Safety, assembly, operating, and maintenance instructions (76 pages)
Summary of Contents for Walker R21
Page 1
Operator’s Manual Safety, Assembly, Operating, and Maintenance Instructions Please Read and Save These Instructions For Safety, Read All Safety and Operation Beginning S/N: 158429 Instructions Prior to Operating Machine P/N: 1000-1...
Page 2
Foreword Thank you. . .for purchasing a Walker mower. Every effort has been made to provide you with the most reliable mower on the market, and we are sure you will be among our many satisfied customers. If for any reason this product does not perform to your expectations, please contact your local dealer.
DEATH, if warning is conceivable situations. Most accidents associated ignored and proper safety precautions are not with the operation or maintenance of a Walker taken. Mower are caused by disregarding basic safety precautions or specific warnings. Such accidents, in most cases, can be prevented by being aware of the dangers present.
Service Department for assistance: functions as a cruise control, and provides a NEUTRAL-PARK function to stop the mower. Walker Manufacturing Company 5925 E. Harmony Road ● GROUND DRIVE refers to the dual transaxles Fort Collins, CO 80528 which drive the main wheels.
General Information Identifying Number Locations The tractor serial number plate is affixed to the tractor chassis underneath the seat panel. The Serial Number mower deck serial number plate is affixed along- side the angle iron framing on the left beside the belt cover.
General Information Specifications DIMENSIONS Length in. (cm) Tractor Wheel Base 39 (99) Tractor with Tilted 42” Deck 74 (188) Tractor with 42" Deck 93 (236) Width in. (cm) Tractor Only (Outside Tire) 39 (99) Tractor with 42" Deck (with Dis- 43 (109) charge Shield Raised) Tractor with 48”...
Page 9
General Information Specifications ENGINE Manufacturer/Model Kohler KT620 Displacement cu. in. (cc) 40.3 (660) Max. Power HP (kW) 21 (15.7) @ 3600 RPM Governed RPM 3600 · · 35.9 (48.7) Max. Torque lb ft (N Idle RPM 1750 Spark Plug Type Champion®...
Page 10
General Information Specifications DRIVE BELTS Ground Drive Belt Walker P/N 1250 Blade Drive Belt Walker P/N 1731 (48” Deck) Walker P/N 1731-1 (42” Deck) TRANSMISSION Manufacturer/Model Dual, Independent Hydro-Gear® ZT-2200 EZT Integrated Transax- Steering Hand Lever Control / Individual Wheel...
General Information Component Identification This section identifies the main features of the R21. Control features are identified and explained in the sec- tion “Operator Controls” on page 19. Oil Dipstick and Fill Drive Belt Cover Counterweight Spring Footrest Lift Latch...
Page 12
General Information Footrests Deck Support Pins Tilt-up Link Tailpipe Tilt-Up Lock Hole Transaxle Left Hand Spark Plug Drive Wheel Access Hole Tailwheel Fork and Wheel Rear View and Left Side View...
Page 13
General Information Seat Panel 5 Amp Fuses (Two) Negative (-) Battery Blade Belt Cable Transaxle Transaxle Positive (+) Battery Cable Fuel Tank and Cap Fuel Gauge 30 Amp Circuit Breaker (Not Visible) In-line Fuel Filter Spark Plug (Not Visible) Spark Plug (Not Visible) Engine Air Fuel Pump...
Safety Before Operating ..............10 Safety During Operation ..............11 Safety During Maintenance ..............13 Safety, Control, and Instruction Decals ..........14 The Walker Rider Lawnmower has been designed ● Do not mow with bystanders in the area. with many safety features to protect the opera- Keep everyone, especially children and pets, tor from personal harm or injury.
Safety During Operation page 41. If a safety switch is not function- ing properly, do not use the mower until it can be repaired by a Walker Dealer. ● Operate the mower only in daylight or in good artificial light with good visibility of the area being mowed.
Page 16
41. If a safety switch is not functioning properly, do not use the mower until it can be ● The maximum recommended slope oper- repaired by a Walker Dealer. ating angle is 15 degrees or 27% grade. ● Do not run the engine in a confined area When operating the machine on a slope: without adequate ventilation.
Safety Instructions Safety During Maintenance ● In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck: ● To prevent accidental starting of the engine 1. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO), engage when servicing or adjusting the machine, the parking brake, and turn the engine off remove the key from the ignition switch and and remove the ignition key before leaving disconnect the spark plug wires.
Safety Instructions Safety, Control, and Instruction ● Use care when charging the battery or Decals per forming maintenance on the battery and electrical system: Safety, control, and instruction decals are installed □ Make sure the battery charger is un- on the machine. They provide key information to plugged before connecting or disconnect- assist the operator with safely using the machine.
Page 19
Safety Instructions Part Number: 8600-53 (Continued) 1. Warning – read Operator’s Manual before servicing or performing maintenance. □ Engage parking brake. □ Remove ignition key. 2. Warning – Crushing/dismemberment haz- ard of bystanders. □ Do not carry passengers. Always stop machine if someone enters the area.
Page 20
Safety Instructions Part Number: 8600-52 (Continued) 1. Warning – read Operator’s Manual before operating the machine. 2. Warning – wear eye and ear protection when operating the machine. 3. Warning – thrown object hazard. Keep bystanders away from the machine when operating.
Page 21
Safety Instructions 8600-14 Location: Deck Carrier Frame Part Number: 8600-14 Location: Deck Discharge Shield Part Number: 5848-3 Warning – do not operate the machine with the deck tilted up. Warning – thrown object hazard. □ Always keep the discharge shield in the lowest position when operating.
Page 22
Safety Instructions 8600-28 Location: Each End of Mower Deck Part Number: 8600-28 1. Warning – thrown object hazard. □ Keep bystanders away from the ma- chine when operating. □ Clear lawn of debris before operating. □ Keep any discharge deflector in place Location: Seat Panel (Underside) and in the lowest position.
Operating Instructions In This Section... Operator Controls ................19 Pre-Operation Checklist ..............24 Starting the Engine ................25 Adjusting Ground Speed and Steering..........25 Engaging the Blades ................27 Stopping the Machine...............28 Adjusting the Cutting Height .............29 Deck Tilt-Up Position ................29 Recommendations for Mowing ............30 Transaxle Lockout ................32 Recommendations for Tilt-up Deck Operation and Transport ..33 Operator Controls...
Operating Instructions Forward Speed Control (FSC) Parking Seat Panel Latch Brake Steering Throttle Levers Blade Clutch Switch Ignition Switch Hourmeter Operator Controls gine speed; moving it backward toward the IDLE position decreases engine speed. Steering Levers Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen- dent steering lever, for both steering function and for forward or reverse motion.
Page 25
Operating Instructions The Forward Speed Control (FSC) lever sets the NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers will maximum forward speed, and also sets the for- not cause any change in tractor motion - there will ward position of the steering levers. be no steering lever reaction and there will be no machine damage.
Operating Instructions Forward Speed Control (FSC) IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely be- fore engaging the parking brake. If the tractor is moving when the brake is engaged, it will result in Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions: sudden stoppage and possible internal damage to One is to set forward travel speed, and the other the transaxle.
** This reminder is only used one time. *** In normal operating conditions, oil chang- Seat Panel Latch es in 100 hour intervals are acceptable. Walker and the engine manufacturers recom- mend engine oil changes every 50 hours Hourmeter in extremely dirty or dusty conditions or for units with less than 100 hours annual use.
□ Check Discharge Shield □ PERFORM REQUIRED SCHEDULED MAIN- TENANCE PROCEDURES See the “R21 Maintenance Schedule Chart” on page 34 for a complete list of periodic mainte- nance. □ FILL FUEL TANK Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh automotive grade unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, 10% ethanol maximum).
FSC lever in position since starter motor and shorten battery life. Consult a friction lock maintains the selected lever your Walker dealer or authorized Kohler dealer position (and forward travel speed). for additional help.
Page 30
Operating Instructions NOTE: If the tractor creeps forward or back- ward with the FSC lever in the NEUTRAL- Pull Steering PARK position, the transmission control needs Levers With to be adjusted. See “Neutral Function Adjust- Left Hand ment” on page 57 for details. Keep Feet On CAUTION Footrest When...
● Remember it is not necessary to hold the steering levers forward (a unique Walker Engaging the Blades feature); always PULL on the levers for steering or for reverse motion of the mow- 1.
(5) seconds, the brake should be repaired or WARNING replaced before op erating the mower. Contact your Walker dealer for service. Remove the key from the ignition switch when leaving the mower unattended. This will pre- vent children and inexperienced operators...
Operating Instructions Adjusting the Cutting Height 2. On each side, push down the deck lock lever to unlock the carrier frame pivot joint. With it depressed, push down on the carrier frame, Cutting height is adjusted by positioning the four and then release the deck lock lever.
Operating Instructions Recommendations for Mowing RH Lock Hole ● Keep the mower deck and discharge shield clean. ● Mow with sharp blades. A dull blade tears the grass (resulting in poor lawn appearance) and uses extra power (slowing the mowing speed). ●...
Page 35
Operating Instructions Discharge Maximum Shield Recommended Slope - Do Not Operate on Steep Slopes No Gap in Lowest Position Side Discharge Shield in Lowest Position ● Avoid damage to the grass by slipping and 14 in. skid ding of the drive tires. Use smooth con- 15°...
Operating Instructions 5 FT MINIMUM No Driving Zone Transaxle Lockout IMPORTANT: DO NOT TOW this mower faster than 2 mph (3.2 km/h) with the transaxle lockout engaged. Towing can produce excessive internal pressure and damage the transaxle(s). Lockout the transaxles to permit freewheeling and Slide arm back and toward to move the tractor with the engine NOT running the center to engage the tab...
Operating Instructions Recommendations for Tilt-up Deck Operation and Transport To avoid potential deck and/or tractor damage while using the tilt-up deck, the following recom- mendations are offered: Do not move the tractor with the deck in the ● tilt-up position since both the roller wheels (on the back of the deck) may be damaged by moving the tractor.
Information about each of these tasks is pro- vided this section, and many of them can be performed by the owner-operator unless otherwise noted. Contact your Walker Dealer if you have questions or need assistance. Each...
Maintenance Check Engine Crankcase Oil IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine with- out a sufficient oil supply in the crankcase. DO NOT operate with the oil level below the Frequency: Each use or after 8 hours of continu- “L” mark or above the “F” mark on the dipstick. ous operation 5.
Maintenance Check/Clean Engine Air Cooling system cleaned. See your authorized Walker System Dealer for this service. Frequency: Each use or after 8 hours of continu- ous operation To prevent engine overheating and possible en- gine damage, clean grass clippings, chaff, and dirt...
Maintenance Clean Grass Buildup Under Deck Inspect/Service Mower Blades Frequency: Each Use Frequency: Each use or after 10 hours of opera- tion DANGER Check mower blade(s) for straightness, sharp- ness, and condition of the cutting edge. Replace Before raising the mower deck for cleaning, blades if worn, bent, cracked, or otherwise dam- stop the engine, and re move the ignition key.
Page 42
NOTE: If you are not comfortable performing the following steps, contact your authorized Walker Dealer for assistance. To Sharpen the Blades: A. Remove blades for sharpening by grasp- Blade Balancer ing the end of the blade using a rag or a...
Maintenance Check Security of Air Filtration Components Discharge Shield Frequency: Each Use Inspect the engine air cleaner system to make sure it is securely in place and without damage. The levers on the cover should be rotated inward No Gap in to maintain a locked position.
Frequency: Every 25 hours There are two belts used for the R21: the blade There are five (5) safety interlock switches on the drive belt and the ground drive belt. They need to tractor: seat switch, FSC Neutral-Park switch, PTO regularly be inspected for wear.
(PTO) is engaged. Engine Precleaner Filter Contact your Walker Dealer for troubleshooting and/or service if you experience failure-to-operate conditions such as these. 2. Slide the precleaner foam filter off the paper filter element.
Maintenance Replace Engine Air Filter 4. Wash precleaner in warm water with deter- gent. Rinse and allow to air dry. (Do not wring dry.) Frequency: Every 75 hours or more often in 5. Lightly oil precleaner with new engine oil; extremely dusty or dirty conditions squeeze foam to distribute oil and remove NOTE: This filter cannot be blown off with com-...
Maintenance Change Engine Crankcase Oil and Filter Oil Drain Plug Frequency: After initial 5 hours (engine break-in period) and every 100 hours thereafter 1. Run the engine for at least 10 minutes in a well-ventilated area. The engine oil should be warm before draining.
100 hours. This procedure requires removing the engine from the chassis. See your 10. Fill the crankcase with new, clean oil. Use authorized Walker Dealer for this service. only crankcase lubricants recommended by the en gine manufacturer. Refer to “Specifi- cations”...
1. Expand and slide clamps on either side of fan(s) if blades are missing or damaged. the filter away from filter and pull fuel lines off filter. 2. Replace the filter using Walker Service Parts Cooling (Walker P/N 5020-3), making sure that the Fans arrow on the filter is aligned with the fuel flow through the filter.
Check the mounting nuts to ensure they re- maintenance or comfortable performing the steps main secure. They should each be torqued to 75 outlined below, contact your Walker Dealer for as- to 85 lb·ft (102 to 115 N·m). sistance.
FSC lever back from the FORWARD position. lines and clamps every two (2) years. If your lines With a proper amount of friction adjusted, the need to be replaced, contact your local Walker FSC lever should move back with a slight Dealer.
Maintenance Clean Battery Terminals Long-Term Storage Preparation Frequency: Yearly Frequency: For storage of longer than two (2) months The battery comes sealed and is maintenance free, so the electrolyte level will not need to be At the end of the mowing season, the mower checked or filled.
Maintenance Engine Preparation for Storage If the mower is to be stored for more than two (2) months, complete the following procedure to prepare the engine. DANGER Refer to the section “Safety Before Operating” on page 10 that covers the safe handling of fuel before completing this procedure.
The information covered in this section can be performed by qualified owner/operators or by a Authorized Walker Dealer. There are two (2) belts on the R21: the blade drive belt (PTO) and the ground drive belt. If either belt DANGER shows wear or damage during a regular inspec- tion, the belt should be replaced.
Remove the loosened belt. 1/4 TWIST 1/4 TWIST 6. Slide a new belt [Walker P/N 1731 (42”) or 1731-1 (48”)] under the tractor, and route it GROUND DRIVE BELT through the middle sets of idler pulleys. Un-...
Service the LH spindle pulley for the moment. Be sure 3. Use a 9/16 in. (14 mm) socket wrench (with to have the correct 1/4 twist on each side as it a long drive handle for increased leverage) to leaves the deck area. rotate the deck idler arm clockwise and create slack in the belt.
Page 58
10. Slide in the replacement ground drive belt 7. Using a 9/16 in. (14 mm) wrench from the bot- (Walker P/N 1250), and position the belt on tom of the ground drive idler arm pulley, push clutch pulley.
Service Deck Leveling 3. Check the side-to-side level. Rotate each blade sideways and measure the distance from blade tip to ground on each side. If mea- The mower deck and support frame are jig weld- surements vary more than 1/8 in. (3 mm), add ed;...
Service Steering Handle Adjustment Forward Speed Control Friction Adjustment An adjustment range of approximately 3 in. (76 mm) is available on the steering handles which allows the han dles to be adjusted forward or aft Pull Steering depending on the arm length of the operator. The Levers Back To handles are adjusted by loosening the locknut at Check Friction...
Service Neutral Function Adjustment WARNING 1. Securely block up tractor so the drive tires The following adjustments are made with the are a couple inches off the ground. The deck engine running. Keep all body parts and tools should remain attached. away from rotating and hot components, and secure all loose clothing.
Service Straight Tracking Adjustment NOTE: If tracking issues only occur at maxi- mum speed, proceed to the next step. 1. Move the FSC to the full FORWARD speed □ If straight tracking and neutral are both position. achieved, the adjustment is complete. 2.
For tractors shipping outside the US the following additional steps will need to be performed. The following steps need to be performed to pre- pare the R21 for initial use after shipment from the 4. Add fuel to the gas tank. Use only clean, fresh factory.
Keps nut to make the cable connection. Slide ing the axle bolt (Walker P/N F543), 3/8 in. plain the rubber boot up and over the battery post washer, 3/8 in. wave spring washer (between completely to prevent an electrical short.
Page 65
Assembly Instructions for the R21 2. Install the two (2) deck counterweight springs on the tractor posts. Make sure the spring Deck hooks are positioned to the outside between Arms the rubber spacer tube and the washer. Do not place the spring on the spacer tube.
Page 66
Assembly Instructions for the R21 7. Install the deck tilt bar and with the aid of a second person, lift the front of the deck. Slide the deck counterweight spring over the end of each carriage bolt onto the carrier frame.
Page 67
Assembly Instructions for the R21 guide. Be sure there is 1/4 twist on each side as the belt leaves the deck cover area. 1/4 Twist Tension Belt with Deck Idler Arm 16. With the drive belt in place, check the position...
Page 68
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE RECORD SHEET DATE SERVICE ENGINE ITEM HOURS ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________...
Page 69
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE RECORD SHEET DATE SERVICE ENGINE ITEM HOURS ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________...
Page 71
WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS, AND FOR HOW LONG: Walker Manufacturing company will, at its option, repair or replace, without charge, any part covered by this warranty which is found to be defective in material and/or workmanship within three (3) years or 300 hours whichever comes first after date of sale to the original retail purchaser.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the R21 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers