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Operator Manual
RAM 48 CE / 966658601
Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure you
understand the instructions before using the machine.
Original Instructions
Form Number 115 384527 Rev B
2011-12-08

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Summary of Contents for Dixon RAM 48 CE

  • Page 1 Operator Manual RAM 48 CE / 966658601 Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine. Original Instructions Form Number 115 384527 Rev B 2011-12-08...
  • Page 2 In order to implement improvements, specifications and designs can be altered without prior notification. Note that no legal demands can be placed based on the information contained in these instructions. Use only original parts for repairs. The use of other parts voids the warranty. Do not modify or install non-standard equipment to the unit without consent from the manufacturer.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS INTRODUCTION..............5 Operating.on.Hills............31 General................ 5 Mowing.Tips............... 32 Driving.and.Transport.on.Public.Roads....... 5 Stopping.the.Engine..........33 Towing................. 5 Moving.Machine.By.Hand.......... 34 Operating..............5 ZT-2800.Bypass.Linkages....... 34 Good.Service............... 6 MAINTENANCE............... 35 Manufacturing.Number........6 Maintenance.Schedule..........35 SYMBOLS.AND.DECALS..........7 Battery............... 37 SAFETY................
  • Page 4 WARNING! Failure to follow cautious operating practices can result in serious injury to the operator or other persons. The owner must understand these instructions, and must allow only trained persons who understand these instructions to operate the mower. Each person operating the mower must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any mind altering substance.
  • Page 5: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Congratulations Towing Thank you for purchasing a Dixon ride-on mower. If machine is equipped with a tow hitch, use extreme This machine is built for superior efficiency to caution when towing. Never allow children or others in rapidly mow primarily large areas. A control panel or on towed equipment.
  • Page 6: Good.service

    INTRODUCTION Good Service Dixon’s products are sold only in specialized retail stores with complete service. This ensures that you as a customer receive only the best support and service. Before the product is delivered, the machine has, for example, been inspected and adjusted by your retailer.
  • Page 7: Symbols.and.decals

    SYMBOLS.AND.DECALS These symbols are found on the machine and in the operator’s manual. Study them carefully so that you know what they mean. WARNING! IMPORTANT INFORMATION Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx. xx xxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx.
  • Page 8 SYMBOLS.AND.DECALS Shut off engine and remove key before performing any Keep a safe Read Operator’s maintenance or repair distance from the Use on slopes no Manual work machine greater than 10° No passengers Whole body Severing of fingers Do not open or Careful backing up, Careful going exposure to...
  • Page 9: Safety

    SAFETY Safety Instructions These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully. WARNING! WARNING! THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE This symbol means that important OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET safety instructions need to be AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE emphasized. It concerns your safety. TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR...
  • Page 10 SAFETY • Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard. • Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
  • Page 11: Personal.safety.equipment

    SAFETY Personal Safety Equipment WARNING! When using the machine, approved personal protective equipment (shown in illustrations) shall be used. Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen.
  • Page 12 SAFETY • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a foot on the ground. • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.
  • Page 13: Safe.handling.of.gasoline

    SAFETY Safe Handling of Gasoline WARNING! The engine and the exhaust system become very hot during operation. There is risk for burns if touched. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool before refueling. To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline.
  • Page 14: General.maintenance

    SAFETY General Maintenance • Never operate machine in a closed area. • Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup.
  • Page 15 SAFETY Sparking can occur when working with the battery and the heavy cables of the starter circuit. This can cause battery explosion, fire or eye injury. Sparking in this circuit can not occur after the chassis cable (normally negative, black) is removed from the battery. WARNING! Avoid electrical sparking and its consequences by the following...
  • Page 16: Transport

    Spark Arrestor A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through an WARNING! authorized Dixon dealer. This mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forested, bush covered...
  • Page 17: Controls

    CONTROLS This operator’s manual describes the Dixon Zero Turn hydraulic pumps. Using the left and right steering Rider. The rider is fitted with a Briggs & Stratton Kohler controls, the flow is regulated and thereby the four-stroke overhead valve engine.
  • Page 18: Steering.control.levers

    CONTROLS Steering Control Levers The machine’s speed and direction are continuously variable using the two steering controls. The steering controls can be moved forward or backward about a neutral position. Furthermore, there is a neutral position, which is locked if the steering controls are moved outward.
  • Page 19: Ignition.switch

    CONTROLS Ignition Switch The ignition switch is placed on the control panel and is used to start and stop the engine. 8058-134 Ignition switch Throttle Control The throttle control regulates the engine speed and thereby the rate of rotation of the blades. In order to increase or decrease the engine speed, the control is moved forward or back respectively.
  • Page 20: Hour.meter

    CONTROLS Hour Meter The hour meter displays the total operating time. It will flash CHG OIL (Change Oil) at 50 hour intervals. The flash duration is one hour before and one hour after the interval. The CHG OIL icon will come on and shut off automatically.
  • Page 21: Tracking.knob

    CONTROLS Tracking Bolts If the mower is not tracking straight, check the air pressure in both rear tires. Recommended air pressure is 15 psi (103 kPa / 1 bar) for all tires. Tracking must be checked on a flat and level concrete or blacktop surface.
  • Page 22: Fuel.tank

    CONTROLS Fuel Tank Read the safety instructions before refueling. The machine has one fuel tank, just behind the console. The tank capacity is 3.5 gallons (13.2 liters). Regularly check the gas cap gasket for damage and keep the cap properly tightened. The engine will run on a minimum of 85-octane unleaded gasoline (no oil mix).
  • Page 23: Fuel.shut.off.valve

    CONTROLS Fuel Shut Off Valve The fuel shut off valve is located at the left rear of the seat. The valve is off when the handle tab is turned perpendicular to the fuel line. 8011-419 Fuel shut off valve in the CLOSED position Fuses Fuses are located under the seat of the machine.
  • Page 24: Operation

    OPERATION To turn to the right Read the Safety section and following pages, if you are unfamiliar with the machine. While moving in a forward direction, pull the right lever back towards the neutral position while maintaining Training the position of the left lever, this will slow the rotation Due to unique steering capabilities, zero turn mowers of the right wheel and cause the machine to turn in are far more maneuverable than typical riding...
  • Page 25: Before.starting

    OPERATION Before Starting 1. Read the sections on Safety and Controls before starting the machine. 2. Perform the daily maintenance before starting (see Maintenance Schedule in the Maintenance section). 3. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank. 4.
  • Page 26: Starting.the.engine

    OPERATION Starting the Engine 1. Sit on the seat. 2. Raise the mower deck by pushing the release button on the top of the lifting lever. Pull the lifting lever backward to the locked (transport) position. 8058-019 Mower deck lifting lever 3.
  • Page 27 OPERATION 5. Move the steering controls outward to the locked (outer) neutral position. 8058-190 Place controls in neutral position 6. Move the throttle to the middle position. 8058-148 Set the throttle 7. If the engine is cold, the choke control should be pulled up.
  • Page 28 OPERATION 8. Press in and turn the ignition key to the start position. WARNING! Engine exhaust and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals considered to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive system damage. The engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is a odorless, colorless, poisonous gas.
  • Page 29: Weak.battery

    OPERATION Weak Battery WARNING! Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The mower is equipped with a 12-volt negative grounded system. The other vehicle must also be a 12-volt negative grounded system.
  • Page 30: Running

    OPERATION Running 1. Release the parking brake by pushing the button and moving the lever downward. NOTE: The mower is equipped with an operator presence system. When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.
  • Page 31: Operating.on.hills

    OPERATION Operating on Hills Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes in the Safety Instructions. • The slowest speed possible should be used before starting up or down hills. • Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, pull drive levers into the neutral position and push to the outside of the unit and engage the parking brake.
  • Page 32: Mowing.tips

    OPERATION Mowing Tips WARNING! • Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects to avoid collisions. Clear the lawn of stones and other objects that can be thrown out by the • Begin with a high cutting height and reduce it blades.
  • Page 33: Stopping.the.engine

    OPERATION Stopping the Engine 1. Move the throttle to the minimum position (tortoise symbol). 2. Move the steering controls outward. 3. Disengage the mower deck by depressing the blade switch. 8058-173 Disengage the mower blades 4. Raise the mower deck by pressing the release button on the lever and pulling the lever upward to the transport position.
  • Page 34: Moving.machine.by.hand

    OPERATION Moving Machine By Hand ZT-2800 Bypass Linkages When pushing or pulling the mower, engage the ZT-2800 (Integrated Zeroturn Transaxle) bypass linkages. The ZT-2800 bypass linkages are located on the rear of the frame, below the rear engine guard. 1. Raise the deck into the highest cutting position. 1.
  • Page 35: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE Maintenance Schedule The following is a list of maintenance procedures that an authorized service workshop is recommended to must be performed on the machine. For those points maintain your machine in the best possible condition not described in this manual, visit an authorized and to ensure safe operation.
  • Page 36 MAINTENANCE Maintenance.interval At.least. Daily in.hours once. each. Maintenance Before After year ■ ■ Check/adjust throttle cable ♦ ♦ Check the condition of belts, belt pulleys ■ ■ Change the engine oil ■ ■ Replace the engine oil filter ■ ■ Clean/replace the spark plugs ●...
  • Page 37: Battery

    MAINTENANCE Battery Your mower is equipped with a maintenance free Always use protective glasses when battery that does not need servicing. However, handling the battery. periodic charging of the battery with an automotive type battery charger will extend its life. •...
  • Page 38: Safety.system

    Visually check that no damage is found on the lever, links, or switch belonging to the parking brake. Perform a standstill test and check that there is sufficient braking action. To adjust the parking brake, contact the Dixon service workshop. WARNING! Faulty adjustment can result in reduced braking ability and can cause an accident.
  • Page 39: V-Belts

    MAINTENANCE V-belts Check every 100 hours of operation. Check for severe cracking and large nicks. NOTE: The belt will show some small cracks in normal operation. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. Deck Belt Deck Belt Removal 1.
  • Page 40: Pump.belt

    MAINTENANCE Pump Belt Replacing pump belt Park the mower on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Belt removal 1. Remove the deck belt (see Deck Belt Removal in this section of the manual). 2. Relieve the spring tension after inserting a "...
  • Page 41: Cutting.blades

    The sharpening of blades should be 3. Blade bolt (special) carried out by an authorized service Blade attachment workshop. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Special blade bolt is heat treated. Replace with a Dixon bolt if required. Do not use lower grade hardware than specified.
  • Page 42: Adjusting.the.mower.deck

    MAINTENANCE Adjusting the Mower Deck Leveling deck Adjust the deck while the mower is on a level surface. Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. See Technical Data under Transmission. If tires are under or over inflated, the deck cannot be properly adjusted.
  • Page 43: Caster.wheels

    MAINTENANCE Caster Wheels Check every 200 hours. Check that wheels rotate freely. If wheels do not rotate freely take the unit to your dealer for service. Foam filled tires or solid tires will void the warranty. Removal and installation of caster wheel 1.
  • Page 44: Lubrication

    LUBRICATION 8050-832 Change transmission filter 12/12 Every year Lubricate with grease gun Filter change 1/52 Every Week Oil change Level check 1/365 Every day General Remove the ignition key to prevent unintentional Wipe away excess grease after lubrication. movements during lubrication. It is important to avoid getting lubricant on the belts When lubricating with an oil can, it must be filled with or the drive surfaces on the belt pulleys.
  • Page 45: Front.wheel.mount

    LUBRICATION Front Wheel Mount Lubricate with a grease gun, one zerk for each wheel mount. Use only good quality bearing grease. Grease from well-known brand names (petrochemical companies, etc.) usually maintains a good quality. Front Wheel Bearings Lubricate with a grease gun, one zerk for each set of wheel bearings.
  • Page 46: Transaxle.fluid.change

    LUBRICATION Transaxle Fluid Change This transaxle is designed with an external filter for ease of maintenance. To ensure constant fluid quality levels and longer life, an oil filter change interval of every 200 hours is recommended. The following procedure is performed with the transaxles installed in the mower and the mower on level ground.
  • Page 47: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Engine will not start • Blade switch is engaged. • Steering controls are not locked in the neutral position • Parking brake is not activated • Battery is dead • Contamination in the carburetor or fuel line. •...
  • Page 48 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Engine overheats • Clogged air intake or cooling fins • Engine overloaded • Poor ventilation around engine • Defective engine speed regulator • Too little or no oil in the engine • Contamination in the carburetor or fuel line. •...
  • Page 49: Winter.storage

    Drain the fuel into an year, model, type, and serial number. approved container outdoors and store Always use genuine Dixon spare parts. far away from open flame. Never use An annual checkup at an authorized service workshop gasoline for cleaning. Use a degreaser is a good way to ensure that the machine performs its and warm water instead.
  • Page 50: Schematics

    WIRING.DIAGRAM 8053-002...
  • Page 51: Technical.data

    TECHNICAL.DATA Torque Specifications Engine crankshaft bolt 50 ft/lb (67 Nm) Standard " fasteners 18 ft/lb (25 Nm) Deck pulley bolts 150 ft/lb (203 Nm) Standard " fasteners 33 ft/lb (44 Nm) Lug nuts 75 ft/lb (100 Nm) Standard " fasteners 52 ft/lb (70 Nm) Blade bolt 90 ft/lb (122 Nm)
  • Page 52: Technical Data

    TECHNICAL DATA Ram 48ZT 966658601 Engine Manufacturer Briggs & Stratton Type Power 26 hp Lubrication Pressure with oil filter Fuel Min 87 octane unleaded (Max- ethanol 5%, Max MTBE 15%) Fuel tank capacity 3.5 gallons / 13.2 liters Cooling Air cooled Air filter Standard Alternator 12V / 16A Starter Electric 12V Transmission Transmission ZT2800 Hydro Gear Speed and direction controls Dual levers, foam gripped Speed forward 0-6.5 mph / 0-10.5km/h Speed reverse 0-3.5 mph / 0-5.6 km/h Brakes Mechanical parking brake Front caster tires, smooth tread 11 x 6-5 Rear tires, turf pneumatic 20 x 8-8 Tire pressure 15 PSI / 103 kPa / 1 bar...
  • Page 53 TECHNICAL.DATA Ram 48ZT 966658601 Frame Cutting Width 48" / 122cm Cutting Height 1½ - 4½" / 3.8 - 11.4 cm Uncut Circle Number of Blades Blade Length 16¼" / 41 cm Anti-scalp Rollers Sprung Seat Standard Hinged Arm Rests Standard Hour Meter Standard Blade Engagement...
  • Page 54: Conformity.certificates

    CONFORMITY.CERTIFICATES Conformity Certificates For Model Listed Below: 966658601 / RAM 48 CE Zero Turn Rider USA requirements Labels are placed on the engine and/or in the engine compartment stating that the machine will fulfill the requirements. This is also applicable to special requirements for any of the states, (California emission rules etc.).
  • Page 55: Service.journal

    SERVICE.JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign Delivery Service Charge battery Adjust tire pressure of all wheels according to Technical Data Mount the steering controls in the normal position Connect the contact box to the cable for the seat’s safety switch Check that the right amount of oil is in the engine Adjust the position of the steering controls Fill with fuel and open the fuel shut off valve...
  • Page 56 SERVICE.JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign After the First 10 Hours Change engine oil 25-Hour Service Check the fuel pump’s air filter Check the hydraulic system’s oil level Check the tire pressures Lubricate the belt adjuster, mower deck Lubricate the belt adjuster, hydraulic pumps Check/clean the engine’s cooling air intake Clean air filter dust cap...
  • Page 57 SERVICE.JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign 50-Hour Service Perform the 25-hour service Clean/replace the air cleaner’s filter cartridge (paper filter) (shorter intervals for dusty operating conditions) Change engine oil Lubricate according to lubrication chart Check/adjust the parking brake 100-Hour Service Perform the 25-hour service Perform the 50-hour service Change the engine oil filter...
  • Page 58: Hour Service

    SERVICE.JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign 300-Hour Service Perform the 25-hour service Perform the 50-hour service Perform the 100-hour service Check/adjust the mower deck Clean the combustion chamber and grind the valve seats Check the engine valve clearance Replace the air cleaner’s prefilter (foam) At Least Once Each Year Clean the engine’s cooling air intake (25 hours) Replace the air cleaner’s pre-filter (foam) (300 hours)

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