Exmark Lawn Mower 4500 355 User Manual

VIKINGHYDRO  
For Serial Nos.  
790,000 & Higher  
Part No. 4500-355 Rev. A  
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Introduction  
CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of your  
Exmark Mower. This product has been carefully  
designed and manufactured to give you a maximum  
amount of dependability and years of trouble-free  
operation.  
This manual contains operating, maintenance,  
adjustment, and safety instructions for your Exmark  
mower.  
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER,  
CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS  
ENTIRETY.  
By following the operating, maintenance, and safety  
instructions, you will prolong the life of your mower,  
maintain its maximum efficiency, and promote safe  
operation.  
If additional information is needed, or should you  
require trained mechanic service, contact your  
authorized Exmark equipment dealer or distributor.  
All Exmark equipment dealers and distributors are  
kept informed of the latest methods of servicing  
and are equipped to provide prompt and efficient  
service in the field or at their service stations. They  
carry ample stock of service parts or can secure them  
promptly for you from the factory.  
Figure 1  
1. Model and serial number location  
Model No.  
Serial No.  
All Exmark parts are thoroughly tested and inspected  
before leaving the factory, however, attention is  
required on your part if you are to obtain the fullest  
measure of satisfaction and performance.  
Whenever you need service, genuine Exmark parts,  
or additional information, contact an Authorized  
Service Dealer or Exmark Customer Service and have  
the model and serial numbers of your product ready.  
Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial  
numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the  
space provided.  
3
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Contents  
Belt Guide Adjustment.................................. 32  
Introduction ........................................................... 3  
Torque Requirements .................................... 14  
Periodic Maintenance ....................................... 21  
Service Pre-Cleaner Element and Air  
Wheel Hub-Slotted Nut Torque  
4
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Safety  
• Never let children or untrained people operate  
Safety  
Safety Alert Symbol  
This Safety Alert Symbol (Figure 2) is used both in  
this manual and on the machine to identify important  
safety messages which must be followed to avoid  
accidents  
or service the equipment. Local regulations may  
restrict the age of the operator.  
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible  
for accidents or injuries occurring to himself or  
herself, other people or property.  
Preparation  
This symbol means: ATTENTION! BECOME  
ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!  
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories  
and attachments are needed to properly and  
safely perform the job. Only use accessories and  
attachments approved by Exmark.  
• Wear appropriate clothing including safety glasses,  
substantial footwear, long trousers, and hearing  
protection. Do Not operate when barefoot or  
when wearing open sandals. Long hair, loose  
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving  
parts.  
Figure 2  
1. Safety alert symbol  
The safety alert symbol appears above information  
which alerts you to unsafe actions or situations  
and will be followed by the word DANGER,  
WARNING, or CAUTION.  
CAUTION  
DANGER: White lettering / Red background.  
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if  
not avoided, Will result in death or serious injury.  
This machine produces sound levels in  
excess of 85 dBA at the operator’s ear and  
can cause hearing loss through extended  
periods of exposure.  
WARNING: Black lettering / Orange background.  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if  
not avoided, Could result in death or serious injury.  
Wear hearing protection when operating this  
machine.  
CAUTION: Black lettering / Yellow background.  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if  
not avoided, May result in minor or moderate injury.  
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be  
used and remove all rocks, toys, sticks, wires,  
bones, and other foreign objects which can be  
thrown by the machine and may cause personal  
injury to the operator or bystanders.  
This manual uses two other words to highlight  
information. Important calls attention to special  
mechanical information and Note emphasizes  
general information worthy of special attention.  
Safe Operating Practices  
Training  
• Read the Operator’s Manual and other training  
material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can  
not read English it is the owner’s responsibility to  
explain this material to them.  
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the  
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.  
• All operators and mechanics should be trained.  
The owner is responsible for training the users.  
5
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Safety  
DANGER  
DANGER  
In certain conditions gasoline is extremely  
flammable and vapors are explosive.  
In certain conditions during fueling, static  
electricity can be released causing a spark  
which can ignite gasoline vapors. A fire or  
explosion from gasoline can burn you and  
others and cause property damage.  
A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn  
you, others, and cause property damage.  
• Fill the fuel tank outdoors in an open  
area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up  
any gasoline that spills.  
• Always place gasoline containers on the  
ground away from your vehicle before  
filling.  
• Never refill the fuel tank or drain the  
machine indoors or inside an enclosed  
trailer.  
• Do Not fill gasoline containers inside a  
vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed because  
interior carpets or plastic truck bed liners  
may insulate the container and slow the  
loss of any static charge.  
• Do Not fill the fuel tank completely  
full. Add gasoline to the fuel tank until  
the level is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6–13 mm)  
below the bottom of the filler neck. This  
empty space in the tank allows gasoline  
to expand.  
• When practical, remove gas-powered  
equipment from the truck or trailer and  
refuel the equipment with its wheels on  
the ground.  
• Never smoke when handling gasoline,  
and stay away from an open flame or  
where gasoline fumes may be ignited by  
spark.  
• If this is not possible, then refuel such  
equipment on a truck or trailer from a  
portable container, rather than from a  
gasoline dispenser nozzle.  
• Store gasoline in an approved container  
and keep it out of the reach of children.  
• If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be  
used, keep the nozzle in contact with the  
rim of the fuel tank or container opening  
at all times until fueling is complete.  
• Add fuel before starting the engine.  
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or  
add fuel when engine is running or when  
the engine is hot.  
WARNING  
• If fuel is spilled, Do Not attempt to start  
the engine. Move away from the area of  
the spill and avoid creating any source of  
ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.  
Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swallowed.  
Long-term exposure to vapors has caused  
cancer in laboratory animals. Failure to use  
caution may cause serious injury or illness.  
• Do Not operate without entire exhaust  
system in place and in proper working  
condition.  
• Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.  
• Keep face away from nozzle and gas  
tank/container opening.  
• Keep away from eyes and skin.  
• Never siphon by mouth.  
• Check that the operator’s presence controls,  
safety switches, and shields are attached and  
functioning properly. Do Not operate unless they  
are functioning properly.  
6
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Safety  
– After striking a foreign object or abnormal  
Operation  
vibration occurs (inspect the mower for  
damage and make repairs before restarting  
and operating the mower).  
WARNING  
Operating engine parts, especially the  
muffler, become extremely hot. Severe burns  
can occur on contact and debris, such as  
leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.  
– Before clearing blockages.  
– Whenever you leave the mower.  
• Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and  
engage parking brake:  
• Allow engine parts, especially the muffler,  
to cool before touching.  
– Before refueling.  
– Before dumping the grass catcher.  
– Before making height adjustments.  
• Remove accumulated debris from muffler  
and engine area.  
• Install and maintain in working order a  
spark arrester before using equipment  
on forest-covered, grass-covered, or  
brush-covered unimproved land.  
WARNING  
Hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories can  
become entangled in rotating parts. Contact  
with the rotating parts can cause traumatic  
amputation or severe lacerations.  
WARNING  
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,  
which is an odorless deadly poison that can  
kill you.  
• Do Not operate the machine without  
guards, shields, and safety devices in  
place and working properly.  
• Keep hands, feet, hair, jewelry, or clothing  
away from rotating parts.  
Do Not run engine indoors or in a small  
confined area where dangerous carbon  
monoxide fumes can collect.  
DO NOT operate the mower when people,  
especially children, or pets are in the area.  
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making  
turns. Look behind and to the side before  
changing directions.  
• Stop the blades, slow down, and use caution when  
crossing surfaces other than grass and when  
transporting the mower to and from the area to  
be mowed.  
• Be aware of the mower discharge path and direct  
discharge away from others.  
• Do Not operate the mower under the influence  
of alcohol or drugs.  
• Operate only in daylight or good artificial light,  
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.  
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake  
is engaged before starting engine.  
• Never raise deck with blades running.  
• Never operate the mower with damaged guards,  
shields, or covers. Always have safety shields,  
guards, switches and other devices in place and in  
proper working condition.  
• Never mow with the discharge deflector raised,  
removed or altered unless there is a grass  
collection system or mulch kit in place and  
working properly.  
• Use extreme care when loading or unloading the  
machine into a trailer or truck.  
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,  
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.  
• Do Not change the engine governor setting or  
overspeed the engine.  
Slope Operation  
• Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop,  
remove key and engage parking brake:  
Use Extreme caution when mowing and/or turning  
on slopes as loss of traction and/or tip-over could  
occur. The operator is responsible for safe operation  
on slopes.  
– Before checking, cleaning or working on the  
mower.  
7
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Safety  
spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop  
before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.  
DANGER  
Operating on wet grass or steep slopes can  
cause sliding and loss of control. Loss of  
control and/or loss of operator’s footing  
could result in a fall with an arm or leg  
getting under the mower or engine deck  
which may result in serious injury, death or  
drowning.  
• Keep engine and engine area free from  
accumulation of grass, leaves, excessive grease  
or oil, and other debris which can accumulate  
in these areas. These materials can become  
combustible and may result in a fire.  
• Let engine cool before storing and do not store  
near flame or any enclosed area where open pilot  
lights or heat appliances are present.  
• Mow across slopes, never up and down.  
• Do Not mow slopes when grass is wet.  
• Do Not mow near drop-offs or near water.  
• Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do  
Not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.  
• Park machine on level ground. Never allow  
untrained personnel to service machine.  
• Do Not mow slopes greater than 20  
degrees.  
• Use jack stands to support components when  
required.  
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution  
on slopes.  
• Carefully release pressure from components with  
stored energy.  
• Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed  
changes.  
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s)  
or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing  
them. Only replace damaged blades. Never  
straighten or weld them.  
• See inside the back cover to determine the  
approximate slope angle of the area to be mowed.  
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree  
limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can  
hide obstacles.  
• Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.  
If possible, do not make adjustments with the  
engine running.  
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips and rises that  
change the operating angle, as rough terrain could  
overturn the machine.  
• Keep all guards, shields and all safety devices in  
place and in safe working condition.  
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because  
the mower may tip backwards.  
• Check all bolts frequently to maintain proper  
tightness.  
• Be aware that operating on wet grass, across steep  
slopes or downhill may cause the mower to lose  
traction. Loss of traction to the drive wheels may  
result in sliding and a loss of braking and steering.  
• Frequently check for worn or deteriorating  
components that could create a hazard.  
• All replacement parts must be the same as  
or equivalent to the parts supplied as original  
equipment.  
• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a  
slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades  
and proceed slowly off the slope.  
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for  
wheel weights or counter weights to improve  
stability.  
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or  
attachments. These can change the stability of the  
machine and cause loss of control.  
Maintenance and Storage  
• Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking  
brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect  
8
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Safety  
WARNING  
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure  
can penetrate skin and cause injury. Fluid  
accidentally injected into the skin must be  
surgically removed within a few hours by a  
doctor familiar with this form of injury or  
gangrene may result.  
• Make sure all hydraulic fluid hoses  
and lines are in good condition and  
all hydraulic connections and fittings  
are tight before applying pressure to  
hydraulic system.  
• Keep body and hands away from pinhole  
leaks or nozzles that eject high pressure  
hydraulic fluid.  
• Use cardboard or paper, not your hands,  
to find hydraulic leaks.  
• Safely relieve all pressure in the hydraulic  
system by placing the motion control  
levers in neutral and shutting off the  
engine before performing any work on  
the hydraulic system.  
9
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Safety  
Safety and Instructional Decals  
• Keep all safety signs legible. Remove all grease,  
dirt and debris from safety signs and instructional  
labels.  
• New safety signs may be obtained from  
your authorized Exmark equipment dealer or  
distributor or from Exmark Mfg. Co. Inc.  
• Replace all worn, damaged, or missing safety  
signs.  
• Safety signs may be affixed by peeling off the  
backing to expose the adhesive surface. Apply  
only to a clean, dry surface. Smooth to remove  
any air bubbles.  
• When replacement components are installed, be  
sure that current safety signs are affixed to the  
replaced components.  
• Familiarize yourself with the following safety signs  
and instruction labels. They are critical to the safe  
operation of your Exmark commercial mower.  
• If an attachment or accessory has been installed,  
make sure current safety signs are visible.  
1-303508  
1-403005  
1-303517  
1-403143  
1-413214  
1-323427  
36 inch Deck Units Only  
98-5954  
10  
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Safety  
103-1798  
103-2196  
103-2076  
103-2242  
103-2103  
11  
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Safety  
116-0404  
103-2243  
103-4935  
103-5626  
48 inch Deck Units Only  
12  
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Specifications  
Specifications  
Model Numbers  
Serial Nos: 790,000 and Higher  
VH15KA362; VH15KA483; VH17KA362CA; VH17KA483CA  
Systems  
Transmission  
• Two Hydro Gear variable displacement piston  
pumps independently coupled to two high  
efficiency Parker wheel drive motors.  
Engine  
• Engine Specifications: See your Engine Owner’s  
Manual  
• Hydraulic Oil: Use Exmark Premium Hydro Oil.  
• Hydraulic Oil Capacity: 2.4 qt. (2.2 L)  
• RPM: Full Speed: 3600 RPM (No Load)  
• Hydraulic Filter is replaceable cartridge type.  
Fuel System  
P/N 109–4180: 25 microns, 10 psi bypass  
(Summer use above 32°F (0°C))  
• Capacity: 5.0 gal. (18.9 L)  
• Type of Fuel: Regular unleaded gasoline, 87  
octane or higher.  
P/N 1–523541: 40 microns, 18 psi bypass (Winter  
use below 32°F (0°C))  
• Fuel Filter: Replaceable In-line  
• Speeds:  
• Fuel Shut-Off Valve: 1/4 turn increments  
– 0-6.2 mph (10.0 km/hr) forward.  
– 0-2.2 mph (3.5 km/hr) reverse.  
Safety Interlock System  
Operator must have the speed control lever in neutral Wheel Drive System  
and PTO disengaged to start engine. Release of  
Drive wheels are direct coupled to Parker/Ross wheel  
drive motors with 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) tapered shaft.  
Operator Presence Control (OPC) levers will cause  
engine to stop if speed control lever is not in neutral  
and/or PTO is engaged.  
Tires & Wheels  
Steering/Brake Controls  
Drive  
Front Caster  
Pneumatic  
(Air-Filled)  
Semi-  
Pneumatic  
Fingertip drive control levers provide independent  
speed control, braking and neutral to each drive  
wheel for moving forward or reverse, stopping and  
power turning.  
Quantity  
Tread  
2
2
Turf Master  
16 x 6.50–8  
4
Smooth  
9 x 3.50-4  
Size  
Ply Rating  
Pressure  
14 psi  
(97 kPa)  
13  
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Specifications  
Cutting Deck  
• Cutting Width:  
Tread Width: (Outside to Outside of  
Tires, Widthwise)  
– 36 inch Deck: 35.38 inches (89.9 cm)  
– 48 inch Deck: 47.25 inches (120.0 cm)  
• Discharge: Side  
36 inch Deck  
48 inch Deck  
35.6 inches  
(90.4 cm)  
40.4 inches  
(102.6 cm)  
• Blade Size:  
Curb Weight:  
– 36 inch Deck: 18.00 inches (45.7 cm)—  
Quantity: 2  
36 inch Deck  
48 inch Deck  
– 48 inch Deck: 16.25 inches (41.3 cm)—  
Quantity: 3  
498 lb (226 kg)  
551 lb (250 kg)  
• Deck Drive: Manual engagement of belt with  
over-center lock. Blade belt tension is adjustable  
via turnbuckle.  
Torque Requirements  
Bolt Location  
Torque  
• Blade Brake: When the PTO engagement control  
is moved to the disengaged position a friction  
brake pad stops the rotation of the blades.  
75-80 ft-lb (102-109 N-m)  
Blade/Cutter Housing  
Spindle Bolt  
Caster Bracket Mounts  
30-35 ft-lb (41-48 N-m)  
30-35 ft-lb (41-48 N-m)  
• Deck Mounting: Bolted directly to engine deck.  
• Deck Depth:  
Mower Deck/Engine  
Deck Mount  
– 36 inch Deck: 5.0 inches (12.7 cm)  
– 48 inch Deck: 5.0 inches (12.7 cm)  
• Cutting Height Adjustment:  
Engine Mounting Bolts  
Wheel Lug Nuts  
15-20 ft-lb (20-27 N-m)  
90-95 ft-lb (122-129 N-m)  
Wheel Hub Slotted Nut  
minimum 100 ft-lbs  
(136 N-m)  
Adjusts from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 4 1/4 inches (10.8  
cm) in 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) increments by various  
adjustments of caster spacers, blade spacers, and  
axle height.  
Wheel Motor Mounting  
Bolts  
30-35 ft-lb (41-48 N-m)  
Dimensions  
Overall Width:  
36 inch Deck  
48 inch Deck  
Deflector Up  
36.4 inches  
(92.5 cm)  
48.1 inches  
(122.2 cm)  
Deflector Down 47.0 inches  
(119.4 cm)  
57.9 inches  
(147.1 cm)  
Overall Length:  
36 inch Deck  
48 inch Deck  
77.3 inches (196.3 cm)  
72.3 inches (183.6 cm)  
Overall Height:  
36 inch Deck  
48 inch Deck  
43.2 inches (109.7 cm)  
43.2 inches (109.7 cm)  
14  
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Operation  
Product Overview  
Operation  
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the  
machine from the normal operating position.  
Controls  
Operator Presence Control (OPC)  
Levers  
Located on the upper handle assembly directly above  
the handle grips.  
When these levers are depressed, the OPC system  
senses that the operator is in the normal operator’s  
position. When the levers are released, the OPC  
system senses that the operator has moved from the  
normal operating position and will kill the engine if  
either the speed control lever is not in the neutral  
position or the PTO is engaged (see Figure 4).  
Figure 3  
1. ECS Handles  
2. Controls  
3. Fuel Cap  
4. Blade Spacers  
Figure 4  
1. OPC Lever  
3. Neutral Lock Latch  
2. Rotate neutral lock latch 4. Drive Lever in neutral  
downward for neutral  
lock position  
position  
Drive Levers  
Located on each side of the upper handle assembly  
ahead of and below the handle grips.  
These levers individually control the speed and  
direction of each drive wheel. When the speed control  
lever is moved out of the neutral position and the  
neutral lock latches are moved into the drive position,  
15  
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Operation  
as shown in Figure 4, and the drive levers are released,  
the drive wheels are engaged in the forward direction.  
speed and moving it to the rear will decrease engine  
speed. Moving the throttle forward into the detent  
is full position.  
Squeezing the left hand and/or right hand lever  
causes the left hand and/or right hand drive wheel  
respectively to slow down, stop, or reverse, depending  
on how far each drive lever is “squeezed”. Squeezing  
the drive levers beyond the neutral position causes  
the drive wheels to engage in the reverse direction  
regardless of the position of the neutral lock latches  
and the speed control lever.  
Speed Control Lever  
Located in middle of control console.  
The speed control lever controls the maximum  
forward speed and is infinitely variable from neutral  
0–6.2 mph (10.0 km/hr).  
Park brake must be disengaged to move speed control  
out of neutral or engine will kill.  
Neutral Lock Latch  
Located at the end of the handles.  
“Off-Run” Switch  
The purpose of these latches is to allow the operator  
to lock the drive levers in a "neutral" position where  
neither of the drive wheels are engaged in either a  
forward or reverse direction (see Figure 4).  
Located on the control console.  
Turn the key to the “Run” position to allow the  
engine to be started. Turn the key to the “Off ”  
position to shut engine off.  
Park Brake Lever  
Located on the right side of the unit above the  
hydraulic tank.  
Fuel Shut-Off Valve  
Located in the fuel line midway between the tank  
and engine.  
The brake lever engages the park brake on the drive  
wheels.  
The fuel shut-off valve is used to shut off the  
flow of fuel when parking inside a building, during  
transportation to and from the job sites, and when  
the machine will not be used for a few days.  
Pull the lever up and rearward to engage the brake.  
Push the lever forward and down to disengage the  
brake.  
When parking on a steep slope, the wheels must be  
chocked or blocked in addition to the brake being  
engaged. The unit must be tied down and brake  
engaged when transporting.  
Rotate valve 1/4 turn clockwise to shut fuel off.  
Rotate valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise to turn fuel  
on.  
Park brake must be disengaged to move speed control  
out of neutral or engine will kill.  
Drive Wheel Release Valves  
Located on the top rear corner of the hydrostatic  
pumps.  
Choke Control  
Drive wheel release valves are used to release the  
hydro-static drive system to allow the machine to be  
moved by hand without the engine running.  
Located on the front left corner of the fuel tank  
support.  
Choke is used to aid in starting a cold engine. The  
choke control is pulled out to be in the “ON” position  
and pushed in to be in the “OFF” position. Do Not  
run a warm engine with choke in the “ON” position.  
With a 5/8 wrench, turn both valves one turn  
counterclockwise to release the drive system.  
Turn clockwise to reset the drive system. Do Not  
overtighten.  
Throttle Control  
Tracking Adjustment Knob  
Located on the on the control console right side.  
The throttle is used to control engine speed. Moving  
the throttle control forward will increase engine  
Located on the right-hand side of the rear of the fuel  
tank support.  
16  
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Operation  
The knob can be adjusted so that machine will  
“track” straight ahead with the drive levers released.  
Operating Instructions  
Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve  
PTO Engagement Control  
Rotate the valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise to turn  
fuel on.  
Located on left side of control console.  
To engage the blades, the knob must be pulled  
toward the operator until the turnbuckle (attached  
to the blade engagement idler) locks over-center. To  
disengage the blades, push the knob down until the  
assist arm contacts the pin on the deck.  
Starting the Engine  
Note: Operator must have PTO disengaged and  
speed control lever in neutral position when starting  
the engine.  
Lock drive levers in neutral and engage park brake  
Park brake must be disengaged before PTO is  
engaged or engine will kill.  
Note: A cold weather starting kit has been added for  
ease of starting in either cold weather or when the  
unit has not been run for a period of time.  
Cold Start Kit  
• To use cold start kit:  
Located on the right hand side of engine deck, below  
and slightly ahead of the hydro control shield.  
1. Pull split ring straight out the side of the unit,  
and hook the ring over the lower front hydro  
control shield bolt.  
The cold start kit is used to ease the starting of the  
unit in cold weather or when the unit has not been  
operated for a period of time. The cold start kit  
moves the idler pulley away from the pump belt,  
releasing the tension on the belt which allows the  
engine to turn over with less resistance (see Starting  
the Engine section in Operation).  
2. Start engine. Refer to the following guidelines  
for further starting suggestions.  
• To engage pump drive (disengage cold start kit):  
1. Pull chain straight out from the side of the  
unit until the split ring can be removed from  
the bolt.  
2. Slowly release tension on chain.  
Pre-Start  
1. Pull out the choke control. Place the throttle  
control midway between the “Slow” and “Fast”  
positions. Turn the key switch to the “Run”  
position.  
Fill fuel tank. For best results use only clean, fresh  
regular grade unleaded gasoline with an octane rating  
of 87 or higher. Regular grade leaded gasoline may  
also be used; however, combustion chamber and  
cylinder head will require more frequent service. See  
Engine Owner’s Manual.  
2. Pull recoil rope to start engine. After engine  
warms up, gradually push in the choke control.  
Do Not run warm engine with the choke in the  
“ON” position.  
Do Not add oil to gasoline.  
Note: Kawasaki engines generally need to be  
“choked” even when warm.  
Do Not overfill fuel tank. Never fill the fuel tank so  
that the fuel level rises above a level that is 1/2 inch  
below the bottom of the filler neck to allow for fuel  
expansion and prevent fuel spillage.  
PTO Engagement  
Make sure you understand the controls, their  
locations, their functions, and their safety  
requirements.  
DANGER  
The rotating blades under the mower deck  
are dangerous. Blade contact can cause  
serious injury or kill you.  
Refer to the Maintenance section and perform all the  
necessary inspection and maintenance steps.  
Do Not put hands or feet under the mower  
or mower deck when the blades are engaged.  
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Operation  
transporting, or when the unit is parked inside  
a building.  
DANGER  
An uncovered discharge opening will allow  
objects to be thrown in an operator’s or  
bystander’s direction. Also, contact with the  
blade could occur. Thrown objects or blade  
contact can cause serious injury or death.  
Driving the Machine  
Drive Lever/Neutral Lock Latch Operation  
To lock the drive levers in “neutral lock”, squeeze the  
drive levers to the “neutral” position (Do Not squeeze  
the drive levers all the way back as this will cause the  
drive wheels to go into full reverse direction). See  
Figure 5 position 1. Place thumbs on the inner lobe  
of the neutral lock latches and rotate them under  
the drive levers into the “neutral lock” position. See  
Figure 5 position 2. Release the drive levers.  
Never operate the mower with the discharge  
deflector raised, removed, or altered unless  
there is a grass collection system or mulch  
kit in place and working properly.  
The PTO switch engages the cutting blades. Be sure  
that all persons are clear of mower deck and discharge  
area before engaging the PTO.  
CAUTION  
1. Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.  
If the neutral lock latches are not completely  
engaged the drive levers could unexpectedly  
slip into the forward drive position. If the  
drive levers slip into the drive position the  
unit could lurch forward and cause injury or  
property damage.  
2. Pull the PTO engagement knob up to engage  
blades.  
3. Place the throttle in the “FAST” position to begin  
mowing.  
Note: Park brake must be disengaged before PTO is  
engaged or engine will kill.  
Be sure the drive levers are past the roller and  
securely seated at the bottom of the neutral  
lock latches.  
Disengaging the PTO  
1. Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.  
To place the drive levers in the “forward” position,  
slightly squeeze the drive levers while placing thumbs  
on the outer thumb lobe of the neutral lock latches  
(or the index finger on the front lobe) and rotate them  
from under the drive levers. Slowly and carefully  
release the drive levers. See Figure 5 position 3.  
2. Push down on the PTO engagement knob to  
disengage the blades.  
Stopping the Engine  
1. Bring the unit to a full stop.  
2. Lock drive levers in “neutral” position.  
3. Engage the parking brake.  
4. Disengage the PTO.  
To place the drive levers in the “reverse” position,  
squeeze the drive levers past the neutral position. See  
Figure 5 position 4.  
5. Move speed control lever to neutral.  
6. Place the throttle midway between the “SLOW”  
and “FAST” positions.  
7. Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 15  
seconds, then turn the ignition switch to the  
“OFF” position to stop the engine.  
8. Remove the key to prevent children or other  
unauthorized persons from starting engine.  
9. Close the fuel shut-off valve when the machine  
will not be in use for a few days, when  
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