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MODEL NO. WE16542E 16.5 HP 42 Inch Lawn Tractor For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 ® 180530 09.04.01 RH PRINTED IN U.S.A.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING 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.
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. Always 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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2) • Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. • If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
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TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera- tion section, page 10, for location and func- tion of controls) WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF FUEL CHOKE ATTACHMENT REVERSE CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED IGNITION DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY OPERATION REVERSE FORWARD...
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 adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO AD- JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation section of this manual). • With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground.
ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- 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 Adjustments section of this manual).
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- 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. •...
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 12) Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key “OFF” and remove key. •...
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.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST BRAKE (See Fig. 21) Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS (See Fig. 24) • 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 KEPS POSITIVE (RED) CABLE FIG. 27 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. CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start Dirty air filter.
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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 Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE16542E STEERING ASSEMBLY...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE16542E STEERING ASSEMBLY NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches PART DESCRIPTION 140044X428 Wheel Steering Auto Black 175131 Axle Asm Front 169840 Spindle Asm Lh 169839 Spindle Asm Rh 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden...
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE16542E ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE16542E ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 170551 Control Throt/Ch Lh 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 X 1/2 - - - - - - Engine B&S, Model 310707 (Order parts from engine manufacturer) 137352 Muffler Exhaust B&s Lt...
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE16542E SEAT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 127427 Seat 140551 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk ) 71110616 Bolt 19131610 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga 145006 Clip Push-In Hinged 73800600 124181X Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi 17000616 Screw 3/8-16 x 1.5...
The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and workmanship. 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.
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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, transmission, 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 purposes, which is found upon examination by any Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet or by Tecumseh’s factory in Grafton, Wisconsin, to be...
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