Page 2 - SAFETY RULES
2 I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manualand on the machine before starting. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with theinstructions, to operate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,which could be picked up...
Page 3 - Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers; WARNING
3 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers SAFETY RULES • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the bladesoff. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al-ways look down and behind...
Page 4 - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS; CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES; TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 GALLONS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F)SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 3 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC (GAP: .030") GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 1st 1.1 2nd 2.2 3rd 3.3 4th 4.4 5th 4.9 REVERSE: 1.4 TIRE...
Page 5 - UNASSEMBLED PARTS; Steering Wheel
5 UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Steering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Bolt (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Seat (2) Keys Slope Sheet Keys (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Extension Shaft (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 ...
Page 6 - ASSEMBLY; TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY; UNPACK CARTON; HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
6 ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. Toensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use thecorrect tools as necessary to insure proper ti...
Page 8 - CHECKLIST; CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
8 ASSEMBLY 3 CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRAC-TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THEBEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THISQUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions have been completed. ✓ No remaining loose parts in carton. ✓ Bat...
Page 9 - OPERATION
9 OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED REVERSE NEUTRAL ...
Page 10 - KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
10 OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Savethis manual for future reference. Our tractors conform to the safety ...
Page 11 - HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
11 OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which canresult in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operatingyour tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide visionsafety mask over spectacles or...
Page 12 - TO OPERATE ON HILLS; BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE; CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL; TO TRANSPORT; ADD GASOLINE
12 OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensingswitch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat withthe engine running and the attachment clutch engaged willshut off the engine.• Select desired height of cut. • Start mower blades by engaging...
Page 13 - MOWING TIPS
13 OPERATION MOWING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing isattached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowingperformance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” inthe Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimm...
Page 14 - MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE; GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS; BEFORE EACH USE; LUBRICATION CHART
14 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE EACH USE T RAC T 0 R Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester Lubrication Chart Check Brake Operation Clean Air Filter Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Replace Spark Plug Check Battery Level Check Tire Pressure Clean Battery and Termina...
Page 15 - TRACTOR; BRAKE OPERATION; OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
15 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 8) • Raise mower to highest position to allow access toblades. • Remove blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer secur-ing blade. • Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge uptowards deck as shown. IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, C...
Page 16 - ENGINE; LUBRICATION; TRANSAXLE COOLING
16 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API serviceclassification SF-SJ. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity gradeaccording to your expected operating temperature. TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE SAE VISCOSITY GRADES -20 0 30 40 ...
Page 17 - CLEAN AIR SCREEN
17 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Cleanthe foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation orevery season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours ofoperation or every season, whichever occurs first.Service air cleane...
Page 18 - MUFFLER; CLEANING
18 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (ifequipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowingseason or after every 100 hours of operation, whicheveroccurs first. Spark plug typ...
Page 19 - SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
19 38 38 42 42 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Fig. 15 SUSPENSION ARMS RETAINER SPRING ANTI-SWAY BAR HOUSING GUIDE C O L L A R LARGERETAINERSPRING CLUTCH SPRING SMALL RETAINER SPRING BRACKET RETAINER SPRINGS(BOTH SIDES) FRONT LINK ENGINE PULLEY SQUARE HOLE TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig. 15) Mower will be easier ...
Page 20 - TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING
20 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT(See Fig. 20) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools.Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL -• Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to itslowest posit...
Page 21 - TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT
21 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST BRAKE (See Fig. 21) Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake systemwhich is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance athigh speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or pavedsurface, the...
Page 23 - TO ADJUST CARBURETOR; INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS
23 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FIG. 28 TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY(See Fig. 27) • Raise hood. • Unsnap headlight wire connector. • Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt towardengine and lift off of tractor. • To replace, reverse above procedure. FIG. 27 HEADLIGHTWIRECONNECTOR H O O ...
Page 24 - STORAGE; BATTERY; FUEL SYSTEM; ENGINE OIL; OTHER
24 STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of theseason or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. CAUTION: Never store the tractor withgasoline in the tank inside a buildingwhere fumes may reach an open flameor spark. Allow the engine to coolbefore storing in an...
Page 25 - TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS
25 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 2. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Engine flooded. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean/r...
Page 27 - SCHEMATIC
27 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE IGNITION SWITCH RED RED RED BLACK IGNITION UNIT HEADLIGHTS REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS BLACK BLACK BLACK WHITE WHITE WHITE RED BLACK ORANGE BLACK BROWN BLACK BLACK BLACK STARTER M SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) GROUNDING CONNECTOR ATT'MENT CLUTCH (CLU...
Page 28 - REPAIR PARTS; ELECTRICAL
28 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 90 30 8 2 1 27 48 16 16 22 21 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B ELECTRICAL 52
Page 30 - CHASSIS
30 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B CHASSIS 3 2 35 3 26 35 3 26 33 10 34 1 208 11 17 29 28 208 13 12 51 57 53 52 54 55 24 26 25 26 25 3 31 24 30 209 8 209 6 16 9 15 209 209 5 5 58 145 37 37 18 206 205 205 38 38 212
Page 32 - DRIVE
32 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B DRIVE 29 28 112 14 41 38 39 57 51 74 75 78 76 77 25 26 19 24 2 53 35 34 37 36 35 62 36 64 65 59 56 212 55 63 116 70 77 61 22 27 26 6 113 18 51 5 18 6 52 30 32 32 30 52 11 21 4 3 13 10 8 12 12 7 250 250 1 145 96 26 79 52 66 27 51 48 151 202 49 47 50 12...
Page 34 - STEERING
34 44 51 54 5 9 5 7 7 9 4 3 32 43 6 43 8 10 40 11 8 6 9 46 46 8 6 9 2 47 47 26 30 28 1 41 42 37 36 37 38 12 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 17 29 43 91 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B STEERING
Page 38 - SEAT
38 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B SEAT KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 127426X Seat 2 140551 Bracket Seat Pivot 3 71110616 Bolt Hex 3/8 - 16 X 1 4 19131610 Washer 13/32 X 1 X10Ga. 5 145006 Clip Push-In Hinged 6 73800600 Nut Lock Hex w/Ins 3/8 - 16 7 124181X Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk ...
Page 39 - DECALS
39 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B DECALS KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 101892X Decal, Clutch/Brake Eng/Fr 2 180888 Decal, Replacement 3 180972 Decal, Engine HP 4 170563 Decal Warning 5 180521 Decal, Pnl Sd 6 157140 Decal, Fender Danger English 7 162398 Decal Ins Str Wh 9 171448 Decal...
Page 40 - MOWER LIFT
40 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B MOWER LIFT 15 20 16 17 18 20 20 15 20 4 5 6 2 3 1 6 5 4 7 8 12 11 31 32 31 32 19 19 13 13 13 13
Page 42 - MOWER DECK
42 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER WE1538B MOWER DECK 19 86 38 42 2 15 14 13 11 10 98 1 21 2 96 97 29 27 23 26 28 25 24 21 87 88 21 146 31 40 150 45 32 33 69 55 56 36 36 89 123 113 53 30 109 89 122 40 89 108 107 68 4 3 5 6 2 21 149 16 21 2 110 54 148 152 151 153 154 157 158 67 153 156 155
Page 44 - SERVICE NOTES
Page 45 - LIMITED WARRANTY
45 LIMITED WARRANTY The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects inmaterials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we willrepair or replace, at our option, withou...
Page 46 - SERVICE; P O L I C Y; WARRANTY; LIMITED WARRANTIES
46 T E C U M S E H ® Issued January 1980Revised January 1991 T E C U M S E H ® SERVICE P O L I C Y WARRANTY LIMITED WARRANTIES FOR NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS A. Products Warranted P e e r l e s s G e a r a n d M a c h i n e D i v i s i o n o f T e c u m s e h P r o d u c t s C o m p a ...
Page 47 - SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION
47 15 DEGREES MAX. FOLD ALON G DOT TED L INE THIS IS A 15 D EGREE SLOP E ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL,NOT ACROSS HILL SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mowslopes gr...
