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WARNING REMEMBER - YOUR MOWER IS ONLY AS SAFE AS THE OPERATOR! Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of the personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the equipment.
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FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. * Keep all shields in place, especially the grass discharge chute. * Before performing any maintenance or service, stop the machine and remove the spark plug wire and ignition key. * If a mechanism becomes clogged, stop the engine before cleaning.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SUBJECT Section 1 - General Information Introduction ... 1 Directional Reference ... 1 Servicing the Engine and Drive Train Components ... 1 Section 2 - Safety Information Introduction ... 2 Signal Words ... 2 Before Operation Considerations ... 2 Operation Considerations ...
Under no circumstances should your mower be operated without these devices in place. All information is based upon product information available at time of approval for printing. Scag Power Equipment reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
2.1 INTRODUCTION Your mower is only as safe as the operator. Carelessness or operator error may result in serious bodily injury or death. Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of the personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of the equipment.
Section 2 6. Operator hearing protection is recommended, particularly for continuous operation of the mower. Wear suitable hearing protection. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing impairment or loss. 7. Keep the machine and attachments in good operating condition. Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a shield, safety device or decal is defective or damaged, repair or replace it before operating the machine.
7. Be alert for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep away from any dropoff. Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs, etc.), underground obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree roots, etc.). Cautiously enter a new area. Be alert for hidden hazards.
Section 2 2.6 SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS DANGER SPINNING BLADE KEEP CLEAR CONTACT CAN INJURE WARNING ROTATING BLADES AND BELTS KEEP HANDS, FEET & CLOTHING CLEAR KEEP ALL GUARDS IN PLACE SHUT OFF ENGINE & DISENGAGE BLADE CLUTCH BEFORE SERVICING CLEAR AREA OF DEBRIS BEFORE MOWING USE CAUTION IN DIRECTING DISCHARGE KEEP BYSTANDERS, CHILDREN &...
3.1 ENGINE General Type ... Heavy Duty Industrial/Commercial Gasoline Brand ... Kohler Model ... Command Horsepower ... 20 HP at 3600 RPM (Scag Model STR48-20CH) Type ... 4 Cycle Gasoline, Twin Cylinder, Horizontal Shaft Displacement ... 624 cc. Cylinders ... 2 with Cast Iron Sleeves Governor ...
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: Do not attempt to operate this mower unless you have read this manual. Learn the location and purpose of all controls and instruments before you operate this mower. 4.1 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION Before operating the mower, familiarize yourself with all mower and engine controls.
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Section 4 5. Ammeter (Figure 4-1). Indicates the condition of the charging system. When the engine is running the needle should be at the positive end of the meter. If the needle is on the negative end of the meter, this indicates a discharge condition and the machine should be taken in for service.
4.2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM The mower is equipped with a safety interlock system that prevents the engine from starting unless the deck drive is disengaged and the speed control is in neutral. The interlock system shuts off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the speed control not in the neutral position and/or the cutter blades are engaged.
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Section 4 -IMPORTANT- Start practice with a slow engine speed and slow forward travel. Do not push the steering control levers forward when traveling forward. They are only used to steer the mower and to travel in reverse by pulling back on the levers. Learn to operate the mower with the left hand on the steering levers and the right hand on speed control as shown in Figure 4-5.
Reverse Travel CAUTION: Before backing up, observe the rear for persons and obstructions. Clear the area before backing up. Possible injury or property damage could occur. CAUTION: Disengage power to the mower before backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after observation of the entire area behind the mower.
Section 4 4.7 HILLSIDE OPERATION WARNING: To minimize the possibility of overturning, the least dangerous method of operating on hills and terraces is to travel vertically up and down the slope, not horizontally along the slope. Avoid any unnecessary turns and travel at reduced speed. 1.
4. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean fuel at the end of every day of operation. 5. Check the tire pressure. Inflate tires if necessary. 4.10 HOPPER/SIDE DISCHARGE OPERATION A control lever located on the left side of the tractor selects either hopper discharge or side discharge to the outside.
Section 4 B. Raise the tailgate until the u-bolt on top of the hopper engages with the latch on the tailgate (Figure 4-11). U-Bolt and Latch Figure 4-11 Tailgate Operation Stand off to side of the hopper. Raise the hopper by placing a hand in the hand hole at either bottom front side of the hopper (Figure 4-12) and then carefully lift the hopper until it is in its...
2. If the blower intake becomes clogged, there could be a distinct change in the sound of the blower and/or the mower deck will begin to leave a trail of glass clippings. The clogging will generally develop in the back of the mower deck in the opening of the blower chute.
Section 4 4.14 ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT The mower deck can be adjusted from a height of 1-inch to 4-1/2 inches at 1/2-inch intervals. To adjust the cutting height: WARNING: Do not adjust the cutting height with the mower blades rotating. Shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
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Pull Back on Collar Drive Shaft Spindle Figure 4-15 Disconnecting the Drive Shaft 2. Tilt the deck and secure in place with the two prop rods (Figure 4-16). Deck Raise and Latched Figure 4-16 Spring Removal 3. Raise the seat to lower the springs. Disconnect the springs from the spring bracket.
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Section 4 2. Install the cutter deck onto the push arm shafts just far enough to hold the deck in place. Align the cutter deck discharge chute with the blower intake chute (Figure 4-19) and push the cutter deck all the way onto the push arm shafts, inserting the discharge chute into the blower intake chute.
TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONS CONDITION Stringers - Occasional Low engine RPM Blades of Uncut Grass Ground speed too fast Wet grass Dull blades, incorrect sharpening Deck plugged, grass accumulation Width of Deck Belts slipping SGB020 Streaking - Strips of Dull, worn blades Uncut Grass in Cutting Path Incorrect blade sharpening...
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Section 5 TROUBLESHOOTING (CONT'D) CONDITION Uneven Cut on Flat Ground - Wavy High-Low Appearance, Scalloped Cut, or Rough Contour Width of Deck SGB020 Uneven Cut on Uneven Ground - Wavy Appearance, High-Low Scalloped Cut, or Rough Contour Width of Deck SGB021 Sloping Ridge Across Width of Cutting Path...
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TROUBLESHOOTING (CONT'D) CONDITION Scalping - Blades Low tire pressures Hitting Dirt or Ground speed too fast Cutting Very Close to the Ground Cutting too low Rough terrain Ground speed too fast Wet grass Width of Deck SGB022 Step Cut - Ridge Blades not mounted evenly in Center of Cutting path...
Section 6 ADJUSTMENTS 6.1 PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT WARNING: Do not operate the mower if the parking brake is not operable. Possible severe injury could result. The parking brake linkage should be adjusted whenever the parking brake lever is placed in the “ENGAGE” position and the parking brake will not prevent the mower from moving.
Adjusting Rod Spring Hold Axle Lever In This Direction Figure 6-3 Adjusting Left Brake Linkage B. Screw the adjusting rod into the clevis enough to remove the slack. C. While holding the left axle brake lever, insert the adjusting rod into the spring and install the cotter pin.
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Section 6 Neutral Interlock Switch Figure 6-4 Neutral Position 2. Check that the speed control bellcrank (Figure 6-5) is touching the bushing on the frame and that the block on the speed control lever has engaged the neutral switch (Figure 6-4). The switch button should not be fully compressed.
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Left Handle 4.5" L.H. Speed Control Lever Figure 6-6 Neutral and Tracking Adjustments 5. Tighten the jam nuts (D & E) to hold the setting in place. 6. SLOWLY rotate the turnbuckle (J, Figure 6-6) on the left side until the mower starts to creep forward. When the mower starts to creep forward, stop the movement and turn the turnbuckle back 1/2 turn or three flats (Figure 6-6).
Section 6 Tracking Adjustment -IMPORTANT- Before proceeding with this adjustment, be sure that the tire pressure in the three tires is correct, that the caster wheels turn freely, and that the two transmission drive belts are adjusted for the correct tension.
6.3 THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHOKE ADJUSTMENTS These adjustments must be performed by your Scag dealer to ensure proper and efficient running of the engine. Should either need adjustment, contact your authorized Scag service center. 6.4 ENGINE BELT ADJUSTMENT WARNING: Before removing any guards, shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
7.3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM A. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level The hydraulic oil level should be checked after the first 10 hours of operation. Thereafter, check the oil after every 200 hours of machine operation or monthly, whichever occurs first. 1. Wipe dirt and contaminants from around the reservoir cap.
Section 7 Figure 7-3 Hydraulic Oil Filter 2. Run the engine at idle speed with the speed control lever in neutral for five minutes. 3. Check the oil level in the hydraulic tank. It must be 2-1/4" inches from the top of the filler neck. If necessary, add SAE 20W50 motor oil.
7.5 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM A. Filling the Fuel Tank Fill the fuel tank at the end of each operating day to within 1 inch below the filler neck. Do not overfill. Use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
Section 7 7.7 BATTERY A. Checking Electrolyte Level and Cleaning Battery After every 40 hours of operation or weekly, whichever occurs first, check the electrolyte level in the battery and clean the battery and connections. Dirt and fluid on the top of the battery can cause the battery to discharge.
3. Clean the cable ends and battery posts with steel wool. Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the battery. Do not allow the solution to enter the battery cells. 4. Tighten the cable connections securely and apply a light coat of silicone dielectric grease to the terminal connections to prevent corrosion.
Section 7 7.9 CUTTER BLADES A. Blade Inspection 1. Remove the ignition key before servicing the blades. 2. Tilt the mower deck and secure in place with the two prop rods. WARNING: Never operate the cutter blades with the deck in the raised position because it is hazardous.
B. Blade Sharpening 1. Sharpen the cutting edge at the same bevel as the original. See Figure 7-9. Sharpen only the top of the cutting edge to maintain sharpness. Do Not Cut In 30° 30° Figure 7-9 Blade Sharpening 2. Check the balance of the blade. If the blades are out of balance, vibration and premature wear can occur.
Section 7 7.11 HOPPER The hopper screen should be cleaned after every 8 hours of operation or daily, whichever occurs first. It may be necessary to clean the screen more frequently when cutting wet and/or dirty grass. 1. Remove the hopper screen from the hopper. 2.
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The fluid level in the cutter deck gearboxes (Figure 7-12) should be checked after every 100 hours of operation or bi-weekly, whichever occurs first. 1. Remove the foot plate from the cutter deck to gain access to the cutter deck gearboxes. 2.
Section 7 12. Clean and remove the check plug dipstick from the center gearbox and fill the gearbox with Mobil SHC630 lubricant until it is full, as indicated on the dipstick. Install the check plug dipstick and tighten securely, then back the dipstick out so that the slot is parallel with the front of the gearbox.