Dixon 435068 manual

Operator's Manual D25K48YT 435068 02.10.10 AP Printed in the U.S.A.[...]

2 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAP ABLE OF AMPUT A TING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. F AILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLL OWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESUL T IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEA TH. I. GENERAL OPERA TION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the [...]

3 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary . Al ways look down and behind before and while back- ing. • Never carry children, even with the blades[...]

4 SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3 PRODUCT SPECIFICA TIONS ....................................... 4 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4 ASSEMBL Y ................................................................. 6-9 OPERA TION ......................................................[...]

5 UNAS SEMBLED P ARTS (2) Keys Slope Sheet Keys Mower (1) Wheel (5) Large Retainer Springs - 7/16 (2) Smaller Retainer Springs - 5/16 (1) Locknut 3/8-16 (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (1) Shoulder Bolt Mower Front Wheel (1) Anti-Sway Bar (1) 3/4 O.D. Washers (1) 1-1/4 O.D. Washer (5) 1-3/16 O.D. Washers (2) Rear Lift Link Assemblies[...]

6 Y our new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. T o 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 ensure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR AS SEMBL Y A socket wrench[...]

7 3. TURN STEERING WHEEL LEF T AND POSITION MOWER (See Fig. 6) • T urn steering wheel to the left as far as it will go and position mower on right side of tractor with deflector shield (Q) to the right. TRANSAXLE 02965 FRONT BACK ENGINE Q. DEFLECTOR SHIELD Q Fig. 6 90° END INTEGRA TED WASHER END ANTI-SWA Y BAR (S) TOWARDS TOW ARDS TRANSAXLE MOWE[...]

8 6. A TT ACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS (See Fig. 12) • Position front hole in side suspension arm (A) over pin on outside of tractor chassis and secure with large washer and large retainer spring (B). • Repeat on opposite side of tractor . B D A A. MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS B. RET AINER SPRING D. RIGHT SIDE REAR MOWER BRACKET [...]

9 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. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Serv[...]

10 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS 15 15 (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT REVERSE NEUTRAL [...]

11 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERA TING 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. Fig. 16 (A) A TT ACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise and lower the mower or other attac[...]

12 HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET P ARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 17) Y our tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens- ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine. • Depress clutch/brake pedal (B) all the way down and hold. • Pull parking[...]

13 Fig. 20 Fig. 22 TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 22) Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in prop- er position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat[...]

14 TOWING CARTS AND OTHER A T T ACH MENTS T ow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac- tor . Use common sense when towing. T oo heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor . SERVICE REMINDE[...]

15 CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORT ANT : WHEN OPERA TING IN TEMPERA TURES BEL OW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEA THER ST ART ING. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moi[...]

16 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. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trim ming. • Drive so that clippings are dischar[...]

17 T R A C T 0 R 1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures . 2 - Service more often when operating in dir ty or dusty conditions. E N G I N E 3 2 2 2 2 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 - Not required if equipped with maintenance-free battery . 5 - See Cleaning in Maintenance Se[...]

18 TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main te nance. BRAKE OPERA TION 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” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments section of this manual). [...]

19 ENGINE OIL FIL TER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year . V -BEL TS Check V -belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary . The belts are not ad just able. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear . TRANSAXLE MAI[...]

20 DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 32) Y our tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach. IMPORT ANT : Make certain the tractor’s discharge chu[...]

21 TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig. 33) • Place attachment clutch in “DIS EN GAGED” position. • Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest position. • Disengage belt tension rod (K) from lock bracket (L). CAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring loaded. Have a tight grip on rod and release slowly . • Remove mower belt from electric clutch pulley (M)[...]

22 FRONT - TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 37 & 38) IMPORT ANT : Deck must be level side-to-side. T o obtain the best cutting re sults, the mower blades should be adjusted so the front tip is 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear tip when the mower is in its highest position. CAUTION: Blades are sharp. Protect your hands with gloves and/or w[...]

23 TO REPL ACE MOTION DRIVE BEL T (See Fig. 39) P ark the tractor on level surface. En gage parking brake. For as sis tance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BEL T REMOV AL - 1. Remove mower (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” section in this manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt gu[...]

24 TO ST ART ENGINE WITH A WEAK BA TTERY (See Fig. 42) WARNING : Lead-acid batteries gen- er ate ex plo sive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking ma te ri als away from bat ter ies. Always wear eye pro tec tion when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BA TTERY" in the MAINTENAN[...]

25 TO REPL ACE 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. • Close hood. INTERL OCKS AND REL A YS Loose or damaged wiring may cause your tractor to run poorly , stop running, or prevent it[...]

26 STORAGE 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. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any en clo sure. TRACTOR Remove mower from t[...]

27 PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly . 2. See “TO ST ART ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Engine flooded. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter . 5. Clean/replace air filter . 6. Dirty fuel fil[...]

28 PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when oper- ator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator -safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Poor cut - uneven 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten bl[...]

29 15 DEGREES MAX. FOLD ALONG DOTTED LINE THIS IS A 15 DEGREE SLOPE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to preven[...]

30 LIMITED W ARRANTY 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 re[...]