Page 2 - IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
2 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 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS BLACK BEAR™Part Number 539 118101R1 SAFETY AND WARNINGS ............................................................ 4-15 GENERAL OPERATION ................................................... 6-7 MOWING ON A SLOPE .................................................... 8-9 FIRE HAZA...
Page 4 - SAFETY; Blade Contact
SAFETY 4 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 5 - Safety Alert Symbol; DANGER; When you see this symbol, BE ALERT
SAFETY 5 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 6 - GENERAL OPERATION; Never carry passengers.; WARNING
WARNING 6 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.,which could be picked up and...
Page 7 - Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
WARNING 7 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 8 - DO
WARNING 8 WARNING ! Failure to observe the following instructionscould result in serious injury or death. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-controland tip-over accidents, which can result in severeinjury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel unsureon any ...
Page 9 - DO NOT
WARNING 9 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 10 - FIRE HAZARDS; Do not smoke while refueling or operating the mower.
WARNING 10 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 11 - To prevent fire and explosion caused by static electricity:
WARNING 11 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 12 - CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS; Be alert to avoid accidents.
WARNING 12 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 13 - SERVICE
WARNING 13 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 15 - SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS 15 SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. BLACK BEAR™ 34 Model 968999564 11 gauge rectangular tube Designed for operator comfort by use of high-densityclosed cell foam padded back and arm rests,upholstered with ...
Page 18 - SEAT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS; Slide seat forward or backward.
18 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 19 - CONTROLS; CONTROL LEVERS; • To increase speed, move levers further forward.
CONTROLS 19 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 20 - PARK BRAKE; CAUTION
CONTROLS 20 — 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 21 - MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER
CONTROLS 21 MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER • Located to the right and front of the operator. • Controls the cutting height. • 17 positions of adjustment • Depress trigger and move lever forward to lower deck. • Pull lever back to raise deck. • Set desired cut height with pin. • Use foot pedal to a...
Page 22 - BLADE DRIVE; If circuit breaker trips, push button to reset.
CONTROLS 22 BLADE DRIVE • Located on the control panel, on operator’sright. • To engage the mower blade, pull up on theswitch. • To disengage mower blade, push down. CIRCUIT BREAKER • Located on the control panel to the operator’sright. • Protection of the electrical system is by (1) 15amp circuit b...
Page 23 - OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS; Sound judgement by the operator will prevent accidents.; BEFORE OPERATING MOWER; Read engine manufacturer’s operating and maintenance
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 23 The safe and successful operation of the SpeedZTR willdepend on the operator having the correct knowledge of allcontrols used on the mower and making good judgementsabout the terrain to be mowed. NEVER allow anyone who does not have completeknowledge of all controls and the...
Page 24 - STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 24 STARTING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Park brake must be on, control levers in outward position and blade drive disengaged. 2. Position throttle to choke position if engine is cold. Full throttle if warm. NOTE: Engine may require partial choke setting to start even if the engine has bee...
Page 25 - 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 25 TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS The following tests should be performed at the start of eachmowing 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 26 - The following tests should be performed at the start of each; BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST; Swing control levers to outward position.; SEAT SWITCH TEST; Leave control levers in outward position and put park
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 26 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. Engin...
Page 27 - MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 27 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 28 - Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Remove
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 28 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, place your hands or feet underthe mower deck...
Page 30 - Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 30 MOWING WITH AGRASS 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 dea...
Page 31 - SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS; Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 31 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 47-48. 1. Set engine speed control to the w...
Page 32 - GRASS HEIGHT AND CUTTING SUGGESTIONS
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 32 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 34 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE; MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 34 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 •Adjust trac...
Page 35 - CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE; Hold or block blade from
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 35 — Fig. 9 — SpindleAssembly Mower Blade Blade BoltP/N 539 117839 Blade WasherP/N 539 117838 CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE Check sharpness of mowerblades after every 10 hours ofo p e r a t i o n . O b s e r v e p r o p e rblade position prior to removal. 1. Safely raise front of mow...
Page 36 - ENGINE; DO NOT remove battery from mower.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 36 ENGINE For complete maintenance and operating information of theengine, please refer to the maintenance instructionsfurnished by the engine manufacturer included in your ZeroTurn Radius mower information packet. BATTERY This is a maintenance-free battery and the fluid level c...
Page 37 - BELTS; Engine to Mower Deck Belt:
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 37 BELTS Check belts every 50 hours. Replace any belts showingsigns of wear or cracking. BELT TENSION Engine to Mower Deck Belt: 34" P/N 539 11781144" P/N 539 118156 Manual adjustment. Turn nut on deck eyebolt to adjust belttension. NOTE: Belt deflection or movement shou...
Page 38 - TIRES; Front tires; LUBRICATION; grease zerks
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 38 TIRES Correct tire pressure is essential for efficient operation of themower. Check tire pressure periodically. Inflate tires to thepressure listed below. Front tires 13 x 5 - 6 16-21 PSI (110-145 kPa) Rear tires 23 x 8.5 - 12 8-14 PSI (55-97 kPa) Lug nuts or lug bolts should...
Page 39 - CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL; The “Dapco” oil drain valve is located on either side of the; OIL FILL; Clean any spilled oil from engine and chassis.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 39 Hex Head Valve Stem CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL 1. The “Dapco” oil drain valve is located on either side of the engine crankcase (depending on the type of engineinstalled on your ZTR). 2. Place a suitable container under the drain valve hose. 3. To drain, turn hex head valve stem...
Page 40 - Dirt or water in oil can ruin the hydrostatic transmissions.; SERVICE INTERVALS; Initial filter service - 100 hours; RECOMMENDED Oil; Use engine oil with an API classification of SG/CD.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 40 HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION OILAND FILTER SERVICE Dirt or water in oil can ruin the hydrostatic transmissions. SERVICE INTERVALS • Initial filter service - 100 hours • Every 500 hours or once a year thereafter. RECOMMENDED Oil All temperatures -15W-50 Synthetic Hydrostatic Oil~o...
Page 41 - HYDROSTAT OIL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE; Please dispose of used oils at proper collection centers.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 41 HYDROSTAT OIL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE Check the oil level in hydrostatic transmission oil reservoirafter every 25 hours of usage. Clean the oil reservoir cap andthe area around it prior to removal. Check the oil level. Oilshould be approximately ¼” below top of oil tank baffle....
Page 42 - NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 42 NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT 1. Lift seat. 2. Block up the unit so that the drive wheels are off the ground. Remove rear tires. 3. Loosen jam nuts on both ends of the control rod coupler. NOTE: The rear jam nuts are left hand threads. 4. With steering control arms in the outward (neutr...
Page 43 - MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE; Place the mower on a smooth level surface with front; Wear heavy gloves. Turn each outer blade tip to align
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 43 MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE There are four(4) slots that will control the attitude or pitch ofthe mower deck. The deck should be level or pitched slightlyhigher in rear. 1. Place the mower on a smooth level surface with front casters positioned towards deck. Check tire pres...
Page 44 - Turn both outer blades to align with the deck in front-to-
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 44 MOWER DECK LEVELINGPROCEDURE (continued) 4. Turn both outer blades to align with the deck in front-to- rear manner. Reposition rear mounting bolts up or downuntil rear of mower deck is positioned level to 1 / 8 " higher in the rear than the side-to-side measurement. 5. Co...
Page 45 - MOWER DECK REMOVAL
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 45 MOWER DECK REMOVAL 1. Remove mower deck drive belt from clutch. To relieve belt tension, loosen nut on tensioner eyebolt. 2. Move deck into lowest cut position and support deck with blocks. 3. Remove nut from each of the four hanger bolts (suspended from chains). Remove hange...
Page 46 - 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 46 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 47 - TROUBLESHOOTING
47 TROUBLESHOOTING 1. ENGINE WON’T TURN OVERMower blades engaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - disengage bladesPark brake not on - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - engage park brakeDead battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - charge or replaceSolenoid - -...
Page 49 - STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST; BLADES AND BELTS; Transmission Belt; Transmission Belt; ENGINE AIR AND OIL FILTERS
49 STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST BLADES AND BELTS 34" Deck Blade* Hi-Lift Fusion P/N 539 118039 Standard Lift Fusion P/N 539 117766 Gator Fusion P/N 539 117767 Transmission Belt P/N 539 118012 Deck Belt P/N 539 117811 44" Deck Blade* Hi Lift Fusion P/N 539 117843 Standard Lift Fusion P/N 539 1...
Page 50 - 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 ________________________________ ...
