Operating

Daily Operating Checklist

o Make sure all necessary guards and shields are safely and securely attached. Check for loose, missing, or damaged parts.

o Remove mower deck belt shields. Clean grass and debris from belt area.

o Remove grass and debris from machine and mower deck.

o Remove grass and debris from operator's platform, air intake screen, engine cooling fins, hydraulic pumps, engine compartment, and muffler area.

o Test park brake.

o Test safety systems.

o Check battery.

o Check for oil leaks.

o Check engine and hydraulic oil levels.

o Check all belts for damage or cracking.

o Check engine air filter.

o Check mower level.

o Adjust cutting height if necessary.

o Check wheel bolt torque. Tighten if necessary.

o Check tire air pressure. Check tires for damage or cracking.

o Check and adjust steering control linkages.

o Lubricate front caster spindles.

o Check for proper operation of seat latch.

Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces

· Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.

· Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

· Be careful not to spill fuel on machine. Fuel may damage surface. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.

Operator Station Controls

MX21475

A - Seat Belt

B - Park Brake Lever

C - Motion Control Levers

D - Choke

E - Ignition Key Switch

F - Hourmeter

G - Mower Deck Lift/Lower Pedal

H - PTO Knob

I - Mower Deck Transport Position Lock Lever

J - Throttle Lever

K - Seat Adjustment Lever

L - Height-of-Cut (HOC) Adjustment Pin

Miscellaneous Controls

MX21549

A - Fuel Shut-Off Valve

B - Fuel Tank Cap

MX21383

A - Free-Wheeling Pump Release Valves

Raising and Lowering Operator Seat

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The seat is heavy and can cause injury if it falls. When performing any service function under the operator seat, make sure the seat is tilted forward and rests against the hinge stops.

Raising the Seat

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX21551

2. Disengage seat latch (A) to release. Hold latch released while lifting seat frame forward until it rests against the hinge stops.

Lowering the Seat

1. Stand on the side of the machine.

2. Push operator seat back and slowly lower seat frame.

3. Ensure latch is fully engaged.

Mounting and Dismounting Machine Safely

MX21477

Do not step on the mower deck when mounting and dismounting the machine. Mount the machine from the left side using the foot plate (A). Park machine safely (see Parking Safely in the SAFETY section) before dismounting.

Keep the foot plate clean.

Adjusting Seat

1. Sit on operator seat.

MX21226

2. Push and hold the seat adjustment lever (A) toward the middle of the seat.

3. Slide forward or backward to desired position.

4. Release lever.

Using Seat Belt

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always wear seat belt when operating machine with folding Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) in upright position. Do not jump from machine if machine tips. If ROPS must be folded to operate in a low clearance area, do not use seat belt. Raise ROPS and use seat belt as soon as conditions permit.

MX21379

1. Sit in seat.

2. Pull out seat belt buckle (A) and stretch across your lap in one nonstop motion.

3. Insert seat belt buckle into latch (B) until it locks.

4. To release seat belt, press red button (C) until buckle comes out of latch.

Lowering ROPS

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always wear seat belt when operating machine with folding Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) in upright position. Do not jump from machine if machine tips. If ROPS must be folded to operate in a low clearance area, do not use seat belt. Raise ROPS and use seat belt as soon as conditions permit.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX21309, MX21381

2. Remove spring pin (A) from drilled pin (B) on left and right sides of ROPS.

3. Remove drilled pin from left and right sides of ROPS.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fingers and hands can be pinched or crushed. Be aware of potential pinch points and keep hands away.

MX21380

4. Pull ROPS rearward to lower.

5. Install drilled pins and spring pins back into holes in ROPS to secure in place.

Raising ROPS

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX21380

2. Remove spring pin (A) from drilled pin (B) on left and right sides of ROPS.

3. Remove drilled pin from left and right sides of ROPS.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fingers and hands can be pinched or crushed. Be aware of potential pinch points and keep hands away.

MX21309, MX21381

4. Push ROPS into upright position.

5. Install drilled pin (B) into holes on left and right sides of ROPS, and secure in place with spring pins (A).

6. Check the ROPS bolt torque if the ROPS is loose.

Adjusting Mower Deck Cutting Height

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous and can cut fingers and toes. Stop engine, lock the park brake, and wait for blade to stop rotating before adjusting cutting height.

Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 38 to 127 mm (1-1/2 to 5 in.). Each hole adjusts the height-of-cut (HOC) in approximately 6 mm (1/4 in.) increments.

The deck can also be raised and locked in a transport position, to provide maximum ground clearance when moving the machine from one area to another.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX18449

2. Depress the mower deck lift/lower pedal (A) until the transport position lock lever (B) engages.

3. Position the HOC adjustment pin (C) in the proper hole for the desired height-of-cut.

4. Depress the mower deck lift/lower pedal (A) and release the transport position lock lever (B).

MX18449

5. Lower the mower deck until it rests against the HOC adjustment pin (C).

Leveling Mower Deck

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

3. Raise the mower deck to the transport position.

4. Inspect mower blades for:

· Blade sharpness.

· Blade damage.

· Bent blades.

Checking Level (Side-to-Side)

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. Lower deck to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position left mower blade in the sideways (left to right) position.

NOTE: Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge (Part No. AM130907) to check the mower blade level.

3. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

MX10371

Picture Note: Discharge chute raised for photo clarity.

4. Position right mower blade (A) (discharge side) in the side-to-side position.

5. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

· The difference between both measurements should be no greater than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

6. If side-to-side level is not within the given tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Side-to-Side)

MX18453

1. Adjust the four chain U-bolts (B) (two on each side of the deck) until deck is within 3 mm (1/8 in.) of level from side to side.

Checking Level (Front-to-Rear)

1. Lower mower deck to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) in the straight forward (front-to-rear) position.

3. Measure from the right front blade tip to the ground.

4. Turn blade 180° and measure from right rear blade tip to the ground.

M40137

· The height (C) of the rear blade tip should be between 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in.) higher than the front blade tip.

5. If the front-to-rear level is not within the given tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Front-to-Rear)

NOTE: Adjust side-to-side mower level before adjusting front-to-rear level.

Adjust both sides of the mower deck equally.

MX18449

1. Loosen jam nut (D) on each deck lift assist rod.

2. While positioned in front of the machine, adjust mower level:

· Turn hex nut (E) to decrease distance (F) and lower front of mower deck.

· Turn hex nut (E) to increase distance (F) and raise front of mower deck.

3. Verify that the adjustment on right and left sides is equal.

4. Tighten jam nuts.

5. Check front-to-rear mower level.

Checking and Adjusting Cutting Height

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

Checking Overall Cutting Height

1. Lower mower deck to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) in the front-to-rear position.

3. Measure from the front of the blade tip to the ground.

4. If blade tip height is not within 73-79 mm (2-7/8-3-1/8 in.), an adjustment is needed.

Adjusting Overall Cutting Height

NOTE: Adjust all four chain U-bolts (two on each side) equally. All four chains should be tight. Tighten the U-bolt of the loose chain to correct.

MX18453

1. Adjust the chain U-Bolts (A) evenly.

Adjusting Deck Lift Spring Tension

NOTE: Deck lift spring tension is adjusted at the factory. If the effort required to raise or lower the mower deck is not satisfactory, an adjustment may be necessary.

Check Spring Tension

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Stop engine and lock park brake.

3. Raise the mower deck lift lever to the transport position.

MX18449

4. Measure spring length (A).

· The recommended factory setting is 21 cm (8-1/4 in.).

Adjust Spring Tension

NOTE: Both deck lift spring assemblies must be adjusted equally.

Do not over tension the deck lift springs. If the springs are compressed too tightly, the mower deck will float too freely.

Decrease deck lift spring tension if operating in rough terrain.

While positioned in front of the machine:

· Turn hex nut (B) clockwise to increase deck lift spring tension and reduce the effort to raise and lower the mower deck.

· Turn hex nut (B) counterclockwise to decrease deck lift spring tension and increase the effort to raise and lower the mower deck.

Adjusting Mower Deck Anti-Scalp Wheels

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating parts can catch fingers, loose clothing, or long hair. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving operator's station to adjust or service machine.

NOTE: The flattest cut can be achieved by having all anti-scalp wheels adjusted off the ground. Check anti-scalp wheel adjustments each time the mower deck cutting height is changed.

It is recommended that all anti-scalp wheels be kept off the ground to minimize scuffing.

1. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

2. Adjust mower deck to desired cutting height.

MX22425

3. Adjust anti-scalp wheel (A) to one of three positions (B).

· Remove cap screw (C) and nut (D).

· Adjust wheel up or down so it is approximately 6-13 mm (1/4-1/2 in.) above mowing surface.

4. Install wheel with attaching hardware.

5. Adjust all wheels to the same height.

Testing Safety Systems

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation. · Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area. · Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

The safety systems installed on your machine should be checked before each machine use. Be sure you have read the machine operator manual and are completely familiar with the operation of the machine before performing these safety system checks.

Use the following checkout procedures to check for normal operation of machine.

If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, do not operate machine. See your authorized dealer for service.

Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders away.

Testing PTO Switch

1. Sit on the operator seat with the motion control levers in the neutral lock position.

2. Lock the park brake.

3. Pull PTO knob up to engage.

4. Turn key switch to the start position.

Testing Park Brake Switch

1. Sit on the operator seat with the motion control levers in the neutral lock position.

2. Push PTO knob down to disengage.

3. Unlock park brake.

4. Turn key switch to the start position.

Testing Neutral Start Switch

NOTE: Repeat this test three times, with the motion control levers in the following positions:

1. Right side motion control lever inward.

2. Left side motion control lever inward.

3. Both motion control levers inward.

1. Move motion control lever(s) inward to the neutral position.

2. Lock the park brake.

3. Push PTO knob down to disengage.

4. Turn key switch to the start position.

Testing Seat Switch

1. Start the engine.

2. Unlock park brake.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before engaging attachment, make sure that area is clear of bystanders, especially children.

3. Pull PTO knob up to engage.

4. Raise slightly off the seat.

Testing the Park Brake

ztrak-m653dROPS

1. Stop machine on a 17° slope (30% grade). Stop the engine and lock the park brake.

Using the Park Brake

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended.

Locking Park Brake

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If the engine should stop while operating on an incline, the mower will free wheel. If this should occur, lock the park brake, start the engine, unlock the park brake and resume operation.

MX21221

· Raise park brake lever (A) to lock park brake.

Unlocking Park Brake:

· Lower park brake lever (A) to unlock park brake.

Using the PTO

Engage PTO:

MX21385

1. Move throttle lever (A) to the 1/2 to 3/4 fast position.

2. Pull PTO knob (B) up to engage mower deck.

3. Move throttle lever (A) forward to the fast position (C) for mowing.

Disengage PTO:

· Push PTO knob (B) down.

Using the Throttle Lever

MX21385

· Push throttle lever (A) all the way forward to the fast position (B) when mowing.

· Move throttle lever (A) to the half throttle position (C) when starting and warming the engine.

· Pull throttle lever (A) to rear to slow position (D) to idle engine. Do not run engine at slow idle any longer than necessary.

Using the Hour Meter

NOTE: The machine is equipped with an electric start. The hour meter will continue to run with the key switch left in the run position.

MX21385

· The hour meter (A) shows number of hours the machine has run.

· The service interval chart gives necessary service intervals. Use the hour meter and service interval chart to determine when machine will need service.

Using the Fuel Shut-off Valve

MX21549

Move the fuel shut-off valve (A) to the on position for normal operation. Move the valve to the off position when the machine is not in use, and during transport.

Using the Motion Control Levers

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Learn use of the motion control levers and practice at half throttle until becoming proficient and comfortable with the operation of the machine. Do not move motion control levers from forward to reverse or reverse to forward position rapidly. Sudden direction changes could cause loss of control or damage the machine.

The functions of the motion control levers are:

· Dual function neutral position.

· Steering.

· Acceleration.

· Braking.

Neutral Lock Position

MX21227

· Motion control levers (A) must be in the neutral lock position and the park brake locked to start the engine.

· Forward and reverse movement of the motion control levers is prevented when levers are moved to the neutral lock position.

· Operator can exit mower with the engine running when the PTO switch is disengaged, the motion control levers are in the neutral lock position and the park brake is locked.

· Motion control levers must be in the neutral lock position to safely enter and exit the operator seat.

Neutral Position

MX21226

· Machine speed, motion, and direction can be controlled when the engine is running, motion control levers are in the neutral position, and the park brake is unlocked.

Forward and Reverse Motion:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward: · Carefully check the area around the machine. · Disengage the mower before backing up.

1. Move throttle lever to the fast position.

2. Unlock park brake.

3. Move both motion control levers from the neutral lock position inward to the neutral position.

4. Push the control levers forward to begin forward motion.

· The farther forward the control levers are moved, the faster the machine will travel.

· Forward speed range: 0-13.6 km/h (0-8.5 mph).

5. Pull both control levers rearward at the same time to begin reverse motion.

· Reverse speed range: 0-6.4 km/h (0-4 mph).

6. To stop motion, move both motion control levers forward or rearward until the machine comes to a stop.

NOTE: The motion control linkages are adjustable. If adjustment is required see Checking and Adjusting Motion Control Linkages in the SERVICE TRANSMISSION section.

Forward:

MX13114

· Push both motion control levers forward at the same time.

Reverse:

MX13115

· Pull both control levers past center rearward at the same time.

Gentle Left Turn:

MX13116

· Push right control lever further forward than the left control lever.

Gentle Right Turn:

MX13117

· Push left control lever further forward than the right control lever.

Sharp Left Turn:

MX13118

· Push right control lever forward and pull left control lever rearward at the same time.

Sharp Right Turn:

MX13119

· Push left control lever forward and pull right control lever rearward at the same time.

Starting the Engine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move the vehicle to an outside area before running the engine. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation. · Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area. · Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

1. Move fuel shutoff valve to ON position.

2. Sit on the operator seat.

3. Lock the park brake.

MX21227

4. Move both motion control levers (A) to the neutral lock position.

MX21385

5. Push the PTO knob (B) down to disengage the PTO.

6. Move throttle lever (C) to set engine speed:

7. Position choke knob (D):

MIF

8. Turn key switch to the start position (E).

· If the engine does not START, wait 10 seconds.

· Turn key to START position again for no more than 5 seconds.

· Repeat the procedure if necessary.

9. Release key to the run position (F) when the engine starts.

10. With engine started:

· Push choke knob to the OFF position.

· Move throttle lever to the fast idle position.

· Unlock park brake.

Engaging Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clear mowing area of all bystanders when operating this machine. Thrown objects could cause serious injury or death. Keep hands and feet away from blades and discharge opening. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

1. Adjust mower deck to desired cutting height.

2. Start engine.

MX21385

3. Move throttle lever (A) to the 1/2-3/4 throttle position.

4. Unlock park brake.

5. Move both motion control levers to the neutral position.

NOTE: In cold weather or with a new machine, it may be necessary to engage the choke at the same time as the PTO knob to prevent the engine from stalling.

6. Pull PTO knob (B) up to engage mower deck.

7. Move throttle lever to the fast position (C).

NOTE: The travel speed and turn rate will vary with the amount that the control levers are moved.

8. Push motion control levers forward slowly. Mow at a safe travel speed.

Stopping the Engine

MX21227

1. Move the motion control levers (A) to the neutral lock position.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Move throttle lever to the 1/4 fast position and run for 30 seconds, then move throttle to slow position.

MIF

4. Turn key switch to STOP position (B).

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended.

5. Remove key.

Using the Free-Wheeling Pump Release Valves

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! With the free-wheeling valve open, the machine will have unrestricted motion. · The machine may free-wheel out of control if the free-wheeling valve is opened with the machine on an incline. · Park the machine on a level surface before opening the free-wheeling valve.

NOTE: The free-wheeling pump release valves must be fully turned clockwise (closed) during normal vehicle operation.

When the machine needs to be moved without starting the engine, use the free-wheeling pump release valves:

1. Lock the park brake.

MX18483

Picture Note: Left side of pump shown.

2. Loosen jam nuts (A) and turn free-wheeling valves (B) on both sides of pump one full turn counterclockwise (open position).

3. Unlock park brake.

4. Push machine to desired location. Due to hydraulic system drag, machine will move slowly.

5. Turn both free-wheeling valves (B) one full turn clockwise (closed position). Tighten the valve to 6 N·m (61 lb-in.).

6. Tighten jam nut to 19.6 N·m (173 lb-in.).

7. Lock park brake.

Transporting Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.

Use a heavy-duty trailer to transport your machine. Trailer must have signs and lights required by law.

1. Raise the mower deck lift lever to the transport position.

2. Drive machine onto a trailer.

3. Stop engine and lock park brake.

4. Remove key.

5. Fasten machine to trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Both front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from machine.

Mowing Tips

· Mow grass with throttle lever in the full fast position.

· Cut grass when it is dry.

· Keep mower deck and discharge chute clean.

· Mow with sharp blades.

· Properly level mower deck for a smooth cut.

· Mow grass high and often.

· Use a travel speed that fits the conditions:

· Mow tall or wet grass twice. Cut grass at half desired height - then cut at desired height.

· Travel slow when mowing tall, thick or wet grass.

· Avoid damaging grass by slipping or skidding machine drive wheels. Practice smooth control lever movements.

· When performing sharp turns, do not allow inside machine drive wheel to stop and twist on grass.

Mowing Travel Speeds

Use slow travel speeds for:

· Slopes.

· Trimming.

· Close quarters.

· Tall grass.

Use faster travel speeds for:

· Normal mowing on level ground.

Dismounting to Inspect Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent serious injury. Keep hands and feet away from blades and the discharge opening. Do not step on either side of the mower deck when mounting and dismounting the machine. Mount and dismount the machine using the front foot plate.

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Push knob down to disengage PTO.

3. Move motion control levers to the neutral lock position.

4. Lock park brake.

5. Stop engine and remove key. Wait for mower blades to stop turning before leaving operator's seat.