Page 2 - WARNING
Not for Reproduction Thank you for purchasing this quality-built FERRIS product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the FERRIS brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your FERRIS product will provide many years of dependable service. This ma...
Page 3 - Table of Contents
Not for Reproduction 1 Table of Contents Operator Safety .................................................. 2 Identification Numbers ..........................................11Safety Decals ........................................................12Safety Alert Symbol & Signal Words ...............
Page 4 - Operator Safety; Operating Safety
Not for Reproduction 2 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. Readi...
Page 5 - Slope Operation
Not for Reproduction 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 ...
Page 6 - Roll Bar Use
Not for Reproduction 4 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 nec...
Page 7 - Enclosed Areas
Not for Reproduction 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 an...
Page 8 - TRAINING
Not for Reproduction 6 2. Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards. 3. Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided. 4. Be su...
Page 9 - SLOPE OPERATION; CAUTION
Not for Reproduction 7 Operator Safety 23. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision. 24. To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass or combustible materials. 25. OSHA regul...
Page 10 - EMISSIONS
Not for Reproduction 8 Operator Safety EMISSIONS 1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. 2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index information on the engine emissions lab...
Page 11 - ROLL BAR INSTRUCTIONS
Not for Reproduction 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...
Page 13 - When contacting your authorized dealer for; Identification Numbers; Tractor; SAMPLE
Not for Reproduction 11 Operator Safety When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers.Record your model/serial number and engine serial numbers on the space provided for easy access. These numbers can be found in the locations shown...
Page 14 - Safety Decals
Not for Reproduction 12 www.ferrisindustries.com Operator Safety Safety Decals Before operating your unit, read the safety decals. The cautions and warnings are for your safety. To avoid a personal injury or damage to the unit, understand and follow all safety decals. WARNING If any safety decals be...
Page 15 - NOTICE; Safety Alert Symbol and Signal Words; DANGER; will; could result in serial injury or death.; Safety Icons
Not for Reproduction 13 Operator Safety NOTICE These messages presented without the alert symbol indicate a situation where the unit or property could be damaged. Safety Alert Symbol and Signal Words The alert symbol is used to identity safety information about hazards that can result in personal in...
Page 16 - Safety Interlock System; Operational SAFETY Checks
Not for Reproduction 14 www.ferrisindustries.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 regul...
Page 17 - Control Functions; Features and Controls; Ignition Switch
Not for Reproduction 15 Features and Controls 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 c...
Page 19 - General Operating Safety; Operation
Not for Reproduction 17 Operation 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 ...
Page 20 - Priming the Fuel System
Not for Reproduction 18 www.ferrisindustries.com Operation Figure 2. Fuel Shut Off Valve A. Fuel Shut Off Valve Location B. Open Position C. Closed Position B C A Priming the Fuel System Priming the fuel system removes any air bubbles from the fuel system. The fuel system would only need to be prime...
Page 21 - Pushing the Rider by Hand; DO NOT TOW RIDER; Starting the Engine; Stopping the Tractor & Engine
Not for Reproduction 19 Pushing the Rider by Hand 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition OFF, and remove the key. 2. Lift the seat plate to gain access to the hydraulic pumps. 3. Locate the hydraulic release valves (A, Figure 3) on the bottom side of the hydraulic pumps. 4...
Page 22 - Zero-Turn Driving Practice
Not for Reproduction 20 www.ferrisindustries.com Operation Zero-Turn Driving Practice The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive. Learning how to gain smooth, efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements will take some practice. Spending some time practicing...
Page 23 - ADVANCED DRIVING
Not for Reproduction 21 ADVANCED DRIVING Executing an End-Of-Row Zero TurnYour 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...
Page 24 - Mowing; good rule of thumb is the 1/3 rule: to cut no more
Not for Reproduction 22 www.ferrisindustries.com Mowing 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged, the motion control levers are locked in the NEUTRAL position, and the operator is on the seat. 2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE). 3. Set the mower cutting height. ...
Page 25 - Mowing Methods
Not for Reproduction 23 When and How Often to MowThe 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 gras...
Page 26 - Attaching a Trailer
Not for Reproduction 24 www.ferrisindustries.com Proper MulchingMulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulch...
Page 27 - Raise & Lower the Roll Bar
Not for Reproduction 25 WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM ROLL OVER:Keep roll bar in the raised position and use seat belt.THERE IS NO ROLL OVER PROTECTION WHEN THE ROLL BAR IS DOWNLower the roll bar only when necessary and NEVER remove it.Do NOT use seat belt when the roll bar is down.Rais...
Page 28 - Starting After Long Term Storage
Not for Reproduction 26 www.ferrisindustries.com Operation NOTE: Diesel fuel, if permitted to stand unused for extended periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits which can adversely affect the fuel pump and injector tubes and cause engine malfunction. To avoid this condition, add a diese...
Page 29 - Regular Maintenance; Maintenance; Maintenance Schedule & Procedures; Check Tire Pressures; Tire
Not for Reproduction 27 Regular Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Schedule & Procedures 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 h...
Page 30 - Fuel Filter; Checking / Adding Fuel; To Replace the Fuel Filter:
Not for Reproduction 28 www.ferrisindustries.com Regular Maintenance WARNING Diesel fuel is highly flammable and must be handled with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up ...
Page 31 - Service Air Filter
Not for Reproduction 29 Regular Maintenance 6. Loosen the hose clamps that secure the hoses to the fuel filter. 7. Remove the hoses from the filter. 8. Install the new filter in the proper flow direction in the fuel line. 9. Secure with the hose clamps and wipe up any spilled fuel. 10. Reopen the fu...
Page 32 - Change Hydraulic Oil Filter; Check Hydraulic Oil Level
Not for Reproduction 30 www.ferrisindustries.com Regular Maintenance Figure 16. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level A. Hydraulic Oil Reservoir B. Reservoir Cap B A Change Hydraulic Oil Filter Change Interval: Every 250 HoursFilter Part Number: 1719168 NOTE: Removing the oil filter from the filter base will...
Page 33 - Check Engine Coolant Level; Change Engine Coolant
Not for Reproduction 31 Regular Maintenance Check Engine Coolant Level The engine coolant level and quality should be checked before each use, when the engine is cool and off. The cooling system is a closed type. Never open the radiator cap unless you are flushing the system. Opening the radiator ca...
Page 34 - Lubrication
Not for Reproduction 32 www.ferrisindustries.com Regular Maintenance Lubrication Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 20 through 26 as well as the following lubrication points. Grease: • front caster wheel axles & yokes • deck lift pivot blocks • mower deck spindles • mower deck ...
Page 35 - Lubricating the Front Casters
Not for Reproduction 33 Regular Maintenance Figure 27. Front Caster & Wheel A. 1/4-28 Bolt A Lubricating the Drive ShaftMaintenance Interval: Every 250 hours. 1. Position the drive shaft so that the plug (A, Figure 26) can be accessed from beneath the machine through the hole in the engine cradl...
Page 36 - Cleaning the Battery and Cables; Removing the Floor Pan to Access the Battery:
Not for Reproduction 34 www.ferrisindustries.com Regular Maintenance Cleaning the Battery and Cables NOTE: This unit is equipped with a maintenance-free BCIU1 battery. Removing the Floor Pan to Access the Battery: S/N: 2014696070 & Below: 1. Tilt the left side of the floor pan (C, Figure 28) up ...
Page 37 - Servicing the Mower Blades; Removing the Mower Blade; Inspecting the Mower Blade
Not for Reproduction 35 Regular Maintenance Servicing the Mower Blades Removing the Mower Blade 1. To remove the mower blade, wedge a wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the blade from turning and remove the mower blade mounting bolt with a 15/16” wrench (Figure 2...
Page 38 - Sharpening the Mower Blades
Not for Reproduction 36 www.ferrisindustries.com 36 www.ferrisindustries.com Regular Maintenance Figure 34. 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 D A B A B Figure 32. Sharpeni...
Page 39 - Fuse Location
Not for Reproduction 37 37 Regular Maintenance Fuse Location The fuse block is located on the side of the instrument control panel mounted on the right hand side fuel tank. Refer to Figure 35 for the location and amperage of the fuses used in this machine. S/N 2015276814 & Below: A. PTO Clutch: ...
Page 40 - Troubleshooting; Troubleshooting the Rider; PROBLEM
Not for Reproduction 38 www.ferrisindustries.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 li...
Page 41 - Rider Troubleshooting Continued.; Troubleshooting the Mower
Not for Reproduction 39 Rider Troubleshooting Continued. PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Engine runs, but rider will 1. Hydraulic release valve(s) 1. Turn valve(s) clockwise to close. not drive. in “open” position. 2. Belt is broken. 2. See Drive Belt Replacement. 3. Drive belt slips. 3. See problem and cause ...
Page 42 - Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems
Not for Reproduction 40 www.ferrisindustries.com Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Streaking. 1. Blades are not sharp. 1. Sharpen your blades. 2. Blades are worn down to far. 2. Replace your blades. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 3. Always mow at full throttle. 4. Ground spe...
Page 43 - Seat Adjustment; Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment; Below
Not for Reproduction 41 Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair Figure 38. Control Lever Adjustment A. Alignment Hardware B. Placement Hardware C. Ground Speed Control Lever Figure 39. Top Speed Adjustment A. Top Speed Adjustment Bolt B. Control Lever Base A B C Seat Adjustment The seat can be adju...
Page 44 - Neutral Adjustment
Not for Reproduction 42 www.ferrisindustries.com Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair Figure 40. Neutral Adjustment (LH side shown) A. Adjustment Linkage Rod B. Nuts B Figure 41. Return to Neutral Adjustment A. Return Spring B. Set Collar Neutral Adjustment If the tractor “creeps” while the grou...
Page 45 - Parking Brake Adjustment
Not for Reproduction 43 Figure 42. Parking Brake Adjustment A. Brake Spring B. Adjustment Nut C. Set Collar D. Parking Brake Bracket Parking Brake Adjustment 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the ignition key. 2. This unit has two brake springs (A, Figure 42)...
Page 46 - Suspension Adjustment; FRONT
Not for Reproduction 44 www.ferrisindustries.com Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair WARNING Use two hands when adjusting the shock springs. This will prevent the wrench from slipping while pressure is being applied. Suspension Adjustment The shock assembly can be adjusted to vary the amount of...
Page 47 - OPTIONAL; Mowing Height Adjustment
Not for Reproduction 45 C Figure 44. 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 45. Foot Pedal Adjustment A. Deck Lift Foot Pedal B. Pedal Mount Tab C. Pedal Mount Hardware D. Optional Position Mowing H...
Page 48 - Inner Rod; Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment
Not for Reproduction 46 www.ferrisindustries.com Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair Figure 47. Deck Lift Pedal & Pin Position Measure 1st Measure 2nd Measure 1st Measure 2nd Inner Rod Outer Rod Inner Rod Outer Rod Adjust Here Figure 46. Measure the Inner & Outer Lift Rods Figure 48. Ad...
Page 49 - Deck Leveling Adjustment
Not for Reproduction 47 Figure 49. 2 x 4 Locations (Arrow points toward front of the deck) Figure 50. Hanger Chain Adjustment A. Adjustment Points Deck Leveling Adjustment NOTE: Before adjusting the deck level, the deck lift rod timing must be checked and/or adjusted. Coarse Adjustment ProcedureWhen...
Page 50 - Deck Lift Spring
Not for Reproduction 48 www.ferrisindustries.com Figure 53. Deck Lift Spring Location A. Deck Lift Spring Deck Lift Spring The deck lift springs (A, Figure 53) are factory set to provide optimal lifting performance.Although it is fastened with a multi-position anchor, this is NOT AN ADJUSTMENT POINT...
Page 51 - Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement; To avoid damaging belts, DO NOT
Not for Reproduction 49 Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair Hydraulic Pump Drive 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. Remove the hardware (A, Fi...
Page 53 - PTO Clutch Belt Replacement
Not for Reproduction 51 Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair PTO Clutch 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. Open the hood to gain access to the ...
Page 54 - Mower Belt Replacement
Not for Reproduction 52 www.ferrisindustries.com Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair 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” bre...
Page 55 - Mower Belt Idler Spring Length
Not for Reproduction 53 Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair Check the Mower Belt Tensioner Spring Length 1. Park the machine 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 ...
Page 56 - Battery Service
Not for Reproduction 54 www.ferrisindustries.com Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Repair Battery Service Checking Battery VoltageA voltmeter can be used to determine condition of battery. When engine is off, the voltmeter shows battery voltage, which should be 12 volts. When engine is running, the ...
Page 57 - To Ground; (1) personal injury caused by electrolyte
Not for Reproduction 55 To StarterSwitch StartingVehicleBattery To Ground To Starter Switch DischargedVehicle Battery EngineBlock THIS HOOK-UP FOR NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLES MAKE CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT TOUCH Jumper Cable Jumper Cable WARNING Any procedure other than the preceding could result in: (1)...
Page 58 - Specifications
Not for Reproduction 56 www.ferrisindustries.com Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE: 20 Gross HP¹ Yanmar Make YanmarModel 3TNM68-AFSDisplacement 47.84 Cu. in (784 cc) Electrical System 12 Volt, 40 amp. Alternator, Batt...
Page 59 - Notes
Page 64 - Zero-Turn Riding Mower; OPERATOR’S
Not for Reproduction IS2500Z Series Zero-Turn Riding Mower OPERATOR’S MAnuAl