Simplicity ZT4000 Series manual

5101609 Revision IR Rev. Date: 07/2008 TP 100-7393-IR-50-S 24HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No. Description 5900707 Simplicity 24HP ZT4000 Zero-Turn Rider with 44” Mower 26HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No. Description 5900765 Simplicity 26HP ZT4000 Zero-Turn Rider with 48” Mower ZT4000 Series OPERATOR’S MANUAL[...]

Thank you for purchasing this quality-built Simplicity product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Simplicity brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your Simplicity product will provide many years of dependable service. This manual contains safety information to make you aware of t[...]

1 Operator Safety ..............................................2 Safety Rules & Information ..............................................2 Safety Decals ..................................................................11 Safety Icons & Interlock System ....................................12 Features & Controls .......................[...]

2 www.simplicitymfg.com Operator Safety Operating Safety Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of lawn and garden equipment. Our products are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed all industry standards for safety. Do not operate this machine unless you have been trained. Reading and understanding this operator’s manual is [...]

3 Operator Safety Slope Operation Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on a slope that is too steep where you do not have adequate wheel traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. You should not operate on a slope greater than a 5.4 foot rise over a 20 foot length (15 degrees). Always[...]

4 www.simplicitymfg.com Operator Safety Roll Bar Use Keep the roll bar in the raised position and fasten the seat belt. There is no roll over protection when the roll bar is down! Do not jump off if the mower tips (it is safer to be secured by the seat belt with the roll bar raised.) Lower the roll bar only when necessary (such as to temporarily cl[...]

5 Operator Safety Enclosed Areas Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unventilated areas such as inside garages or enclosed trailers. The engine emits poisonous carbon monoxide gas and prolonged exposure in an enclosed area can result in serious injury or death. Fuel and Maintenance Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and remo[...]

www.simplicitymfg.com 6 Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signifies importa[...]

7 Towed Equipment (Ride-On Units) 1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. 2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See attaching a trailer under OPERATION. 3. Never allow children or others in or on towe[...]

8 www.simplicitymfg.com Operator Safety Service and Maintenance Safe Handling of Gasoline 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. 2. Use only approved gasoline containers. 3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. 4. Never fuel the machine indoors.[...]

9 Operator Safety Roll Bar Instructions For models equipped with factory-installed Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Operational Warnings • Always use the seat belt when the roll bar is in the raised position. • Never use the seat belt when the roll bar is in the down position. • Remember there is no roll over protection when the roll bar i[...]

Inspection and Maintenance of the Roll Bar Seat Belt • The seat belt like the ROLL BAR, needs to be periodically inspected to verify that the integrity has not been compromised through normal machine use, misuse, age degradation, modifications, or a roll over. If the seat belt does not pass all of the following tests, it should be replaced. • B[...]

Operator Safety 11 Safety Decals This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing. Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operate this equip[...]

12 www.simplicitymfg.com Operator Safety Safety Interlock System This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. These safety systems are present for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly. Operational SAFETY Checks Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if: •[...]

13 Features and Controls Identification Numbers Identification Tag When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers. Record your model name/number, manufacturer’s identification numbers, and engine serial numbers in the space provided for easy access. These numbers can be found in t[...]

14 www.simplicitymfg.com Control Functions The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences. To learn what combination and sequence of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section. Features an[...]

Features and Controls 15 Ignition Switch The ignition switch starts and stops the engine, it has three positions: OFF Stops the engine and shuts off the electrical system. RUN Allows the engine to run and powers the electrical system. START Cranks the engine for starting NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN position with the engine stop[...]

16 www.simplicitymfg.com General Operating Safety Before first time operation: • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this tractor and mower. • Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit. • Drive in an open area without mowing to become accustomed to the unit.[...]

17 Figure 2. Checking Tire Pressure Check Tire Pressures Tire pressure should be checked periodically, and maintained at the levels shown in the chart. Note that these pressures may differ slightly from the “Max Inflation” stamped on the side-wall of the tires. The pressures shown provide proper traction, improve cut quality, and extend tire li[...]

18 www.simplicitymfg.com C Figure 5. Mowing Height Adjustment A. Cutting Height Adjustment Pin B. Deck Lift Foot Pedal C. Deck Lift Lock Lever B A OPTIONAL POSITION A B C Figure 6. Foot Pedal Adjustment A. Deck Lift Foot Pedal B. Pedal Mount Tab C. Pedal Mount Hardware Mowing Height Adjustment The cutting height adjustment pin ( A, Figure 5 ) contr[...]

19 Starting the Engine 1. While sitting in the operator’s seat, engage the parking brake and make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the motion control handles are locked in the NEUTRAL position. 2. NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking. Set the engine throttle control to FAST throttle position. Then fully close the choke by pulling the [...]

20 www.simplicitymfg.com Operation Zero-Turn Driving Practice The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements will take some practice. Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown and becoming familiar with how the unit acc[...]

21 Advanced Driving Executing an End-Of-Row Zero Turn Your Zero Turn Rider’s unique ability to turn in place allows you to turn around at the end of a cutting row rather than having to stop and Y-turn before starting a new row. For example, to execute a left end-of row zero turn: 1. Slow down at the end of the row. 2. Move the RIGHT ground speed [...]

22 www.simplicitymfg.com Mowing Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Operation section. 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the ground speed control levers are in the NEUTRAL position. 2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE). 3. Set the throttle to FULL. 4. Engage the PTO by pulling up [...]

23 Operation The amount of grass you are able to cut in one pass is also effected by the type of mowing system you are using (for example, broadcasting with side discharge decks can process a much larger volume of grass than mulching does). Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at maximum for the f[...]

24 www.simplicitymfg.com Figure 17. Trailer Weight Recommendations A. Clevis Pin B. Clip Attaching a Trailer The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with a appropriately sized clevis pin ( A, Figure 17 ) and clip ( B ). Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slope[...]

Maintenance 25 Maintenance Schedule The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. You will need to keep a record of your operating time. Determining operating time is easily accomplished by observing the elapsed time recorded by the hour meter. * Refer to engine owner’s manual. Change original engine oil after[...]

26 www.simplicitymfg.com Checking / Adding Fuel To add fuel: 1. Stop the engine and allow to cool for at least 3 minutes. 2. Remove the fuel cap ( see Figure 1 ). 3. Fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck. This will allow for fuel expansion. NOTE: Do not overfill. Refer to your engine manual for specific fuel recommendations. 4. Install and[...]

27 Regular Maintenance Figure 19. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level A. Hydraulic Oil Reservoir B. Reservoir Cap Change Hydraulic Oil Filter Change Interval: Every 250 Hours Filter Part Number: 1719168 NOTE: Removing the oil filter from the filter base will drain the oil reservoir. Have a suitable container ready to catch any spilled oil. Simplicity reco[...]

28 www.simplicitymfg.com Lubrication Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 21 through 25 as well as the following lubrication points. Grease: • front caster wheel axles & yokes • deck lift pivot blocks • mower deck spindles • mower deck idler arm Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to movin[...]

29 Regular Maintenance Servicing The Mower Blades Removing the Mower Blade 1. Wedge a wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the mower blade from turning. 2. To remove the mower blade, use a 15/16” wrench to remove the mower blade mounting bolt ( Figure 25 ). Inspecting the Mower Blades 1. Inspect the mower blade [...]

30 www.simplicitymfg.com Regular Maintenance Figure 30. Tightening the Mower Blade for Installation A. Mower Blade Mounting Bolt B. Flat Washer C. Mower Blade Air Lift (Points Up For Installation) D. 4 X 4 Wooden Block Sharpening the Mower Blade 1. Sharpen the mower blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener. 2. Sharpen the mower b[...]

31 Regular Maintenance Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment The control levers can be adjusted in three ways. The alignment of the control levers, the placement of the levers (how close the ends are to one another) and the height of the levers can be adjusted. To Adjust the Handle Alignment Loosen the mount bolts ( A, Figure 31 ) and pivot the lev[...]

32 www.simplicitymfg.com Regular Maintenance Figure 34. Neutral Return Spring Adjustment A. Rear Set Collar B. Neutral Return Rod C. Neutral Return Spring D. Front Set Collar E. Neutral Return Bushing F. Spring Stop Plate A C E F B Neutral Adjustment If the tractor “creeps” while the ground speed control levers are locked in NEUTRAL, then it ma[...]

33 Regular Maintenance Figure 35. Parking Brake Adjustment A. Brake Spring B. Adjustment Nut A B Parking Brake Adjustment 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the ignition key. 2. Raise the seat plate. 3. Locate the brake spring ( A, Figure 35) . 4. With the parking brake engaged, measure the compressed spring [...]

34 www.simplicitymfg.com Regular Maintenance Figure 37. Rear Suspension Adjustments Rear Suspension Adjustment The shock assembly can be adjusted to allow the operator to customize the ride according to operator’s weight and/or operating conditions. You have the option of adjusting the spring pre-load. Items to consider before adjusting the suspe[...]

35 Regular Maintenance Figure 38. Check Lift Rod Timing Figure 41. Hanger Chain Adjustment Deck Lift Rod Timing And Leveling Adjustment 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking brake. Rear tires must be inflated to 15 psi (1,03 bar); front tires to 40 psi (2,76 bar). 2. To check the lift ro[...]

36 www.simplicitymfg.com Regular Maintenance Mower Belt Replacement 1. Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the ignition key. 2. Lower the mower deck to its lowest cutting position and remove the mower deck guards. 3. Using a 1/2” breaker[...]

37 Troubleshooting While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually require that service be performed to allow it to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, their causes and remedies. See the information on the following pa[...]

38 www.simplicitymfg.com Troubleshooting the Rider continued PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Engine runs, but rider will not drive. 1. Hydraulic release valve(s) in “open” position. 2. Belt is broken. 3. Drive belt slips. 4. Brake is not fully released. 1. Turn hydraulic release valve(s) CLOCKWISE to close. 2. See Drive Belt Replacement. 3. See Problem an[...]

39 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Streaking 1. Blades are not sharp. 2. Blades are worn down too far. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 4. Ground speed is too fast. 5. Deck is plugged with grass. 6. Not overlapping cutting rows enough. 7. Not overlapping enough when turning. 1. Sharpen your blades. 2. Replac[...]

40 www.simplicitymfg.com NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. * Actual sustained equipment horsepower will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. Technical Manuals Additional copies of this manual are available, as well as fully illustrated parts lists. These[...]

41 THIS IS A 15 DEGREE SLOPE INSTRUCTIONS 1. Fold this page along the dotted line indicated above. 2. Align the left edg e of this guide with a vertical tree , a power line pole, a fence post, or any vertical structure. 3. Compare the angle of the fold with the angle of the hill. SLOPE INDENTIFICA TION GUIDE ALIGN THIS EDGE WITH A VER TICAL SURF A [...]

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