IMPORTANT MANUAL
Do Not Throw Away
02478
OWNER'SMANUAL
MODEL:
WARNING:
Read the Owner's Manual and follow
all Warnings and Safety Instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious
injury.
PR17542STA
LAWNTRACTOR
Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation
180196 Rev. 3 3.20.02 RD/rad/RD
Printed in U.S.A.
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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
•
•
•
•
•
Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Nevercarrypassengersorchildrenevenwiththeblades
off.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
CAUTION: Inordertopreventacciden-
talstartingwhensettingup,transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs, al-
ways disconnect spark plug wire and
placewirewhereitcannotcontactspark
plug.
•
•
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
•
•
•
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
withspecificationsofthemanufacturer
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low-
est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.
•
•
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•
•
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
knowntotheStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
containleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknown
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
afterhandling.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................4, 14-17
ASSEMBLY................................................................ 6-8
OPERATION............................................................. 9-13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE....................................... 14
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .............................18-23
STORAGE ................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................25-26
REPAIR PARTS ......................................................28-43
WARRANTY ................................................................ 45
3
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CONGRATULATIONS onyourpurchaseofanewtractor. It
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE CAPACITY
2.00 GALLONS
AND TYPE:
UNLEADED REGULAR
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. Wehavecompetent,well-trainedtech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ):
OIL CAPACITY:
SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS
W/OFILTER: 3.75 PINTS
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
SPARK PLUG:
(GAP: .040")
CHAMPION RC12YC
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
1.2
1.5
2.4
3.5
4.8
5.3
1.5
•
•
Read and observe the safety rules.
Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining,caringforand
using your tractor.
•
Follow the instructions under “Customer Responsibili-
ties” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-
ered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped
with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws
(if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
REVERSE:
TIRE PRESSURE:
FRONT:
REAR:
14 PSI
10 PSI
CHARGING
BATTERY:
3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
AMP/HR:
35
280
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearestauthorizedservicecenter/department(SeeREPAIR
PARTS section of this manual).
MIN. CCA:
CASE SIZE: U1R
InthestateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw(Section
4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode). Otherstates
mayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
27-35 FT. LBS.
4
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UNASSEMBLEDHARDWARE
Steering Wheel
Seat
Steering
Extension
Shaft
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
Steering
Wheel Insert
Steering
Sleeve
(1) Knob
Slope Sheet
Keys
(1) Lock
washer
3/8
(2) Keys
(1)
Locknut
5/16-18
(1) Large Flat
Washer
Blades
Steering
Wheel
Adapter
(2) Mulcher Blades
(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4
5
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ASSEMBLY
Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleftunassembledforshippingpurposes. To
ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
INSERT
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 1/2" wrenches
(1) 9/16" wrench
Pliers
3/8 HEX BOLT
Utility knife
Tirepressuregauge
3/8 LOCK WASHER
LARGE FLAT
WASHER
Whenrightorlefthandismentionedinthismanual,itmeans
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the
steeringwheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
STEERING
WHEEL
UNPACK CARTON
STEERING
BOOT
•
•
•
Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton.
Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners
of carton, and lay panels flat.
Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
TABS
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID
ADAPTER
EXTENSION
SHAFT
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
5/16 HEX
BOLT
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT
•
Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align
mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall
5/16 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely.
5/16
LOCKNUT
•
Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
TAB
SLOTS
•
•
•
•
Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
LOWER
STEERING
SHAFT
straightforward.
Removesteeringwheeladapterfromsteeringwheeland
slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.
Positionsteeringwheelsocrossbarsarehorizontal(left
to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.
Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex
bolt and tighten securely.
FIG. 1
•
•
Snapsteeringwheelinsertintocenterofsteeringwheel.
Removeprotectivematerialsfromtractorhoodandgrill.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
•
•
Lift seat pan to raised position.
If this battery is put into service after month and year
indicated on label (label located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
(See"BATTERY"inCUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES
section of this manual for charging instructions).
6
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ASSEMBLY
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.
Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the
tractor from the skid.
SEAT PAN
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera-
tion section, page 10, for location and
function of controls)
•
Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.
•
•
•
•
Releaseparkingbrakebydepressingclutch/brakepedal.
Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
Roll tractor forward off skid.
Remove banding holding deflector shield up against
tractor.
FIG. 2
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera-
tion section, page 10, for location and func-
tion of controls)
WARNING:Beforestarting,read,understandandfollow
all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in
front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
•
Removeadjustmentknobandflatwashersecuringseat
tocardboardpackingandsetasideforassemblyofseat
to tractor.
•
•
•
•
Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard
packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.
Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is
positioned over large slotted hole in pan.
Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and
pull seat towards rear of tractor.
Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment
knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.
•
Be sure all the above assembly steps have been
completed.
•
•
Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline.
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set the parking brake.
•
•
Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.
Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.
•
•
Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
Slideseatuntilacomfortablepositionisreachedwhich
allowsyoutopressclutch/brakepedalallthewaydown.
•
•
•
•
•
Starttheengine.Afterenginehasstarted,movethrottle
control to idle position.
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
and hold. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear.
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive
tractor off skid.
Applybraketostoptractor, setparkingbrakeandplace
gearshift lever in neutral position.
•
•
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
SEAT
Turn ignition key to “OFF” position.
SEAT PAN
Continue with the instructions that follow.
SHOULDER
BOLT
FLAT WASHER
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 3
7
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ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
MULCHER PLATE WAS PREATTACHED TO YOUR
MOWER. THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED
WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED
SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON.
•
Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
YOUR MOWER CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH HIGH
PERFORMANCE BLADES, WHICH ARE THE BEST
BLADES FOR BAGGING AND DISCHARGING. TO USE
YOUR MOWER WITH THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES
THE MULCHER PLATE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE
MOWER (See Fig. 4).
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See“TOLEVELMOWERHOUSING”intheService
and Adjustments section of this manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed
correctly.
TO SET UP YOUR MOWER FOR MULCHING
•
Remove high performance blades and install mulcher
blades, (see BLADE REMOVAL in the CUSTOMER
RESPONSABILITY section of this manual).
TO INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Fig. 4)
NOTE:Ifyouinstalledthemulchingbladesyouwillneedtoinstall
themulcherplate.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
Afteryoulearnhowtooperateyourtractor,checktoseethat
the brake is properly adjusted. See “TO ADJUST BRAKE”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
•
•
Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck
opening and slide into place, as shown.
•
•
Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck.
Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
CHECKLIST
BEFOREYOUOPERATEANDENJOYYOURNEW TRAC-
TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE
BESTPERFORMANCEANDSATISFACTIONFROMTHIS
QUALITYPRODUCT.
CAUTION:Donotremovedeflectorshield
frommower.Raiseandholdshieldwhen
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to
rest on plate while in operation.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
✓
✓
✓
All assembly instructions have been completed.
No remaining loose parts in carton.
Batteryisproperlypreparedandcharged. (Minimum1
hour at 6 amps).
Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,
the tires were overinflated at the factory).
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
MULCHER
PLATE
✓
✓
✓
Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).
LATCH
HOOKS
✓
✓
Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure
and wires are properly clamped.
FIG. 4
WHILELEARNINGHOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR,PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
✓
Engine oil is at proper level.
✓
Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline.
NOTE:Themulcherbladeswilldischargeandbaggrass,but
forbestbagginganddischarginginstallthehighperformance
blades.
✓
✓
Become familiar with all controls - their location and
function. Operate them before you start the engine.
Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
•
Remove mulcher plate and mulcher blades and install
highperformanceblades,(seeBLADEREMOVALinthe
CUSTOMERRESPONSABILITYsectionofthismanual).
•
Storemulcherbladesandmulcherplateinasafeplace.
Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation
of optional grass catcher accessory.
8
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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
CLUTCH
LIGHTS ON
OVER TEMP
LIGHT
FUEL
CHOKE
MOWER HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL PARKING BRAKE
UNLOCKED
LOCK
LOCKED
P
REVERSE
NEUTRAL
HIGH
LOW
PARKING BRAKE
MOWER LIFT
15
15
15
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH ENGAGED
KEEP AREA CLEAR
SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
FREE WHEEL
(Automatic Models only)
IGNITION
DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY
9
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OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Comparetheillustrationswithyourtractortofamiliarizeyourselfwiththelocationsofvariouscontrolsandadjustments. Save
this manual for future reference.
IGNITION
SWITCH
LIGHT
SWITCH
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH LEVER
POSITION
AMMETER
LIFT LEVER
PLUNGER
CHOKE
CONTROL
ATTACHMENT
LIFT LEVER
CLUTCH/
BRAKE
PEDAL
THROTTLE
CONTROL
GEARSHIFT
LEVER
PARKING
BRAKE LEVER
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 5
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
HEIGHTADJUSTMENTKNOB: Usedtoadjustthemower
cutting height
THROTTLE CONTROL: Used for starting and controlling
enginespeed.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the
mowerblades,orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor.
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release attachment lift
lever when changing its position.
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise and lower the
mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
PARKINGBRAKELEVER:LocksClutch/BrakePedalinto
the brake position.
CHOKE CONTROL: Used for starting a cold engine.
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Used for clutching and braking
the tractor and starting the engine.
IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and stopping the
engine.
LIGHT SWITCH POSITION: Turns the headlights on and
off.
AMMETER: Indicates charging (+) or discharging (-) of
battery.
GEARSHIFT LEVER: Selects the speed and direction of
tractor.
10
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OPERATION
Theoperationofanytractorcan resultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeyedamage. Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating
your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision
safetymaskoverspectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 6)
Yourtractorisequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing
switch. Whenengineisrunning,anyattemptbytheoperator
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will
shut off the engine.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely,asdescribedabove,beforeleav-
ing the operator's position; to empty
grasscatcher,etc.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
•
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
andhold.
•
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
batterychargingrate.
Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-
mance.
•
Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
releasepressurefromclutch/brakepedal. Pedalshould
remain in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
•
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Usechokecontrolwheneveryouarestartingacoldengine.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
CHOKE
Do not use to start a warm engine.
LEVER "ENGAGED"
CONTROL
•
To engage choke control, pull knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.
POSITION
IGNITION
KEY
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 6)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever.
THROTTLE
CONTROL
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
PARKING BRAKE
"ENGAGED" POSITION
"BRAKE"
POSITION
•
Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
•
•
Move gear shift lever to desired position.
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.
GEAR SHIFT
LEVER
PARKING BRAKE
"DISENGAGED" POSITION
HEIGHT
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE TO
DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL "DRIVE"
POSITION
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 6
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 6)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction.
•
•
STOPPING (See Fig. 6)
MOWER BLADES -
•
Tostopmowerblades,moveattachmentclutchleverto
“DISENGAGED”position.
Turn knob clockwise (
) to raise cutting height.
GROUNDDRIVE-
Turn knob counterclockwise (
height.
) to lower cutting
•
To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full “BRAKE” position.
Move gear shift lever to neutral (N) position.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4". The
heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with
theenginenotrunning. Theseheightsareapproximateand
may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass
and types of grass being mowed.
•
ENGINE -
•
Move throttle control to slow position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and
allowingenginetoidlebeforestoppingmaycauseengineto
“backfire”.
•
Theaveragelawnshouldbecuttoapproximately2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
•
Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorizeduse.
•
For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.
•
Never use choke to stop engine.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE
BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6B)
Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly
offthegroundwhenmowerisatthedesiredcuttingheightin
operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in
proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain
conditions.
NOTE: Undercertainconditionswhentractorisstandingidle
with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
11
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OPERATION
•
If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to
NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level
slowerposition.
surface.
•
If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have
allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart
movement.
Torestartmovement, slowlyreleaseparkingbrakeand
clutch/brakepedal.
Make all turns slowly.
•
Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO AD-
JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation
section of this manual).
•
•
With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge
wheelsshouldbeassembledsotheyareslightlyoffthe
ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with
shoulderbolt,3/8washer,and3/8-16locknutandtighten
securely.
•
•
•
Repeatforoppositesideinstallinggaugewheelinsame
adjustmenthole.
TO TRANSPORT
•
•
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