Yazoo/Kees Z12 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Models: Z12A
Please read these instructions carefully and make
sure you understand them before using the machine.
Z12 Commercial
Collection System
MANUAL NO. 200842 REV 02 (10/30/03)

2
Operators Guide
Specifications ............................................................................................ 3
Features and Controls (Auxiliary Engine) .................................................. 4
Features and Controls (Spindle Drive) ........................................................5
General Information ................................................................................... 6
Safety Procedures ..................................................................................... 6
Unpacking Instructions .............................................................................. 8
Assembly Instructions ............................................................................... 8
Frame Assembly ................................................................................. 8
Mounting the Z12 ................................................................................. 9
Engine Mount and Vacuum Assembly ............................................... 10
Hose Attachment ............................................................................... 11
Hose Trimming .................................................................................. 12
Door Tightness Adjustment ............................................................... 12
Servicing the Engine ............................................................................... 13
Pre-Start Check ....................................................................................... 13
Starting the Engine .................................................................................. 13
Operating the Vacuum ............................................................................. 13
Maintenance and Service Instructions
Transport ................................................................................................. 14
Cleaning and Washing ............................................................................ 14
Storage .................................................................................................... 14
Preventative Maintenance Schedule........................................................ 14
Engine Service and Maintenance ............................................................ 15
Caring for Vacuum Hoses ....................................................................... 15
Cleaning Exhaust Screen ........................................................................ 15
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................. 16
Replacement Parts
Unit Assembly (Auxiliary Engine) ............................................................. 17
Unit Assembly (Spindle Drive) ...................................................................18
Replacement Parts List ........................................................................... 19
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
INDEX
©2003Yazoo/Kees Power Equipment. All rights reserved.
Beatrice, NE. Printed U.S.A.

3
Length 38 in. (97 cm.)
Width (without engine mount or vacuum assembly) 37 in. (94 cm.)
Width (with engine mount and vacuum assembly) 54 in. (137 cm.)
Engine Options 5.5 hp Briggs & Stratton
6 hp Kohler
Weight (without vacuum assembly) 190 lb. (84 kg.)
Weight (with 6 hp Kohler vacuum assembly) 255 lb. (116 kg.)
Total Capacity 14 cu ft (11.7 bu. or 0.41 m3)
Usable Capacity 10 cu ft (8.4 bu. or 0.29 m3)
Hose 7 in. (18 cm.) upper and lower
Height 47 - 50 in. (119 - 127 cm.)
Length 38 in. (97 cm.)
Width (without hose or blower) 37 in. (94 cm.)
Width (with hose and blower) 49 in. (124 cm.)
Deck Options 52”
61”
Weight (without spindle drive/blower assembly) 170 lb. (77 kg.)
Weight (with spindle drive/blower assembly) 230 lb. (104 kg.)
Total Capacity 14 cu ft (11.7 bu. or 0.41 m3)
Usable Capacity 10 cu ft (8.4 bu. or 0.29 m3)
Hose 7 in. (18 cm.)
Height 47 - 50 in. (119 - 127 cm.)
Auxiliary Engine
Spindle Drive (for Max 2 Units only)
SPECIFICATIONS

4
FEATURES & CONTROLS
Auxiliary Engine
NOTE: Your Front Weight Bar, Boot, and Hitch may look different from those shown in this diagram.
Container
Release
Lever
Hitch Bracket
Upper
Frame
Upper
Hose
Vacuum
Assembly
Inlet
Front Weight
Front Weight
Bar
Boot
Hitch
Door
Arm
Lower
Hose
Lower Frame
Hood
Engine
Mount
Exhaust

5
Spindle Drive
NOTE: Your Front Weight Bar and Hitch may look different from those shown in this diagram.
FEATURES & CONTROLS
Container
Release
Lever
Inlet
Arm
Exhaust
Hitch Bracket
Upper
Frame
Hitch
Lower Frame
Front Weight
Front Weight
Bar
Door
Hose
Fan
Assembly
Hose
Support
Drive Kit
Hood

6
SAFETY RULES
Safety Procedures
1 - Training:
• Read the Operator’s manual. If the operator(s)
or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the
owner’s responsibility to explain this material to
them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator’s controls, and safety
signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained.
The owner is responsible for training the users.
• Never let children or untrained people operate
or service the equipment. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,
other people, and/or property.
2 - Preparation:
• Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat,
safety glasses and ear protection. Long hair,
loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in
moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used and remove all objects such as rocks, toys
and wire which can be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and vapors
are explosive. Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke while fueling or operating
equipment. Never refuel or drain the machine
indoors.
• Check that operator’s controls, safety switches,
hoses, and shields are securely attached and
functioning properly. Do not operate unless
they are functioning properly.
General Information
This manual will assist you in the safe operation
and proper maintenance of your Yazoo/Kees
equipment. Read it thoroughly before attempting
to operate the machine. Call your dealer or Yazoo/
Kees if additional information is required.
The following safety symbols are used throughout
the manual to alert you to information about unsafe
actions or situations:
DANGER indicates immediate hazards that
may result in severe injury or death.
WARNING indicates unsafe actions or
situations that may cause severe injury,
death, and/or major equipment or property
damage.
CAUTION indicates unsafe actions or
situations that may cause injury and/or
minor equipment or property damage.
This equipment should not be modified without the
manufacturer’s prior written authorization. Doing
so may not only affect the equipments’
performance and durability, but also create safety
hazards for the operator and the surroundings.
Warranty will be void if changes are made to the
equipment without the manufacturer’s prior written
authorization.

7
SAFETY RULES
3 - Operation
•Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from
holes and hidden hazards.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides.
Make turns gradually and at slow speed. Do
not operate across the sides of slopes. Operate
up and down slopes only. Do not operate on
steep slopes.
• Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability.
Do not operate on wet grass where traction may
be reduced.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
• Stop equipment and inspect vacuum impeller
and hoses after striking objects or if an abnormal
vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before
resuming operations.
• Look behind and down before backing up to
ensure a clear path.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop vacuum
and mower blades if not mowing.
•Do not operate machine under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
•Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
4 - Maintenance and Storage:
•Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire.
Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning, or repairing.
•Clean grass and debris from muffler and engine
to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
•Let engine cool before storing and do not store
near sparks or open flame.
•Shut off fuel while storing. Do not store fuel
near flames or drain indoors.
•Never allow untrained personnel to service
machine.
•Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
If possible, do not make adjustments with the
engine running.
•Keep all parts in good working condition and all
hardware tightened. Replace all worn or
damaged decals.

8
Unpacking Instructions
Assembly Instructions
Frame Assembly
Upper
Frame
Lower
Frame
Tools Required:
1. 3/4" wrench
2. Ratchet
3. 3/4" socket
1. Position the Lower Frame inside the Upper
Frame.
2. Align holes corresponding to desired position
of frame.
3. Secure with eight (8) 1/2” x 1-1/4” hex bolts
and eight (8) 1/2” nylon lock nuts.
1. Cut straps around carton and remove top.
2. Wear eye protection. Remove wood pieces.
NOTE: Watch for nails and wood splinters.
3. Slide carton sleeve out of bottom tray and lift
over Z12.
ASSEMBLY

9
Mounting the Z12
NOTE: This portion of the assembly requires
lifting the Z12; two people are required.
Tools Required:
1. 9/16" wrench
2. Ratchet
3. 9/16" socket
1. Install the Hitch from the Custom Kit accord-
ing to the instruction sheet included in that
carton.
2. Slide the Z12 into the hitch.
3. Line up holes in the Hitch and Z12 and
secure with two (2) 3/8” wire lock pins.
4. Position the Hitch Brackets so that they are
aligned with the holes on the top plate of the
Hitch and the holes in the forward cross bar
of the Lower Frame.
5. Secure with four (4) 3/8” x 1-1/4” hex bolts,
four (4) 3/8” nylon lock nuts, and eight (8) 3/8”
flat washers.
ASSEMBLY
Hitch
Hitch
Bracket
Wire Lock
Pin
Upper
Frame
Lower
Frame

10
Engine Mount and Vacuum Assembly
Tools Required:
1. 9/16" wrench
2. Ratchet
3. 9/16" socket.
4. 7/16" socket
5. 3/8” wrench
6. Flat Screwdriver
1. Slide the Engine Mount into the Lower Frame
as shown.
2. Secure the Vacuum Assembly to the Engine
Mount using the hardware provided with the
Vacuum.
3. Slide the Engine Mount into the Lower Frame
so that the Vacuum Assembly is as close to
the Frame as possible.
4. Adjust the Engine Mount to the nearest
aligning holes between the Lower Frame and
the Engine Mount.
5. Secure the Engine Mount to the Lower
Frame with two (2) 3/8” x 2-1/2” hex bolts,
two (2) 3/8” hex nuts, and four (4) 3/8” flat
washers.
6. Place the Inlet Cover on the Vacuum Assem-
bly with the inlet cylinder pointing downward
and forward toward the mower deck.
7. Secure the Inlet Cover with the hardware
provided with the Vacuum.
8. Attach the Throttle Cable to the Upper
Frame using two (2) #10 x 3/4” slotted round
head screws, two (2) #10 flat washers,
and two (2) #10 nylon lock nuts.
9. Attach the Throttle Cable to the throttle
control of the engine on the Vacuum Assem-
bly.
Note: This step for Auxiliary Engine units only.
Please see Instruction Sheet included
with Spindle Drive Fan Assembly for
instructions on mounting Spindle Drive
Units.
ASSEMBLY
Vacuum
Assembly
Engine Mount Inlet
Cover
Throttle
Cable
Lower
Frame
Upper
Frame

11
Spindle Drive & Drive Kit
Assembly
1. Remove the discharge chute.
2. Remove the right hand belt shield.
3. Remove the deck belt from the right spindle
assembly sheave.
4. Remove this sheave but keep the ¼” square
key and the two washers at hand for reinstal-
lation.
5. Install the Stepped Sheave and spacer/key
retainer included in the kit using the original
key and washers but substituting the original
7/16” HCS with the longer version provided.
An application of anti-seize is recommended.
6. Reinstall the deck belt.
7. The 5/8” hole toward the rear of the ¼” thick
discharge chute mounting bar at the right end
of the deck may be distorted from forming or
loaded with paint. Drill out or fill this hole until
it will accept a 5/8” bolt or piece of bar stock.
Keep the fit close.
8. If any weld beads or the edge of the deck top
project past the right end surface of the deck,
these must be ground back to allow the fan
assembly to fit up flush to the end of the deck.
9. Remove the 3/8” fastener, nut, and clamp from
the inside front corner of the fan assembly.
10. Remove the sheave floor to expose the fan
assembly belt sheave from below.
11. Loosen the nut retaining the belt guide/retainer,
install the belt from the Drive Kit, retighten the
nut, verify the belt clears the guide, and reinstall
the sheave floor.
12. Rest the fan assembly onto the deck end and
slide the pilot thru the 5/8” hole previously
mentioned so that fan assembly is supported
by the pilot and the ¼” stop block welded under
the clamp at the front of the fan assembly.
Note: It may be necessary to swing the
idler pulley away from the assembly
mounting face to clear the chute mounting
bar and the discharge chute mounting tab
on the deck.
13. Reinstall the clamp at the front of the assembly
so that the tab at the lower end of the clamp
passes thru the rectangular slot at the right
front corner of the mower deck, but leave the
fastener loose to ease belt installation.
14. Rotate the belt idler as far forward as possible
and install the belt over the top groove of the
new deck sheave.
15. Tighten the clamp fastener.
16. Using a scribe or other small sharp object,
transfer the mounting hole location at the rear
edge of the fan assembly onto the mating
vertical surface at the right rear of the mower
deck and drill thru with a 25/64” drill.
17. Install the stops on the deck stop pins located
at the rear of the deck then install the new belt
shield.
18. Install the tube support to the main collection
assembly using the 3/8” fastener provided, po-
sitioning so that the tube is 2” to 3” away from
the tire.
19. Install the 7” tube to the fan assembly and the
container input port using the hose clamps
provided.
20. Clamp the tube to the tube support.
ASSEMBLY
For use on the following mower models:
968999150 - 150C -151-152-157-158-159-160-
161-162-163-164-165-166-167-168-169-170-
170-171-172- 173-175-178- 179- 180-181-182-
183-184-185-186-187-188-189-201-202-203
205-206- 207- 208- 224- 229- 230- 231- 235 and
ZBMI42180- ZBMI48180- ZMKW48190- ZMKW48210-
ZMKH52230- ZMKW52230- ZMKW61230-
ZVKH52230- ZVKH52231- ZVKW52231- ZVKW52250-
ZVKW52251- ZVKW61230- ZVKW61231-
ZVKHL61230- ZVKHL61231- ZVHO52241-
ZVHO61241- ZVKH61250- ZVKH61251- ZVKW61250-
ZVKW61251- ZVKH61270- ZVKH61271- ZVKE61260-
ZVKE61261- ZKW42170- ZKW48170- ZKWQL48170-
ZKWQL48190- ZKW42171- ZKWQL48171-
ZKWQL48191- ZKWQL42171- ZKW42172-
ZKWQL42172- ZKWQL48172- ZKWQL48192-
ZKWQL42182- ZKWQL48182- ZKWQL48212-
ZKW42182- ZKW48190- ZBIQL48182- ZVKH61270-
ZVKE61260

12
Hose Attachment
Inlet
Hose
Clamp
Hose
Clamp
Boot
Hose
Clamp
Lower
Hose
NOTE:Hoses may need to be trimmed to fit. If
necessary, see the Hose Trimming
section at the end of the Assembly
Instructions.
Tools Required: Flat screwdriver
1. Slide one Hose Clamp over each end of the
Upper Hose. Slide one end of the hose over
the Vacuum discharge opening and the other
end over the Inlet. Tighten the Hose Clamps
to secure hose in place.
2. Slide one Hose Clamp over each end of the
Lower Hose. Slide one end of the hose over
the Vacuum Inlet Cover. Slide the other end
over the Boot discharge opening. Tighten
the Hose Clamps to secure hose in place.
Upper
Hose
ASSEMBLY

13
Rod
End
Arm
Door
Clevis Pin
Door Tightness Adjustment
Hose Trimming
Tools Required: Utility Knife
1. Carefully measure the length needed. Re-
member that although the hose is flexible, it
will not stretch.
2. Measure the same length on the hose that
needs to be trimmed, and with the utility knife,
cut through the webbing at the proper loca-
tion.
3 Continue that cut through the webbing all the
way around the hose so that it finishes just
across the support coil from where the
original cut was started.
4. Use the utility knife to score the support coil
between the beginning and end of the web
cut. Set aside the knife, and finish breaking
the coil by hand by working the scored
portion back and forth until it breaks apart.
Tools Required: 1. 9/16" Wrench
2. Ratchet
3. 9/16" Socket
4. Clamps
1. Remove arms from door by removing the
3/8” x 1-3/4” clevis pins.
2. Clamp door tightly shut.
3. Adjust arm length so that rod ends on arms
can be fastened to the door.
4. Fasten arms to door.
5. If door is still too tight or too loose, repeat
steps 1-4 and adjust the clamp tightness
until door is at desired tightness.
ASSEMBLY

14
Servicing the Engine
1. Make sure that engine oil is at engine
manufacturer’s recommended level (refer to
engine manual).
2. Fill the fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, unleaded
automotive gasoline.
Pre-Start Check
1. Make sure the stop switch is in the OFF
position and spark plug wire is disconnected.
Pull the starter rope slowly to make certain
there are no foreign objects in the blower
housing.
2. Be sure the spark plug wire and cover are
attached to the spark plug.
Starting the Engine
1. Turn the stop switch to the ON position.
2. Move the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE
position.
3. Move the throttle lever to the FULL
THROTTLE position.
4. Grasp the starter handle firmly. Pull the
handle with a rapid continuous motion.
5. When the engine starts, move the choke to
1/2 choke and then to NO CHOKE position
as engine warms up.
Operating the Vacuum
1. NEVER USE THE Z12 WITHOUT THE
VACUUM INLET COVER AND ALL HOSES
SECURELY ATTACHED.
2. Make sure both hoses are connected at both
ends. Inspect hoses prior to each use.
3. Do not use the Z12 on slopes greater than 15
degrees.
4. The mower must be running in order to
vacuum debris through the mower deck.
5. In heavy grass it may be necessary to mow
and vacuum at a slower ground speed.
6. Never attempt to unclog the Z12 until both the
mower’s engine and vacuum’s engine
have been shut off and all moving parts have
come to a complete stop.
7. Do not stand behind the vent at the rear of
the Z12 due to the potential for small
pieces of blowing debris to escape through
this vent.
8. Wear eye and ear protection.
9. TO STOP THE ENGINE: throttle down to
slow for a few seconds, then push switch to
OFF. Remove any hearing protection and
listen for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop.
NOTE: The flywheel in the power head will
coast for a few seconds after the engine is shut
off before actually stopping.
OPERATION

15
Preventative Maintenance Schedule
Item Before Every Every Every
Each Use 5 Hours 25 Hours 50 Hours
Check Engine Oil Level X X
Change Engine Oil X
Change Air Cleaner Element X
Replace Spark Plug X
Inspect/Clean Exhaust Screen X X
Check/Tighten Nuts & Bolts X
Check/Tighten Hoses X
Turn Hose End to End X
Rotate Hose X
Clean Machine X
WARNING
The Z12 container must be completely
empty while driving forward onto a trailer.
If the Z12 must be loaded onto a trailer
while there is still debris in the container,
the mower must be backed up onto the
trailer to avoid tipping.
Transport
Cleaning and Washing
Regular cleaning, washing, and lubricating will
prolong the service of the machine.
NOTE: Use care with power washers to avoid
damage to decals. Limit direct spray on
these items.
DO NOT EXCEED 1000 PSI WATER PRESSURE
FOR CLEANING.
For best results, clean exhaust screen inside
container regularly. Instructions for
doing this can be found in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
Storage
1. Refer to engine manufacturer’s instructions
for engine storage information.
2. Clean machine.
3. Cover all scratches with touch-up paint.
4. Covered or indoor storage is recommended.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

16
Engine Service and Maintenance
Follow the engine manufacturer’s maintenance
instructions. Should any malfunction occur with
the engine during the warranty period, take it to
an Authorized Service Dealer. DO NOT tear
down the engine, as this may void the Engine
Manufacturer’s Warranty.
NOTE: Refer to engine manufacturer’s owner’s
manual for all engine service information.
Caring For Vacuum Hoses
1. Inspect hoses before each use. If hoses
have excessive wear, tears, or punctures,
replace immediately.
2. To prolong the life of the hose, periodically
rotate hose and turn hose end to end. Refer
to Preventative Maintenance Schedule in this
manual.
3. Avoid twists and sharp turns in the hoses, as
they will increase wear on the hoses.
4. Avoid dragging the lower hose along the
sides of buildings or other hard surfaces.
Cleaning Exhaust Screen
The exhaust screen on the Z12 is located inside
the container. For best results, clean exhaust
screen regularly.
Cleaning Instructions
1. Shut off all engines.
2. Release the two (2) rubber latches on the
sides of the exhaust cover, and slide screen
out.
3. Clean the screen, and replace.
DO NOT USE THE Z12 WITHOUT EXHAUST
SCREEN SECURELY IN PLACE.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

17
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
Engine Does Not Start. 1. Spark plug wire disconnected. 1. Reconnect wire.
2. Engine ON/OFF switch in OFF position. 2. Put switch in ON position.
3. Fuel tank empty. 3. Add gasoline.
4. Stale gasoline. 4. Drain gasoline and add fresh
gasoline.
5. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean or replace.
Engine Runs Poorly. 1. Bad spark plug. 1. Clean or replace.
2. Dirty air filter. 2. Clean or replace.
3. Incorrect choke setting. 3. Put choke in correct setting.
4. Stale gasoline. 4. Drain gasoline and add fresh
gasoline.
5. Dirt or water in fuel tank. 5. See engine service dealer.
Engine Overheats. 1. Carburetor out of adjustment. 1. See engine service dealer.
2. Oil level is low. 2. Check and add oil.
Loss of Vacuum. 1. Vacuum inlet clogged. 1. Remove hose and clean inlet.
2. Container full. 2. Inspect and empty.
3. Engine not reaching full RPM. 3. See “Engine Runs Poorly”
above.
4. Fan blades bent or broken. 4. Replace/repair impeller.
Unusual vibration 1. Solid object jammed in unit. 1. Check and remove any
or noise. obstruction.
2. Engine cylinder shaft or crankshaft 2. See engine service dealer.
bent or damaged.
3. Loose engine mounting bolts/nuts. 3. Tighten bolts/nuts.
4. Loose or missing bolts on unit. 4. Tighten or replace bolts.
5. Engine shaft bearings damaged. 5. See engine service dealer.
Unit difficult to close. 1. Door too tight. 1. Adjust arm tightness
2. Obstructions keeping door from 2. Clear obstructions.
completely closing.
Door doesn’t shut tightly. 1. Door tightness not adjusted correctly. 1. Adjust arm tightness
DANGER
Before servicing unit, wait for all moving parts
to come to a complete stop. Turn engine off
and remove the spark plug wire.
Troubleshooting Guide
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

18
NOTE: Your Front Weight Bar, Boot, and Hitch may look different from those shown in this diagram.
AUXILIARY ENGINE ASSEMBLY

19
NOTE: Your Front Weight Bar and Hitch may look different from those shown in this diagram.
SPINDLE DRIVE ASSEMBLY

20
CONTAINER ASSEMBLY
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