Page 3 - IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
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 tha...
Page 5 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 TABLE OF CONTENTS RAM SERIES™Part Number 539 114246IR GENERAL OPERATION .................................................................. 8-9 SLOPE OPERATION .................................................... 10-11 FIRE HAZARDS ............................................................ 12-13 ...
Page 6 - SAFETY; Blade Contact
SAFETY 6 Blade Contact Tip Over Run Over Back Over RIDING LAWN MOWERS, IF IMPROPERLYOPERATED, CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURYOR DEATH Pictured below are the most common causes of injury to theoperator or bystander. Please read and understand thismanual to prevent injuries. !
Page 7 - Safety Alert Symbol; DANGER; When you see this symbol, BE ALERT
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 inju...
Page 8 - GENERAL OPERATION; Never carry passengers.; WARNING
WARNING 8 GENERAL OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this manualand on the mower before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with theinstructions, to operate the mower. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., thatcould be picked up and ...
Page 9 - Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
WARNING 9 WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructionscould result in serious injury or death. Turn off blades when not mowing. Injury could occur fromcontact with moving parts. Under no circumstances should you place hands or feetunder the mower deck or in the chute while blades orimpell...
Page 10 - SLOPE OPERATION; DO
WARNING 10 WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructionscould result in serious injury or death. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control andtip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath.All slopes require extra caution. If you feel unsure onany ...
Page 11 - DO NOT
WARNING 11 SLOPE OPERATION (continued) DO NOT Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turnslowly and gradually downhill, if possible. Rapid uphill turnsmay 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....
Page 12 - FIRE HAZARDS; Do not smoke while refueling or operating the mower.
WARNING 12 FIRE HAZARDS Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. Theyare flammable and vapors are explosive. Store all fuel in approved containers specifically designed forthat purpose. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Never remove fuel capor add fuel with engine running. Do not ...
Page 13 - To prevent fire and explosion caused by static electricity:
WARNING 13 FIRE HAZARDS (continued) To prevent fire or explosion, keep sparks and open flamesaway from battery. Keep electrical connections clean and tight. Inspect themoften. Loose connections and corrosion increase fire risk. Before disconnecting the negative ground cable, make sureall switches ar...
Page 14 - CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS; Be alert to avoid accidents.
WARNING 14 CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert tothe presence of children, bystanders and pets. Children are attracted to lawn mowersand the mowing activity. NEVER assume children, bystanders and petswill stay where they were last seen. Be alert to a...
Page 15 - SERVICE
WARNING 15 SERVICE Never run a mower inside a closed area or without properventilation. Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts,and keep equipment in good condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their properoperation regularly. Stop and inspect the equipment if you st...
Page 17 - SPECIFICATIONS
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 constructionwith external reinforcement ribs. Three bladescombine for a ...
Page 24 - SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS; Slide seat forward or backward.
24 SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS 1. Grasp seat slide adjuster and move it into adjustmentposition. 2. Slide seat forward or backward. 3. Release seat slide adjuster. — Fig. 1 — Seat SlideAdjuster
Page 25 - CONTROL LEVERS; • To increase speed, move levers further forward.
CONTROLS 25 CONTROL LEVERS For access to the seat, move control levers to neutralposition 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 le...
Page 26 - PARK BRAKE; CAUTION
CONTROLS 26 — Fig. 3 — PARK BRAKE The park brake is designed to hold the mowerfrom moving and is not intended for use instopping the mower while it is in motion. Theengine will stop if the park brake is engaged whilethe control levers are in the drive position. TO SET PARK BRAKE The hand-operated pa...
Page 27 - BLADE DRIVE; Located on the control panel, on operator’s right.; CHOKE AND THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER; Choke for engine starting.
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 tooperator’s right. • Throttle control for enginespeed. • Choke for engi...
Page 28 - OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS; MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER; Always use highest position for transport.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 28 MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER • Use right foot to operate deck foot pedal at right front footarea. • To raise mower deck, push forward with right foot on topportion of foot pedal. When desired deck height isreached, push with right foot on lower portion of foot pedalunti...
Page 29 - Sound judgement by the operator will prevent accidents.; BEFORE OPERATING MOWER; Read engine manufacturer’s operating and maintenance
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 29 The safe and successful operation of the RAM will dependon the operator having the correct knowledge of all controlsused on the mower and making good judgements about theterrain to be mowed. NEVER allow anyone without complete knowledge of allcontrols and their functions to...
Page 30 - STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
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 ...
Page 31 - TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS; PARK BRAKE SWITCH TEST; Swing control levers to outward position.; CONTROL LEVER SWITCH TEST; Engine should not turn over or attempt to start.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 31 TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS The following tests should be performed at the start ofeach 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. Eng...
Page 32 - BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST; Swing control levers to outward position.; SEAT SWITCH TEST; Leave control levers in outward position and put park
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 32 TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS The following tests should be performed at the start ofeach 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...
Page 33 - MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 33 MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT Mulching or recycling the grass clippings requires a totallydifferent mowing approach than would be normal when sidedischarging or bagging the grass. There may be instances orconditions where it is not possible to hide all the recycled ormu...
Page 34 - Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Remove
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, underany circumstances, should you place hands or feetunder the mow...
Page 35 - MOWING WITH A
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 35 MOWING WITH A GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT In order to achieve optimum performance when mowing witha grass catching attachment, please read and follow the tipslisted below. 1. Read and follow the installation instructions that are included with your grass catcher. 2. Set engine...
Page 36 - Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 36 MOWING WITH A GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT (continued) WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructionscould 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 de...
Page 37 - SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS; Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 37 SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS In order to achieve optimum performance when sidedischarging the grass clippings, please read and follow thetips listed below. Additional information can be found in theTroubleshooting guide on Page 48-49. 1. Set engine speed control to the w...
Page 38 - GRASS HEIGHT AND CUTTING SUGGESTIONS
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 inthe top or second notch. “Initially” overlap cutting swathsinstead of a full swath with each pass. Some applicationsmay require a s...
Page 39 - TOWING TRAILERS AND; Raise the deck to the highest cutting position.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 39 TOWING TRAILERS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Towing a trailer or other attachment that is too heavy coulddamage 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 p...
Page 40 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE; MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 ...
Page 41 - Blades should be discarded when worn excessively.; CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 41 CAUTION ! Stop engine and remove ignitionkey for safety. Wear heavy, thickgloves when holding onto cutterblade, avoid the sharp edge ofthe blade. Blades should be discarded when worn excessively. DANGEROUS! Do not use blade in this condition! When notch starts,discard blade N...
Page 42 - BELTS; OFF SEASON BATTERY STORAGE; DO NOT remove battery from mower.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 42 BELTS Check belts every 100 hours. Replace any belts showingsigns of severe cracking or large nicks. Belts are notadjustable, replace if they begin to slip from wear. ENGINE For complete maintenance and operating information of theengine, please refer to the maintenance instr...
Page 43 - TIRES; Front tires; LUBRICATION; RECOMMENDED
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 43 TIRES Correct tire pressure is essential for efficient operation of themower. Check tire pressure periodically. Inflate tires to thepressure 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 chec...
Page 44 - CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL; OIL FILL
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 44 Hex HeadValve 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 ...
Page 45 - TRACKING ADJUSTMENT; Mower is tracking to the right.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 45 TRACKING ADJUSTMENT If the mower is not tracking straight, check the air pressure inboth 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 orblacktop surface...
Page 46 - MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 46 MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE There are four (4) slots that will control the attitude or pitchof the mower deck. The deck should be level or pitchedslightly higher in rear. 1. Place the mower on a smooth level surface with front casters positioned towards deck. Check tire pre...
Page 47 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS; Keep all connections clean and tight.; CLEANING THE MOWER; Wash mower periodically. Clean above and below deck.; SERIAL NUMBERS; The serial number is located on frame at rear of engine.; WARRANTY
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 causedamage to bearings and other parts of the mower. Afterwashing your mower, start the engine ...
Page 48 - TROUBLESHOOTING
48 TROUBLESHOOTING 1. ENGINE WON’T TURN OVERMower blades engaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - disengage bladesPark brake not on - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - engage park brakeDead battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - charge or replaceSolenoid - -...
Page 50 - STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST
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...
Page 51 - OWNER’S INFORMATION; DATE OIL CHANGED
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 ________________________________ ...
