Page 3
Servicing the Spark Plugs ......................5–6 Fuel Maintenance..........................5–7 Replacing the Fuel Filter......................5–7 Electrical System Maintenance..................... 5–8 Electrical System Safety ......................5–8 Battery Service..........................5–8 Replacing the Fuses ........................5–13 Drive System Maintenance ......................5–14 Checking the Tire Pressure...................... 5–14 Belt Maintenance..........................
Chapter 1 Introduction Intended Use This rotary-blade, riding lawn mower is intended to be used by professional, hired operators. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential or commercial properties. Using this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.
Safety-Alert Symbol The safety-alert symbol shown in this manual and on the machine identifies important safety messages that you must follow to prevent accidents. G405934 DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Chapter 2 Safety General Safety This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury or death. • Read, understand, and follow the instructions and warnings in this Operator’s Manual and on the machine, engine, and attachments before starting the engine.
Slope Indicator You may copy this page for personal use. G011841s The maximum slope you can operate the machine on is 15 degrees. Use the slope chart to determine the degree of slope of hills before operating. Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees. Fold along the appropriate line to match the recommended slope.
Safety and Instructional Decals Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing. Battery Symbols Some or all of these symbols are on your battery. s_batterysymbols2 Wear eye protection;...
Page 9
Decal Part: 127-0392 Warning—stay away from hot surfaces. s_decal127-0392 Decal Part: 132-0872 Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away. Thrown object hazard, mower—do not operate the machine with an open deck; use a bagger or a deflector. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hands or feet, mower blade—stay away from moving parts.
Page 10
Decal Part: 148-0430 Warning—read the Operator's Manual for instructions on torquing the blade bolt/nut to 176 to 190 N∙m (130 to 140 ft-lb). s_decal148-0430 Safety: Safety and Instructional Decals Page 2–5 3464-864 A...
Controls Control Panel Note: The layout of the controls may be different on the machine than shown. Hour meter Throttle control Choke control (if applicable) Key switch PTO switch 12 V adapter G464316 Key Switch Use the key switch to start or shut off the machine and use the lights (if equipped). Run and light (if equipped) Start G418714s...
Throttle Control The throttle controls the engine speed, and it has a continuous-variable setting from the S to F position. G446465 Choke Control Use the choke control to aid in starting a cold engine. G419508 Disengaged Engaged Hour Meter The hour meter records the number of hours the machine is powered on. Use these times for scheduling regular maintenance.
Parking Brake Whenever you shut off the engine, engage the parking brake to prevent accidental movement of the machine. G419410 Product Overview: Controls Page 3–4 3464-864 A...
Chapter 4 Operation Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position. Before Operation Before Operation Safety • Do not allow children or untrained people to operate or service the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. The owner is responsible for training all operators and mechanics.
Page 16
Before Operation Safety (continued) • Keep bystanders, particularly children, and pets away from the machine during operation. Shut off the machine and attachment(s) if anyone enters the area. Fuel Safety • Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property.
Fuel Fuel Specifications Capacity 22.7 L (5 US gallons) Type Unleaded gasoline Minimum octane rating 87 (US) or 91 (research octane; outside the US) Ethanol No more than 10% by volume Methanol None MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) Less than 15% by volume Do not add to the fuel Use only clean, fresh (no more than 30 days old), fuel from a reputable source.
Safety-Interlock System DANGER If safety-interlock switches are disconnected or damaged, the machine could operate unexpectedly, which will result in serious injury or death. • Do not tamper with the interlock switches. • Check the operation of the interlock switches daily, and replace any damaged switches before operating the machine.
Safety-Interlock System (continued) G451952 3. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the O position, and move the motion- control levers to the N position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, EUTRAL LOCK engage the blade-control switch, and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off within 1 second.
Positioning the Seat G419351 Adjusting the Motion-Control Lever Tilt Machines with Soft-Knob Adjustable Arms Only 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO switch, and engage the parking brake. 2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
During Operation During Operation Safety • The owner/operator can prevent and is responsible for accidents that may cause personal injury or property damage. • Use your full attention while operating the machine. Do not engage in any activity that causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property damage may occur. •...
Page 22
• Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle unless it has a hitch installed. Attach towed equipment to the machine only at the hitch point. • Use only accessories and attachments approved by Spartan Mowers. Slope Safety • Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and rollover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Page 23
During Operation Safety (continued) Safe Zone—use the machine here on slopes less than 15° or flat areas. Danger Zone—use a walk- behind mower and/or a hand trimmer on slopes greater than 15° and near drop-offs or water. Water W = Width of the machine Keep a safe distance (twice the width of the machine) between the machine and any hazard.
Starting the Engine 1. Sit on the seat. 2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the N position. EUTRAL LOCK 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Disengage the PTO switch. 5. Engage the choke control (if applicable). Note: A warm or hot engine may not require choking. 6.
Driving the Machine CAUTION Positioning one lever too far in front of the other causes the machine to spin very rapidly. As a result, you may lose control of the machine, causing personal injury to you and damage to the machine. Slow down the machine before making sharp turns.
Page 26
Driving the Machine (continued) 2. Slowly push the motion-control levers forward or rearward. Move 1 lever farther than the other lever to turn. Note: The farther you move the motion- control levers, the faster the machine moves in that direction. 3.
Operating the PTO Switch DANGER The rotating blades under the mower deck are dangerous. Blade contact will cause serious injury or death. Do not put your hands or feet under the mower or mower deck when the blades are engaged. DANGER An uncovered discharge opening allows objects to be thrown toward you or bystanders.
Adjusting the Height of Cut You can adjust the height of cut from 3.8 to 12.7 cm (1.5 to 5 inches) in 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) increments. 1. Disengage the mower blades. 2. Push the deck-lift pedal fully forward with your foot and hold it in place. 3.
Page 29
Operating Tips (continued) Mowing Frequency Grass grows at different rates at different times of the year. To maintain the same cutting height, mow more often in early spring. As the grass growth rate slows in mid summer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow for an extended period, first mow at a high cutting height, then mow again 2 days later at a lower height setting.
After Operation After Operation Safety • Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the drives, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position. •...
Page 31
Hauling the Machine (continued) Trailer Requirements WARNING Loading a machine onto a trailer or truck increases the possibility of tip-over and could cause serious injury or death. • Use only a full-width ramp; do not use individual ramps for each side of the machine.
Page 32
Hauling the Machine (continued) Loading the Machine WARNING Loading a machine onto a trailer or truck increases the possibility of tip-over and could cause serious injury or death. • Use extreme caution when operating a machine on a ramp. • Back the machine up the ramp and drive it forward down the ramp. •...
Chapter 5 Maintenance Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position. Maintenance Safety • If you leave the key in the switch, someone could accidently start the engine and seriously injure you or other bystanders. Remove the key from the switch before you perform any maintenance.
• Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware tightened, especially the blade- attachment hardware. • To ensure optimum performance, use only genuine Spartan replacement parts and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous.
Pre-Maintenance Procedures Moving a Non-Functioning Machine 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO switch, and engage the parking brake. 2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
Lubrication Greasing the Machine Grease type: No. 2 lithium or molybdenum grease G464439 Deck idler fitting Deck-lift fitting (2) Pump idler fitting 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO switch, and engage the parking brake. 2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
Engine Maintenance IMPORTANT For more specific information about your machine’s engine, refer to the engine owner’s manual or visit https://spartanmowers.com/company/owner-info/. Engine Safety • Keep your hands, feet, face, other body parts, and clothing away from the muffler and other hot surfaces. Wait for the engine to cool before performing maintenance. •...
Engine Oil Service (continued) 5. Place a drain pan under the drain plug. 6. Remove the plug and allow the oil to drain. 7. Install the plug. 8. Change the engine-oil filter as shown. G398545s 9. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the oil specified by the engine manufacturer into the filler tube and slowly add the additional oil to bring it to the appropriate level.
Fuel Maintenance DANGER In certain conditions, fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property. Refer to Fuel Safety, page 4–2 for a complete list of fuel related precautions. Replacing the Fuel Filter 1.
Electrical System Maintenance Electrical System Safety • Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery before repairing the machine. • Charge the battery in an open, well-ventilated area, away from sparks and flames. Unplug the charger before connecting or disconnecting the battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
Page 41
Battery Service (continued) 4. Slide the rubber cover off the negative (black) cable 5. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the negative (-) battery post Note: Retain all fasteners. 6. Slide the rubber cover off the positive (red) cable 7.
Page 42
Battery Service (continued) IMPORTANT Do not overcharge the battery; otherwise, you could damage it. Positive battery post Negative battery post Red (+) charger lead Black (-) charger lead G003792S 3. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet (if applicable), then disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts.
Page 43
Battery Service (continued) Installing the Battery WARNING Battery terminals or metal tools could short against metal machine components, causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury. • When removing or installing the battery, do not allow the battery terminals to touch any metal parts of the machine.
Page 44
Battery Service (continued) 3. Using the fasteners previously removed, install the positive (red) battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal 4. Using the fasteners previously removed, install the negative (black) battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal 5. Torque the bolts to 5.7 to 6.8 N∙m (50 to 60 in- lb).
Replacing the Fuses The electrical system is protected by fuses. It requires no maintenance; however, if a fuse blows, check the component/circuit for a malfunction or short. 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO switch, and engage the parking brake.
Drive System Maintenance Checking the Tire Pressure Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified. Check the tires when they are cold to get the most accurate pressure reading. Uneven tire pressure can cause an uneven cut.
Replacing the Mower-Deck Belt (continued) G464441 5. Loosen the 2 nuts on the idler pulley and slide the bracket away from the pulley. G464442 6. Using a spring-removal tool, remove the idler spring from the deck hook to remove tension from the idler pulley, and roll the belt off the pulleys.
Hydraulic System Maintenance Hydraulic System Safety • Seek immediate medical attention if hydraulic fluid is injected into the skin. Injected fluid must be surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury; otherwise, gangrene may result. •...
Changing the Hydraulic Fluid To change the hydraulic fluid, contact an Authorized Service Dealer. Mower-Deck Maintenance Blade Safety • Inspect the blades periodically for wear or damage. • Use care when checking the blades. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use caution when servicing them.
Page 50
Blade Service (continued) Checking for Bent Blades The machine must be on a level surface for this procedure. 1. Raise the mower deck to the highest height-of-cut position. 2. While wearing thickly padded gloves, or other adequate hand protection, slowly rotate the blade into a position that allows you to measure the distance between the cutting edge and the level surface.
Page 51
Blade Service (continued) Blade (in position for measuring) Level surface Measured distance between blade and the surface (B) G464559 6. If the difference between A and B is greater than 3 mm (1/8 inch), replace the blade. Note: If you replace the blade and the difference continues to exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade spindle could be bent.
Page 52
Blade Service (continued) Sharpening the Blades 1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade. Ensure to maintain the original angle Note: Remove the same amount of material G000552s from both cutting edges so that the blade retains its balance.
Leveling the Mower Deck Ensure that the mower deck is level any time you install the mower deck or when you see an uneven cut on your lawn. Preparing to Level the Mower Deck 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO switch, and engage the parking brake.
Page 54
Leveling the Mower Deck (continued) Leveling the Mower Deck 1. Place 2 blocks , each having a thickness of 3.2 cm (1-1/4 inches), under the front of the mower deck, in line with the tires. Note: Place the blocks under a flat edge; do not place them under the anti-scalp rollers.
Cleaning Disposing of Waste Engine oil, batteries, hydraulic fluid, and engine coolant are pollutants to the environment. Dispose of these according to your state and local regulations. 3464-864A Page 5–23 Maintenance: Cleaning...
Chapter 6 Storage Storage Safety • Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the drives, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position. •...
Page 57
7. Charge the battery. 8. Check the condition of the cutting blades. 9. Prepare the fuel system. A. Add a petroleum-based fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel in the tank. Do not use an alcohol-based stabilizer (ethanol or methanol). B. Run the engine to distribute conditioned fuel through the fuel system for 5 minutes. C.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting The starter does not crank. Possible Cause Corrective Action You have not met all safety-interlock Check that you meet all safety-interlock requirements to start the machine. requirements. The electrical connections are corroded or Check the electrical connections for good loose.
Page 59
The machine does not drive. Possible Cause Corrective Action A bypass valve is open. Close the bypass valve. The hydraulic pump-drive belt is worn, Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. loose, or broken. The hydraulic pump-drive belt is off a pulley. Install the hydraulic pump-drive belt onto the pulley.
Page 60
The machine operates in only 1 direction. Possible Cause Corrective Action The steering control linkage needs Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. adjustment. A hydraulic pump component is faulty. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. The hydraulic neutral bypass valves are not Close the bypass valves.
Page 61
The machine pulls 1 direction or moves while in neutral or parked. Possible Cause Corrective Action The steering linkage needs adjustment. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. The steering linkage is loose. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. The tire pressure is incorrect. Adjust the tire pressure.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the RZ-PRO Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers