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IS1500ZXB2861 5900590 IS1500ZXB2652 This manual is available in Spanish. For a copy, contact your Ferris dealer or www.ferrisindustries.com. Este manual está disponible en Español. Para obtener una copia, póngase en contacto con su distribuidor Ferris o www.ferrisindustries.com. BRIGGS & STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC.
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Thank you for purchasing this quality-built FERRIS product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the FERRIS brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your FERRIS product will provide many years of dependable service.
Operator Safety Operating Safety Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of lawn and garden equipment. Our products are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed all industry standards for safety. Do not operate this machine unless you have been trained. Reading and understanding this operator’s manual is a way to train yourself.
Operator Safety Slope Operation Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on a slope that is too steep where you do not have adequate wheel traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. You should not operate on a slope greater than a 5.4 foot rise over a 20 foot length (15 degrees).
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Operator Safety Roll Bar Use Keep the roll bar in the raised position and fasten the seat belt. There is no roll over protection when the roll bar is down! Do not jump off if the mower tips (it is safer to be secured by the seat belt with the roll bar raised.) Lower the roll bar only when necessary (such as to temporarily clear a low overhanging obstacle) and...
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Operator Safety Fuel and Maintenance Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and remove the key before doing any cleaning, refueling, or servicing. Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Do not smoke while operating or refueling. Do not add fuel while engine is hot or running.
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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. The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
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Operator Safety 23. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, 5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other trees or other objects that may obscure vision. attachments. These can change the stability of 24. To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, the unit.
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Operator Safety EMISSIONS where there is an open flame, such as in a water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing. 1. Engine exhaust from this product contains 5. Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
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Operator Safety leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections To maintain operator roll over protection and roll bar are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in effectiveness: good condition before applying pressure to the • If a ROLL BAR becomes damaged for any reason, system.
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Operator Safety WARNING INSPECT BUCKLE & LATCH Failure to properly inspect and maintain the seat belt can cause serious injury or death. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ROLL BAR SEAT BELT • 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,...
Operator Safety Identification Numbers Identification When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers. SAFETY ICONS Record your part number, serial number and engine serial numbers in the space provided for easy access. These numbers can be found in the locations shown.
Operator Safety SAFETY DECALS Before operating your unit, read the safety decals. The cautions and warnings are for your safety. To avoid a personal injury or damage to the unit, understand and follow all the safety decals. WARNING If any safety decals become worn or damaged, and cannot be read, order replacement decals from your dealer.
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 —...
Features & 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. Ground Speed Control Levers Seat Adjustment Lever These levers control the ground speed of the rider.
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Features & Controls Fuel Tank Cap Parking Brake To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise. DISENGAGE Releases the parking brake. ENGAGE Locks the parking Fuel Level Gauge brake. Displays the fuel level in the tank. Pull the parking brake lever back to engage the parking brake.
Operation CHECKS BEFORE STARTING GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY • Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on Before first time operation: dipstick (C, Figure 1). See the engine Operator’s • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Manual for instructions and oil recommendations.
Operation PUSHING THE RIDER BY HAND WARNING If you do not understand how a specific control DO NOT TOW RIDER functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the Towing the unit will cause hydraulic pump and wheel motor damage. Do not use FEATURES &...
Operation Smooth Travel ZERO TURN DRIVING PRACTICE The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive. responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and The BEST method of efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and handling the ground turning movements will take some practice.
Operation Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place While traveling forward allow one handle to gradually To turn in place, “Zero Turn,” gradually move one return back toward neutral. Repeat several times. ground speed control lever forward from neutral and one lever back from neutral simultaneously.
Operation MOWING 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged, the ground speed control levers are locked in the NEUTRAL position and the operator is on the seat. 2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE). 3.
Operation When and How Often to Mow The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines: 1. Mow when the grass is between three and five inches high.
Operation Proper Mulching ATTACHING A TRAILER Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with a blows them down INTO the lawn.
Operation RAISE & LOWER THE ROLL BAR To lower the roll bar: 1. Pull the hair pin clips (A, Figure 13) out of the retainer pins (B). 2. Push or pull the top of the roll bar (C) forward against the rubber stops (D) and remove the retainer pins (B).
Operation STORAGE WARNING Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less) Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some poorly ventilated enclosures. Gasoline fumes gasoline, so never store the unit indoors or in any may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light other area where fuel vapor could travel to any...
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.
Regular Maintenance CHECKING / ADDING FUEL WARNING To add fuel: Gasoline is highly flammable and must be 1. Remove the fuel cap (see Figure 1). handled with care. Never fill the tank when the 2. Fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck. This engine is still hot from recent operation.
NOTE: Removing the oil filter from the filter base will drain the oil reservoir. Have a suitable container ready to catch any spilled oil. Ferris recommends this be a dealer-only service item. 1. Locate the transmission oil filter (A, Figure 17).
Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts Pivots to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not installed. Not all greases are compatible. Ferris Red Grease (p/n 5022285) is recommended, automotive-type high-temperature, lithium grease may be used when this is not available.
Regular Maintenance BATTERY MAINTENANCE NOTE: This unit is equipped with a maintenance-free BCIU1 battery. Cleaning the Battery and Cables 1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative (black) cable first (B, Figure 23). 2. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until shiny.
Regular Maintenance SERVICING THE MOWER BLADES Removing the Mower Blade CAUTION Avoid injury. Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 1. To remove the mower blade, wedge a wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the blade from turning and remove the mower blade mounting bolt with a 15/16”...
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Regular Maintenance Sharpening the Mower Blades CAUTION 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 blade with a grinder, hand file, Figure 26.
Troubleshooting TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING While normal care and regular maintenance will To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance extend the life of your equipment, prolonged or on the tractor or mower only when the engine constant use may eventually require that service be is stopped and the parking brake engaged.
Troubleshooting Rider Troubleshooting Continued. PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Hydraulic release valve(s) in Turn valve(s) clockwise to close. “open” position. Engine runs but rider will not Belt is broken. See Drive Belt Replacement drive. Drive belt slips. See problem and cause below. Brake is not fully engaged.
Troubleshooting TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON CUTTING PROBLEMS PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Streaking 1. Blades are not sharp. 1. Sharpen your blades. 2. Blades are worn down too far. 2. Replace your blades. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 3. Always mow at FULL throttle. 4.
Troubleshooting SEAT ADJUSTMENT Seat Adjustment Lever See Figure 30. The seat can be adjusted forward and back. Move the lever towards the left, position the seat as desired, and release the lever to lock the seat into position. GROUND SPEED CONTROL LEVER ADJUSTMENT The control levers can be adjusted in three ways.
Troubleshooting 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.
Figure 35. Parking Brake Adjustment A. Brake Spring Do not adjust the spring to be shorter than B. Adjustment Nut 1-15/16” (4,9 cm) when compressed. This may damage the brake mechanism. If this does not correct the braking problem, see your Ferris dealer.
Troubleshooting REAR SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT POSITION #2 POSITION #1 The shock assembly can be adjusted in two ways to (FACTORY SET) 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 and/or the upper mounting position.
Troubleshooting MOWING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT The cutting height adjustment pin (A, Figure 37) controls the mower cutting height. The cutting height is adjustable between 1-3/4” (4,4 cm) and 5” (12,7 cm) in 1/4” (0,64 cm) increments. 1. Depress the deck lift foot pedal (B) until it locks into the 5”...
Troubleshooting DECK LIFT ROD TIMING 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 25 psi (1,72 bar). 2.
Troubleshooting DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT NOTE: Before adjusting the deck level, the deck lift rod timing must be checked and/or adjusted. Coarse Adjustment Procedure When adjusting the deck level, the coarse adjustment procedure should be used to make the majority of the adjustment and the fine adjustment procedure should be used to complete the adjustment.
Troubleshooting DECK LIFT SPRING The deck lift springs (A, Figure 47) are factory set to provide optimal lifting performance. Although it is fastened with a multi-position anchor, this is NOT AN ADJUSTMENT POINT. DO NOT attempt to adjust the spring length or lifting performance will be compromised.
Troubleshooting MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT To avoid damaging belts, DO NOT PRY BELTS OVER PULLEYS. 1. 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.
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Troubleshooting Check the Mower Belt Idler Tensioner Spring Length 1. Park the machine 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. 2. Lower the mower deck to its lowest cutting position.
Troubleshooting battery is fully charged when the cells are gassing BATTERY SERVICE freely at low charging rate and less than 0.003 change in specific gravity occurs over a three hour WARNING period. Keep open flames and sparks away from the Jump Starting With Auxiliary (Booster) battery;...
Troubleshooting WARNING For your personal safety, use extreme care when jump starting. Never expose battery to open flame or electric spark – battery action generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Do not allow battery acid to contact skin, eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. Batteries contain a sulfuric acid solution which can cause serious personal injury or property damage.
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Ferris dealer during the warranty period. Ferris’ obligation under this limited warranty is, at Ferris’ option, to repair or replace any part or parts of the mower, which, in the judgment of Ferris, are found to be defective and covered by this limited warranty.
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OPERATOR’S MANUAL IS1500ZX Series Zero-Turn Riding Mower BRIGGS & STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC. 5375 NORTH MAIN STREET MUNNSVILLE, NY 13409 800-933-6175...