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Operator Manual RAM 48ZT / 966611601 RAM 48ZT BF / 966658501 Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine. Form Number 115 384427R2 11/8/10...
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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.
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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.
INTRODUCTION Congratulations Towing Thank you for purchasing a Dixon ride-on mower. This If machine is equipped with a tow hitch, use extreme machine is built for superior efficiency to rapidly mow caution when towing. Never allow children or others in primarily large areas.
INTRODUCTION Good Service Dixon’s products are sold only in specialized retail retailer. See the certificate in the Service Journal in stores with complete service. This ensures that you as this operator’s manual. a customer receive only the best support and service.
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. IMPORTANT INFORMATION WARNING! Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx. xx xxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx. xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx.
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SYMBOLS.AND.DECALS Read Shut off engine and Keep a safe Use on slopes No passengers Operator’s remove key before distance from no greater Manual performing any the machine than 10° maintenance or repair work Whole body Severing of fingers Do not open or Careful backing up, Careful going exposure to...
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...
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SAFETY • Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
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. Ask your retailer for help in choosing the right equipment.
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SAFETY Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain out of the path of danger. •...
SAFETY WARNING! The engine must not be started when the driver’s floor plate or any protective plate for the mower deck’s drive belt is removed. Safe Handling of Gasoline To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
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.
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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. •...
SAFETY Transport WARNING! • The machine is heavy and can cause serious crushing injuries. Be extra cautious when it is Escaping hydraulic oil under loaded on or unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate the skin, causing •...
CONTROLS This operator’s manual describes the Dixon Zero Turn hydraulic pumps. Using the left and right steering Rider. The rider is fitted with either a Briggs & Stratton controls, the flow is regulated and thereby the or Kohler four-stroke overhead valve engine.
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.
CONTROLS Ignition Switch The ignition switch is placed on the control panel and is used to start and stop the engine. 8052-001 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.
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.
CONTROLS Tracking Knob 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.
CONTROLS Fuel Tank Read the safety instructions before refueling. The machine has one fuel tank, just behind the seat. The tank volume is 4 gallons (15.1 liters). Make sure the fuel cap is properly tightened and the cap gasket is not damaged. The engine will run on a minimum of 87-octane unleaded gasoline (no oil mix).
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.
OPERATION Steering Read the Safety section and following pages, if you are unfamiliar with the machine. To move forward and backward Training The direction and speed of the mower’s movements are effected by the movement of the control lever(s) Due to unique steering capabilities, zero turn mowers on each side of mower.
OPERATION Before Starting • Read the sections Safety Instructions and Controls before starting the machine. • Perform the daily maintenance before starting (see Maintenance Schedule in the Maintenance section). • Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank. •...
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OPERATION Move the steering controls outward to the locked (outer) neutral position. 8061-026 Place controls in neutral position Move the throttle to the middle position. 8052-001 Set the throttle If the engine is cold, the choke control should be pushed forward to its extent. 8052-001 Set the choke control...
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OPERATION Press in and turn the ignition key to the start position. When the engine starts, immediately release the ignition key back to the run position. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Do not run the starter for more than 5 seconds each time. If the engine does not start, wait approximately 10 seconds before retrying.
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.
OPERATION Running 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.
OPERATION Move throttle control to full throttle. Engage the mower deck by pulling up the blade switch. The machine’s speed and direction are continuously variable using the two steering controls. When both controls are in the neutral position, the machine stands still. By moving both controls an equal amount forward or backward, the machine moves in a straight line forward or backward respectively.
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 until blades.
OPERATION Stopping the Engine Allow the engine to idle a minute in order to attain normal operating temperature before stopping it, if it has been worked hard. Avoid idling the engine for longer periods, as there is a risk of the spark plugs fouling.
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. Raise the deck into the highest cutting position. Pull the ZT-2800 bypass linkages up and out of the keyhole slots.
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.
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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 ●...
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. •...
Visually check that no damage is found on the lever, cables, 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.
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 Park on a level surface.
MAINTENANCE Pump Belt Replacing pump belt Park the mower on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Belt removal Remove the deck belt (see Deck Belt Removal in this section of the manual). Create slack in the belt by removing the spring on the pump idler arm.
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.
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.
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 Remove nut (1) and caster bolt (2).
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.
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.
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.
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. •...
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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. •...
Drain the fuel into year, model, type, and serial number. an approved container outdoors and 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.
CONFORMITY.CERTIFICATES 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.). Do not remove any of these labels. Certificates can also be supplied with the machine at delivery or written in the Engine manual.
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...
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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...
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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...
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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