Dixon RAM 50 manual

BLACK BEAR ™ ZTR ® Safety Instructions and Operator’s Manual RAM SERIES ™ ZTR ® RAM 44, BS/968999551 RAM 50, BS/968999552 RAM MAG 44, HON/968999559 RAM MAG 44, KOH/968999560 RAM MAG 50, KAW /968999561 RAM 50 MAG, HON/968999562 RAM 50 MAG KOH/968999563[...]

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3 IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY The Dixon® ZTR® mower is both easy and fun to operate. However, any power mower must be operated properly to be safe. It is not a toy or a recreational vehicle. Before you start to use the mower, read this Operator’s Manual carefully. It contains valuable information that is necessary for the safe operation of the m[...]

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS RAM SERIES™ Part Number 539 114246IR GENERAL OPERATION .................................................................. 8-9 SLOPE OPERATION .................................................... 10-11 FIRE HAZARDS ............................................................ 12-13 CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS .................[...]

SAFETY 6 Blade Contact Tip Over Run Over Back Over RIDING LAWN MOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED, CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Pictured below are the most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander. Please read and understand this manual to prevent injuries. ![...]

SAFETY 7 Safety Alert Symbol DANGER (highlighted in red) indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING (highlighted in orange) indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION (highlighted in yellow) indicates a po[...]

WARNING 8 GENERAL OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the mower. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., that could be picked up and thrown by the blade. Be sure the area is clear [...]

WARNING 9 WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructions could result in serious injury or death. Turn off blades when not mowing. Injury could occur from contact with moving parts. Under no circumstances should you place hands or feet under the mower deck or in the chute while blades or impeller are still running. To avoid personal injury[...]

WARNING 10 WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructions could result in serious injury or death. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel unsure on any slope, do not mow it! DO Mow across the slope[...]

WARNING 11 SLOPE OPERATION (continued) DO NOT Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. Rapid uphill turns may cause tip-over. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. Unstable ground may cause loss of control. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding. Do not t[...]

WARNING 12 FIRE HAZARDS Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. Store all fuel in approved containers specifically designed for that purpose. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Do not smoke while refueling or operating the mower. T[...]

WARNING 13 FIRE HAZARDS (continued) To prevent fire or explosion, keep sparks and open flames away from battery. Keep electrical connections clean and tight. Inspect them often. Loose connections and corrosion increase fire risk. Before disconnecting the negative ground cable, make sure all switches are off. This decreases the chance of sparking an[...]

WARNING 14 CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children, bystanders and pets. Children are attracted to lawn mowers and the mowing activity. NEVER assume children, bystanders and pets will stay where they were last seen. Be alert to avoid accidents. Keep bystanders and pets out of[...]

WARNING 15 SERVICE Never run a mower inside a closed area or without proper ventilation. Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts, and keep equipment in good condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before re[...]

16 DIXON ® ZTR ® COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL W ARRANTY POLICY RAM 44, RAM 50, RAM 44 MAG™ & RAM 50 MAG™ DIXON® WARRANTS ITS ZTR® MOWERS AGAINST DEFECTS IN MA TERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR THE PERIODS SET FO RTH BELOW . THE SOLE REMEDY UNDER THIS W ARRANTY IS REPLACEMENT OR REP AIR OF P ARTS INCLUDING LABOR COSTS. THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO T[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 17 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM SERIES™ 44 Model 968999551 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 42" (107cm) cut width. Cut height appro[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 18 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM SERIES™ 50 Model 968999552 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 48" (122cm) cut width. Cut height appro[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 19 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM MAG SERIES™ 44 Model 968999559 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 42" (107cm) cut width. Cut height a[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 20 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM MAG SERIES™ 44 Model 968999560 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 42" (107cm) cut width. Cut height a[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 21 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM MAG SERIES™ 50 Model 968999561 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 48" (122cm) cut width. Cut height a[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 22 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM MAG SERIES™ 50 Model 968999562 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 48" (122cm) cut width. Cut height a[...]

SPECIFICATIONS 23 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. RAM MAG SERIES™ 50 Model 968999563 1½" square tube side frame Made of 11 gauge fabricated welded construction with external reinforcement ribs. Three blades combine for a 48" (122cm) cut width. Cut height a[...]

24 SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS 1. Grasp seat slide adjuster and move it into adjustment position. 2. Slide seat forward or backward. 3. Release seat slide adjuster. — Fig. 1 — Seat Slide Adjuster[...]

CONTROLS 25 CONTROL LEVERS For access to the seat, move control levers to neutral position and swing them outward. TO GO FORWARD • From neutral position, gently push control levers forward. • To increase speed, move levers further forward. TO GO BACKWARDS • From neutral position, gently pull control levers toward you. TURNING • Turning is c[...]

CONTROLS 26 — Fig. 3 — PARK BRAKE The park brake is designed to hold the mower from moving and is not intended for use in stopping the mower while it is in motion. The engine will stop if the park brake is engaged while the control levers are in the drive position. TO SET PARK BRAKE The hand-operated park brake is located on the left hand side.[...]

CONTROLS 27 BLADE DRIVE • Located on the control panel, on operator’s right. • To engage the mower blade, pull up on the switch. • To disengage mower blade, push down. CHOKE AND THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER • Located on control panel to operator’s right. • Throttle control for engine speed. • Choke for engine starting. • Throttle contro[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 28 MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER • Use right foot to operate deck foot pedal at right front foot area. • To raise mower deck, push forward with right foot on top portion of foot pedal. When desired deck height is reached, push with right foot on lower portion of foot pedal until the bottom of the foot pedal engages in [...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 29 The safe and successful operation of the RAM will depend on the operator having the correct knowledge of all controls used on the mower and making good judgements about the terrain to be mowed. NEVER allow anyone without complete knowledge of all controls and their functions to operate the mower. During initial operation, [...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 30 STARTING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Park brake must be on, control levers in outward position and blade drive disengaged. 2. Position throttle to desired speed setting. If engine is cold, position choke lever in the ON position. NOTE: Engine may require partial choke setting to start even if the engine has been operated for a period [...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 31 TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS The following tests should be performed at the start of each mowing day. PARK BRAKE SWITCH TEST 1. Swing control levers to outward position. 2. Disengage blade drive. 3. Put park brake in OFF position. 4. Turn ignition switch to START. Engine should not turn over or attempt to start. CON[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 32 TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS The following tests should be performed at the start of each mowing day. BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST 1. Put park brake in ON position. 2. Swing control levers to outward position. 3. Engage blade drive. 4. Turn ignition switch to START. Engine should not turn over or attempt to start. SEAT S[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 33 MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT Mulching or recycling the grass clippings requires a totally different mowing approach than would be normal when side discharging or bagging the grass. There may be instances or conditions where it is not possible to hide all the recycled or mulched clippings. In order to achieve the best [...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 34 MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT (continued) 7. Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Remove all grass and dirt buildup from the underside of the pan, the baffles and deflectors after each use. Never, under any circumstances, should you place hands or feet under the mower deck or in the chute while blades or impelle[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 35 MOWING WITH A GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT In order to achieve optimum performance when mowing with a grass catching attachment, please read and follow the tips listed below. 1. Read and follow the installation instructions that are included with your grass catcher. 2. Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting.[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 36 MOWING WITH A GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT (continued) WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructions could result in serious injury or death. 7. Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season. Some grass catching attachments require a “high-lift” blade. See your dealer for advice on the type of blade(s) need[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 37 SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS In order to achieve optimum performance when side discharging the grass clippings, please read and follow the tips listed below. Additional information can be found in the Troubleshooting guide on Page 48-49. 1. Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting. 2. Do not attempt to [...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 38 GRASS HEIGHT AND CUTTING SUGGESTIONS Do not attempt to cut grass when it is wet. If the grass is tall, place the mower deck cut height lever in the top or second notch. “Initially” overlap cutting swaths instead of a full swath with each pass. Some applications may require a second cutting. Keep the underside of the mo[...]

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 39 TOWING TRAILERS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Towing a trailer or other attachment that is too heavy could damage the drive or cause the mower to become unstable. Limit loads to 250 pounds (113 kg) or less with this mower. To Free Wheel Machine (Unlock Transmission) When pushing or pulling the mower, be sure to engage the hydro re[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 40 Before performing any maintenance, turn off engine, allow to cool and remove key. Use extreme care when working on machinery. Do not wear watch or jewelry. Do not wear loose fitting clothes, and observe all common safety practices with tools. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE •Check deck belt ...........................................[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 41 CAUTION ! Stop engine and remove ignition key for safety. Wear heavy, thick gloves when holding onto cutter blade, avoid the sharp edge of the blade. Blades should be discarded when worn excessively. DANGEROUS! Do not use blade in this condition! When notch starts, discard blade New blade — Fig. 7 — CUTTER BLADE MAINTENA[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 42 BELTS Check belts every 100 hours. Replace any belts showing signs of severe cracking or large nicks. Belts are not adjustable, replace if they begin to slip from wear. ENGINE For complete maintenance and operating information of the engine, please refer to the maintenance instructions furnished by the engine manufacturer an[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 43 TIRES Correct tire pressure is essential for efficient operation of the mower. Check tire pressure periodically. Inflate tires to the pressure listed below. Front tires 11 x 4.50 - 5 15 PSI (103 kPa) Rear tires 18 x 9.50 - 8 15 PSI (103 kPa) Lug nuts or lug bolts should be checked regularly for tightness. LUBRICATION CHASSIS[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 44 Hex Head Valve Stem CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL 1. The “Dapco” oil drain valve is located on the left side of the engine crankcase. 2. Place a suitable container under the drain valve hose. 3. To drain, turn hex head valve stem counter-clockwise with a 10mm wrench or socket. Open to full open (approximately 7 turns). 4. Afte[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 45 TRACKING ADJUSTMENT If the mower is not tracking straight, check the air pressure in both rear tires. Recommended air pressure is 15 PSI (1 bar). If the unit will not track straight, follow the steps below. Tracking must be checked on a flat and level concrete or blacktop surface. Mower is tracking to the right. Increase the[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 46 MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE There are four (4) slots that will control the attitude or pitch of the mower deck. The deck should be level or pitched slightly higher in rear. 1. Place the mower on a smooth level surface with front casters positioned towards deck. Check tire pressures to insure the mower has a correct stance.[...]

CARE AND MAINTENANCE 47 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Keep all connections clean and tight. CLEANING THE MOWER Wash mower periodically. Clean above and below deck. High pressure washing and alkaline based soaps can cause damage to bearings and other parts of the mower. After washing your mower, start the engine and engage the mower deck for a few minutes to d[...]

48 TROUBLESHOOTING 1. ENGINE WON’T TURN OVER Mower blades engaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - disengage blades Park brake not on - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - engage park brake Dead battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - charge or replace Solenoid - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -[...]

49 TROUBLESHOOTING 6. ENGINE RUNS BUT MOWER WON’T MOVE FORWARD Drive belt broken or slipping - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - replace drive belt Transmission oil low - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - add oil Damaged transmission - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - consult dealer Transmission bypass may be enga[...]

50 STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST BLADES 44" Deck * Hi Lift Fusion P/N 539 119836 Super Hi-Lift Fusion P/N 539 119798 Standard Lift Fusion P/N 539 119860 Gator Fusion P/N 539 119862 Hi-Lift P/N 539 119858 Standard Lift P/N 539 119859 50" Deck * Hi Lift Fusion P/N 539 119837 Super Hi-Lift Fusion P/N 539 119799 Standard Lift Fusion P/N 539 119[...]

Dixon ~401 North Commerce Street~Beatrice, NE~68310 ~402-223-1000~Fax 402-223-1053 OWNER’S INFORMATION Date of Purchase ________________________________ Mower Model Number _____________________________ Mower Serial Number _____________________________ Purchased From ________________________________ ________________________________ _______________[...]

Dixon and ZTR® are registered trademarks of Dixon DIXON 401 Commerce Street Beatrice, NE 68310 Ram Series Part No. 539 114246IR WARNING ! The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.[...]