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MODEL NO. WE12538M 12.5 HP 38 Inch Lawn Tractor For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 ® 184071 1.21.03 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al ways look down and behind before and while backing.
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. • Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and fl at washer se cur ing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for as sem bly of seat to tractor. •...
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CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinfl ated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE FUEL OVER TEMP LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or...
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL...
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while op- erating your tractor or per form ing any adjustments or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or stan dard safety glasses.
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens ing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. •...
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion of acids during stor- age. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any main- te nance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Ad just ments section of this manual).
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BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. •...
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CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum fi bers. ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 12) Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fi...
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MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffl er and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fi re hazard and/or dam- age. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs fi...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SE RI OUS IN JU RY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUST- MENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. •...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly infl ated (See “PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinfl ated, you will not properly adjust your mower.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS R.H. SUSPENSION ARM MANDREL PULLEY RETAINER SPRING MANDREL PULLEY FIG. 20 TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE (See Fig. 21) Your tractor is equipped with an ad just able brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than fi...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS (See Fig. 23) • Block up axle securely. • Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. •...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • Raise hood. • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. • Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. •...
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. WARNING: Never store the trac tor with gas o line in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open fl...
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine fl ooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air fi lter. Dirty fuel fi lter. 7. Water in fuel. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Engine continues to run Faulty operator-safety presence control system. when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materi- als and work man ship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we fi...
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POLICY ® Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS Peerless Gear and Machine Division of Tecumseh Products Company (“Tecumseh”), subject to the limitations contained below, will, at its option, repair or replace, without charge for parts or labor only, any part of a new Power Train Component (which as used herein means and includes the transaxle, gear box, trans mis sion, differential and right angle drives, and any part of the Power Train Component), EXCEPT any new Power Train Component incorporated in equipment used for commercial or rental pur pos es, which is found upon examination by any Tecumseh Au tho rized Service Outlet or by Tecumseh’s factory in Grafton, Wis con sin, to be DEFECTIVE...
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.