Weed Eater Lawn Mower 177677 User Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL  
MODEL NO. WE16542D  
16.5 HP 42 Inch  
Lawn Tractor  
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297  
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886  
®
177677 12.11.00 RD  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
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SAFETY RULES  
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers  
Checkbrakeoperationfrequently. Adjustandservice  
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in  
neutral, you may lose control of the  
tractor.  
asrequired.  
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 blades  
off.  
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al-  
ways look down and behind before and while backing.  
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.  
Useslowspeed. Choosealowgearsothatyouwillnothave  
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.  
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments  
that are recommended by and comply  
withspecificationsofthemanufacturer  
ofyourtractor.Usecommonsensewhen  
towing. Operate only at the lowest pos-  
siblespeedwhenonaslope. Tooheavy  
of a load, while on a slope, is danger-  
ous. Tires can lose traction with the  
groundandcauseyoutolosecontrolof  
yourtractor.  
WARNING  
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-  
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals  
knowntotheStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand  
birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
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  
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.  
Look for this symbol to point out im-  
portant safety precautions. It means  
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR  
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.  
CAUTION: Inordertopreventacciden-  
talstartingwhensettingup,transport-  
ing, adjusting or making repairs, al-  
ways disconnect spark plug wire and  
placewirewhereitcannotcontactspark  
plug.  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................4, 14-18  
ASSEMBLY................................................................ 6-8  
OPERATION............................................................. 9-13  
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE....................................... 14  
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .............................19-23  
STORAGE ................................................................... 24  
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................25-26  
REPAIR PARTS ......................................................28-43  
WARRANTY ............................................................45-46  
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES  
Read and observe the safety rules.  
GASOLINE CAPACITY  
AND TYPE:  
2.0 GALLONS  
UNLEADED REGULAR  
Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining,caringforand  
using your tractor.  
OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ):  
SAE 30 (above 32°F)  
Follow the instructions under Customer Responsibili-  
tiesand Storagesections of this owners manual.  
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)  
OIL CAPACITY:  
3 PINTS  
CONGRATULATIONS onyourpurchaseofanewtractor. It  
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give  
you the best possible dependability and performance.  
SPARK PLUG:  
(GAP: .030")  
CHAMPION RJ19LM  
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.  
VALVE CLEARANCE:  
INTAKE:  
EXHAUST: .009" - .011"  
.005" - .007"  
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:  
1st  
1.2  
1.5  
2.3  
3.5  
4.7  
5.3  
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will  
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.  
Always observe the SAFETY RULES.  
2nd  
3rd  
4th  
5th  
6th  
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 engines 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: 1.5  
TIRE PRESSURE:  
CHARGING SYSTEM:  
BATTERY:  
FRONT:  
REAR:  
14 PSI  
10 PSI  
3 AMPS BATTERY  
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS  
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your  
nearest authorized service center/department (See RE-  
PAIR PARTS section of this manual).  
AMP/HR:  
MIN. CCA:  
CASE SIZE: U1R  
25  
190  
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:  
27-35 FT. LBS.  
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UNASSEMBLEDPARTS  
Steering Wheel  
Seat  
Steering  
Wheel  
Adapter  
Steering  
Extension  
Shaft  
(1) Washer  
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge  
Steering  
Wheel  
Insert  
(1) Lock  
Washer 1/2  
(1) Bolt  
Steering  
Boot  
(1) Lockwasher 3/8  
(1) Locknut  
5/16-18  
(1) Large Flat  
Washer  
(1) Hex Bolt  
3/8-16 x 1  
(1) Oil Drain Tube  
For Future Use  
Keys  
Slope Sheet  
(2) Keys  
(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.  
3/8 HEX BOLT  
(2) 1/2" wrenches  
(1) 9/16" wrench  
Pliers  
Tirepressuregauge  
Utility knife  
3/8 LOCK WASHER  
LARGE FLAT  
WASHER  
Whenrightorlefthandismentionedinthismanual,itmeans  
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the  
steeringwheel).  
TO REMOVETRACTOR 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  
ADAPTER  
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM  
SKID  
EXTENSION SHAFT  
5/16 HEX BOLT  
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)  
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT  
5/16 LOCKNUT  
Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align  
mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall  
5/16 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely.  
Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and  
push down to secure.  
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL  
LOWER  
STEERING  
SHAFT  
Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing  
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.  
TAB  
SLOTS  
FIG. 1  
Snapsteeringwheelinsertintocenterofsteeringwheel.  
Removeprotectivematerialsfromtractorhoodandgrill.  
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES  
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR  
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.  
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ASSEMBLY  
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR  
SEAT  
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)  
Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box  
door.  
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).  
SEAT PAN  
SHOULDER  
BOLT  
SEAT PAN  
LABEL  
BATTERY  
BOX DOOR  
FLAT WASHER  
LOCK WASHER  
TERMINAL  
TERMINAL  
ADJUSTMENT  
BOLT  
FIG. 2  
FIG. 3  
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)  
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.  
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.  
Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the  
tractor from the skid.  
Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer  
securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for  
assembly of seat to tractor.  
TOROLLTRACTOROFFSKID (SeeOperation  
section, page 10, for location and function of  
controls)  
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  
bolt, lockwasherandflatwasherloosely. Donottighten  
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.  
Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.  
Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which  
allowsyoutopressclutch/brakepedalallthewaydown.  
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.  
Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.  
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ASSEMBLY  
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera-  
tion section, page 10, for location and func-  
tion of controls)  
WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow  
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.  
CHECKLIST  
BEFOREYOUOPERATEANDENJOYYOURNEW TRAC-  
TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE  
BESTPERFORMANCEANDSATISFACTIONFROMTHIS  
QUALITYPRODUCT.  
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:  
All assembly instructions have been completed.  
No remaining loose parts in carton.  
Be sure all the above assembly steps have been  
completed.  
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).  
Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/  
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be  
properly inflated for leveling).  
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.  
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.  
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.  
WHILELEARNINGHOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR,PAY  
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT  
ITEMS:  
Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.  
Engine oil is at proper level.  
Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded  
gasoline.  
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.  
Continue with the instructions that follow.  
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.  
Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in PRODUCT  
SPECIFICATIONSsection of this manual.  
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS  
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly  
leveled. SeeTOLEVELMOWERHOUSINGintheService  
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.  
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM  
Afteryoulearnhowtooperateyourtractor,checktoseethat  
the brake is properly adjusted. See TO ADJUST BRAKE”  
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.  
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  
LIGHTS ON  
OVER TEMP  
LIGHT  
ENGINE ON  
ENGINE OFF  
OIL PRESSURE  
PARKING BRAKE  
LOCKED  
UNLOCKED  
MOWER LIFT  
FUEL  
CHOKE  
MOWER HEIGHT  
P
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH ENGAGED  
REVERSE  
NEUTRAL  
HIGH  
LOW  
PARKING BRAKE  
15  
15  
15  
KEEP AREA CLEAR  
SLOPE HAZARDS  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH DISENGAGED  
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)  
IGNITION  
FREE WHEEL  
(Automatic Models only)  
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  
LIFT LEVER  
PLUNGER  
THROTTLE/CHOKE  
CONTROL  
ATTACHMENT  
LIFT LEVER  
CLUTCH/BRAKE  
PEDAL  
MOWER DECK  
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT  
POSITIONS  
PARKING  
BRAKE  
GEARSHIFT  
LEVER  
FIG. 4  
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the  
GEARSHIFT LEVER: Selects the speed and direction of  
tractor.  
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise, lower, and  
adjustthemowerdeckorotherattachmentsmountedtoyour  
tractor.  
mowerblades,orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor.  
LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off.  
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used for starting and  
controllingenginespeed.  
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release attachment lift  
lever when changing its position.  
CLUTCH/BRAKEPEDAL: Usedfordeclutchingandbrak-  
ing the tractor and starting the engine.  
IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and stopping the  
engine.  
PARKINGBRAKE:Locksclutch/brakepedalintothebrake  
position.  
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.  
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing  
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR  
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 5)  
idlewiththeenginerunning,hotengineexhaustgasesmay  
cause browningof grass. To eliminate this possibility,  
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.  
Yourtractorisequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing  
switch. Whenengineisrunning,anyattemptbytheoperator  
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will  
shut off the engine.  
CAUTION: Alwaysstoptractorcom-  
pletely, as described above, before  
leaving the operator's position; to  
empty grass catcher, etc.  
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full BRAKEposition  
andhold.  
Place parking brake lever in ENGAGEDposition and  
releasepressurefromclutch/brakepedal. Pedalshould  
remain in BRAKEposition. Make sure parking brake  
will hold tractor secure.  
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (SEE FIG. 5)  
Always operate engine at full throttle.  
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the  
batterychargingrate.  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER  
"ENGAGED" POSITION  
THROTTLE/CHOKE  
CONTROL LEVER  
Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-  
mance.  
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD  
(See Fig. 5)  
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the  
gearshift lever.  
IGNITION KEY  
"DISENGAGED"  
POSITION  
PARKING BRAKE  
"ENGAGED"  
POSITION  
Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and  
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.  
"BRAKE"  
POSITION  
Move gearshift lever to desired position.  
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.  
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP  
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE TO DO  
SOWILLSHORTENTHEUSEFULLIFEOFYOURTRANSAXLE.  
GEARSHIFT  
LEVER  
PARKING BRAKE  
"DISENGAGED" POSITION  
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL  
"DRIVE" POSITION  
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT  
(See Fig. 5)  
The position of the attachment lift lever determines the  
cutting height.  
FIG.5  
STOPPING (See Fig. 5)  
MOWERBLADES-  
Grasp lift lever.  
Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired  
position.  
Tostopmowerblades,moveattachmentclutchleverto  
DISENGAGEDposition.  
Thecutting height rangeis approximately1-1/2to 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.  
GROUNDDRIVE-  
To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into  
full BRAKEposition.  
Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.  
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.  
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.  
ENGINE-  
Move throttle control to slow position.  
NOTE: Failuretomovethrottlecontroltoslowpositionand  
allowingenginetoidlebeforestoppingmaycauseengineto  
backfire.  
Turn ignition key to OFFposition and remove key.  
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent  
unauthorizeduse.  
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6)  
Never use choke to stop engine.  
Gaugewheels areproperlyadjustedwhentheyareslightly  
offthegroundwhenmowerisatthedesiredcuttingheightin  
operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in  
proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain  
conditions.  
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY  
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY  
TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).  
11  
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