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OPERATOR'S MANUAL MODEL: 960180001 LAWN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.weedeater.com 435073 02.17.10 CL Do Not Throw Away 5000 WARNING: Read this Man u al and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Fail ure to do so can re sult in serious in ju ry.
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: 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. WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug wire and place...
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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. •...
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.
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INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. • Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer se cur ing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for as sem bly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack- ing.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires. 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 ENGINE OFF REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) LIGHTS ON BATTERY FUEL ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death.
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. LIGHT SWITCH THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL CLUTCH/BRAKE...
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 operating 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.
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REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with sum mer weight oil. • Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level.
MOWING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower hous ing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. •...
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main te nance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See “TO CHECK BRAKE”...
V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear. TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling.
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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig.12) Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove blower housing and clean the area shown to prevent over- heating and engine damage. CLEAN OUT CHAFF AND DEBRIS AIR SCREEN Fig. 12 IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 13) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season.
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 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 inflated (See “PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS BELT KEEPER MANDREL PULLEY IDLER PULLEYS MANDREL PULLEY 02844 Fig. 19 TO CHECK BRAKE If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be serviced.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer- ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 24) WARNING: Do not short battery ter mi nals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connect- ing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from ac ci - den tal grounding.
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 flame or spark.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. Excessive 2. Bent blade mandrel. vibration 3. Loose/damaged part(s). 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control Engine continues system. to run when oper- ator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. Poor cut - uneven 2.
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 find to be defective due to materials or workmanship.
PARTS AND SERVICE This product has been expertly en gi neered and carefully manu fac tured to rigid quality stan dards. As with all mechanical products, some adjustments or part replacement may be necessary during the life of your unit. For Parts and service, contact our authorized distributor.
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