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.
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 can- not back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it.
Page 5
Safety Rules & Information 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.
J. Sound Pressure at Operator’s Position in Decibels ** K. Vibration at the Steering Wheel * L. Vibration at the Seat * This unit complies with European Harmonized Lawn Mower Standard EN 836, European Machinery Directive 98/37/EC, and European EMC Directive 89/336/EC...
Safety Decals 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...
SAFETY ICONS Warning: Read Operator’s Manual. Read and understand the Operator’s Manual before using this machine. Danger: Thrown Objects. This machine is capable of throwing objects and debris. Keep bystanders away. Warning: Remove Key Before Servicing. Remove the key and consult techni- cal literature before performing repairs or maintenance.
Features & Controls Select Manual Lift Models 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.
Page 10
Headlights The light switch turns the tractor headlights on and off. PTO Switch The PTO (Power Take-Off) switch engages and disen- gages attachments that use the PTO. To engage the PTO, pull UP on the switch. Push DOWN to disengage. Note that the operator must be seated firmly in the trac- tor seat for the PTO to function.
Features & Controls Steering Tilt Adjust (Select Models) Use the tilt knob located on the bellows to release the pivot mechanism and pivot the wheel to the desired posi- tion. Release the tilt knob to lock in position. Attachment Lift Control Lever When using the mower deck, lift the deck off the ground while transporting to and from the job site.
DASHBOARD DISPLAY (SELECT MODELS) Display Items Refer to Figures 3a and 3b. A. FUEL LEVEL Indicates the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Left is empty; right is full. B. HOUR METER / CLOCK / SERVICE INDICATOR Displays the clock, hour meter, and maintenance reminder.
Operating the Tractor SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM TESTS This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and other safety devices. These safety systems are pre- sent for your safety: do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
STOPPING THE TRACTOR & ENGINE 1. Return the ground speed control(s) to neutral. 2. Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts to stop. 3. Place the throttle control in the position specified in the engine owner’s manual provided in the operator's packet shipped with your tractor.
Operating the Tractor USING A MULCHING MOWER (40” MOWER ONLY) Benefits of Proper Mulching Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and then blows them down into the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products that your lawn can use.
ADJUSTING MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT - 40” MOWER DECKS The cutting height adjustment lever (A, Figure 6) controls the mower cutting height and has five positions. The highest cutting position should be used when transport- ing to and from the work site (do not cut with the lever in the highest position).
Operating the Tractor MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Lift Link Models WARNING Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. Removing the Mower Deck 1. Park tractor on a hard, level surface such as a con- crete floor.
Installing the Mower Deck 1. Park tractor, shut off PTO and engine, remove the key and apply parking brake. Turn the wheels fully to the left. 2. Place mower height adjuster (B, Figures 7 & 8) in the lowest cutting position. Place the mower lift lever in the lowest position, also.
Page 19
Operating the Tractor MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Chain Lift Models WARNING Engage parking brake, disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower. Muffler and surrounding areas may be hot. Removing the Mower Deck 1.
Installing the Mower Deck NOTE: Perform mower installation on a hard, level sur- face such as a concrete floor. 1. Park the tractor, fully lower the attachment lift, turn off the PTO switch, turn off the engine, remove the key, and engage the parking brake.
Operating the Tractor Figure 17. Lift Lock Plate - Hydraulic Lift Models A. Lift Cylinder B. Flat Head Pin (Original) C. Flat Head Pin (New) D. Lock Plate E. Hair Pin Clips F. Lift Shaft Assy. G. Washers LIFT VARIATIONS WHEN USING ATTACHMENTS When a front-mounted attachment such as a snowthrow- er or dozer blade is used with the tractor, the lift mecha-...
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE & PROCEDURES The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your tractor and mower. SAFETY ITEMS Check Safety Interlock System Check Tractor Brakes Check Mower Blade Stopping Time TRACTOR MAINTENANCE ITEMS Check Tractor/Mower for loose hardware Check / Clean Radiator (If Equipped) ** Check / Clean Oil Cooler (If Equipped) ** Check / Clean Cooling Fins (If Equipped)
Regular Maintenance CHECK / CLEAN OIL COOLER (SELECT MODELS) Service Interval: Every 25 Hours, or As Necessary The engine oil cooler is located on the side of the engine (A, Figure 19) and should be cleaned with compressed air at regular intervals or if dirty. SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM CHECK Service Interval: Every Fall &...
CHECK TIRE PRESSURES Service Interval: Every 25 Hours Tire Pressure should be checked periodically, and main- tained 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.
Regular Maintenance LUBRICATION Service Interval: Every 25 Hours Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 22- 26 as well as the lubrication points listed. Generally, all moving metal parts should be oiled where contact is made with other parts. Keep oil and grease off belts and pulleys.
LUBRICATE REAR AXLE SHAFTS Service Interval: Yearly We recommend removing the rear wheel hubs and lubri- cating the axle shafts yearly. This prevents the wheel hubs from seizing onto the axle shaft and makes future service easier. 1. Turn off the ignition, turn off the PTO, engage the parking brake, and block the front tires.
Regular Maintenance 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. WARNING For your personal safety, blade mounting capscrews must each be installed with a hex/spline washer and spring washer, then securely tightened.
Figure 31. Blade Installation - 54” Mowers A. 4x4 Wood Block B. Spline Washer C. Spring Washer D. Blade Bolt CHECK MOWER BLADE TIMING - 40” MOWERS Service Interval: Yearly 1. Turn the PTO OFF, engage the parking brake, turn the engine off, and remove the key.
Regular Maintenance TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION Several service procedures within this book are identified by, and vary by, transmission type. To determine what transmission is in your tractor, check the identification tag attached to the axle of the transmission (Figure 34), or check your tractor’s parts book. TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE Do not allow dirt, water, or other debris to enter the expansion chamber or...
Figure 36. Seat Deck Access Plug A. Expansion Chamber Access Plug K71 Maintenance The following maintenance procedures must be per- formed on the K71 transmission after the first 50 hours of operation and then after every 250 hours. TRANSMISSION INFORMATION Transmission Oil Capacity: Apx.
Page 31
Regular Maintenance Figure 40. Internal Transmission Filter Service A. Filter Access Cap 5. Remove and replace the internal transmission filter (B, Figure 40). 6. Reinstall the filter access cap (A, Figure 40) and the two 14mm drain plugs (A, Figure 41). 7.
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. Tractor drive belt slips. Brake will not hold. Tractor steers hard or handles poorly. TROUBLESHOOTING THE MOWER PROBLEM Mower will not raise. Mower cut is uneven. Mower cut is rough looking. Engine stalls easily with mower engaged. Excessive mower vibration.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service BATTERY CHARGING WARNING Keep open flames and sparks away from the battery; the gasses coming from it are highly explosive. Ventilate the battery well during charging. A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine may be the result of a defect in the charging system or other electrical component.
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT NOTE: The steering wheel on Snapper models is not adjustable. 1. Use a suitable punch to remove the roll pin at the base of the steering wheel (B, Figure 45). 2. Pull down on the rubber boot to expose the two holes in the steering shaft (A).
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service PTO CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT WARNING To avoid serious injury, perform adjustments only with engine stopped, key removed and tractor on level ground. Check the PTO clutch adjustment after the initial 25 hour break-in period and then after every 250 hours of opera- tion.
MOWER ADJUSTMENTS Gauge Wheels (Select Models) The mower gauge wheels can be placed in two positions depending on the height of cut. When using higher cut- ting heights, set the wheels in the lower position. When using lower cutting heights, set the wheels in the upper position.
Page 39
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service FRONT-TO-BACK LEVELING NOTE: 54” mowers have two adjustment rods that should be adjusted simultaneously. 6. Arrange the blades so they face front-to-back. 7. Measure the distance from the ground to the front tip of the center blade, and from the ground to rear tips of left-hand and right-hand blades.
MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT To avoid damaging belts, DO NOT PRY BELTS OVER PULLEYS. 44” & 50” PTO Belt Replacement 1. Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and lock the parking brake. Remove the key. Remove the mower or place in the lowest cutting position.
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Figure 55. Mower Deck - 44" & 50” Mowers A. Capscrew B. Right-hand Arbor Cover C. Spring D. Left-hand Arbor Cover Arbor Drive Belt Replacement - 44”, 50”, & 54” Mowers NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicity replace- ment parts.
40” Mower PTO Belt Replacement 1. With the mower deck installed, park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, shut the engine off, and remove the key. 2. Remove the mower deck (see “Mower deck removal”).
Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Figure 59. Mulching Deck (Belt Covers Removed) A. Idler Assembly Capscrew B. Spring-Loaded Idler Assembly C. Belt D. Square Hole 40” Mower Arbor Drive Belt Replacement 1. With the mower deck installed, park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor.
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.
Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. * Actual sustained equipment horsepower will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. ENGINE: 23 HP* Kohler Make Kohler Model CV23S Horsepower 23 @ 3600 rpm Displacement...
Parts & Accessories 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 Tire Sealant Touch-Up Paint...
HOW AND WHEN TO WATER, FERTILIZE & AERATE Most lawns are watered too often, but with too little water. However too much water can allow develop- ment of diseases with your lawn. It is best to water the lawn only when necessary, and then to water it slowly, evenly, and deeply—imitat- ing a slow, soaking rain.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information PROPER MOWING SPEED ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing. If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too fast—maintaining a slower ground speed will improve the cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many com- mon cutting problems.