Toro groundsmaster 455-D User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
FORM NO. 3318-250 GB Rev A
MODEL NO. 30455TS—60001 & UP
GROUNDSMASTER®455-D
®
©The Toro Company—1996

This operator’s manual has instructions on safety, operation, and maintenance.
This manual emphasizes safety, mechanical and general product information. DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION identify safety
messages. Whenever the triangular safety alert symbol appears, understand the safety message that follows. “IMPORTANT”
highlights special mechanical information and “NOTE” emphasizes general product information worthy of special attention.
The model and serial number for the traction unit is on a plate that is mounted on the left front frame member. The model and serial
number for the cutting unit is on a plate that is mounted on the top front of the center cutting unit. Use model and serial number in all
correspondence and when ordering parts.
To order replacement parts from an authorized TORO Distributor, supply the following information:
1. Model and serial numbers of the machine.
2. Part number, description and quantity of parts desired.
Note:Do not order by reference number if a parts catalog is being used; use the part number.
FOREWORD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Page
Safety 3
Specifications 9
Before Operating 10
Controls 13
First-Time Operation 16
Operating 20
Maintenance 22

3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Training
1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
3. Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
5. Do not carry passengers.
6. All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical
instruction. Such instruction should emphasize:
• the need for care and concentration when working
with rideon machines;
• control of a ride on machine sliding on a slope will
not be regained by the application of the brake.
The main reasons for loss of control are:
– insufficient wheel grip;
– being driven too fast;
– inadequate braking;
– the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
– lack of awareness of the effects of ground
conditions, especially slopes;
Preparation
1. While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the
machine.
3. WARNING—Petrol is highly flammable.
• Store fuel in containers specifically designed for
this purpose.
• Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refueling.
• Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the
engine is running or when the engine is hot.
• If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the are of
spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition
until petrol vapors have dissipated.
• Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
4. Replace faulty silencers.
5. Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades,
blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged.
Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to
preserve balance.
6. On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
3. Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
4. Do not use on slopes of more than:
• Never mow side hills over 5°
• Never mow uphill over 10°
• Never mow downhill over 15°
5. Remember there is no such thing as a “safe” slope. Travel on
grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against
overturning:
• do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;
• engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in
gear, especially when travailing downhill;

4
• machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
• stay alert for bumps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
• never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
6.Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
• Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
• Limit loads to those you can safely control.
• Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
• Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in the instruction handbook .
7.Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
8.Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other than
grass.
9.When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation .
10.Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, shields
or without safety protective devices in place.
11.Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Operating the engine at excessive speeds may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
12.Before leaving the operator's position:
• disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
• change into neutral and set the parking brake;
• stop the engine and remove the key.
13.Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s)or remove the ignition key
• before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
• before checking, cleaning or working on the
lawnmower;
• after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment;
• if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
14.Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in
use.
15.Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
• before refueling;
• before removing the grass catcher;
• before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
16.Reduce the throttle setting during engine runout and, if the
engine is provided with a shutoff valve, turn the fuel off at
the conclusion of mowing.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
2. Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
3. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
4. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery
compartment and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
6. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
7. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done
outdoors
8. On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
9. When machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended,
lower the cutting means unless a positive mechanical lock is
used.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Sound & Vibration Levels
Sound Levels
This unit has an equivalent continuous A-weighted sound
pressure at the operator ear of: 87 dB(A), based on
measurements of identical machines per 84/538/EEC.
This unit has a sound power level of 104 dB(A)/1pW, based
on measurements of identical machines per procedures
outlined in Directive 79/113/EEC and amendments
Vibration Levels
This unit has a vibration level of 6.0 m/s2at the posterior,
based on measurements of identical machines per ISO 2631
procedures.
This unit does not exceed a vibration level of 0.5 m/s2at the
posterior based on measurements of identical machines per
ISO 2631 procedures.
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

6
Symbol Glossary
Caustic liquids,
chemical burns to
fingers or hand
Poisonous
fumes or toxic
gases, asphyxiation
Electrical shock,
electrocution High pressure fluid, injection
into body
High pressure
spray, erosion of
flesh
High pressure
spray, erosion of
flesh
Crushing of
fingers or hand,
force applied from
above
Crushing of
toes or foot, force
applied from above
Crushing of
whole body,
applied from
above
Crushing of
torso, force
applied from side
Crushing of fingers
or hand/, force
applied from side
Crushing of
whole body Crushing of head, torso and
arms
Cutting of
fingers or hand Cutting of footCrushing of leg, force applied
from side
Severing of
fingers or hand,
mower blade
Severing of
toes or foot,
mower blade
Severing of
toes or fingers,
rotary mower
blade
Cutting or
entanglement of
foot, rotating auger
Severing of
foot, rotating
knives
Severing of
fingers or hand,
impeller blade
Dismember-
ment, front engine
mower in forward
motion
Dismember-
ment, front engine
mower in rearward
motion
Severing of
fingers or hand,
engine fan
Whole body entanglement,
implement input drive line Fingers or hand entangle-
ment, chain
drive
Hand & arm
entanglement,
belt drive
Thrown or flying
objects, whole
body exposure
Thrown or
flying objects,
face exposure
Thrown or flying
objects, rotary
mover
Runover/back-
over, vehicle Machine tipping, riding
mower
Machine rollover,
ROPS (rear
engine mower)
Stored energy
hazard, kickback
or upward motion
Hot surfaces,
burns to fingers
or hands
Explosion Fire or open
flame
Secure lifting
cylinder with locking
device before getting
in hazardous area
Do not step on
loading platform
if PTO is connect-
ed to tractor &
engine is running
Do not step Wait until all
machine comp-
onents have
completely
stopped before
touching them
Shut off engine
& remove key
before perform-
ing maintenance
or repair work
Stay a safe
distance from
the machine
Stay clear of
articulation area
while engine is
running
Do not open
or remove safety
shields while
engine is
running
Riding on this
machine is allowed
only on a passen-
ger seat & only if the
driver’s view is not
hindered

7
Fasten seat
belts Safety alert triangle Outline safety alert symbol Read operator’s manual Fire, open light and smoking
prohibited
Eye protection
must be worn
Consult technical
manual for proper
service
procedures
Hearing
protection must
be worn
Caution, toxic
risk
Head protection
must be worn Flush with water Engine Transmission Hydraulic systemFirst aid
Oil Coolant (water) Intake air Exhaust gas Pressure Level indicator Liquid level
Brake system
Disengage
Filter Temperature Failure/
Malfunction Start switch/ mechanism On/start Off/stop Engage
Plus/increase/
positive polarity Minus/decrease/ negative polarity Horn Battery charging condition Hourmeter/ elapsed operating
hours
Fast Slow Continuous
variable, linear
Volume empty Volume full Machine travel
direction,
forward/
rearward
Control lever
operating
direction, dual
direction
Control lever
operating
direction, multiple
direction
Clockwise
rotation Counter-clock- wise rotation Grease lubrication
point
Oil lubrication
point Lift point Jack or support point Draining/
emptying Engine lubricat- ing oil Engine
lubricating
oil pressure
Engine lubricating
oil level Engine lubricating oil filter
Engine lubricating
oil temperature Engine coolant Engine coolant pressure Engine coolant filter Engine coolant temperature Engine intake/ combustion air
Engine intake/com-
bustion air pressure
Engine intake/air
filter

8
Engine start Engine stop Engine failure/
malfunction Engine rotational speed/frequency Choke Primer (start aid) Electrical preheat (low temperature
start aid)
n/min
Transmission
oil
Transmission
oil pressure Transmission oil temperature Transmission
failure/malfunctionClutch Neutral High Low Forward
NHLF
Reverse Park First gear Second gear
Third gear (other #'s
may be used until the
maximum # of forward
gears is reached.)
Hydraulic oil Hydraulic oil
pressure Hydraulic oil
level
RP 231
Hydraulic oil
filter Hydraulic oil temperature Hydraulic oil failure/malfunction Fuel level
Parking brake Fuel Fuel filter Fuel system
failure/malfunction
Lock Unlock Differential lock 4-Wheel drive Power Take-OffDiesel fuel Unleaded fuel Headlights
Cutting unit,
lower Cutting unit,
hold Cutting unit, float
Cutting unit Cutting unit,
raise
Power Take-Off,
rotational speed Blade cutting element Blade cutting element, height
adjustment
Cutting unit,
transport
position
Cutting unit,
raise to transport
position
Cutting unit,
lower to transport
position
Attachment
lower Attachment raise Spacing distance Snow thrower, collector auger Traction
Above working
temperature
range
Drilling Manual metal
arc welding Manual Water pump Keep dry Weight Do not dispose in the garbage CE logo

Traction Unit
Engine: Peugeot, four-cycle, four-cylinder, 1.9 liter (1,900
cc) displacement, liquid-cooled diesel engine. 23.5:1
compression ratio. Low idle—1,500 rpm, high idle—3,000
rpm. Oil capacity is 5.3 qts. with filter.
Cooling System: Capacity is 3.5 gal. of 50/50 mixture of
Peugeot recommended anti-freeze.
Fuel System: Capacity is 53 liter (14 gallon) of #1 or #2
diesel fuel.
Hydraulic System: Reservoir capacity is 24.6 liters (6.5
gallon). Replaceable spin-on filter element.
Traction System: Ground speed: Low Range; 0–10.5 kmh,
0–6.5 mph (0–5.5 mph. with mechanical speed limiter
interlock) forward and 0–4.8 kmh, 0–3 mph reverse. High
Range): 0–24.1 kmh, 0–15 mph (0–20 kmh, 0–12.4 m.p.h.
with mechanical speed limiter interlock) forward and 0–8
kmh, 0–5 mph reverse.
Front Axle: Two-speed axle. Separate mowing and
transport selections for faster and more efficient machine
operation. Lubricated with SAE 80–90 weight, EP gear
lubrication. Capacity is 128 oz.
Rear Axles: Two-Wheel Drive—The large diameter wheel
spindles are designed for durability and long wear, yet
provide superior stability and maneuverability. Four-Wheel
Drive , Heavy-duty, agricultural type. Lubricated with SAE
80–90 weight, EP gear lubrication. Capacity is 2.4 kg (80 oz).
Tires/Wheels: Front tires: (2) 26 x 12.0-12, 8 ply. Rear
tires: (2) 20 x 10.0-10, 6 ply. Tire pressure 138 kPa (20 psi).
Seat:Adjustable fore and aft travel and weight.
Diagnostic System: Test ports for: forward and reverse
traction (2-wheel drive), front and rear axle motors (4 wheel
drive), lift and counterbalance circuit, steering circuit and
charge circuit.
Steering System: Automotive type, full power.
Brakes:Totally enclosed, non asbestos, dry multi-disc
individual wheel and parking brakes on the front traction
wheels.
SPECIFICATIONS
9
Electrical System: 12-volt battery with 530 cold cranking
Amps @ –18°C (0° F). 55-amp alternator, ammeter, starter,
key switch and automatic temperature controlled glow plug
controller. Separately-fused run, deck and
instrument/accessory circuits.
Interlock System: Stops the engine if operator gets off the
seat while the cutting deck drive switch is engaged or the
traction pedal is forward or reverse. Prevents the engine from
starting unless the traction pedal is in neutral and the cutting
deck is disengaged. Prevents the cutting deck from operating
unless the axle shift is in LO range.
Warning Lights:
Glow plug indicator
Engine oil pressure warning
Engine coolant temperature warning
Charge indicator
Indicators:
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Fuel gauge
Hour meter
The Cutting Unit
Type: 320 cm (126 inch) width of cut, seven-blade, front-
mounted rotary. 137 cm (54 inch) width of cut, three-blade
center section. Two 94 cm (36 inch) width of cut wings; 229
cm (90 in.) width of cut with one wing up. Rear discharge
with even dispersion over the entire width of cut.
Mowing Rate: Mows up to #8 acres/hr. at 10.5 kmh (6.5
mph).
Trimability: Trims on both sides.
Height-of-Cut: Adjustable from 2.5–12.7 cm (1–5 inches) in
1.2 cm (0.5 inch) increments.
Blades: Seven 48 cm (19 inches) long, 6 mm (1/4”) thick,
and 64 mm (2-1/2 in.) wide, heat treated steel blades.
Belt Idlers: Self-tensioning permanently lubricated idlers.
Wing Decks:Wings can be hydraulically raised from the
operator’s seat for transport or cutting with either wing and
center deck or center deck only. Wings cut from level to 15°
up and down. Further lift disengages the blade and applies a
blade brake.

Suspension/Caster Wheels: Four front and two rear castor
tires. Center deck tires: 26–8.3 cm (10.25 in. x 3.25 in.). Wing
deck tires: 20 x 8.3 cm (8 in. x 3.25 in. An anti-scalp cup is
located on each blade. Three anti-scalp rollers on the center deck.
General Specifications (approx.):
Overall Length:
With the deck installed 340 cm (134 in.)
Overall Width:
Transport 190.5 cm (75 in.)
Mowing 323 cm (127 in.)
Height: 147 cm (58 in.)
With rollover protection
system installed 208 cm (82 in.)
Wheel Tread:
(Front) 132 cm (52 in.)
(Rear) 112 cm (44 in.)
Wheel Tread: 142 cm (56 in.)
Dry Weight:
2-Wheel Drive 1,288 kg (3,450 lb)
4-Wheel Drive 1,325 kg (3,550 lb)
Optional Equipment
Roll Over Protection Kit, Contact Your Local Toro Distributor
(Standard on Model 30455)
Arm Rest Kit, Model 30707
Rotary Radiator Screen Kit, Model No. 03652
Canopy Kit, Contact Your Local Toro Distributor
Spark Arrestor Muffler, Part No. 77-3990
Gear Box Pulley (Tip Speed 14,500), Part No. 86-3100
SPECIFICATIONS
10

Check The Engine Oil (Fig. 1 & 2)
Crankcase capacity is 5 liters (5.3 qt) with filter.
1. Park the machine on a level surface. Release the hood
latch and open the hood.
2. Remove the dipstick from the tube cap, wipe it clean
and reinstall the dipstick into the tube cap. Pull it out
again and check the oil level on the dipstick: The oil
level must always be in the notch area on the dipstick.
3. If the oil level is low, remove the tube cap and add SAE
10W–30 CD oil until the level reaches the top of notch
on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL.
4. Install the oil tube cap.
5. Close the hood and secure the latch.
Check The Cooling System (Fig. 3)
Capacity of the system is 13.2 liters (3.5 gal).
1. Park the machine on a level surface. Release the hood
latch and open the hood.
2. The coolant level should be up to or above the mounting
tabs on the degasser tank, when the engine is cold.
3. If the coolant is low, remove the degasser tank cap and
add a 50/50 mixture of water and Peugeot recommended
anti-freeze. DO NOT USE WATER ONLY OR
ALCOHOL/METHANOL BASE COOLANTS.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove the black plastic cap
on the degasser tank.
4. Install the degasser tank cap.
5. Close the hood and secure the latch.
Fill The Fuel Tank (Fig. 4)
1. Park the machine on a level surface. Release the hood
latch and open the hood.
BEFORE OPERATING
11
1. Degasser tank 2. Mounting tube
Figure 2
Figure 3
1. Dipstick/Tube Cap
1. Hood latch Figure 1
➀
➀
➀
➁

2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. Fill the tank to no more than one inch below the bottom
of the filler neck with No. 2 diesel fuel. DO NOT
OVER FILL. Then install the cap.
Note: For temperatures below 0° C (32° F), No. 1 diesel
fuel or a blend should be used.
4. Close the hood and secure the latch.
Check The Hydraulic Circuit Oil
(Fig. 5)
The hydraulic system is designed to operate on Mobil DTE 26 or
equivalent anti-wear hydraulic fluid. The machines reservoir is
filled at the factory with 24.6 liters (6.5 gal.) of fluid. However,
check the level of hydraulic fluid before the engine is first started
and daily thereafter. Hydraulic Oil (Recommended
brands):
Mobil DTE 26
Shell Tellus 68
Amoco Rykon Oil #68
Conoco Super Hydraulic Oil 68
Exxon Nuto 68
Kendall Kenoil R&O AW 68
Pennzoil Penreco 68
Phillips Magnus A 68
Standard Energol HLP 68
Sun Sunvis 831 WR
Union Unax AW 68
Chevron AW Hydraulic Oil 68
Note: All are interchangeable.
IMPORTANT: Use only the hydraulic oils specified.
Other fluids could cause system damage.
Note: A red dye additive for the hydraulic system oil is available
in 20 ml (2/3 oz) bottles. One bottle is sufficient for 15–23 liters
12
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Fuel tank cap Figure 4
1. Sight gauge 2. Hydraulic reservoir cap
Figure 5
➀
➁
➀
Before servicing or making adjustments to the machine, stop the
engine and remove the key from the switch
CAUTION

(4–6 gal) of hydraulic oil. Order Part No. 44-2500 from your
authorized Toro distributor
1. Park the machine on a level surface. Make sure the
machine has been operated so the oil is warm. Release
the hood latch and open the hood. Check the oil level by
viewing the sight gauge. If oil is visible in the gauge, the
oil level is sufficient.
2. If the oil level is not visible in the gauge, remove the
cap from the hydraulic oil reservoir and slowly add
Mobil DTE 26 or equivalent hydraulic oil until the level
reaches the middle (maximum) of the sight gauge. DO
NOT OVER FILL.
IMPORTANT: To prevent system contamination,
clean the tops of hydraulic oil containers before
puncturing. Make sure the pour spout and funnel are
clean.
3. Install the reservoir cap, close the hood and secure the
latch.
Check The Front Axle Oil Level
(Fig. 6 & 7)
The front axle is shipped from the factory filled with SAE 80–90
weight gear lubrication. However, check the level before the
engine is first started and every 50 hours thereafter.
1. Park the machine on a level surface.
2. Remove the access panel (Fig. 6), in the front of the
seat, to expose the front axle/dipstick.
3. Unscrew the dipstick cap (Fig. 7) from the filler neck
BEFORE OPERATING
13
1. Access panel Figure 6
➀
Because diesel fuel is highly flammable, use caution when
storing or handling it. Do not smoke while filling the fuel tank.
Do not fill the fuel tank while the engine is running, hot, or
when the machine is in an enclosed area. Always fill the fuel
tank outside and wipe up any spilled diesel fuel before starting
the engine. Store the fuel in a clean, safety-approved container
and keep the cap in place. Use diesel fuel for the engine only;
not for any other purpose.
DANGER

and wipe it with a clean cloth. Screw the dipstick cap
finger tight onto the filler neck. Unscrew the dipstick
and check the level of lubricant. If the level is not within
12 mm (1/2 in.) from the groove in the dipstick, add
enough to raise the level to groove mark. DO NOT
OVERFILL by more than 12 mm (1/2 inch) above the
groove.
4. Screw the dipstick filler cap finger-tight onto the filler
neck. It is not necessary to tighten the cap with a
wrench.
Check The Rear Axle Lubricant
(Model 30455 Only) (Fig. 8)
The rear axle is shipped from the factory filled with SAE 80–90
weight gear lubrication. However, check the level before the
engine is first started and every 50 hours thereafter. Capacity is 2.5
kg. (80 oz).
1. Position the machine on a level surface.
2. Remove a check plug from one end of the axle and
make sure lubricant is up to the bottom of the hole. If
the level is low, remove the fill plug and add enough
lubricant to bring the level up to the bottom of the check
plug holes.
Check Tire Pressure
The tires are over-inflated for shipping. Therefore, release some of
the air to reduce the pressure. Correct air pressure in the front and
rear tires is 138 kPa (20 psi).
IMPORTANT: Maintain even pressure in all tires to
assure a good quality-of-cut and proper machine
performance. DO NOT UNDER INFLATE.
BEFORE OPERATING
14
1. Dipstick Cap
Figure 8
1. Check plug 2. Fill plug
1. Filler plug 2. Check plug
Figure 9
Figure 7
➀
➀➁
➀
➁

Check The Torque Of Wheel Nuts Or
Bolts
Check The Lubricant In The Gear
Box (Fig. 9)
The gear box in designed to operate on SAE 80–90 weight gear
lubrication. Although the gear box is shipped with lubricant from
the factory, check the lubricant’s level before operating the cutting
unit.
1. Position the machine and cutting unit on a level surface.
2. Remove the check plug from the side of the gear box
and make sure lubricant is up to the bottom of the hole.
If the level of lubricant is low, remove the fill plug on
top of the gear case and add enough lubricant to bring it
up to the bottom of the hole inside.
Adjusting The Height-Of-Cut
(Fig. 10–12)
The height-of-cut is adjustable from 2.5–12.7 cm (1 to 5 inches) in
12.7 mm (0.5 inch) increments. Positioning the castor wheel axles
in the top holes of the castor forks or pivots (see chart below)
allows low-range height-of-cut settings from 2.5–8.3 cm (1 to 3-
1/2 in); positioning the castor wheel axles in the lower holes of the
front castor forks or rear castor pivots (see chart below) allows a
high-range height-of-cut settings from 6–12 cm (2-1/2 to 5 in.)
1. Start the engine and raise the cutting unit so the height-
of-cut can be changed. Stop the engine after the cutting
unit is raised.
2. Position all castor wheel axles in the same holes in the
castor forks or pivots.
BEFORE OPERATING
15
0
54
1
2
3
24
1
3
0
5
123
3.52.5
1.5
2.5 3.5 4.5 543
SPACERS
LOW
HIGH
HEIGHT OF CUT—FRONT CASTOR WHEELS
1
2
432.5 1.5
3.5
4.5
5
HEIGHT OF CUT
—REAR CASTOR WHEELS
2.0
3.5 1.0
2.5
2.5
4.0 1.5
3.0
3.5
5.0
3.0
4.5
HEIGHT OF CUT
—REAR DECK STRAPS
Torque the front wheel nuts to 45–55 ft-lb and the rear
wheel nuts or bolts to 85–100 ft lb after 1–4 hours of
operation and again after 10 hours of operation and every
250 hours thereafter. Failure to maintain correct torque
could result in failure or loss of the wheel and may result
in personal injury.
WARNING

Front Castor Wheels
1. Remove the lynch pin from the spindle shaft and slide
the spindle out of the front castor arm. Slide spacers
onto the spindle shaft to get the desired height-of-cut.
2. Push the castor spindle through the front the castor arm
install remaining spacers onto the spindle and install the
lynch pin to secure the assembly.
Rear Castor Wheels
1. Remove the hairpin cotter and H.O.C. pin securing the
rear castor pivot arm to the deck bracket.
2. Align the pivot arm holes with selected height-of-cut
bracket holes in the deck frame, install the height-of-cut
pin and secure with the hairpin cotter.
Rear Deck Straps
1. Lower the center and wing cutting units to the ground:
then raise the center cutting unit slightly, until the rear
deck straps hang freely on the lift arm brackets. Stop the
engine after the cutting unit is raised.
2. Remove the hairpin cotter and H.O.C. pin securing the
rear deck strap to H.O.C. bracket on the deck.
3. Slide the deck strap forward or backward until the holes
in strap are aligned with selected height-of-cut bracket
holes in the deck frame, install H.O.C. pin and secure
with the hairpin cotter.
Safety Doors (Fig. 13)
On each side of the center deck is a safety door that opens and
closes as the wing decks are lowered and raised (Fig. 13). The
doors open to provide overlap of the cutting blades when the wing
units are down. The doors close to provide safety and protection
BEFORE OPERATING
16
1. Front Castor Wheel 3. Spacers
2. Lynch pin
Figure 10
1. Rear Deck Straps
2. Lift Arm Brackets
Figure 11
Figure 12
1. Rear Castor Pivot
❶
❶
❶
❸
❷
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Check for correct operation of the safety doors each time
the deck is cleaned and repair when needed.
CAUTION

when the wing units are raised. Check to make sure the forward,
lower edge of door is even or 6 mm (1/4 in.) higher then lower
edge of door guide when wing decks are in the fully raised,
transport position. If an adjustment to the door is required, refer to
Adjusting The Safety Door.
Cutting Unit Engagement Switch (Fig. 14)—Used to start
and stop cutting unit operation. Lift switch and move forward to
actuate the cutting unit. Center deck will engage first followed by
wing decks engaging approximately one second later.
Glow Plug Indicator (Fig. 14)—Automatically actuates proper
glow period when the ignition key is turned to ON. Illuminates
when the glow plugs are actuated. When the glow plugs are heated
sufficiently, light goes off indicating the engine is ready to start.
Charge Indicator (Fig. 14)—Illuminates when the system
charging circuit malfunctions.
Key Switch (Fig. 14)—Three positions: OFF, ON and START.
Turn the key to START and release it when the engine begins
running. To stop the engine, turn the key to OFF.
Throttle Control (Fig. 14)—Move control forward to increase
the engine speed, backward to decrease speed.
Cutting Unit Lift Controls (Fig. 14)—The two outside levers
raise and lower the wing cutting units. The center lever raises and
lowers the whole cutting unit. The engine must be running to
lower the cutting unit. When wing cutting units are raised higher
than 15°, their blades automatically disengage. To lower the
cutting unit just touch the levers momentarily.
Coolant Temperature Gauge (Fig. 14)—Shows the
temperature of engine coolant.
Fuel Gauge (Fig. 14)—Shows the amount of fuel in the tank.
Hour Meter (Fig. 14)—Shows the total hours the machine has
been operated.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light (Fig. 14)—Indicates
dangerously low engine oil pressure.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Fig. 14)—The
red light illuminates and the engine stops when temperature of the
coolant exceeds 110° C (230° F).
Seat (Fig. 15)—Seat adjusting lever on the left side of the seat
CONTROLS
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1. Safety door 3. Ball joint
2. Door guide 4. Threaded rod
Figure 13
Figure 14
1. Cutting unit engagement switch
2. Glow plug indicator
3. Charge indicator
4. Key switch
5. Throttle control
6. Cutting unit lift controls
7. Coolant temperature gauge
8. Fuel gauge
9. Hour meter
10. Engine oil pressure warning light
11. Engine coolant temperature warning light
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4
6
10
7
8
9
11
13
2
5

allows 4 inch fore and aft adjustment. The seat adjusting knob on
the front of the seat, adjusts the seat for operator’s weight.
Traction Pedal (Fig. 16)—Controls forward and reverse
operation. Depress the top of the pedal to move forward and the
bottom to move backward. Ground speed depends on how far the
pedal is depressed. For no load, maximum ground speed, fully
depress the pedal while the throttle is in FAST. For maximum
power under load or when going uphill, keep the engine rpm high
by having the throttle in FAST and the traction pedal partially
engaged. If engine rpm begins to decrease due to load, gradually
reduce the traction pedal pressure until engine speed is increased.
To stop, reduce foot pressure on the traction pedal and allow it to
return to the center position. On extreme downhill slopes, apply
pressure to REVERSE side of the pedal, or operate with heel on
REVERSE and toe on FORWARD portion of the pedal.
Speed Selector (Fig. 16)—The cam lever at the side of the
traction pedal can be rotated to maintain the desired speed.
Rotating the lever forward decreases speed and backward
increases speed.
Axle Shift Lever (Fig. 16)—Located on the right side of console,
the lever selects the front drive mode. Pull out the lock-out knob,
move the lever rearward for mowing operation and forward for
transport operation, then release the knob to lock the selection.
The lever must be in LO position to mow. Middle position (N) is
for towing.
IMPORTANT: On model 30455, the lever must be in LO to
operate in 4-wheel drive.
CAUTION: The machine must be on a flat surface and the brakes
engaged when shifting the axle from HI to LO
Brake Pedals (Fig. 17)—Two foot pedals at the lower left operate
individual wheel brakes for turning assistance, parking and for
better side hill traction. The locking pin is for parking.
Parking Brake Latch (Fig. 17)—A knob on the left side of
console actuates the parking brake lock. To engage the parking
brake, connect the pedals with the locking pin, push down on both
pedals and pull the parking brake latch out. To release the parking
brake, depress both pedals until the parking brake latch retracts.
Steering Wheel Tilt Lever (Fig. 17)—The lever on the left side
of console lets the steering wheel to be adjusted for operator
comfort.
CONTROLS
1. Seat adjusting lever 2. Seat adjusting knob
Figure 15
18
1. Traction pedal 3. Axle shift lever
2. Speed Selector 4. Lockout knob
1. Brake pedals 3. Steering wheel tilt lever
2. Parking brake latch
Figure 16
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Fig. 17
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Transport Latches (Fig. 18)—Four latches secure the cutting unit
and wings in upright position for transport.
Horn—In the center of steering wheel. Operates only when the
key switch is in ON.
CONTROLS
19
1. Transport latch (4)
Figure 18
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Starting And Stopping
1. Sit on the seat and keep your foot off the traction pedal.
Assure the parking brake is engaged, the traction pedal
is in NEUTRAL and the cutting unit engagement switch
is in the DISENGAGED position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON. When the glow plug
indicator light goes off, the engine is ready to START.
3. Turn the ignition key to START. Release the key when
the engine starts.
4. To stop, disengage and move all controls to NEUTRAL
and set the parking brake. Turn the key to OFF and
remove it from switch. Raise and latch all the cutting
units in transport position.
Priming The Fuel The System
(Fig. 19 & 20)
IMPORTANT: The fuel system may need to be primed when a
new engine is started for the first time, if it runs out of fuel or
if maintenance is performed on the fuel system.
1. Unlatch and raise the hood.
2. Insert a 48 mm (3/16) hose over bleed screw and run
other end into a container to catch fuel.
3. Loosen the fuel filter/water separator bleed screw
(Fig. 19) a few turns. Pump the priming plunger until a
steady stream of fuel comes out of the hole in the bleed
screw. When fuel stops foaming, tighten the bleed screw
during the down stroke of the priming plunger. Wipe up
any spilled fuel.
4. Pump the priming plunger until resistance is felt. Try to
start the engine. If the engine does not start repeat
step 3.
Note: It may be necessary to bleed the air out of the fuel
line between the fuel filter/water separator and the
injection pump. To do this, loosen the fitting on the
injection pump (Fig. 20) and repeat bleeding procedure.
1. Hood plunger 2. Bleed screw
Figure 19
20
CONTROLS
1. Injection pump fitting
Figure 20
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