McCulloch M17538H Operator's Manual

McCulloch M17538H Operator's Manual

17.5 hp 38 inch lawn tractor
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
MODEL NO. M17538H
17.5 HP
*
LAWN TRACTOR
Assembly
Operation
532 43 38-90
38 INCH
Maintenance
Service and Adjustments
Storage
Troubleshooting
www.mcculloch.biz
*As rated by the engine manufacturer

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Summary of Contents for McCulloch M17538H

  • Page 1 OPERATOR’S MANUAL MODEL NO. M17538H 17.5 HP 38 INCH LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Service and Adjustments • 532 43 38-90 Storage • Troubleshooting www.mcculloch.biz *As rated by the engine manufacturer...
  • Page 2: Safety Rules

    Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug wire and place...
  • Page 3 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. •...
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity 1.5 Gallons and Type: Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 48 oz. Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: 3 Amps Battery 5 Amps Headlights Battery: AMP/HR:...
  • Page 5: Unassembled Parts

    UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Boot (1) Seat Key(s) Steering Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Wheel (1) Hex Bolt Seat (1) Washer Slope Sheet (1) Lock Washer Steering Extension Shaft (1) Bolt...
  • Page 6: Assembly

    Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier.
  • Page 7 INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack- ing.
  • Page 8 CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be prop- erly leveled.
  • Page 9: Operation

    These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) OIL PRESSURE FUEL OVER TEMP LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED LIGHTS ON FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only)
  • Page 10 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference. Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. (A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise, lower, and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
  • Page 11: How To Use Your Tractor

    The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating your tractor or per form ing any adjustments or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask over spec- tacles or stan dard safety glasses.
  • Page 12 TO ADJUST MOWER CUT TING HEIGHT (See Fig. 9) The po si tion of the at tach ment lift le ver (A) de ter mines the cut ting height. Fig. 9 • Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot. The cutting height range is ap prox i mate ly 1"...
  • Page 13: Before Starting The Engine

    TO TRANSPORT When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in free wheel ing po si tion. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor. • Raise attachment lift to highest position with at tach ment lift control.
  • Page 14: Operation

    COLD WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and below) • When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the tem per a ture.
  • Page 15: Maintenance Schedule

    MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Clean Debris Off Steering Plate ck Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness ck V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter)
  • Page 16: Maintenance

    TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main te nance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See “TO CHECK BRAKE”...
  • Page 17 TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling. Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent pos- si ble damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transmission.
  • Page 18 AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See Engine Manual. CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.
  • Page 19 DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 19) Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach.
  • Page 20: Service And Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SE RI OUS IN JU RY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. •...
  • Page 21: Service And Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside of tractor chassis and secure with retainer spring. • Repeat on opposite side of tractor. Fig. 21 • ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS (C) - Lift rear corner of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin (D) on rear mower bracket and secure with washer and...
  • Page 22 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER Make sure tires are properly inflated to the PSI shown on tires. If tires are over or under inflated, it may affect the appearance of your lawn and lead you to think the mower is not adjusted properly.
  • Page 23: To Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 30) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOW ER”...
  • Page 24 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEU- TRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 32) The motion control lever has been pre set at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten.
  • Page 25: Interlocks And Relays

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer- ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 35) WARNING: Do not short battery ter mi nals by allowing a wrench or any...
  • Page 26: Storage

    Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. WARNING: Never store the trac tor with gas o line in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
  • Page 27: Trou Ble Shoot Ing

    TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. Will not start 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9.
  • Page 28: Troubleshooting Points

    TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Engine continues 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. to run when oper- ator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. Poor cut - uneven 2. Mower deck not level. 3. Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower. 4.
  • Page 29 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 30 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 32 12.29.09 JA Printed in the U.S.A.

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