Page 2 - IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY
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 use the mower, read this Operator’s Manual carefully. It contains valuable information that is necessar...
Page 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS SpeedZTR™ 36/42/44Part Number 539 121042R1 SAFETY AND WARNINGS ............................................................ 4-13 General Operation ............................................................. 6-7 Slope Operation ........................................................
Page 4 - SAFETY; Blade Contact; WARNING
SAFETY 4 Blade Contact Tip Over Run Over Back Over Pictured below are the most common causes of injury to theoperator or bystander. Please read and understand thismanual to prevent injuries. WARNING ! Riding lawn movers, if improperly operated,can cause serious injury or death.
Page 5 - Safety Alert Symbol; When you see this symbol, BE ALERT; DANGER
SAFETY 5 Safety Alert Symbol When you see this symbol, BE ALERT to the potential for injury. Follow the recommended safety precautions and safe operating practices. DANGER (highlighted in red) indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. ...
Page 6 - WARNINGS; GENERAL OPERATION; Never carry passengers.
6 WARNINGS GENERAL OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this manualand on the mower before starting. In this operator’s manual, left and right, backward andforward are used in relation to the machine’s normal drivingdirection. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar wit...
Page 7 - Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
7 WARNINGS GENERAL OPERATION (continued) Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under themachine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. Disengage blade(s) when not mowing. Shut off engine andwait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaningthe machine, removing the g...
Page 8 - SLOPE OPERATION; DO
8 WARNINGS SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result insevere injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel unsureon any slope, do not mow it! DO Mow across the slope with your Dixon ZTR -- never up ordown. This wil...
Page 9 - DO NOT
9 WARNINGS 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.
10 WARNINGS 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:
11 WARNINGS 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 a...
Page 12 - CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS; Be alert to avoid accidents.; Never allow children to operate the mower.
12 WARNINGS CHILDREN, BYSTANDERS AND PETS Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alertto the 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 ...
Page 13 - SERVICE
13 WARNINGS 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 s...
Page 15 - SPECIFICATIONS
Additional information may be provided elsewhere in this manual. SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 15 SPECIFICATIONS 1½ " x 2 " rectangle tubular side frame Body parts are made of steel 36" (91cm) 11 gauge fabricated construction withreinforced ribs. Electric clutch Each re...
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; TRANSMISSION DRIVE SYSTEM; CAUTION
CONTROLS 20 — Fig. 2 — 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 - BLADE DRIVE; Located on the operator’s right.; THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER
CONTROLS 21 15 STOP P U S H T O R E S E T THROTTL BLADEDRIVE CHOKE 15 STOP P U S H T O R E S E T BLADEDRIVE — Fig. 4 — BLADE DRIVE • Located on the operator’s right. • To engage the mower blade, pull the knob to the ONposition. • To disengage mower blade, push the knob to OFFposition. THROTTLE CONTR...
Page 22 - MOWER DECK CUT HEIGHT LIFT LEVER; Always use highest position for transport.
CONTROLS 22 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 pedaluntil bottom of th...
Page 23 - OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS; Sound judgement by the operator will prevent accidents.; BEFORE OPERATING MOWER; Read engine manufacturer’s operating and maintenance
23 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS The safe and successful operation of the SpeedZTR willdepend upon the operator having the correct knowledge ofall controls 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 t...
Page 24 - STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
24 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 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. 3. Insert ignition key and turn to START position. When engine starts, release ign...
Page 25 - TO FREE WHEEL MACHINE
25 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS TOWING TRAILERS AND OTHERATTACHMENTS 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) Always turn off en...
Page 26 - TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS; PARK BRAKE SWITCH TEST; Swing control levers to outward position.; CONTROL LEVER SWITCH TEST
26 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 27 - BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST
27 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS TESTING OF SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEMS The following tests should be performed at the start of eachmowing day. BLADE DRIVE SWITCH TEST 1. Put park brake in ON position. 2. Swing control levers to outward position. 3. Engage blade drive switch. 4. Turn ignition switch to START....
Page 28 - MOWING WITH A MULCHING ATTACHMENT
28 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 29 - Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Remove
29 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 mowe...
Page 31 - Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season.
31 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS MOWING WITH AGRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT (continued) 7. Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season. Some grass catching attachments require a “high-lift”blade. See your dealer for advice on the type of blade(s)needed for your mower. 8. Some mowing applications/use of ...
Page 32 - SIDE DISCHARGE OF THE CLIPPINGS; Set engine speed control to the wide open or full setting.
32 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 44-45. 1. Set engine speed control to the w...
Page 33 - GRASS HEIGHT AND CUTTING SUGGESTIONS
33 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 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
34 CARE AND MAINTENANCE 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 35 - CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE; Loosen blade bolt and remove
35 CARE AND MAINTENANCE Blades should be discardedwhen worn excessively. DANGEROUS! Do not use bladein this condition! When notch starts,discard blade New blade — Fig. 7 — CUTTER BLADE MAINTENANCE Check sharpness of mower blades afterevery 10 hours of operation. Observeproper blade position prior to...
Page 36 - ENGINE; DO NOT remove battery from mower.
36 CARE AND MAINTENANCE 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 - TIRES; Front tires; LUBRICATION; RECOMMENDED
37 CARE AND MAINTENANCE 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 4.00 - 5 16-21 PSI (110-145 kPa) Rear tires 36" 18 x 7.50 - 8 8-14 PSI (55-97 kPa) Rear tires 42"...
Page 38 - CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL; OIL FILL
38 CARE AND MAINTENANCE 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. (SeeFig. 9) Open to full...
Page 39 - BELTS
39 CARE AND MAINTENANCE BELTS Check belts every 50 hours. Replace any belts showingsigns of wear or cracking. BELT TENSION Transmission Drive Belt - P/N 539 120772No adjustment necessary. Engine to Mower Deck Belt36" P/N 539 11781142" P/N 539 12273444" P/N 539 118156 To adjust the tensio...
Page 40 - NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT
40 CARE AND MAINTENANCE NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT Drive machine until Hydrostatic Transmissions have warmedup. With engine running and the park brake off, swing thecontrol levers outward. If machine starts to creep, follow theinstructions below. 1. Stop the engine, engage park brake and raise rear of frame...
Page 41 - MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE; Place mower on a smooth, level surface and rotate
41 CARE AND MAINTENANCE MOWER DECK LEVELING PROCEDURE 1. Place mower on a smooth, level surface and rotate casters in the direction of forward travel. Tires should beinflated as follows. Front 16 - 21 PSI (110-145 kPa) Rear 8 - 14 PSI (55-97 kPa) 2. Put the mower deck in the mid-range cut height pos...
Page 42 - DECK REMOVAL; Place cut height pedal in lowest cut position.
42 CARE AND MAINTENANCE DECK REMOVAL 1. Place cut height pedal in lowest cut position. 2. Remove deck drive belt from engine pulley. 3. Release spring from trailing rod (2 places). Remove hairpin cotter from the other end of trailing rods(2 places) and detach rods from deck. 4. Remove hairpin cotter...
Page 43 - 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
43 CARE AND MAINTENANCE 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 44 - STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST; BLADES AND BELTS; ENGINE AIR AND OIL FILTERS
44 STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST BLADES AND BELTS 36" Deck Blade* Hi-Lift Fusion P/N 539 118672 Standard Lift Fusion P/N 539 115536 Standard Lift P/N 539 115242 Hi-Lift Gator Fusion P/N 539 118673 Gator P/N 539 125846 Transmission Belt P/N 539 120772 Deck Belt P/N 539 117811 42" Deck Blade* Hi...
Page 45 - TROUBLESHOOTING
45 TROUBLESHOOTING 1. ENGINE WON’T TURN OVERMower blades engaged - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - disengage bladesPark brake not on - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - engage park brakeDead battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - charge or replaceSolenoid - -...
Page 47 - OWNER’S INFORMATION; DATE OIL CHANGED
OWNER’S INFORMATION Date of Purchase ________________________________ Mower Model Number _____________________________ Mower Serial Number _____________________________ Purchased From ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ DATE OIL CHANGED ...
