Textron Bob-Cat User manual

WARNING: If incorrectly used this machine can cause severe injury. Those who
use and maintain this machine should be trained in its proper use, warned of its
dangers and should read the entire manual before attempting to set up, operate,
adjust or service the machine.
2308081 REV04
Operator’s Manual - Hydro Mid-Size
Manual del Operario
Manuel Opérateur E
F
POWER UNITS, EMSEMBLES MOTEURS, UNIDADES DE POTENCIA
930300, 930301, 930302, 930303, 930304, 930306, 930307, 930309,
930310
CUTTER DECKS, PLATAFORMAS DE CORTE, PLATEAUX DE COUPE
933400, 934400, 935400, 936400, 933600, 934600, 935600
(Parts Manual, Catálogo de Piezas, Manuel Pièces Detachées: 2308093)
(Parts Manual, Catálogo de Piezas, Manuel Pièces Detachées: 2308096)

CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
Diesel engine exhaust and some of
itsconstituentsareknowntotheState
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects and other reproductive harm.
Californie Proposition 65
Avertissement
Les échappements des moteurs diesel
et certains de leurs composés sont
reconnus par l’Etat de Californie pour
être cancérigènes, provoquer des
défautscongénitaux etd’autresdangers
en matière de reproduction.
ADVERTENCIA
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
containschemicalsknownto the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
California Advertencia
de la Proposicion 65
El estado de California hace saber
que los gases de escape de los
motores diesel y algunos de sus
componentes producen cáncer,
defectos de nacimiento y otros daños
en el proceso de reproducción
humana.
L’ é mission du moteur de ce mat é riel
contient des produits chimiques que
l’Etat de Californie consid è re ê tre
canc é rig è nes, provoquer des d é fauts
cong é nitaux et d’autres dangers en
mati è re de reproduction.
El estado de California hace saber
que los gases de escape de este
producto contienen productos
quÍmicos que producen cáncer,
defectosdenacimientoyotrosdaños
en el proceso de reproducción
humana.
© 2000, TEXTRON INC

1
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
You have purchased a first class mowing product. The useful life and good service you obtain from this product
depends, to a large extent, on how well you operate and maintain it.
Beforeattemptingtouseyourmower,pleasereadcarefullythroughthisoperator'smanual. Becomefamiliarwith
thegeneralinstructionsandcontrols,andnoteadjustments,lubricationandmaintenanceproceduresthatwillgive
you the best results. You'll be pleased you did.
TABLEOFCONTENTS PAGE
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................2
Labels ...........................................................................................................................................................3-5
GeneralInstructions .....................................................................................................................................6, 7
Assembly/Set-Up Instructions....................................................................................................................8-11
Controls ...................................................................................................................................................12,13
MachineOperation ...................................................................................................................................14,15
Lubrication .....................................................................................................................................................16
Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................17-19
ServiceChart..................................................................................................................................................20
HeightofCut Adjustments .......................................................................................................................21,22
HeightofCutCharts.................................................................................................................................23, 24
Adjustments..............................................................................................................................................25-28
BeltReplacement...........................................................................................................................................29
VersadeckConversion....................................................................................................................................30
Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................31-34
FastenerTorques ...........................................................................................................................................35
ServiceRecord...............................................................................................................................................36
RansomesWarranty ................................................................................................................................37, 38
Thisisacautionsymbolthat means: ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
Yoursafetyandthesafetyofothersisinvolved.
SIGNALWORDDEFINITIONS:
Thefollowingwordsareused toidentifylevels ofhazardseriousness. Thesewordswill appearinthis manualand
onthe safety labelsattachedto machines. Takenote toreadany statement thatappears withthesesignal words
and/orthecautionsymbolshownabove.
DANGER Immediate hazards which will result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in severe personal injury or death.
CAUTION Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor personal injury or product or
property damage.
CONTENTS
3-98-RI

2
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
RANSOMES BOB-CAT OWNER
ThankyouforpurchasingaRansomesBob-Catproduct. Youareoneofourmanycustomerswhohavevotedtheir
confidence in our company by purchasing our products. We trust it will provide you with all the utility you expect,
plusmore.
Thisisoneofthebestdesignedandbuiltpiecesofcommercialturfequipmentavailable. Manysafetyfeatureshave
beendesignedandbuiltintothisproduct. Pleasedonotremoveordefeatanysafetyfeaturesastheywereinstalled
foryourprotection. Treatyourequipmentproperly,lubricateandadjustitasinstructedinthismanualanditwillgive
youmanyyearsofreliable service.
Yoursafetycontinuestobeoneofourprimeobjectives,butwemustrelyonyourgoodsenseandcareforyourown
safety and that of your operators. Please follow all instructions and warnings in order to prevent serious injury to
yourself or operators. Study this Operator’s Manual to learn operation of the controls and observe all safety
precautions. Be sure your operators also study this manual and observe all safety precautions.
Seeyour dealer for serviceand parts. He stocksgenuine RansomesBob-Cat partsmanufactured with thesame
precision and skill as the original parts, which will keep your Ransomes Bob-Cat equipment operating at peak
efficiency.
Wewouldlikeourequipmenttoserveyouformanyyearsinasafeandproductivemanner. Pleasehelpusbyusing
allyourequipmentas it was intended andby following our warnings andinstructions and keeping theunit in good
repair. Anycommentsyouhaveregardingourequipmentwouldbeappreciated.
Ransomes Inc. ¡One Bob Cat Lane ¡Johnson Creek, WI 53038
NOTICE !!!
Unauthorizedmodificationsmaypresentextremesafetyhazardstooperatorsandbystandersandcouldalsoresult
inproductdamage.
Ransomes Inc. strongly warns against, rejects and disclaims any modifications, add-on accessories or product
alterationsthatarenotdesigned,developed,testedandapprovedbyRansomesInc.EngineeringDepartment. Any
RansomesInc.productthatisaltered,modifiedorchangedinanymannernotspecificallyauthorizedafteroriginal
manufacture--includingtheadditionof“after-market”accessoriesorcomponentpartsnotspecificallyapprovedby
RansomesInc. will resultin theRansomes Inc.Warranty beingvoided.
Anyandallliabilityforpersonal injuryand/orpropertydamagecausedbyanyunauthorizedmodifications,add-on
accessoriesorproductsnotapprovedbyRansomesInc.willbeconsideredtheresponsibilityoftheindividual(s)or
company designing and/or making such changes. Ransomes Inc. will vigorously pursue full indemnification and
costsfromanypartyresponsibleforsuchunauthorizedpost-manufacturemodificationsand/oraccessoriesshould
personalinjuryand/orpropertydamageresult.
MODELNUMBER: Thisnumberappearson
sales literature, technical manuals and price lists.
SERIALNUMBER: Thisnumberappearsonlyon
yourmower.Itcontainsthemodelnumber
followedconsecutivelybythe serial number. Use
thisnumberwhenorderingpartsorseeking
warrantyinformation.
SERIAL TAG
93030X
93030XXXXX
INTRODUCTION

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HYDRO
MIDSIZE LABELS

4
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
LABELS
For use on: 930300 and 930301
For use on: 930302

5
HYDRO
MIDSIZE LABELS
For use on: 930303 and 930304

6
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
Before using machine for the first time, check
engine and hydraulic fluid levels and lubricate all
points.
TRAINING
a) Read the operator’s manual carefully. All rotary
grasscutters arepotentiallydangerous.Noperson
shouldoperatethemachineunlesstheyarefamiliar
withthecontrolsandtheproperuseofthemachine.
b) Neverallowchildrenorpeopleunfamiliarwiththese
instructions to use the mower. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator.
c) Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and pets.
d) Keepinmindthattheoperatororuserisresponsible
foraccidentsorhazardsoccurringtootherpeopleor
theirproperty.
PREPARATION
a) Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial
footwearandlongtrousers.
b) Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis
to be used and remove all objects which may be
thrownby the machine.
c) Gasolineishighly flammable.
— Store gasoline only in a container specifically de-
signedforgasolinestorageinacool,dryplaceaway
fromsparksandopenflame.
— Whenrefuelingorcheckingfuellevel:
— Stop engine. Allow to cool.
— Refueloutdoorsonly.
— Do not smoke.
— Usea funnel.Donotoverfill.Cleanupspillsand
movemachineawayfromspillsbeforestarting.
— Replace caps tightly.
d) Replacefaultymufflers.
e) Beforeusing,alwaysvisuallyinspecttoseethatthe
blades,bladeboltsandcutterassemblyarenotworn
ordamaged.Replacewornordamagedbladesand
bolts.
f) Onmulti-bladedmachines,takecareasrotatingone
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
g) Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive
clutch on units so equipped before starting the
engine(motor).
h) Neverattempttomakeadjustmentswhiletheengine
(motor)isrunning.
i) Neveroperatetheequipmentinwetgrass.Alwaysbe
sureof your footing;keep afirmhold on thehandle
andwalk;neverrun.
OPERATION
a) Donotoperatetheengineinaconfinedspacewhere
dangerouscarbonmonoxidefumescancollect.
b) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
c) Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
d) Walk,neverrun.
e) Withwalkbehindmachines,alwaysmowacrossthe
slopes, not up and down.
f) Exerciseextremecaution when changing direction
on slopes.
g) Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
h) Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
mowertowardsyou.Besuretheareabehindisclear.
i) Stop the blade(s) if the mower has to be tilted for
transportation, when crossing surfaces other than
grassandwhentransportingthemowertoandfrom
thearea to be mowed.
j) Never operator the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective
devicesinplace.
k) Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeedtheengine.
l) Disengageallbladeanddriveclutchesbeforestart-
ingtheengine.
m) Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully
according to instructions and with feet well away
fromtheblade(s).
n) Donotstarttheenginewhenstandinginfrontofthe
dischargechute.
o) Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunderrotatingparts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
p) Never pick up or carry a mower while the engine is
running.
q) Stop the engine, wait for the blades to come to a
completestop,and disconnect the spark plug wire:
—beforeclearingblockagesoruncloggingchute;
— beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthemower;
— afterstrikingaforeignobject.Inspectthemowerfor
damage and make repairs before restarting and
operatingthemower;
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

7
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
— ifmowerstartstovibrateabnormally(checkimmedi-
atelyforthecause).Vibrationisgenerallyawarning
oftrouble.
r) Stop the engine:
— wheneveryouleavethemower;
— beforerefuelling.
s) Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade
comestoacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingchute.
t) Reducethethrottlesettingduringengineshutdown
and,iftheengineisprovidedwithashut-offvalve,turn
thefuel off attheconclusion of mowing.
u) Go slow when using a trailing seat.
v) Keepwashoutportsandothermower-housingser-
viceopeningsclosedwhenmowing.
x) Do notengage PTOatfull throttle. Throttleto idle
orlowestpossible engine speed.
y) Donotstartthecuttingbladesuntilyouarereadyto
startmowing.
z) Donotcarrypassengers.
aa) Donotoperatewhereflyingdebrismayinjurepeople
ordamageproperty.Keeppeopleandpetsatasafe
distance.
ab) Do not use if there are any doubts about safety.
ac) Keep labels, guards and shields in place. Replace
operatorsmanualiflostordamaged.
ad) Obeysafetyinstructions.Failuretodosomaycause
injury to yourself or others.
ae) Do notdefeatinterlocks. Check operationdaily.
af) Donotallowchildren,unskilledoruntrainedpersons
tooperatemachine.
OPERATINGONSLOPES
USE EXTRA CARE WHEN WORKING ON SLOPES
— With walk behind machines, always mow across
slopes, not up and down. With ride-on machines,
always mow up and down slopes, not across.
— Bealert todipsand riseswhichchangethegeneral
slope.Watchforholes,rocksandrootsintheterrain
andotherhiddenhazards.Keepawayfromdropoffs.
Avoid ground conditions which will cause the ma-
chine to slide.
— If the operator is uncomfortable or unsure of the
machinesstability,operationontheseslopesshould
ceaseimmediately.
— The ultimate responsibility for safe operation on
slopes, rests with the operator.
— Uselowerspeedsandexerciseextremecautionon
slopes and especially in sharp turns to prevent
tipping and loss of control. Use extra caution when
changingdirectiononslopes.
LEAVING THEDRIVING POSITION
Park the machine on level ground. Before leaving the
driving position, stop the engine, make sure all moving
parts are stationary and that the traction control levers
are in the neutral position. Apply parking brake. If so
equipped.
MAINTENANCEANDADJUSTMENTS
— Disconnect spark plug wire(s) before doing any
maintenance.
— Particular care must be taken when adjusting the
carburetorwhiletheengineisrunning.Keephands
andfeetclear.ShutoffPTO.
— Whenworkingunderneathliftedpartsormachines,
makesureadequatesupportisprovided.
— Do not dismantle the machine without releasing or
restraining forces which can cause parts to move
suddenly.
— Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipmentisin safe working condition.
— Check the grass catcher frequently for wear and
deterioration.
— Replacewornordamagedpartsforsafety.
STORAGE
— Neverstoretheequipmentwithgasolineinthetank
inside a building where fumes may reach an open
flameor spark.
— Allowtheenginetocoolbeforestoringinanyenclo-
sure.
— Toreducethefirehazard,keeptheengine,muffler,
batterycompartmentandgasolinestorageareafree
ofgrass,leavesorexcessivegrease.
— Ifthefueltankhastobedrained,thisshouldbedone
outdoors.
— Useonlyreplacementpartssuppliedbytheoriginal
manufacturer.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

8
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
Kohlermodels: Plug handle harness intoengine
harness.
Kawasaki 14 Hp: Route red wire through cable clips
and connect to engine kill wire. Connect ground wire
to throttle plate with throttle cable screw.
Vangard: Route red wire behind dip stick tube and
connect to engine kill terminal. Connect ground wire
with M8 bolt to engine block behind dipstick tube.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
All references to right hand (R.H.) or left hand
(L.H.) are as viewed from the operating position.
3. Place the bottom sections of the upper handle on
the outside of the top of the lower handle. Secure
withfour3/8-16X1bolts and four 3/8-16 whiz nuts.
1. Place both power unit and cutter deck crate on level
surface. Uncrate,butleave both power unitand
cutter deck on their respective pallets.
2. Installfueltank with four 3/8-16X3/4 bolts, washers
and lock washers. Connect fuel line to tank with
hose clamp.
4. Connect Wire Harness: Kawasaki 17 Hp - Connect
black ground wire to bolt (1) on flywheel shroud.
Connect red wire (2) to engine kill wire.

9
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
5. Connectthrottle/choke cables.
Kohlersingle cylinder andKawasaki models:
Theseenginesareequippedwith a unitized
assembly which controls both throttle and choke
with a single cable.
a. Set throttle control up against detent at the fast
position.
b. Connect throttle cable to engine and pull up until
alignmentholesin the engine control lever and
control plate line up. Tighten throttle cable
clamp.
c. Check to be sure choke adjusting screw is
contacting choke control lever. Adjust if neces-
sary.
Kawasaki 14 Hp
Kohler and Kawasaki 14 Hp
Vanguard: Attach throttle cable as shown. Route all
cables so they do not pinch or bind. They must move
freelytoworkproperly
Kohler V-twin: Attach throttle(T) & choke(K) cables as
shown.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Kawasaki 17 Hp throttle cable connection

10
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
8. Removelagscrew(L)from engine deck support.
Leavesupportbolted to power unit. Open both
dumpvalvestwoturns(see page 14) and remove
power unit from pallet. Line power unit up with
cutterdeck. Cutterdeck bracket fits to the outside
ofthepower unit. Remove cutterdeck beltcover.
9. Loopdeck belt over engine pulley(two beltsare
providedwithcutterdeck–usetheshorterone).
NOTEFOR 61"CUTTERDECK HOOKUP:
When a 61" deck is mounted to power unit, the engine
pulley must be first replaced with the one shipped with
the deck. Put the new pulley on with the shoulder to
the same side as the original. Torque the crankshaft
bolt to 50 ft-lbs.
6. Blade control rod (C): Connect to bell crank on left
side of engine deck. Adjust so the blade control
leversnapsover center and locks inthe “off”
position.
7. Attach speed control (A) and traction levers (B).
See adjustment section.
10. Bolt cutterdeck and power unit together with six 3/
8-16X1bolts, twelve washersand sixnylocknuts.
Removerearsupport from power unit. Remove
assembledunit from cutterdeckpallet.
11. Install the clutch rod into swivel (S) on the idler
arm,under the front LHedge ofthe enginedeck.
Use the shortest rod supplied with the deck.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

11
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
11. Raise front of cutterdeck and install casters with
eight 3/8-16 whiz nuts and bolts. • Adjust tire pressure to 14 psi. Tires may be
over- inflated for shipping.
•THEMACHINEMUSTNOTBE USED WITHOUT A
GRASSCATCHERORTHEGRASSDISCHARGE
CHUTECORRECTLYFITTED.
SPECIAL SETUP INSTRUCTIONS:
•Readoperator’smanual before operating.
•Beforeengagingblades,runenginefor5minutesat
fullrpm.(Recommendedforfulllubricationofengine)
•Do not engage PTO at full throttle. Set throttle to
idleor lowest possibleenginespeed,thenmove
throttle to full open to cut.
•Runbladesfor10minutes and readjust cutterdeck
belts
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
12. Ifequippedwithparking brake, install brakerod.
Adjustso machine cannotbe rolledin forwardor
reverse.
13. Fill engine with oil. See engine manual for
specifications. Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh
unleaded fuel. Service the battery on electric start
machines. Battery must be filled with acid and
charged as machine is shipped without acid in
battery.
See the adjustment section and adjust the following:
a. Engine - cutterdeck belt, belt tension
b. Overcenter
c. Belt guides
d. Bladebrake
e. Cutterdeckbelt
Reinstallbeltcover.

12
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
OPERATORPRESENTCONTROLS(F)
ThecontrolleversmustbehelddownforPTOopera-
tion and to shift the speed control out of neutral. If the
BladeControlLever(PTO)isonorspeedcontrolis
shiftedfromneutralandthecontrolleversarereleased,
the engine will kill. On electric start models the
controllevers must bereleased,the blades mustbeoff
and the speed control must be in neutral for the engine
to start.
BLADECONTROLLEVER(E)
•DONOTSTARTCUTTINGBLADESUNTILREADY
TOSTARTMOWING.
• DONOTENGAGEPTOATFULLTHROTTLE.
USEIDLEORLOWESTPOSSIBLEENGINE
SPEEDFORENGAGEMENT
•Disengagedrivetocuttingbladeswheneveryou
stoporleavetheoperatorsposition.
•Shutoffengineandremovesparkplugwirebefore
makingadjustmentsorunpluggingmower.
•ADJUSTBLADECONTROLLEVERsolever
snaps over-center and stays in the stop position
whenblades are disengaged. Seepage27.
•Thedrivetothecuttersis engaged when the blade
controlleverismovedfullyforwardtowardsthe en-
gineanddisengaged by pulling the lever fully back
towardstheoperator.
PARKINGBRAKE(Ifequipped)
Pullleverbacktoengageparkingbrake. Pushlever
forwardtodisengageparkingbrake.
THROTTLECONTROL/CHOKE(C)
Bymovingthethrottleleverforwardtowardsthe
engine, the engine speed is increased until the
maximumgoverned rpm is obtained. By movingthe
throttlelever fully back, theengine willIdle down.
Singlecylinderengines have the choke integratedwith
the throttle control. On these units moving the throttle
leverforwardto the detent givesmaximumgoverned
rpm. Moving it past the detent, chokes engine.
SPEEDSELECTOR(B):
Thespeed selector levers inthe centerof thecontrol
panelsetthemaximumforward and reverse speeds.
Thefurthertheleversare moved forward, the faster the
maximumpresetspeed. The levers must bemoved
forwardforboth forward and reverse speeds. Speed
changescan be done onthe go. Theoperator present
levers must be held down or the engine will kill when
thespeedcontrollevers are moved out ofthe neutral
position.
Thespeedselector levers also provide on-the-go
tracking control to correct for any hydraulic circuit or
linkagedifferencesfromone side totheother. To
correcttracking, move the leveron theoutside ofthe
turnbackandtheotherleverforward.
CONTROLS
Causes machine
to track left
FORWARD
Causes machine
to track right

13
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
•When using the locks to provide a neutral position
be sure the traction control rods are fully seated in
the rear notch of the traction locks. Failure to do
this may result in serious injury.
Thetractioncontrollevershavefivefunctions:
1. Toprovide a neutral positionto stop the machineor
to start the engine. Squeeze the levers enough to
engagethe traction lever locksby movingthe tops
of the locks towards the handgrip, then release the
levers.
2. Toengagethedrivetowheels:graduallyreleasethe
traction control levers to the speed set by the
speedcontrolandthrottle.
3. To stop: pull the levers up to neutral.
4. To steer the unit: pulling up on the R.H. lever will
initiate a R.H. turn and pulling up on the L.H. lever
will intiate a L.H. turn.
5. To back up: squeeze the levers equally past
neutral. This may be done any time the engine is
running and the speed selector is not set in neutral,
allowinginstantforward/reverseoperationandzero
turningwithonewheeldrivingforwardandone
wheeldrivingbackward. Releasingthetraction
leverfromreverseautomaticallyreturnsthema-
chineto neutral orthepresetforwardspeed,
depending on where the traction locks are set.
NOTE: Thereisanoticeabledifferenceinthe force
requiredatthetractionleversinthetransitionfrom
neutraltoreverse.
PARKINGBRAKE(ifequipped)
Pullleverbacktoengageparkingbrake.Pushlever
forwardtodisengageparkingbrake.
KEYSWITCH(H)
Recoil models: Turn to right to allow engine to be
started. Turn key to left to stop engine.
Electric start models: Turn key to right and hold until
machine starts. When machine starts, let go of key
and it will return to run position. Turn key to left to
stopengine.
TRACTIONCONTROLLEVERS (L)
TRACTIONLOCKS(G)
Thetractionlocksprovideaneutralpositionwhen
pulled back and locked with traction control levers.
To release: pull the traction control levers up enough
to push forward on the locks.
NOTES:
•Squeezingthetraction levers pasttheneutral
position will cause the machine to back up)
•Both traction control levers must be released at the
same time in order to go straight ahead. Using one
traction control lever will cause the machine to turn
to one side.
CONTROLS
CHOKECONTROL
V-twinmodelshave separate choke controls.
1. Electric start models have a cable mounted on the
control panel. Pull out for choke. Push in to
release.
2. Recoilstartmodels with Vanguardengines have the
choke control located above the oil filter as shown.
Pull out for choke. Push in to release.

14
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
FUELTANK
GASOLINEISHIGHLYFLAMMABLE!
•Fill fuel tank with good quality, clean, regular
unleadedgasoline.
•Do not use hi-test fuel.
•Do not smoke.
•Do not spill fuel.
•Fill tank outdoors.
•Donotoverfill.Fill to 1"(25mm) below bottom of
fillerneck to allow roomfor expansion.
•USEA FUNNEL TOFILLGAS TANK.
NOTE:Before starting theengine, besurethat the
drive to the cutter deck is disengaged, that the traction
leversarepositivelylockedinneutral,parkingbrakeis
on and speed selector is in neutral.
STARTINGTHEENGINE
1. Checkthe engine oil levelandadd if necessary.
Openthe fuel valve under thefuel tank. Setthe
tractionleversinthe neutral position and the blade
control lever to the off position. Shift the speed
selector to neutral.
2. For cold starts, set the throttle lever to the half
open position and apply the choke. NOTE: For
singlecylinder engines with combinationchoke/
throttlecontrols,movethrottleleverall the wayfor-
ward to choke position.
3. Pull the rope operated recoil starter firmly, or turn
the key to operate electric starter(if so equipped) to
start the engine. Allow the rope to recoil slowly
beforereleasingthehandle.
4. As soon as the engine starts, gradually back the
choke off from the choke position until the engine
will run with no choke at all.
OPERATINGTHEMACHINE
•Practice at slow engine and speed selector speeds
withthe blade controldisengageduntilfullyfamiliar
with the controls.
•For normal cutting the throttle should be set at the
full open position. By using the speed control lever
tospeed up orslow downthemachine during
use,maximum control and cutting efficiency can be
maintained.
•Using the machine at less than full throttle in heavy
conditions will cause the engine to labor and result
inexcessivewear.
•Formaneuveringwherethespeedcontrollever does
notgivetherequiredspeed,partialthrottle may
beused.
•Steering is controlled by the operation of the
traction control levers. To steer the machine to the
left, reduce the drive to the L.H. wheel by pulling up
the L.H. traction control lever. To steer to the right,
reduce the drive to the R.H. wheel by pulling up the
R.H.traction control lever.Pullinga traction con-
trol lever up past neutral will cause that wheel to
back up.
•Tochangespeeds,depresstheoperatorpresent
controls then shift to the desired speed.
DRIVINGTHEMACHINEINTRANSPORT
1. Withthebladecontrolleverdisengaged,andthe
operatorpresentcontrolsdepressed:Movethe
speedselectorlevertogivetherequiredforward
speed.
2. Releasethetractionleverlocksandgradually
engagebothtractioncontrolleverstogether.
NOTE: Engagingonlyonetractionleverwillcausethe
machine to turn to one side. Squeezing one traction
lever past neutral will cause the machine to back up to
oneside. Ensurebladecontrollever is disengaged.
PUSHINGTHEMACHINEWITHTHEENGINE
STOPPED:
Oneach pump thereisa dump valve(V). Whenopen
itallowsthe machine to freewheel. Rotate each valve
opentwoturns. Movemachineandturnvalveback
intopumpbeforestarting.
OPERATION OF THE MACHINE

15
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
CUTTINGWITHTHEMACHINE
1. Make sure the discharge chute is in position or a
grass collector is correctly fitted before starting
to cut.
2. Depresstheoperatorpresentcontrols.
3. Turnbladesonwiththebladecontrollever.
4. Do not start blades at full throttle. Use idle
or lowest possible engine setting. This reduces
wearonbelts and components.
5. Movethespeedselectorlevertogivetherequired
cutting speed. Release the traction locks and
graduallyengagebothtractioncontrollevers
together.
6. Operateso that clippings aredischargedonto the
area that has been cut. This will result in a more
evendistributionofclippingsandmoreuniform cut-
ting.
•When mowing large areas, start by turning to the
right so that clippings will be discharged away from
shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After two or three
rounds,mow in theopposite direction,left hand
turns,until finished.
•If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice,
the first cut relatively high, the second cut to the
desiredheight.
•Use the left side of the mower for trimming.
TOHELPPREVENTINJURYORPROPERTYDAM-
AGEFROMTHROWNOBJECTSORBLADE
CONTACT:
•Operatemowerwithchutedeflectorindown
position or with grass collector installed properly.
•Shutbladeoffandstopenginebeforeremoving
grasscollector or unclogginga pluggeddeck.
•Pick up objects in the area to be cut which the
mower may pick up and throw.
•Stopbladeswhencrossinggravelareas.
•Keep people and pets a safe distance away.
TOSTOPTHEMACHINE
1. Squeezebothtractionleversevenlyto neutralto
stopforwardmovementofmachine.
2. Engagethetractionleverlocks.
3. Disengagethebladecontrollever.
4. Shift speed control to neutral.
5. Close the throttle to slow the engine, and turn it off
with the keyswitch.
6. Setparkingbrake, if soequipped.
NOTE:Switchoffthefuelvalveunderthefueltank
when the machine is transported by truck or trailer or
left to stand unused for any length of time. This avoids
the possibility of flooding should any dirt get under the
floatneedle. Leavingthefuelvalveopencanallow
severefloodingwhichmayruintheenginebydiluting
the oil.
OPERATION OF THE MACHINE

16
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
1
2
1
2
3
3
4
GREASEFITTINGS
Every50WorkingHours
Lubricatethefollowingpoints
withgrease:
1. Casterwheelpivots—2 points
2. Casterwheelbearings(on
wheelrim)—2points
3. Deckidlerpivotbearings:-2
points
4. Hydro belt tensioner: Located
underenginedeck
NOTE,SPINDLES:The
spindles on these machines
use a superior sealed bearing
which does not require
relubrication.
ENGINE
AFTERTHEFIRST5WORKINGHOURS
Whilethe engine iswarm, removethedrain cap or
plug and drain the crankcase (drain cap shown at A for
Kohler20hp below). Clean and replacethe plug.
Change oil filter. Fill the crankcase with fresh oil to the
fullmark.
DAILY
•Remove the dip stick and check that the level
reaches the full mark.
•Seeenginemanualfor properoilviscosityand
grade.
•If necessary, top off with fresh oil. To obtain the
correct oil level, the machine must be level.
•DONOTOVERFILL!
NOTES:
•Seeenginemanualforoilandfilterchangeintervals
afterthe breakinperiod.
•Seeenginemanualforspecifications.
LUBRICATION

17
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
When checking for hydraulic leaks, do not use your
hands. Use cardboard or similar method to check for
leaks.Hydraulicfluidunderpressurecangetunderskin
andwill require immediatemedicalattention.
WARNING
NOTES:
•When any fuel pipe orifice is left opened, plug to
reduceriskofcontamination.
•Lowerimplementsattached to lift arms to relieve
hydraulicpressurefromsystembeforeservicing.
•When servicing hydraulic pipe fittings, do not use
teflon tape. Use a liquid sealant that will dissolve
into system.
•Make sure all hydraulic connections are tight and
hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
beforeapplyingpressure to system.
Spark Plug
•Removeeachplugandcheckcondition.
•Goodoperatingconditionsareindicated iftheplug
has a light coating of grey or tan deposit.
•Awhiteblisteredcoatingmayindicateoverheating,
whilea black coatingusually means an “overrich”
fuel mixture caused by a clogged air cleaner or
impropercarburetoradjustment.
•Donotsandblast,wirebrushorotherwiseservice a
pluginpoorcondition—bestresults areobtained
with a new plug.
•Set gap as indicated in engine manual.
Operator Presence System
Check operation daily. Repair if system does not shut
enginedownwheneitherbladecontrolisengagedor
speedselector is notin neutraland operatorpresent
leversareletgo.
Decals and Labels
Replace any missing or illegible decals and labels. A
listing of decals and labels is provided at the front of
this book and the parts manual.
HYDRAULICRESERVOIR
CHECK,DRAINANDFILL
Checklevelevery 100 hoursorwhenaleakhas
occured. Tochecklevel:Removereservoircap.Add
10W30 oil until the oil level reaches the bottom of the
fillertube. Donot overfill.
EVERY500HOURS:
Changehydraulic oilandfilter. Removeplug(D)to
drainreservoir. Remove andreplacefilter. Filter is
located on front of tank at (G). Reinstall plug and fill
with 10W30 oil to the bottom of the filler tube (F).
MAINTENANCE

18
HYDRO
MIDSIZE
Themaintenancescheduledetailedisforaverage
operatingconditions. Underextremeconditions
(dusty, dirty or more than 8 hrs continuous use)
maintainmorefrequently.
DAILY
Engine
Check the engine for oil leaks. See engine manual.
Air Intake Screen
Ensure that the air intake screen is cleaned daily.
Continuedoperationwith a clogged cooling systemwill
causesevereoverheatingandresultinenginedamage.
EVERY25HOURS
Air Cleaner
Servicemorefrequentlyifoperatinginverydustyordry
conditions. Extensivedamagewill result fromoperat-
ing with a dirty air cleaner.
1. Removetheaircleanercover.
2. Removethefoamprecleanerbyslidingitoffthe
papercartridge. Washindetergentandwarm
water. Dry thoroughly. Saturate in engine oil.
Squeeze to remove excess oil.
3. Every50hoursremovethepaperelement.Ifdirty,
replace. Do not clean.
4. Reinstall all parts. See engine manuals for details.
NOTES:
•DONOT usepetroleumsolventstocleanthepaper
element. They may cause it to deteriorate.
•DO NOT use pressurized air to clean or dry
element. Pressurized air can tear tiny holes in the
element.
IN-LINEFUELFILTER
Whenrequired,the fuel filter (A) maybe replaced if
necessary.
Tires
Tire pressures should be maintained at
14 psi. Tires may be overinflated for shipping.
MAINTENANCE