Walker S18 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Safety, Assembly, Operating, and Maintenance Instructions
Please Read and Save These Instructions
For Safety, Read All Safety and Operation
Instructions Prior to Operating Machine
Beginning S/N: 178948
P/N 5000-71
Note: The S18 shown in this manual is equipped with an optional comfort seat.

Foreword
Thank you. . .for purchasing a Walker mower. Every e󰀨ort has been made to provide you with
the most reliable mower on the market, and we are sure you will be among our many satised
customers. If for any reason this product does not perform to your expectations, please contact
your local dealer. Every customer is important to us. Your satisfaction is our goal.
Please. . .read this manual thoroughly! This manual is to be used in conjunction with the engine
manufacturer’s manual for the specic engine on the mower model you have purchased. Before
you operate your new mower, please read this entire manual. Some of the information is crucial
for proper operation and maintenance of this mower - it will help protect your investment and
ensure that the mower performs to your satisfaction. Some of the information is important to your
safety and must be read and understood to help prevent possible injury to the operator or others.
If anything in this manual is confusing or hard to understand, please contact your local authorized
dealer or call our service department, at [phone], for clarication before operating or
servicing this mower.
This manual covers Model S18 with the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard (18 HP) gasoline engine.
All shields and guards must be in place for the proper and safe operation of this machine.
Where they are shown removed in this manual, it is for illustration purposes only. Do not operate
this machine unless all shields and guards are in place.
Specications given are based on the latest information available at the time this manual was
produced for a tractor with standard equipment. Optional equipment is available and may a󰀨ect
the standard specications listed.
Walker Mfg. Co. is continually striving to improve the design and performance of its products. We
reserve the right to make changes in specications and design without thereby incurring any
obligation relative to previously manufactured products.
Sincerely,
WALKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Bob Walker, Chairman

S18 Table of Contents
General Information 1
Highlighted Information......................................1
Glossary ...............................................................1
Identifying Number Locations............................1
Engine Serial Number Location .........................2
Servicing Of Engine And Drivetrain Compo-
nents.....................................................................2
Specications ......................................................3
Component Identication ...................................7
Safety Instructions 10
Before Operating ...............................................10
Operating............................................................12
Maintenance.......................................................14
Safety, Control, and Instruction Decals...........15
Assembly Instructions 19
Setup Instructions.............................................19
Tire Installation (Tractor)...........................................19
Battery Service..........................................................19
Battery Charging ...................................................19
Battery Installation.................................................20
Mower Deck Assembly..............................................20
Deck Caster Wheels Installation ...........................20
Deck Discharge Chute Installation ........................20
Deck Discharge Deector
Shield Installation ..................................................21
PTO Shaft Guard Installation ................................21
Tilt-Up Roller Wheel Installation............................21
Mower Deck Installation on Tractor...........................21
Deck Installation....................................................21
Deck Leveling........................................................24
Preoperating Checklist .....................................25
Operating Instructions 27
Control Identication, Location, and
Function ............................................................27
Ignition Switch...........................................................27
Engine Choke ...........................................................28
Engine Throttle..........................................................28
Forward Speed Control (FSC) ..................................28
Steering Levers.........................................................28
Blade Clutch Switch (PTO) .......................................29
Front Body Latch Release ........................................29
Parking Brake ...........................................................29
Transaxle Lockout Arms ...........................................30
Hourmeter.................................................................30
Circuit Breakers ........................................................30
Starting the Engine............................................32
Adjusting Ground Speed and Steering ...........33
Engaging the Blade Drive.................................35
Stopping the Machine .......................................35
Adjusting Cutting Height ..................................36
Transaxle Lockout.............................................36
Recommendations for Mowing ........................37
Recommendations for Towing .........................39
Recommendations for Tilt-Up Deck
Operation/Transport..........................................39
Grass Handling System (GHS).........................40
General Information ..................................................41
Clogging Checklist ....................................................41
Using the Tilt-Up Deck ..............................................43
Using the GHS Catcher ............................................43
Powerl ®...............................................................43
“Full” Signal Horn ..................................................43
Cleaning the GHS Exhaust Screen ..................43
Dumping the Catcher ........................................43
Tailgate Dumping ..................................................44
Using the Dump Bag .............................................44
Power Dump Option..............................................45

Table of Contents S18
Maintenance Instructions 47
Maintenance Schedule Chart ...........................47
Important Tips for Care of the
Briggs & Stratton Engine..................................48
Fuel System..............................................................48
Starting/Stopping ......................................................48
Cooling System.........................................................48
Air Cleaner System...................................................48
Oil..............................................................................48
Lubrication.........................................................49
Engine Oil .................................................................49
Engine Break-In Oil...................................................49
Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level..................49
Changing Engine Crankcase Oil/Oil Filter.............50
Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication ..................51
Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication.............................54
Mower Deck Spindle Lubrication ..............................54
Check Transaxle Fluid Level.....................................54
Transaxle Oil and Filter Change ...............................55
Cleaning .............................................................56
Engine Air Cleaner System.......................................56
Cummins/Fleetguard OptiAir™
Air Cleaner ............................................................56
Engine Air Cooling System .......................................58
Cooling Air Intake Screen......................................58
Cylinder Head Cooling Fins...................................59
Grass Buildup in Mower Deck Housing ....................60
GHS Exhaust Screen................................................60
GHS Blower ..............................................................61
Transaxle Housing ....................................................61
Checking/Servicing ...........................................62
Security of Air Filtration Components........................62
Battery.......................................................................62
Cleaning the Terminals..........................................62
Charging the Battery .............................................63
Tire Pressure ............................................................63
Wheel Nut Torque .....................................................63
Sharpen Mower Blades.............................................63
Drive Belts.................................................................64
Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals................................65
Spark Plugs...............................................................65
Ignition ......................................................................65
Ignition Wires ............................................................65
Fuel Lines and Clamps .............................................65
Transmission Control Setting....................................65
Neutral-Park ..........................................................65
Straight Ground Tracking ......................................65
Blade Brake Action....................................................65
PTO U-Joints ............................................................66
Safety Switch System ...............................................66
Forward Speed Control Friction Lock .......................66
Replacing/Repairing..........................................67
Drive Belts.................................................................67
Engine Belt............................................................68
PTO Drive Belt ......................................................69
Ground Drive Belt..................................................71
Fuel Filter..................................................................72
Blade Overload Shear Bolts......................................72
Mower Blades ...........................................................73
Adjustments.......................................................74
Transmission Control ................................................74
Steering Lever Position Adjustment ......................74
Steering Handle Adjustment..................................74
Neutral Function Adjustment .................................75
Full Forward Speed Adjustment ............................76
Straight Tracking Adjustment.................................76
FSC Neutral Switch Adjustment ............................77
Forward Speed Control
Friction Adjustment................................................78
Tilt-Up Deck Adjustable Stop ....................................78
GHS “Full” Signal Horn Adjustment ..........................79

S18 General Information
1
General Information
HIGHLIGHTED INFORMATION
Walker Manufacturing recommends that any ser-
vice requiring special training or tools be performed
by an authorized Walker Mower dealer. There are
several general practices to be aware of in the
area of safety. Most accidents associated with the
operation or maintenance of a Walker Mower are
caused by disregarding basic safety precautions or
specic warnings. Such accidents, in most cases,
can be prevented by being aware of the dangers
present.
Information of special importance has been high-
lighted in bold type in this manual. Refer to Safety
Instructions on page 10 for the meanings of
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT,
and NOTE.
GLOSSARY
There are many terms that are either unique to this
equipment or that are used as acronyms. The
following terms and their denitions will help while
using this manual:
●DECK is the mowing attachment mounted on
the front of the tractor which includes the
carrier frame, deck housing, belt or gear drive
components, and cutter blades.
●FORWARD SPEED CONTROL (FSC) controls
the maximum forward speed of the tractor;
functioning as a cruise control.
●GRASS HANDLING SYSTEM (GHS®) collects
mowed material and deposits it in the catcher.
●GRASS-PAK®SWITCH is mounted on the
grass delivery spout (in the catcher) and
activates the “full” signal horn when the grass
catcher is full.
●GROUND DRIVE refers to the dual transaxles
which drive the main wheels.
●LEFT HAND (LH) refers to the left-hand side
of the tractor when the operator is seated
facing forward in the tractor seat.
●POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) transmits engine
power to run the cutter blades and GHS
blower.
●POWERFIL® spreads the mowed material
throughout the interior of the grass catcher by
an oscillating delivery spout.
●RIGHT HAND (RH) refers to the right-hand
side of the tractor when the operator is seated
facing forward in the tractor seat.
●SIDE DISCHARGE (SD) discharges mowed
material from the right side of the mower deck.
●SOFT START is an electronic module that
smoothly engages the electric blade clutch.
●STEERING LEVERS steer the tractor by
controlling the two transaxles.
●TRACTOR is the prime mover, including the
engine, drivetrain, operator seat, and controls
to operate the mower.
●TRANSAXLE transmits and controls power
from the ground drive belt to the main drive
wheel.
●TRANSAXLE LOCKOUT ARMS release the
transaxles to permit freewheeling the tractor.
IDENTIFYING NUMBER LOCATIONS
The tractor serial number plate is a󰀩xed to the
tractor body just below the left rear corner of the
seat. The mower deck serial number plate is
a󰀩xed alongside the angle iron framing on the LH
side of the LH mower blade drive. Model and
serial numbers are helpful when obtaining replace-
ment parts and maintenance assistance. For
ready reference, please record these numbers in
the space provided.
Tractor Model No. ______________________
Tractor Serial No. ______________________
Deck Serial No. ______________________
Engine Model No. ______________________
Engine Serial No. ______________________
Date of Purchase ______________________
Fill In By Purchaser

General Information S18
2
Serial Number
Tractor Serial Number Location
Serial Number
Mower Deck Serial Number Location
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
In the event that the engine serial number decal is
compromised, the serial number is also etched into
the valve cover (in front of the oil ll). Refer to the
engine manual that accompanies this manual or
photo below for the location of the engine serial
number.
Serial Number
Engine Serial Number Location
SERVICING OF ENGINE AND DRIVE-
TRAIN COMPONENTS
The detailed servicing and repair of the engine,
transaxles, and gearboxes are not covered in this
manual. Only routine maintenance and general
service instructions are provided. For the service
of these components during the limited warranty
period, it is important to nd a local, authorized
servicing agent of the component manufacturer.
Any unauthorized work done on these compo-
nents during the warranty period may void the
warranty. If you have any di󰀩culty nding an
authorized outlet or obtaining warranty service,
please contact our Service Department for assis-
tance:
Walker Manufacturing Company
5925 E. Harmony Road
Fort Collins, CO 80528
1-970-221-5614
www.walker.com
Service manuals are available for each of these
components from their respective manufacturers
as follows:
Briggs & Stratton
Engines
Briggs & Stratton
800-233-3723
(24-hour hotline in
USA & Canada)
www.briggsandstratton.com
Transaxles Hydro-Gear
1411 South Hamilton St.
Sullivan, IL 61951
877-728-7410
www.hydro-gear.com
Gearboxes (Deck) Peerless Gear
1555 South Jackson St.
Salem, IN 47167 USA
866-536-8310
www.peerlessgear.com

S18 Specications
3
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Manufacturer/Model Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, 2 Cyl. OHV, Gasoline (Air-Cooled)
Displacement cu. in. (cc) 34.8 (570)
Max. Power HP (kW) 18.0 (13.4) @ 3600 RPM
Governed RPM 3650
Max. Torque lb·ft (N·m) 29.2 (39.6) @ 2400 RPM
Idle RPM 1450
Spark Plug Type Champion® XC92YC
Spark Plug Gap in. (mm) .030 (0.76)
Crankcase Capacity qt (L) 1.5 (1.4)
Crankcase Lubricant API SJ or Higher Grade Oil Only with 30W Viscosity Above
40° F (4° C) or 10W-30 Viscosity from 0° F (-18° C) to 80° F (27° C)
Oil Filter Briggs & Stratton P/N 842921
Cooling System Air-Cooled
Fuel Tank Capacity gal (L) 4.0 (15.1)
Fuel Regular Grade Unleaded Gasoline
(87 Octane Minimum, 10% Ethanol Maximum)
Air Cleaner Remote Mounted Cummins/Fleetguard OptiAirTM
(Walker P/N 2090-1 Primary/2090-3 Safety Filter)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery 12 Volt, 300 CCA (Interstate SP-35)
Charging System Flywheel Alternator
Charging Output 16 Amp DC (Regulated)
System Polarity Negative Ground
Ignition Magnetron® Electronic Magneto
Starter 12 Volt Electric Key and Solenoid Operated
Interlock Switches Ignition Lockout by Seat Switch, Transmission Neutral,
Blade Clutch, and Parking Brake
Circuit Breaker(s) Two Fuses (5A)
Auto Reset (30A)
TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer/Model Dual, Independent Hydro-Gear® ZT3100 Integrated Transaxles
Steering Hand Lever Control / Individual Wheel
Forward Speed Control Precision Friction Lock Lever, Cruise Control, with
Neutral-Park Position
Service Brake Dynamic Braking through Transaxles
Parking Brake Internal Mechanical Cog Lock for each Transaxle
(Single Lever Control)

Specications S18
4
TRANSMISSION (CONTINUED)
Neutral Transmission Release by Manual Dump Valve
Final Drive Transaxle Direct to Drive Wheel
Transmission Fluid
Factory Service 20W-50 Multi-Viscosity Motor Oil (Minimum SL Grade Oil)
Transmission Oil Capacity  oz (L) 79 (2.3)
Transmission Cooling Cooling Fan Mounted on Drive Pulley
Oil Filter Hydro-Gear® P/N 52114 (Walker P/N 2026-6)
Ground Travel Speed
Forward MPH (km/h)
Reverse MPH (km/h)
0-7.4 (0-12) Innitely Variable
0-5 (0-8) Innitely Variable
BLADE DRIVE
PTO Shaft Quick Disconnect Sliding Spline Shaft with Two (2) High-Speed
U-Joints
Blade Drive Clutch and Brake Ogura Electric Clutch with Soft Start Engagement and Mechanical
Brake [Stops Blades within Five (5) Seconds of Disengagement]
TIRE SIZE
Deck Caster Wheel 8 x 3.00-4 Semi-Pneumatic (Standard)
8 x 3.00-4 Pneumatic 4-Ply (Optional)
Drive 18 x 8.50-10 (Pneumatic 4-Ply, Standard, Low-Prole)
18 x 7.00-8 (Pneumatic 4-Ply, Optional)
Tailwheel 13 x 6.50-6 (Pneumatic 4-Ply)
TIRE PRESSURE PSI (KPA)
Deck Caster Wheel* 20 (137)
Drive 15 (103)
Tailwheel 20 (137)
* If equipped with optional pneumatic tires

S18 Specications
5
DIMENSIONS (Tractor and Mower)
Length in. (cm)
Tractor Only 65 (165)
Tractor Wheel Base 42.25 (107)
Tractor with Tilted Deck
(Approximate)
77 (196)
Tractor with 42" Collection Deck
(DC42-1)
89.25 (227)
Width in. (cm)
Tractor Only (Outside Tire) 38.5 (98)
Tractor with 42" Collection Deck
(DC42-1)
43.25 (110)
Tractor with 48" Collection Deck
(DC48R-2)
49.25 (125)
Tread Width 30.25 (77)
Height in. (cm)
Tractor 46.5 (118)
Weight lb (kg)
Tractor Only 662 (300)
Tractor with 42" Collection Deck
(DC42-1)
853 (387)
Tractor with 48" Collection Deck
(DC48R-2)
885 (401)
GHS SYSTEM
Blower 12.75 in. Diameter, Three-Blade Paddle Wheel
Blower Brake Ogura Electric Clutch/Brake [Brake Works in Combination with PTO
Clutch, Stops Blower within Five (5) Seconds of PTO Disengage-
ment]
Max. Blower RPM 2900
Grass Catcher Capacity
gal / bu / L
65 / 7 / 246
Full Signal (Grass-Pak® Switch) Oscillating Vane Switch Mounted on Grass Delivery Spout Triggers
Horn Signal
Powerl®Oscillating Delivery Spout Driven by 12 Volt Electric Gearmotor
Spreads Material throughout Interior of Catcher @ 35 Cycles/Min

Specications S18
6
MOWER DECK
Recommended Cut Width 36 to 56 in. (91 to 142 cm)
(Collection, SD, Mulch)
Cutting Height 1.5 to 4 in. (4 to 10 cm) in 1/2 in. (1 cm) Increments
Deck Suspension Independent Torsion-Flex Frame with Caster Wheels and
Counterweight Springs
TOWING
Towing Capacity lb (kg) 250 (113)
DRIVE BELTS
Engine Walker P/N 5234-8
Ground Drive Walker P/N 5232-1
PTO Drive Walker P/N 4230-3
SEAT Contour-Molded, with Nylon Backed Vinyl Cover and Integral
Foam Cushion
FRAME/BODY CONSTRUCTION
Frame All Welded Unitized Steel Chassis
Body 14 Gauge Steel
Deck 11 Gauge Steel
GHS Catcher and Chutes Molded Cross-Linked Polyethylene (High Impact Material,
UV Stabilized) for Chutes and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for
Catcher
NOTE: The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes in specications shown herein at any time
without notice or obligation. The specications listed are for a standard conguration tractor, and may
change with the addition of optional equipment.