Page 2
WARNING FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. • Read this manual completely as well as other manuals that came with your mower. • DO NOT operate on steep slopes. To check a slope, attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down).
Table of Contents Table of Contents SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION ...................1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................1 1.2 DIRECTION REFERENCE ...........................1 1.3 SERVICING THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS ..............1 1.4 SYMBOLS ..............................2 SECTION 2 - SAFETY INFORMATION ..................3 2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................3 2.2 SIGNAL WORDS ............................3 2.3 BEFORE OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS ....................3 2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS ........................5...
Page 4
Table of Contents SECTION 6 - ADJUSTMENTS ....................22 6.1 PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ......................22 6.2 TRAVEL ADJUSTMENTS ..........................23 6.3 THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHOKE ADJUSTMENTS ................24 6.4 BELT ADJUSTMENT ..........................24 6.5 BELT ALIGNMENT .............................24 6.6 CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS ......................25 6.7 ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT ......................27 SECTION 7 - MAINTENANCE ....................28 7.1 MAINTENANCE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS ............28 7.2 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ..........................29...
Attachments and accessories manufactured by companies industry. However, the prolonged life and maximum other than Scag Power Equipment are not approved for use efficiency of your mower depends on you following the on this machine. See Section 8, Paragraph 8-1.
Section 1 1.4 SYMBOLS SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL DESCRIPTION Choke Transmission Parking Brake Spinning Blade 48071S On/Start Spring Tension on Idler Off/Stop Falling Hazard Thrown Object Hazard Fast Slow Continuously Variable - Linear Cutting Element - Basic Symbol Pinch Point Cutting Element - Engage 481039S Hour meter/Elapsed Operating Hours Cutting Element - Disengage...
Section 2 SAFETY INFORMATION 2.1 INTRODUCTION DANGER Your mower is only as safe as the operator. Carelessness or operator error may result in serious bodily injury The signal word “DANGER” denotes that an extremely or death. Hazard control and accident prevention are hazardous situation exists on or near the machine that dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and could result in high probability of death or irreparable injury...
Page 8
Section 2 3. DO NOT allow children to ride or play on the 10. Be sure the interlock switches are functioning machine, it is not a toy. correctly. 4. Clear the area to be mowed of objects that could be 11.
Section 2 2.4 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS WARNING 1. Know the function of all controls and how to stop quickly. DO NOT use your hand to dislodge the clogged discharge chute. Use a stick or other device to WARNING remove clogged material after the engine has stopped running and the blades have stopped turning.
Section 2 DANGER Any or all parts of the Roll-Over Protection System MUST NOT be removed. Failure to adhere to this guideline could result in injury or death. DO NOT run the engine inside a building or The potential exposure of the seat belt to severe a confined area without proper ventilation.
Section 2 WARNING Reduce speed when turning, operating on slopes, slick or wet surfaces. Allow extra distance to stop. Stay off of slopes too steep for safe operation. To check a slope, attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down). If the machine can not back Figure 2-2.
Section 2 2.7 USING A SPARK ARRESTOR 10. Keep all parts in good working condition. Replace all worn or damaged decals. The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark 11. Use jack stands to support components when arrestor muffler.
Section 2 2.9 SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS 483405 483633 483402 483505 WARNING Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start res around dry vegetation. A spark 481568 arrestor may be required. The operator should contact local re agencies for laws or regulations relating to re prevention requirements.
Section 3 Fuel Tank ........Single 6-1/2 Gallon Seamless Roto-Low Perm Tank with Large Opening and Fuel Cap Seat ....................Padded, Thick Cushion with Extra Spring Support Travel Speed: 52" Forward ............................0 up to 8.5 MPH 61" Forward ............................0 up to 10 MPH Reverse ..............................
Section 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Ignition Switch (Figure 4-1). The ignition switch CAUTION is used to start the engine and has three positions; OFF, ON, and START. 2. Mower Deck Switch (Figure 4-1). Used to engage Do not attempt to operate this mower unless you and disengage the mower drive system.
Page 17
Section 4 6. Hourmeter (Figure 4-1). Indicates the number of hours the engine has been operated. It operates whenever the ignition key switch is in the ON position. Has preset maintenance reminders for engine and hydraulic system oil changes. Will start flashing scheduled maintenance 2 hours before PUSH BRAKE PEDAL preset time and continue flashing until 2 hours after.
Section 4 4.4 STARTING THE ENGINE 16. Seat Belt (Figure 4-1). Used to secure the operator. Seat belt must be worn at all times during operation. 17. Seat Hold Down Release Latch (Figure 4-1). CAUTION Located behind the seat. Used to secure the seat in the operator's position.
Page 19
Section 4 REVERSE TRAVEL Learn to feather the steering controls to obtain a smooth operating action. Practice operating the mower until you are CAUTION comfortable with the controls before proceeding to mow. Disengage power to the mower before backing FORWARD TRAVEL up.
Section 4 4.6 ENGAGING THE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER 4.7 HILLSIDE OPERATION BLADES) WARNING 1. Set the throttle at about 3/4 speed. Do not attempt to engage the deck drive at high speed as this shortens the electric clutch life — use only moderate engine speed when engaging the deck drive.
Section 4 4.8 PARKING THE MOWER 4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL 1. Park the machine on a flat, level surface only. Do not DANGER park the machine on an incline. 2. Place the steering control levers in the neutral position. ROTATING BLADES 3.
Section 4 2. The discharge chute must not be removed and CUTTER DECK CUTTING HEIGHT must be kept in the lowest position to deflect grass RELEASE LEVER ADJUSTMENT clippings and thrown objects downward. Direct the side discharge away from sidewalks or streets to minimize cleanup of clippings.
Section 5 TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONS CONDITION CAUSE CURE STRINGERS - OCCASIONAL Low engine RPM Run engine at full RPM BLADES OF UNCUT GRASS Ground speed too fast Slow speed to adjust for conditions Wet grass Cut grass after it has dried out Dull blades, incorrect sharpening Sharpen blades Deck plugged, grass accumulation...
Page 24
Section 5 TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONS (CONT'D) CONDITION CAUSE CURE U N E V E N C U T O N F L AT Lift worn from blade Replace blade GROUND - WAVY HIGH-LOW APPEARANCE, SCALLOPED Blade upside down Mount with cutting edge toward ground CUT, OR ROUGH CONTOUR Deck plugged, grass accumulation Clean underside of deck...
Page 25
Section 5 TROUBLESHOOTING CUTTING CONDITIONS (CONT'D) CONDITION CAUSE CURE SCALPING - BLADES HITTING Low tire pressures Check and adjust pressures DIRT OR CUTTING VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND Ground speed too fast Slow speed to adjust for conditions May need to reduce ground speed, raise Cutting too low cutting height, change direction of cut, and/or change pitch and level...
Section 6 ADJUSTMENTS 6.1 PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT WARNING Do not operate the mower if the parking brake PULL BACK ON is not operable. Possible severe injury could PARKING BRAKE result. LATCH PUSH BRAKE PEDAL FORWARD The parking brake linkage should be adjusted whenever the parking brake lock latch is placed in the “ENGAGE”...
Section 6 6.2 TRAVEL ADJUSTMENTS 3. Run the engine at full operating speed and check if the machine creeps forward or backwards. Neutral or tracking adjustments will need to be made if: 4. Adjust the RH wheel by loosening the jam nuts on the steering control rod and turning the adjustment nut until the drive wheel turns in the forward A.
These adjustments must be performed by your Authorized before beginning work. Scag Power Equipment Dealer to ensure proper and efficient running of the engine. Should either need adjustment, contact your authorized Scag service center.
Section 6 6.6 CUTTER DECK ADJUSTMENTS CUTTER DECK PITCH The pitch of the cutter deck should be equal between Cutter deck level, pitch and height are set at the factory. the front and rear of the cutter deck for proper cutting However, if these adjustments should ever need to be performance.
Page 30
Section 6 LOOSEN HERE LOOSEN HERE ADJUST HERE ADJUST HERE 2012 SFZ DLA 2012 SFZ RSDA Figure 6-6. Cutter Deck Pitch Adjustment - NOTE - To prevent the cutter deck from teetering, all four (4) cutter deck hanging chains must have tension on them.
Section 6 6.7 ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT ADJUSTMENT NUTS The electric clutch serves two functions in the operation of the mower. In addition to starting and stopping the power flow to the cutter blades, the clutch also acts as a brake to assist in stopping blade rotation when the PTO is switched off or the operator presence circuit is interrupted.
Section 7 MAINTENANCE 7.1 MAINTENANCE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS HOURS PROCEDURE COMMENTS BREAK-IN (FIRST 10) Check all hardware for tightness Check hydraulic oil level See paragraph 7.2 Check all belts for proper alignment See paragraph 7.7 Check engine oil level See paragraph 7.3 Check hydraulic hoses for leaks U s e ex t r e m e c a u t i o n w h e n...
Section 7 - IMPORTANT - 7.2 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM The hydraulic system oil should be changed if you notice the presence of water or a rancid odor to A. CHECKING HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL the hydraulic oil. The hydraulic oil level should be checked after the first 10 1.
Section 7 7. Remove the top port plug from both axles before filling with oil. See Figure 7-3. DUMP VALVE CONTROL LEVER REMOVE TOP PORT PLUG "DRIVE" POSITION "FREEWHEEL" POSITION Figure 7-3. Top Port Plug Location 2012 SFZ DVL 8. Fill the hydraulic expansion reservoir with 20w50 Figure 7-4.
Section 7 C. CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER 7.4 ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM After the first 20 hours of operation, replace the engine oil DANGER filter. Thereafter, replace the oil filter after every 200 hours of operation or every month, whichever occurs first. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual for instructions.
Section 7 1. Use only an approved gasoline container. ENGINE OIL FILTER 2. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to completely cool before fueling. 3. Never fuel the machine indoors or in an enclosed trailer.
Section 7 7.6 BATTERY A. CHARGING THE BATTERY Refer to the battery charger’s manual for specific WARNING instructions. Under normal conditions the engine’s alternator will have no problem keeping a charge on the battery. If the battery Lead-acid batteries produce flammable and has been completely discharged for a long period of time, explosive gases.
Section 7 7.7 DRIVE BELTS 5. If a blade cutting edge is dull or nicked, it should be sharpened. Remove the blades for sharpening. See "Blade Replacement." All drive belts are spring-loaded and self-tensioning, however after the first 2, 4, 8 and 10 hours of operation, - NOTE - the belts should be checked for proper alignment and wear.
Section 7 7.9 TIRES 1. Remove the ignition key before replacing the blades. 2. Raise the mower deck to the highest position. Place Check the tire pressures after every 8 hours of operation the lanyard pin in the highest cutting height position or daily.
Section 8 ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST 8.1 SCAG APPROVED ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES. Attachments and accessories manufactured by companies other than Scag Power Equipment are not approved for use on this machine. Scag approved attachments and accessories: • GC-SFZ (p/n 9074, requires p/n 9070 or 9073 baffle kit) •...
Section 8 REPLACEMENT DECALS AND INFORMATION PLATES COMMERCIAL GRADE MOWER DECK PARKING BRAKE TO ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE: *Fully depress foot pedal *Pull back and hold latch handle while releasing pedal TO DISENGAGE PARKING BRAKE: *Depress and release pedal 484461...
Page 69
Section 8 REPLACEMENT DECALS AND INFORMATION PLATES Ref. Part No. Description 483402 Decal, Belt Cover 483405 Decal, Warning 483425 Decal, ROPS 483505 Decal, Spinning Blades 481568 Decal, Traction Control 483633 Decal, Seat Replacement 483495 Decal, 52 Commercial 484044 Decal, 61 Commercial 483406 Decal, Knives 483660...
Section 8 ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC SEAT SWITCH BRAKE INTERLOCK SWITCH R.H. NEUTRAL SWITCH GREEN BLACK W/RED STRIPE WHITE GREEN OPTIONAL BLACK LIGHT ACCESSORY BLACK HOURMETER BLACK RED W/YEL STRIPE GREEN L.H. NEUTRAL BLACK W/RED STRIPE SWITCH WHITE WHITE GREEN BLACK BLACK SWITCH RED W/YEL STRIPE RED W/YEL STRIPE...
500 hours (whichever comes first) (First and second year of the warranty covers parts and labor. The third year covers parts or labor to repair) for non-commercial use. The repair or replacement of the cutter deck will be at the option of Scag Power Equipment. We reserve the right to request components for evaluation.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Freedom Z SFZ52-691FS and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers