Numbers When contacting your Authorized Dealer for replacement parts, service, or information YOU MUST HAVE THESE NUMBERS. Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. Port Washington, WI 53074-0997 U.S.A. 169XXXX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Record your model name/number, unit and mower deck manufacturer numbers and engine serial number in the space provided for easy reference.
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
Safety Rules Slope Operation Continued Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. •...
SAFETY DECALS This unit has been designed and manufactured to pro- vide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing. Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effec- tively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to remind you of this important information while you are...
Features & Controls Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the name, location, and function of these controls so that you will better understand the safety and operating instructions provided in this manual. Figure 1. Tractor & Mower Controls A.
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G. Ignition Switch The ignition switch starts and stops the engine, it has three positions: Stops the engine and shuts off the electrical system. Allows the engine to run and powers the electrical system. START Cranks the engine for starting. NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN posi- tion with the engine stopped–this drains the battery.
Features & Controls PARKING BRAKE / CRUISE CONTROL KNOB FUNCTIONS Applying the Parking Brake - See Figure 2. To lock the parking brake, release the ground speed pedals (A), fully depress the brake pedal (B), pull UP on the parking brake / cruise control knob (C), and then release brake pedal.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and other safety devices. These safety systems are present for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly. Operational SAFETY Checks Your unit is equipped with a seat switch safety sys- tem.
Operating the Tractor GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY Before first time operation: • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this tractor and mower. • Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit.
STARTING THE ENGINE 1. While sitting in the operator’s seat, fully depress the brake pedal or set the parking brake. 2. Make sure that your feet are not depressing the ground speed control pedals. 3. Disengage the PTO clutch. 4. Set the throttle to FULL. 5.
Operating the Tractor Figure 6. Raising & Lowering Mower A. Mower Lift Lever B. Mower Height Adjuster WARNING Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Removing the Mower Deck 1.
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Figure 10. Raising & Lowering Mower A. Mower Lift Lever B. Mower Height Adjuster WARNING Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. Installing the Mower Deck 1. Park tractor, shut off PTO and engine, remove the key and apply parking brake.
Operating the Tractor STORAGE Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less) Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used for human or animal habitation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE & PROCEDURES The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your tractor and mower. You will need to keep a record of your operating time. Determining operating time is easily accomplished by multiplying the time it takes to do one job by the number of times you’ve done the job, or you can install the optional hour meter.
Regular Maintenance WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills. Do not remove fuel filter when engine is hot, as spilled gasoline may ignite.
Figure 18. Engine Access Figure 19. Engine Compartment -Kohler Single Cylinder Engine A. Battery D Oil Fill/Dipstick B. Oil Filter E. Fuel Filter (Not Shown C. Air Filter F. Throttle/Choke Cable ACCESSING THE ENGINE To gain access to the engine, unhook the rubber straps (Figure 18) and tip the hood forward.
Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not present. Not all greases are compatible. Simplicity Lithium Grease is recommended, automotive-type lithium grease may be used when this is not available.
Figure 24. Arbor Lubrication Points LUBRICATE REAR AXLES We recommend removing the rear wheels and lubricat- ing the axle shafts yearly. This prevents the wheel from seizing onto the axle shaft, making future service easier. 1. Remove the key and disconnect the spark plug wire while working on the unit.
Regular Maintenance BATTERY MAINTENANCE Checking the Battery Fluid Note: Does not apply to maintenance-free batteries. 1. Raise the hood to access battery. 2. Remove the battery filler cap (See Figure 28). Fluid must be even with the split ring full mark. If not, add distilled water.
SERVICING THE MOWER BLADES WARNING For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp mower blades with bare hands. Careless or improper handling of blades may result in serious injury. 1. Remove mower from the tractor. See Mower Installation & Removal. 2.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service TROUBLESHOOTING While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually require that service be performed to allow it to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, their causes and remedies.
Tractor Troubleshooting Cont. Engine runs, but tractor will not drive. Tractor drive belt slips. Brake will not hold. Tractor steers hard or handles poorly. Drive belt does not stop when clutch/brake pedal depressed. Troubleshooting the Mower PROBLEM Mower will not raise. Mower cut is uneven.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT 1. Use a suitable drift to remove the roll pin at the base of the steering wheel (see Figure 32). 2. Pull down on the rubber boot to expose the two holes in the steering shaft. 3.
WARNING To avoid serious injury, perform adjustments only with engine stopped, key removed and tractor on level ground. Electric PTO Clutch Adjustment Check the PTO clutch adjustment after the initial 50 hour break-in period and then after every 250 hours of opera- tion.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, block the wheels, and remove the ignition key. DO NOT engage the parking brake. 2. Remove the mower deck (see Mower Deck Removal). 3. Locate the brake spring (A, Figure 37) and adjust- ment nut (B).
WARNING Before checking mower, shut off PTO and engine. Allow all moving parts to stop. Remove ignition key, then disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it away from the spark plug. Leveling The Mower If the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling. Unequal or improper tire pressure may also cause an uneven cut.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicity replace- ment parts. Check the back of this manual or the decal under the hood for common replacement part numbers. REMOVE THE OLD BELT See Figure 41.
BELTS OVER PULLEYS. MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT 38” Mower Drive Belt Replacement NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicity replace- ment parts. Check the back of this manual or the decal under the hood for common replacement part numbers. NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the mower to install a new belt.
To avoid damaging belts, DO NOT PRY BELTS OVER PULLEYS. 44” & 50” PTO Belt Replacement NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicity replace- ment parts. Check the back of this manual or the decal under the hood for common replacement part numbers.
44” & 50” Arbor Drive Belt Replacement NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicity replace- ment parts. Check the back of this manual or the decal under the hood for common replacement part numbers. 1. Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service BATTERY SERVICE WARNING Keep open flames and sparks away from the battery; the gasses coming from it are highly explosive. Ventilate the battery well during charging. Checking Battery Voltage A voltmeter can be used to determine condition of bat- tery.
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THIS HOOK-UP FOR NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLES Starter Switch Starting Vehicle Battery To Ground MAKE CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT TOUCH Figure 48. Battery Jump Starting Diagram WARNING Any procedure other than the preceding could result in: (1) personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out the battery vents, (2) personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion,...
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT See Figure 49. 1. Open the hood. 2. Remove the light bulb socket from the bezel by twist- ing it counterclockwise and pulling it out. 3. Remove and replace the light bulb with an identical bulb.
NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE 14 HP & 16 HP Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Make Briggs & Stratton Model Vanguard™ V-Twin Horsepower 16 HP @ 3600 rpm Displacement 29.3 Cu. in (480 cc) Electrical System 12 Volt, 16 amp Alternator, Battery: 340 CCA Oil Capacity...
Replacement Parts Replacement Parts Replacement parts are available from your authorized dealer. Always use genuine Simplicity Service Parts. Maintenance Items Many convenient and helpful service and maintenance items are available from you authorized dealer. Some of these items include: Engine Oil...