figure 14. Front Axle Lubrication
(Two grease fittings on each side)