Simplicity 543777-0113-E1 manual

5101604 Revision A Rev. Date: 07/2008 TP 100-7391-A-CB-S 30HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No. Description 5900763 Simplicity 30HP Cobalt Zero-Turn Rider with 61” Mower Cobalt 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 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 operato[...]

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[...]

Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard. Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of clearance around these hazards and hand-trim with a walk behind mower or string trimmer. Wheels dropping over retaining walls, edges, ditches, embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, [...]

Fuel and Maintenance Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and remove the key before doing any cleaning, refueling, or servicing. Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Do not smoke while operating or refueling. Do not add fuel while engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool for at least 3 minutes prior to adding fuel. Do [...]

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 Tire Pressure Front 25 psi (1,72 bar) Rear 15 psi (1,03 bar) 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 pro[...]

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 Operation Figure 13. Raise & Lower the Roll Bar A. Hair Pin Clip B. Retainer Pin C. Roll Bar D. Rubber Stop Raise and Lower the Roll Bar To Lower the Roll Bar: 1. Pull the hair pin clips ( A, Figure 13 ) out of the retainer pins ( B ). 2. Push or pull the top of the roll bar ( C ) forward against the rubber stops ( D ) [...]

23 Operation 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 on the PTO [...]

24 www.simplicitymfg.com Operation When and How Often to Mow The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines: 1. Mow when the grass is between three and five inches high. 2. Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings of grass one inch or shorter decompose more[...]

25 Operation 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 slopes. Reduce to[...]

26 www.simplicitymfg.com 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[...]

27 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 hand tighten the fuel[...]

28 www.simplicitymfg.com 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 spille[...]

29 Regular Maintenance 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 moving [...]

30 www.simplicitymfg.com 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 26 ). Inspecting the Mower Blades 1. In[...]

31 Regular Maintenance Figure 31. 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 blade by removing an eq[...]

32 www.simplicitymfg.com Battery Maintenance NOTE: This unit is equipped with a maintenance-free BCIU1 battery. Cleaning the Battery and Cables 1. Raise the seat plate to gain access to the battery. 2. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative (black) cable first ( B ). 3. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until sh[...]

33 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 33 ) and pivot the lever(s) ( C ) to align[...]

34 www.simplicitymfg.com Figure 36. Return to Neutral Adjustment A. Return Spring B. Set Collar A B Neutral Adjustment If the tractor “creeps” while the ground speed control levers are locked in NEUTRAL, then it may be necessary to adjust the linkage rod. 1. Park the machine on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, [...]

35 Figure 37. 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 37 ). 4. With the parking brake engaged, measure the compressed spring length. The spring s[...]

36 www.simplicitymfg.com To adjust the upper mounting position (Rear Shocks): 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and engage the parking brake. 2. Raise the rear of the machine and secure with jackstands. The jackstands must under the bumper. Chock the front wheels to prevent the machine from rolling. 3. Po[...]

37 Measure 1st Measure 2nd Measure 1st Measure 2nd Inner Rod Outer Rod Inner Rod Outer Rod Adjust Here Figure 40. Measure the Inner & Outer Lift Rods Figure 42. Adjust the Inner & Outer Lift Rods Adjust Here Figure 41. Deck Lift Pedal & Pin Position A. Height Adjustment Pin A Regular Maintenance Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment Checking [...]

38 www.simplicitymfg.com Figure 43. 2 x 4 Locations A. 1/4” Spacers Figure 44. Hanger Chain Adjustment Deck Leveling Adjustment NOTE: Before adjusting the deck level, the deck lift rod timing must be checked and/or adjusted. 1. Park machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking brake. Rear tires must [...]

39 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. Using a 1/2” breaker bar, place the square end in the square hole located in the end of the idler arm ( A, Figure 46 ). Carefully rotate the breaker ba[...]

40 www.simplicitymfg.com 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 informati[...]

41 Troubleshooting 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 and Caus[...]

42 www.simplicitymfg.com 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 [...]

Technical Manuals Additional copies of this manual are available, as well as fully illustrated parts lists. These manuals show all of the product’s components in exploded views (3D illustrations which show the relationship of parts and how they go together) as well as part numbers and quantities used. Important assembly notes and and torque value[...]

www.simplicitymfg.com 44 THIS IS A 15 DEGREE SLOPE INSTRUCTIONS 1. Fold this page along the dotted line indicated above. 2. Align the left edge 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 WIT[...]

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www.simplicitymfg.com Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC. Copyright © 2008 Briggs & Stratton Corporation Milwaukee, WI, USA. All rights reserved. The Simplicity logo is a trademark of Briggs & Stratton Corporation Milwaukee, WI, USA. Product Quick Specs: ENGINE 30 HP Briggs & Stratton** Make Briggs & Stratton Model 543[...]