Weed Eater 181544 manual

MODEL NO. WE12538K 12.5 HP 38 Inch Lawn T ractor For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For T echnical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 181544 Rev . 3 6.17.02 TR PRINTED IN U.S.A. ®[...]

2 I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. • Be sure the[...]

3 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers SAFETY RULES • 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. Al- ways look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carr[...]

4 PRODUCT SPECIFICA TIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 GALLONS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 3 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM (GAP: .030") GROUND SPEED (M PH): FORWARD: 1st 1.1 2nd 2 . 2 3rd 3.3 4th 4.4 5th 4.9 REVERSE: 1.4 TIRE PRESSURE: F RONT: 14 P SI REAR: 12 P SI C[...]

5 UNASSEMBLED P ARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Steering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Bolt (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Seat (2) Keys Slope Sheet Keys (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Extension Shaft (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Oil Drain Tube [...]

6 ASSEMBL Y T OOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBL Y A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers (1) 9/16" wrench Tire pressure gauge Utility knife When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). T O [...]

7 ASSEMBL Y TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section, page 10, for location and function of controls) • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Roll tractor forward off skid. • Remov[...]

8 ASSEMBL Y CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRAC- TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions have been completed. ✓ No remaining loose parts in carton. ✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Mi[...]

9 OPERA TION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED MOWER LIFT DAN[...]

10 OPERA TION 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. Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standard[...]

11 OPERA TION 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. IMPORTANT: LEAVING T[...]

12 OPERA TION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut. • Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. • TO STOP M[...]

13 OPERA TION MOWING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing 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 trimming. • Drive so that clippings are[...]

14 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES B E FO R E EA C H U SE T R A C T 0 R Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester Lubrication Chart Check Brake Operation Clean Air Filter Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Replace Spark Plug Check Battery Level Check Tire Pressure Clean Battery and Terminals FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR [...]

15 CUST OMER RESPONSIBILITIES BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 8) • Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades. • Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing blade. • Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown. IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON [...]

16 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE SAE VISCOSITY GRADES -20 0 30 40 80 100 -30 -20 0 20 30 40 F C 32 -10 10 60 5W-[...]

17 CUST OMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR FILTER (See Fig. 12) Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. • Remo[...]

18 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. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECI[...]

19 3 8 38 4 2 42 SER VICE 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. • Make sure the blades and all mov[...]

20 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 19) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position. • Roll belt off engine pulley. [...]

21 SER VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST BRAKE (See Fig. 20) 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. • Depress clutch/b[...]

22 SER VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS NEGATIVE TERMINAL POSITIVE TERMINAL NEGATIVE TERMINAL POSITIVE TERMINAL CHARGED BATTERY CABLES CHASSIS FIG. 23 TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 23) CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from bat- teries. Always wear eye protection when around bat[...]

23 SER VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FIG. 27 TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 26) • Raise hood. • Unsnap headlight wire connector. • Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. • To replace, reverse above procedure. FIG. 26 HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECTOR HOOD GOVERNOR CONTROL LEVER GOVERNOR CONTRO[...]

24 ST ORAGE 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. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACT OR Remove mower from trac[...]

25 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 2. See “TO START 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 filter. 6[...]

26 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROB LEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not when operator leaves corrected, contact an authorized service center/ seat with attachment department. clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Repl[...]

27 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 SCHEMA TIC BATTERY FUSE IGNITION SWITCH RED RED RED BLACK IGNITION UNIT HEADLIGHTS REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS BLACK BLACK BLACK WHITE WHITE WHITE RED BLACK ORANGE BLACK BROWN BLACK BLACK BLACK STARTER M SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) GROUNDING CONNECTOR ATT'MENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) CLUTCH /[...]

28 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 90 30 8 2 1 27 48 16 16 22 21 REP AIR P ARTS TRACT OR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 ELECTRICAL 52[...]

29 1 163465 Battery 2 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 8 176689 Box Battery 16 176138 S w i t c h I n t e r l o c k 21 175685 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 2 2 4152J B ulb Light #1156 2 4 4799J C a ble Battery 6 Ga 11"red 25 146147 Cable Battery 26 175158 Fuse 20 AMP 27 73510400 Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Unc 2 8 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga 12"black[...]

30 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 CHASSIS 3 2 35 3 26 35 3 26 33 10 34 1 208 11 17 29 28 208 13 12 51 57 53 52 54 55 24 26 25 26 25 3 31 24 30 209 8 209 6 16 9 15 209 209 5 5 58 145 37 37 18 206 205 205 38 38 212[...]

31 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 CHASSIS KEY P ART N O . NO . DESCRIPTION NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 1 174620 Chassis 2 176554 Drawbar, Stretch 3 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 5 155272 Bumper, Hood/Dash 6 174643X013 Saddle Silkscreen Flt Sdl 8 155138 Clip Retainer[...]

32 REP AIR P ARTS TRACT OR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 DRIVE 29 28 112 14 41 38 39 57 51 74 75 78 76 77 25 26 19 24 2 53 35 34 37 36 35 62 36 64 65 59 56 212 55 63 116 70 77 61 22 27 26 6 113 18 51 5 18 6 52 30 32 32 30 52 11 21 4 3 13 10 8 12 12 7 250 250 1 15 96 26 79 52 66 27 51 48 151 202 49 47 50 120 150 6 170[...]

33 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 DRIVE KEY P ART N O . NO . DESCRIPTION KEY P ART N O . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 - - - - - - - Tra nsa xl e Peerless Model 205-544c (Order parts from transaxle manufacturer) 2 146682 Spring Return Brake 3 123666X P u l l e y T r ansaxle 18"tires 4 12000028 Ri n g R e t a i [...]

34 44 51 54 5 9 5 7 7 9 4 3 32 43 6 43 8 10 40 11 8 6 9 46 46 8 6 9 2 47 47 26 30 28 1 41 42 37 36 37 38 63 11 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 17 29 43 91 REP AIR P ARTS TRACT OR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 STEERING[...]

35 1 133741X428 W heel Steering Ayp/P/L Blk 2 175131 Axle Asm 3 169840 S p i n d l e Asm LH 4 169839 Spindle Asm RH 5 6266H B earing Race Thrust Harden 6 121748X W asher 25/32 X 1-5/8 X 16 Ga 7 19272016 W asher 27/32 X 1-1/4 X 16 Ga 8 12000029 R ing Klip #t5304-75 9 3366R Bearing Col Strg Blk 10 175121 Link Drag 11 10040600 Washer Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr[...]

36 2 1 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 29 44 46 32 31 33 37 33 62 13 4 72 78 81 3 16 78 23 45 14 38 40 REP AIR P ARTS TRACT OR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 ENGINE[...]

37 KEY P ART N O . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 170551 Control Th/ch Flag 2 17720408 S c r e w Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 3 - - - - - - - - Engine, B&S 289707 (Order parts from engine manufacturer) 4 137348 M uffler Exhaust B&S Lc 13 165291 G asket Eng 1 313 Id Tin Plated 14 148456 Tube Drain Oil Easy 16 11050600 Washer Lock Ext Tooth 3/8 23 169837 Shi[...]

38 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 SEA T KEY P ART N O . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 127426X Seat 2 140551 Bracket Seat Pivot 3 71110616 B o l t Hex 3/8 - 16 X 1 4 19131610 Washer 13/32 X 1 X10Ga. 5 145006 C lip Push-In Hinged 6 73800600 N u t L ock Hex w/Ins 3/8 - 16 7 124181X Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi 8 1700[...]

39 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 DECALS 5 7 12 17 14 5 16 6 15 3 KEY P ART N O . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 181251 Decal, Clutch/Brake Eng/Fr 3 170839 Decal, Engine HP 4 170563 D e cal Warning 5 168421 D ecal, Pnl Sd 6 157140 Decal, Fender Danger English 7 162398 Decal Ins Str Wh 9 171448 Decal Fender 10 162391 [...]

40 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 MOWER LIFT 15 20 16 17 18 20 20 15 20 4 5 6 2 3 1 6 5 4 7 8 12 11 31 32 31 32 19 19 13 13 13 13[...]

41 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 MOWER LIFT 1 159460 W ire Asm Inner/Sprg w/plunger 2 159471 Shaft Asm Lift RH 3 105767X Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc 4 12000002 E R i n g #5133-62 5 19211621 W a s h e r 2 1 / 3 2 X 1 X 2 1 G a 6 120183X Bearing Nylon Blk 629 Id 7 109413X Grip Handle Bicycle Matte Blk 8 124526X [...]

42 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 MOWER DECK 19 86 3 8 4 2 2 15 14 13 11 10 9 8 1 21 2 96 97 29 27 23 26 28 25 24 21 87 88 21 146 31 40 150 45 32 33 69 55 56 36 36 89 123 113 53 30 109 89 122 40 89 108 107 68 4 3 5 6 2 21 149 16 21 2 110 54 148 152 151 153 154 157 158 67 153 156 155[...]

43 REP AIR P ARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE12538K, PRODUCT NO. 954 56 29-06 MOWER DECK KE Y PART NO. N O. DESCRIPTION 1 170280 Mower Housing Assembly 2 72140506 B o l t C a rriage 5/16-18 x 3/4 3 138017 Bracket Asm Fr. Sway Bar 4 169970 Bracket Deck Sway Bar 38"/42" 5 4939M Re t a i n e r S p ri n g 6 178024 Bar Sway Deck 8 850857 B o l[...]

44 SER VICE NOTES[...]

45 LIMITED WARRANTY 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 replacin[...]

46 T E C U M S E H ® Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 T E C U M S E H ® SER VICE POLICY W ARRANTY LIMITED WARRANTIES FOR NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS A. Products Warranted Peerless Gear and Machine Division of Tecumseh Products Company (“Tecumseh”), subject to the limitations contained below, will, at its option, repair or[...]

47 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[...]

®[...]