Simplicity 300 Series - Manual

5 Safety Rules and Information CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to thepresence of children. Children are often attracted to theunit and the mowing activity. Never assume that childrenwill remain where you last saw them. 1. Keep children out of the mowing area and unde...

6 Safety Rules & Information 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 ref...

7 Identification Numbers Tractor ID Tag Mower ID Tag E N G I N E R E F E R E N C E D A T A Model Description Name/Number Unit MFG Number P R O D U C T R E F E R E N C E D A T A Unit SERIAL Number Dealer Name Date Purchased Engine Make Engine Type/Spec Engine Model Engine Code/Serial Number Mower Dec...

8 Safety Decals Safety Decals This unit has been designed and manufactured toprovide you with the safety and reliability you wouldexpect from an industry leader in outdoor powerequipment manufacturing. Although reading this manual and the safety instructionsit contains will provide you with the nece...

9 CE Safety Icons Warning: Read Operator’sManual. Read and understand theOperator’s Manual before usingthis machine. Danger: Thrown Objects. This machine is capable of throwingobjects and debris. Keepbystanders away. Warning: Remove Key BeforeServicing. Remove the key and consulttechnical literature...

10 Features & Controls Throttle Control The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttleforward to increase engine speed and back to decreaseengine speed. Always operate at FULL throttle. Choke Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke oncethe engine starts. A warm engine may not re...

12 Features & Controls Figure 2. Engaging the Parking BrakeA. Ground Speed PedalsB. Brake PedalC. Parking Brake Knob Parking Brake Function Applying the Parking Brake - See Figure 2. To lockthe parking brake, release the ground speed pedals (A),fully depress the brake pedal (B), pull UP on the p...

13 Operating the Tractor Safety Interlock SystemTests This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and othersafety devices. These safety systems are present for yoursafety: do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and nevertamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly. Operati...

14 Operating the Tractor Starting the Engine 1. While sitting in the operator’s seat, fully depress the brake pedal or set the parking brake. 2. Make sure that your feet are not depressing the ground speed control pedals and that the cruisecontrol lever is in neutral. 3. Disengage the PTO clutch. 4....

15 Operating the Tractor DO NOT TOW TRACTOR Towing the unit will cause transmissiondamage. • Do not use another vehicle topush or pull this unit. • Do not actuate thetransmission release valve lever while theengine is running. Figure 4. Transmission Release Lever & Fuel TankA. Fuel Tank Cap.B. T...

17 Operating the Tractor Lift Variations When UsingAttachments When a front-mounted attachment such as asnowthrower or dozer blade is used with the tractor, thelift mechanism must be locked to provide downwardforce. When the mower is reinstalled the downwardpressure lock must be released so that the...

18 Operating the Tractor Mower Deck Removal & Installation Simplicity, Massey Ferguson or AGCOModels Removing the Mower Deck 1. Park tractor on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. Turn off PTO switch and engine,remove the key and apply parking brake. 2. Place mower in the lowest cutt...

19 Operating the Tractor Mower Deck Removal & Installation Snapper Models Removing the Mower Deck 1. Park tractor on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. Turn off PTO switch and engine,remove the key and apply parking brake. 2. Place mower in the lowest cutting position using the mowe...

20 Operating the Tractor Storage Before you store your unit for the off-season, read theMaintenance and Storage instructions in the SafetyRules section, then perform the following steps: • Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, & remove the key. • Perform engine maintenance and storage measur...

21 Lawn Care & Mowing Information How and When to Water,Fertilize & Aerate Most lawns are watered too often,but with too little water. Howevertoo much water can allowdevelopment of diseases with yourlawn. It is best to water the lawnonly when necessary, and then towater it slowly, evenly, an...

22 Lawn Care & Mowing Information When and How Often to Mow The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’llget when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines: ● Mow when the grass is between 3”-4” (7,5-10 cm) high. ● Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings...

23 Lawn Care & Mowing Information Using a Mulching Mower Benefits of Proper Mulching Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts andrecuts clippings into tiny particles and then blows themdown into the lawn. These tiny particles decomposerapidly into by-products that your lawn can use. Underpro...

24 RegularMaintenance MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE & PROCEDURES The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your tractor and mower. * Refer to engine owner’s manual. Change original engine oil after initial break-in period. ** More often in hot (over 85° F: 30° C) weather or dusty opera...

25 Regular Maintenance Safety Interlock System Check Service Interval: Every Fall & SpringCheck the function of the safety interlock system usingthe test procedure found on page 12 of this manual. Ifthe tractor fails any of the tests, see your dealer. Blade Brake Check Service Interval: Every 10...

26 Regular Maintenance Battery Maintenance Cleaning the Battery and Cables Service Interval: Every 100 Hours 1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (A, Figure 17). 2. Remove the battery hold-down (C) and battery. 3. Clean the battery compartment with a solution of baking sod...

27 Regular Maintenance Lubrication Service Interval: Every 25 Hours Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 19-23 as well as the lubrication points listed. Generally, allmoving metal parts should be oiled where contact ismade with other parts. Keep oil and grease off belts andpulleys. W...

28 Regular Maintenance Servicing the Mower Blades Service Interval: Every 100 Hours or As Required NOTE: Mower blades must be timed perpendicular toeach other. 1. Remove mower deck (see “Mower Deck Removal”). 2. See Figure 24. To remove blade for sharpening, use a block of wood to prevent blade rota...

29 Regular Maintenance Check Mower Blade Timing - 40” Mowers Service Interval: Yearly 1. Turn the PTO OFF, engage the parking brake, turn the engine off, and remove the key. Remove themower deck (see “Mower deck removal”). 2. Turn the mower deck over and check the position of the blades. The blades ...

30 Regular Maintenance Figure 29. Transmission ID Tag LocationA. ID Tag TUFF TORQ K61 10010101010 10010101 Transmission Maintenance K57 Maintenance The K57 is a sealed unit and does not require regularmaintenance. If the transmission lacks drive or isexcessive noisy, it may need to be purged. See yo...

32 Troubleshooting,Adjustment, & Service Troubleshooting While normal care and regular maintenance will extendthe life of your equipment, prolonged or constant usemay eventually require that service be performed toallow it to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the...

33 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Tractor Troubleshooting Cont. Tractor drive belt slips. 1. Clutch/brake is out of adjustment. See Adjustments Section. 2. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Clean as required. 3. Belt stretched or worn. Replace with new belt. 4. Idler pulley pivot bracket R...

34 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Figure 30. Seat AdjustmentA. Seat Adjustment LeverB. Carriage Bolt, Spacer, Washer, & NutC. Seat Spring Seat Adjustment Pitch Adjustment The pitch of the seat can be adjusted to one of threepositions. To adjust, remove the carriage bolts, spacers,was...

36 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service PTO clutch adjustment Check the PTO clutch adjustment after every 250 hoursof operation. Also perform the following procedure if theclutch is slipping or will not engage, or if a new clutchhas been installed. 1. Remove key from ignition switch and discon...

Mower Adjustments Gauge Wheels (Select Models) The mower gauge wheels can be placed in severalpositions depending on the height of cut. When usinghigher cutting heights, set the wheels in the lowerposition. When using lower cutting heights, set thewheels in the upper position. To adjust: 1. Remove t...

38 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Leveling The Mower If the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling.Unequal or improper tire pressure may also cause anuneven cut. Make sure tire pressure is correct asspecified in Checking Tire Pressure. SIDE-TO-SIDE LEVELING 1. With the mower installe...

39 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Figure 41. Mower Belt Routing A. Idler Pulley Arm C. Belt Guide (44” & 50”) B. PTO Clutch Pulley D. Arbor Drive Pulley Mower Belt Replacement 44” & 50” PTO Belt Replacement 1. Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. ...

41 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 40” Mower PTO Belt Replacement 1. With the mower deck installed, park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor.Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, shutthe engine off, and remove the key. 2. Remove the mower deck (see “Mowe...

42 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 40” Mower Arbor Drive Belt Replacement 1. With the mower deck installed, park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor.Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, shutthe engine off, and remove the key. 2. Remove the mower deck (s...

43 Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service 38” Mower Drive Belt Replacement NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicityreplacement parts. Check the back of this manual or thedecal under the hood for common replacement partnumbers. Note: It is not necessary to remove the mower to install anew bel...

44 Specifications ENGINE: 20 HP* Briggs & Stratton Make Briggs & Stratton Model Vanguard Horsepower 20 @ 3600 rpm Displacement 34.8 Cu. in (570 cc) Electrical System 12 Volt, 16 amp. Alternator, Battery: 340 CCA Oil Capacity 48 Oz. (1.4 L) 18 HP* Briggs & Stratton Make Briggs & Strat...

45 Parts & Accessories Replacement Parts Replacement parts are available from your authorizeddealer. Always use genuine Simplicity Service Parts. Technical Manuals Additional copies of this manual are available, as well asfully illustrated parts lists. These manuals show all of theproduct’s comp...