Page 2
Thank you for purchasing this quality-built Simplicity product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Simplicity brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your Simplicity product will provide many years of dependable service.
Operator Safety Operator Safety Read the Manual The operator’s manual contains important safety information you need to be aware of BEFORE you operate your unit as well as DURING operation. Safe operating techniques, an explanation of the product’s features and controls, and maintenance information is included to help you get the most out of your equipment investment.
Page 5
Thrown Objects This unit has spinning mower blades. These blades can pick up and throw debris that could seriously injure a bystander. Be sure to clean up the area to be mowed and remove objects that could be thrown by the blade BEFORE you start mowing.
Page 6
Operator Safety Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard. Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of clearance around these hazards and hand-trim with a walk behind mower or string trimmer. Wheels dropping over retaining walls, edges, ditches, embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death, or drowning.
Page 7
Enclosed Areas Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unventilated areas such as inside garages or enclosed trailers. The engine emits poisonous carbon monoxide gas and prolonged exposure in an enclosed area can result in serious injury or death. Fuel and Maintenance Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and remove the key before doing any cleaning, refueling, or servicing.
Page 8
Operator Safety 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.
Page 9
Slope Operation Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip- over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake.
Page 10
Operator Safety Service and Maintenance Safe Handling of Gasoline 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. 2. Use only approved gasoline containers. 3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. 4.
Page 11
Roll Bar Instructions For models equipped with factory-installed Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). WARNING In order to avoid serious injury or death from roll over, it is important to follow the warnings listed below. Operational Warnings • Always use the seat belt when the roll bar is in the raised position.
Page 12
Operator Safety Inspection and Maintenance of the Roll Bar Seat Belt WARNING Failure to properly inspect and maintain the seat belt can cause serious injury or death. • The seat belt like the ROLL BAR, needs to be periodically inspected to verify that the integrity has not been compromised through normal machine use, misuse, age degradation, modifications, or a roll over.
Safety Decals This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide 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 effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to remind you of this important information while you are operating...
Operator Safety Safety Interlock System This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. 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 Test 1 —...
XXXX LpA: XXX dB(A) Vibration @ Wheel: XXX m/s² Vibration @ Seat: XXX m/s² Simplicity Mfg. Inc. Port Washington, WI USA 53074-0997 XXXXXXX When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers. Record your model name/number, manufacturer’s identification numbers, and engine serial numbers in the space provided for easy access.
Features and Controls Control Functions The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences. To learn what combination and sequence of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section.
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 position with the engine stopped-this drains the battery.
Operation Operation 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.
Check Tire Pressures Tire pressure should be checked periodically, and maintained at the levels shown in the chart. Note that these pressures may differ slightly from the “Max Inflation” stamped on the side-wall of the tires. The pressures shown provide proper traction, improve cut quality, and extend tire life.
Operation Mowing Height Adjustment The cutting height adjustment pin (A, Figure 5) controls the mower cutting height. The cutting height is adjustable between 1-3/4” (4,4 cm) and 4-1/2” (11,4 cm) in 1/4” (0,64 cm) increments. 1. Depress the deck lift foot pedal (B) until it locks into the 4-1/2”...
WARNING Read the Operator’s Manual before attempting to operate the machine. • If you do not understand how a specific control functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the FEATURES and CONTROLS section, do so now. • Do NOT attempt to operate the tractor without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls.
Operation Zero-Turn Driving Practice The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements will take some practice. Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown and becoming familiar with how the unit accelerates, travels, and steers —...
Practice Turning Around a Corner While traveling forward allow one handle to gradually return back toward neutral. Repeat several times. NOTE: To prevent pivoting directly on the tire tread, it is best to keep both wheels going at least slightly forward. Executing Turns Figure 10.
Operation Storage WARNING Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. • Never store the unit, with gasoline in the engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures.
The amount of grass you are able to cut in one pass is also effected by the type of mowing system you are using (for example, broadcasting with side discharge decks can process a much larger volume of grass than mulching does).
Operation Proper Mulching Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.
Regular Maintenance Maintenance Schedule The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. You will need to keep a record of your operating time. Determining operating time is easily accomplished by observing the elapsed time recorded by the hour meter. Safety Items Check Safety Interlock System Check Rider Brakes...
Regular Maintenance Checking / Adding Fuel To add fuel: 1. Stop the engine and allow to cool for at least 3 minutes. 2. Remove the fuel cap (see Figure 1). 3. Fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck. This will allow for fuel expansion.
NOTE: Removing the oil filter from the filter base will drain the oil reservoir. Have a suitable container ready to catch any spilled oil. Simplicity recommends this be a dealer-only service item. 1. Locate the transmission oil filter (A, Figure 20).
Regular Maintenance Lubrication Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 21 through 25 as well as the following lubrication points. Grease: • front caster wheel axles & yokes • deck lift pivot blocks • mower deck spindles • mower deck idler arm Use grease fittings when present.
Servicing The Mower Blades Removing the Mower Blade WARNING Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 1. Wedge a wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the mower blade from turning.
Page 32
Regular Maintenance Sharpening the Mower Blade WARNING Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. • Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. 1. Sharpen the mower blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener.
Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment The control levers can be adjusted in three ways. The alignment of the control levers, the placement of the levers (how close the ends are to one another) and the height of the levers can be adjusted. To Adjust the Handle Alignment Loosen the mount bolts (A, Figure 31) and pivot the lever(s) (C) to align with each other.
Regular Maintenance Neutral Adjustment If the tractor “creeps” while the ground speed control levers are locked in NEUTRAL, then it may be necessary to adjust the linkage rod. NOTE: Perform this adjustment on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. 1.
Parking Brake Adjustment 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the ignition key. 2. Raise the seat plate. 3. Locate the brake spring (A, Figure 35). 4. With the parking brake engaged, measure the compressed spring length.
Regular Maintenance Rear Suspension Adjustment The shock assembly can be adjusted to allow the operator to customize the ride according to operator’s weight and/or operating conditions. You have the option of adjusting the spring pre-load. Items to consider before adjusting the suspension. •...
Deck Lift Rod Timing And Leveling Adjustment 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking brake. Rear tires must be inflated to 15 psi (1,03 bar); front tires to 40 psi (2,76 bar). 2.
Regular Maintenance Mower Belt Replacement NOTICE To avoid damaging belts, do NOT pry belts over pulleys. Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the ignition key.
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.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting the Rider continued PROBLEM CAUSE 1. Hydraulic release valve(s) in “open” 2. Belt is broken. Engine runs, but rider will not drive. 3. Drive belt slips. 4. Brake is not fully released. 1. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. 2.
Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems PROBLEM CAUSE Streaking 1. Blades are not sharp. 2. Blades are worn down too far. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 4. Ground speed is too fast. 5. Deck is plugged with grass. 6. Not overlapping cutting rows enough. 7.
Important assembly notes and and torque values are also included. For applicable manuals currently available for your model, contact our Customer Publications Department at 262-284-8519 (Simplicity). Have the information listed in the box below available when phoning in your request. Technical manuals can be downloaded from www.simplicitymfg.com...
Page 43
ETC) BUILDING, POST, FENCE POLE, (TREE, SURFACE VERTICAL WITH EDGE THIS ALIGN...