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™
OWNER’S MANUALSafety, Assembly, Operating, and Maintenance
Instructions
and ILLUSTRATED PARTS MANUALModel MB (18 HP)
Please Read and Save These Instructions Effective Date:
09-01-06For Safety, Read All Safety and Operation P/N
4000-3Instructions Prior to Operating Machine
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Foreword
Thank you. . .for purchasing a Walker mower. Every effort has
been made to provide you with themost reliable mower on the market,
and we are sure you will be among our many satisfied custom-ers. If
for any reason this product does not perform to your expectations,
please contact us at (970)221-5614. Every customer is important to
us. Your satisfaction is our goal.
Please. . .read this manual thoroughly! This manual is to be
used in conjunction with the enginemanufacturer's manual for the
specific engine on the mower model you have purchased. Before
youoperate your new mower, please read this entire manual. Some of
the information is crucial for prop-er operation and maintenance of
this mower - it will help protect your investment and ensure that
themower performs to your satisfaction. Some of the information is
important to your safety, and mustbe read and understood to help
prevent possible injury to the operator or others. If anything in
thismanual is confusing or hard to understand, please call our
service department, at (970) 221-5614,for clarification before
operating or servicing this mower.
This manual covers Model MB with the Briggs & Stratton
Vanguard 18 HP gasoline engine.
All shields and guards must be in place for the proper and safe
operation of this machine.Where they are shown removed in this
manual, it is for illustration purposes only. Do not operatethis
machine unless all shields and guards are in place.
Specifications given are based on the latest information
available at the time this manual wasproduced.
Walker Mfg. Co. is continually striving to improve the design
and performance of its products. Wereserve the right to make
changes in specifications and design without thereby incurring any
obli-gation relative to previously manufactured products.
Sincerely, WALKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Bob Walker, President
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Table of Contents
Owner’s Manual
General Information ________________ 3
HIGHLIGHTED INFORMATION _____________ 3GLOSSARY
____________________________ 3IDENTIFYING NUMBER LOCATIONS________
3ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION ______ 4SERVICING OF ENGINE
ANDDRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS ______________ 4
Specifications _______________________ 5
Component Identification___________ 8
Safety Instructions _________________ 11
BEFORE OPERATING ___________________
11OPERATING___________________________ 12MAINTENANCE
________________________ 13SAFETY, CONTROL, ANDINSTRUCTION DECALS
_________________ 15
Assembly Instructions _____________ 17
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS _________________ 17Battery
Service_______________________ 17Mower Deck Assembly
________________ 17
Deck Caster Wheels Installation ________ 17Deck Discharge Shield
Installation ______ 17PTO Shaft Guard Installation __________
18Tilt-Up Roller Wheel Installation ________ 18
Mower Deck Installation on Tractor ______ 18Deck Installation
____________________ 18Deck Leveling ______________________ 20
PREOPERATING CHECKLIST ____________ 21
Operating Instructions_____________ 24
CONTROL IDENTIFICATION,LOCATION, AND FUNCTION _____________
24
Ignition Switch _______________________ 24Engine Choke
________________________ 25Engine Throttle_______________________
25Forward Speed Control (FSC)___________ 25Steering Levers
______________________ 25Blade Clutch (PTO) ___________________
25Parking Brake________________________ 26Transaxle Lockout Rods
_______________ 26Hourmeter___________________________ 26
STARTING THE ENGINE _________________ 28ADJUSTING GROUNDSPEED
AND STEERING _________________ 28
ENGAGING THE MOWER________________ 30STOPPING THE MACHINE
_______________ 31ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT ___________ 31TRANSAXLE
LOCKOUTS________________ 32RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING ______
32RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TILT-UP DECKOPERATION/TRANSPORT
_______________ 33
Maintenance Instructions___________34
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART_______ 34IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF
THEBRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE___________ 35
Fuel System _________________________ 35Starting
_____________________________ 35Cooling System
______________________ 35Air Cleaner __________________________
35Oil _________________________________ 35
LUBRICATION _________________________ 36Engine
Oil___________________________ 36
Engine Break-In Oil ___________________36Checking Engine
Crankcase Oil Level ____36Changing Engine Crankcase Oil/Oil Filter
_36
Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication__ 37Mower Deck Gearbox
Lubrication _______ 40Transaxle Lubrication _________________
40Transaxle Oil and Filter Change_________ 40
CLEANING ____________________________ 41Engine Air Cooling
System ____________ 41Air Cleaner System ___________________
42Grass Buildup in Mower Housing _______ 42Transaxle Cooling Fins
________________ 43
CHECKING/SERVICING _________________ 43Security of Air Cleaner
System _________ 44Battery _____________________________ 44
Cleaning the Terminals ________________44Charging the Battery
__________________44
Tire Pressure ________________________ 44Wheel Nuts Torque
___________________ 44Sharpen Mower Blades ________________ 44Drive
Belts __________________________ 45Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals
_________ 45Spark Plugs _________________________ 46Breaker Points
_______________________ 46Fuel Lines and Clamps ________________
46Blade Brake Action ___________________ 46
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Table of Contents
2
REPLACING/REPAIRING ________________ 46Drive Belts
__________________________ 46
Engine/PTO Belt ____________________ 47Ground Drive Belt
___________________ 48
Fuel Filter ___________________________ 49Blade Overload Shear
Bolts ____________ 49PTO Shear Pin _______________________ 49Mower
Blades________________________ 50
ADJUSTMENTS ________________________ 51Transmission Control
_________________ 51
Steering Lever Position Adjustment _____ 51Steering Handles
Adjustment __________ 51Neutral Position Adjustment ___________
52Full Forward Speed Adjustment ________ 53Straight Tracking
Adjustment __________ 53Neutral Switch Adjustment ____________
54Forward Speed Control Friction Adjustment 54
Tilt-Up Deck Adjustable Stop ___________ 54PTO Belt Tension
_____________________ 55PTO Clutch __________________________
55Clutch Rod __________________________ 55
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM __________________ 55
Illustrated Parts ManualTRACTOR DECALS _____________________
56BODY / CHASSIS ASSEMBLY ____________ 58MAIN COMPONENTPOWER
TRANSMISSION ________________ 60ENGINE GROUP
_______________________ 62HYDROSTATIC GROUNDDRIVE ASSEMBLIES
____________________ 64STEERING CONTROL ASSEMBLIES_______
66ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY________________ 68LIGHT KIT / SPREAD TAIL
WHEEL AXLE KIT 70WIRING SCHEMATIC____________________ 72
Warranty ___________________________ 73
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General Information
3
HIGHLIGHTED INFORMATION
Walker Manufacturing recommends that any ser-vice requiring
special training or tools be performedby an authorized Walker Mower
Dealer. There areseveral general practices to be aware of in the
areaof safety. Most accidents associated with the oper-ation or
maintenance of a Walker Mower arecaused by disregarding basic
safety precautions orspecific warnings. Such accidents, in most
cases,can be prevented by being aware of the dangerspresent.
Information of special importance has been high-lighted in bold
type in this manual. Refer to SafetyInstructions for the meanings
of DANGER, WARN-ING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT, and NOTE.
GLOSSARY
There are many terms that are either unique to thisequipment or
that are used as acronyms. The fol-lowing terms and their
definitions will help whileusing this manual:
• DECK is the mowing attachment mounted onthe front of the
tractor which includes the carrierframe, deck housing, blade drive
gearboxes,and cutter blades.
• FORWARD SPEED CONTROL (FSC) controlsthe maximum forward speed
of the tractor;functioning as a cruise control.
• GROUND DRIVE refers to the dual transaxleswhich drive the main
wheels.
• TRANSAXLE transmits and controls powerfrom the ground drive
belt to the main drivewheel.
• LEFT HAND (LH) refers to the left-hand side ofthe tractor when
the operator is seated facingforward in the tractor seat.
• POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) transmits enginepower to run the cutter
blades.
• RIGHT HAND (RH) refers to the right-hand sideof the tractor
when the operator is seated facingforward in the tractor seat.
• SIDE DISCHARGE (SD) mows but does notcollect the mowed
material.
• STEERING LEVERS steer the tractor by con-trolling the two
transaxles.
• TRACTOR is the prime mover, including the en-gine, drive
train, operator seat, and controls tooperate the mower.
• TRANSAXLE LOCKOUT RODS release thetransaxles to permit
freewheeling the tractor.
IDENTIFYING NUMBER LOCATIONS
The tractor serial number plate is affixed to the trac-tor body
just below the left rear corner of the seat.The mower deck serial
number plate is affixedalongside the angle iron framing on the LH
side ofthe LH mower blade drive. Model and serial num-bers are
helpful when obtaining replacement partsand maintenance assistance.
For ready reference,please record these numbers in the space
provided.
Fill In By Purchaser
Tractor Model No. _______________________
Tractor Serial No. _______________________
Deck Serial No. _______________________
Engine Model No. _______________________
Engine Serial No. _______________________
Date of Purchase _______________________
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General Information
4
Tractor Serial Number Location
Mower Deck Serial Number Location
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
The Briggs & Stratton engine model, type, and codenumbers
are located on the left hand of the engineshroud. For the mower
model covered by this man-ual, contact a Briggs & Stratton
servicing dealer.
Engine Serial Number Location
SERVICING OF ENGINE AND DRIVETRAINCOMPONENTS
The detailed servicing and repair of the engine, tran-saxle and
gearboxes are not covered in this manual.Only routine maintenance
and general serviceinstructions are provided. For the service of
thesecomponents during the limited warranty period, it isimportant
to find a local, authorized servicing agentof the component
manufacturer. Any unauthorizedwork done on these components during
the war-ranty period may void the warranty. If you have
anydifficulty finding an authorized outlet or obtaining war-ranty
service, please contact our Service Departmentfor assistance:
Walker Manufacturing Company5925 E. Harmony RoadFort Collins, CO
80528
1-970-221-5614
Service manuals are available for each of thesecomponents from
their respective manufacturers asfollows:
Briggs & Stratton Briggs & StrattonEngine
800-233-3723
(24-hour hotline in USA &
Canada)www.briggsandstratton.com
Transaxle Hydro-Gear1411 South Hamilton St.Sullivan, IL
61951
Gearboxes (Deck) Tecumseh Power Co.1555 S. Jackson St.Salem, IN
47167812-883-3575
Serial Number
Serial Number
Serial Number
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Specifications
5
MODEL MBENGINE
Manufacturer/Model Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, 2 Cyl. OHV
(Air-Cooled)
Displacement 34.7 cu. in. (570 cc)
HP (@ 3600 RPM) 18.0
Max. RPM (No Load) 3600 ± 100
Governed RPM 3600 ± 100
Max. Torque [ft-lb (N⋅m) @ RPM] 29.5 (40.5) @ 2400Idle RPM
1750
Spark Plug Type Champion RC14YC
Spark Plug Gap .030 in. (.75 mm)
Crankcase Capacity 1.5 qts (1.4 liters)
Crankcase Lubricant SF/SG/SH/SJ or Higher Grade Oil Only with
30W ViscosityAbove 40° F (4° C)
Oil Filter 492932
Fuel Tank Capacity 3 Gallons (11.35 liters)
Fuel Automotive Grade Unleaded Gasoline (85 Octane)
Cooling System Air Cooled
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery 12 Volt, 220 CCA (Interstate PC12/80)
Charging System Flywheel Alternator
Charging Output 16 Amp DC (Regulated)
System Polarity Negative Ground
Ignition Magnetron® Electronic
Starter 12 Volt Electric Key and Solenoid Operated
Interlock Switch Ignition Lockout by Seat Switch, Transmission
Neutral and Blade Clutch
Circuit Breaker Manual Reset (15A)
TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer/Model Dual, Independent Hydro-Gear Integrated
Transaxles
Steering Hand Lever Control / Individual Wheel
Forward Speed Control Precision Friction Lock Lever, Cruise
Control, with Neutral-Park Position
Service Brake Mechanical Lockout for each Transmission (Single
Lever Control)
Parking Brake Mechanical Cog Lock on Transmission Gear
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Specifications
6
MODEL MBTRANSMISSION (continued)
Neutral Transmission Release by Manual Dump Valve
Final Drive Direct Drive Axle from Transaxle
Transmission Fluid
Factory Service 20W50 Multi-Viscosity Motor Oil (Minimum SL
Grade Oil)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 79 fl oz (2336 ml)
Transmission Cooling Cooling Fan Mounted on Drive Pulley
Ground Travel Speed
Forward m.p.h. (km/h)Reverse m.p.h. (km/h)
0-8 (0-13) Infinitely Variable 0-8 (0-13) Infinitely
Variable
BLADE DRIVE
PTO Shaft Sliding Spline Shaft with Two (2) High-Speed
U-Joints
Blade Spindle Each Blade (2) Mounts Direct on Peerless Right
AngleGearbox with Tee Gearbox in Center Connected to PTO
Shaft(Complete Geared Drive, Peerless Model 1000 Gearboxes)
Blade Drive Clutch and Brake Mechanical Clutch with Internal
Brake [Stops Blades within Five (5) Seconds of Disengagement]
Max. Blade Speed [22 in. (56 cm) Blade] @ 3600 RPM Engine
2900 RPM [16700 FPM (5090 m/min)]
TIRE SIZE
Deck Caster Wheel 2.80/2.50-4 Pneumatic (4-Ply)
Deck Caster Wheel (Optional) 8 x 3.00-4 Foamed Rubber
Drive 18 x 8.50-10 (4-Ply Low-Profile)
Rear 13 x 6.50-6 (4-Ply)
TIRE PRESSURE
Deck Caster Wheel 20 PSI (137 kPa)
Drive 15 PSI (103 kPa)
Rear 20 PSI (137 kPa)
DIMENSIONS (Tractor and Mower)
Length
82 in. (208 cm)
Width
36 in. (91 cm) SD Model(with Deflector)
41-3/4 in. (106 cm)
42 in. (107 cm) SD Model(with Deflector)
47-3/4 in. (121 cm)
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Specifications
7
MODEL MB
DIMENSIONS (continued)
48 in. (122 cm) SD Model(with Deflector)
53-3/4 in. (137 cm)
56 in. (142 cm) SD Model(with Deflector)
61-3/4 in. (157 cm)
Height 39 in. (99 cm)
Wheel Base (Tractor) 38-1/2 in. (98 cm)
Tread Width (Tractor) 29-3/4 in. (76 cm)
MOWER DECK
Width of Cut 36-, 42-, 48-, or 56-in. (91, 107, 122 or 142
cm)
Cutting Height 1 to 4 in. (3 to 10 cm)
Height Adjustment 7 Positions - 1/2 in. (1 cm) Increment Hitch
Pins Installed inMulti-Position Deck Support
Blade Size
36 in. (91 cm) SD Model 20 in. (51 cm) Two (2)
Clockwise-Rotating Blades with a 4 in.(10 cm) Center Overlap
42 in. (107 cm) SD Model 22 in. (56 cm) Two (2)
Clockwise-Rotating Blades with a 2 in.(5 cm) Center Overlap
48 in. (122 cm) SD Model 25 in. (64 cm) Two (2)
Clockwise-Rotating Blades with a 2 in.(5 cm) Center Overlap
56 in. (142 cm) SD Model 20 in. (51 cm) Three (3)
Clockwise-Rotating Blades with a 2 in.(5 cm) Center Overlap
Deck Suspension Torsion-Flex Frame with Caster Wheels
andCounterweight Springs
CURB WEIGHT (Approximate)
Tractor Only 551 lb (250 kg)
SD Tractor and 36 in. SD Deck 696 lb (316 kg)
SD Tractor and 42 in. SD Deck 731 lb (332 kg)
SD Tractor and 48 in. SD Deck 756 lb (343 kg)
DRIVE BELTS
Engine PTO Walker P/N 4230
Ground Drive Walker P/N 4248
SEAT Contour-Molded, with Nylon Backed Vinyl Cover and Integral
Foam Cushion
FRAME/BODY CONSTRUCTION
Frame/Body 3/16 Plate Steel
Deck 11 Gauge Steel
NOTE: The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes in
specifications shown herein at any time without notice or
obligation.
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Component Identification
8
Front View and Right Side View
NOTE: Control Identificationshown in OperatingInstructions
section.
Deck Discharge Shield
Deck Lift Handle(Cutting Height Adjustment)
DeckCaster Wheels
Tilt-Up Latch
Deck Support Arm
Deck SupportPin and Height
AdjustmentHitch Pins
Tilt-UpHook
Footrests
Tilt-UpDeck Handle
Counterweight Spring andProtective Cover
Deck Support Arm
Footrests
Forward SpeedControl (FSC)
Friction Adjustment
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Component Identification
9
Rear View and Left Side View
Oil Dipstick
Left HandDrive Wheel
Cylinder Head Cooling Fins
Oil Fill
Muffler
Tailwheel Forkand Wheel
FuelFilter
Fuel PickupLine
Tailpipe
Fuel Tankand Cap
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Component Identification
10
Top View (Body Raised)
Fuel Tank
Parking Brake
Positive (+) Battery Cable
Oil Dipstick
RH Transmission Control Arm
LH Transmission Control Arm
Oil Fill
LH Tail Weight
Fuel Pump
RH Tail Weight
Fuel Filter
Negative (-)Battery Cable
Air Cleaner Cover
Air CleanerCover Latch
Parking Brake Linkage
LH TransaxleExpansionReservoir
Steering LeversDampening Springs
RH TransaxleExpansionReservoir
RH Transaxle
RH TransaxleLockout Rod
LH Transaxle
LH TransaxleLockout Rod
Rubber Bumpers (Body Support)
Fuel Tank Cap
Fuel Pickup Line
Muffler HeatShield
Flexible PTO Spider Coupling
PTO Clutch Lever
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Safety Instructions
11
Pay particular attention to any information labeledDANGER,
WARNING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT,and NOTE in this manual.
When you see the Safety Alert Symbol ( ),read, understand, and
follow the instructions. Fail-ure to comply with safety
instructions may result inpersonal injury.
The seriousness or degree of importance of eachtype of
information is defined as follows:
IMPORTANT: Identifies mechanical informationdemanding special
attention, since it deals with thepossibility of damaging a part or
parts of themachine.
NOTE: Identifies information worthy of specialattention.
Walker Manufacturing cannot predict every poten-tially dangerous
situation. Therefore, items labeledas such in this manual do not
cover all conceivablesituations. Any person using procedures,
tools, orcontrol techniques not recommended by WalkerManufacturing
must take full responsibility for safety.
The Walker Rider Lawnmower has been designedwith many safety
features to protect the operatorfrom personal harm or injury.
However, it is necessaryfor the operator to use safe operating
procedures atall times. Failure to follow safety
instructionscontained in this manual may result in personalinjury
or damage to equipment or property.
If you have any questions concerning setup, opera-tion,
maintenance, or safety, please contact yourauthorized Walker Mower
Dealer or call WalkerManufacturing Company at (970) 221-5614.
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Read and understand the contents of thisOwner's Manual before
starting and operat-ing the machine. Become thoroughly familiarwith
all machine controls and how to stop themachine and disengage the
controls quickly.Replacement Owner's Manuals are available
bysending the Model and Serial Number to:
Walker Manufacturing Company5925 East Harmony Road
Fort Collins, CO 80528
2. Never allow children to operate rider mower.Do not allow
adults to operate without properinstruction.
3. Clear the area to be mowed of any foreignobjects which may be
picked up and thrown bycutter blades. Pick up all sticks, stones,
wire,and any other debris.
4. Keep everyone, especially children and pets, asafe distance
away from the area being mowed.Do not mow with bystanders in the
area.
5. Do not operate the machine barefoot or wearingsandals,
sneakers, tennis shoes, or similar light-weight footwear. Wear
substantial protectivefootwear.
DANGER
An IMMEDIATE hazard that WILL result insevere personal injury or
DEATH, if warn-ing is ignored and proper safety precau-tions are
not taken.
WARNING
A POTENTIAL hazard that COULD result insevere personal injury or
DEATH, if warn-ing is ignored and proper safety precau-tions are
not taken.
CAUTION
Possible hazards or unsafe practices thatMAY result in MODERATE
personal injuryor property damage, or machine damage, ifwarning is
ignored and proper safety pre-cautions are not taken.
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Safety Instructions
12
6. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could getcaught in
moving parts. Do not operate thismachine while wearing shorts;
always wearadequate protective clothing, including longpants.
Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes,and a helmet is advisable and
required by somelocal ordinances and insurance regulations.
7. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can causeimpairment or loss
of hearing. Operator hear-ing protection is recommended. Wear
asuitable hearing protective device, such as ear-muffs or
earplugs.
8. Keep all protective shields and safety de-vices in place. If
a protective shield, safetydevice, or decal is damaged, unusable,
or miss-ing, repair or replace it before operating themachine.
9. Be sure interlock switches are functioningcorrectly, so the
engine cannot be started un-less the Forward Speed Control lever is
in theNEUTRAL-PARK position, and the PTO clutchis in the DISENGAGED
position. Also, theengine should stop if the operator lifts off
theseat with the PTO clutch in the ENGAGEDposition.
10. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highlyflammable and
its vapors are explosive:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hotengine (allow hot
engine to cool severalminutes).
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,open flames, or
sparks away from the fueltank and fuel container.
d. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors using care.Fill to about
one inch from the top of the tank.Use a funnel or spout to prevent
spilling.
e. Replace the machine fuel cap and containercap securely and
clean up any spilled fuelbefore starting the engine.
11. Never attempt to make any adjustmentswhile the engine is
running, except where spe-cifically instructed to do so.
12. The electrical system battery contains sulfuricacid. Avoid
any contact with skin, eyes, andclothing. Keep the battery and acid
out of reachof children.
OPERATING
1. Operate the mower only in daylight or in goodartificial light
with good visibility of the area beingmowed.
2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine andoperating the
machine. Keep feet on the deckfootrests at all times when the
tractor is movingand/or mower blades are operating.
3. For a beginning operator, learn to steer(maneuver) the
tractor with a slow enginespeed before attempting any mowing
oper-ation. Be aware that, with the front mountedmower
configuration, the back of the tractorswings to the outside during
turns.
4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forwardmotion of the
tractor can always be stopped bypulling the Forward Speed Control
(FSC) intothe NEUTRAL-PARK position.
5. In case the transmission drive belt breaks duringoperation,
and if the machine is on a slope, themachine will freewheel down
the slope. Tomaintain control, immediately (1) Release thesteering
levers and simultaneously (2) Move theFSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. Whenthe machine is stopped or moving slowly,engage the
parking brake.
NOTE: This is exactly the same procedure used tonormally stop
and park the machine.
6. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC inthe NEUTRAL-PARK
position before startingthe engine (an ignition interlock switch
normallyprevents starting of the machine if these controlsare in
the OPERATING position).
7. Do not run the engine in a confined areawithout adequate
ventilation. Exhaust fumesare hazardous and can be deadly.
8. Do not carry passengers - maximum seatingcapacity is one (1)
person.
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Safety Instructions
13
9. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrainand for other
hidden hazards. When mowingtall grass, mow higher than desired to
exposeany hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area andmow to the
desired height.
10. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before backingthe machine up,
look to the rear to be sure noone is behind the machine. Watch
carefully fortraffic when crossing or working near roadways.
11. Disengage the blade drive when transportingthe machine
across drives, sidewalks, etc. Neverraise the mower deck while
blades arerotating.
12. The maximum recommended side slopeoperating angle is 20
degrees or 33% grade.When operating the machine on a slope,
reducespeed and use caution to start, stop, andmaneuver. To prevent
tipping or loss of controlof the machine, avoid sharp turns or
suddenchanges in direction.
13. Never adjust cutting height with the enginerunning. Before
adjusting cutting height orservicing, disengage the blade clutch
(PTO),stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.Wait for all
movement to stop before getting offthe seat.
NOTE: The clutch brake should normally stopdrive line rotation
within five (5) seconds of dis-engaging the PTO clutch.
14. For side discharge mower decks, do not oper-ate with the
grass deflector chute removed.Keep the deflector in the lowest
possibleposition.
15. When using the tilt-up deck, observe the fol-lowing
recommendations:
a. Do not move tractor with deck in tilt-up po-sition.
b. Never tilt body forward with deck in tilt-upposition.
16. In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck:
a. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turnthe engine off
before leaving the seat.
b. LOOK to make sure blade drive shaft move-ment has stopped
before trying to unclogthe system.
c. Disconnect the spark plug wires.
d. Never place hands under the deck use astick or similar tool
to remove clogged ma-terial.
17. If the cutting blades strike a solid object or themachine
begins to vibrate abnormally,immediately disengage the blade
clutch(PTO), stop the engine, and wait for allmoving parts to stop.
To prevent accidentalstarting, disconnect the spark plug
wires.Thoroughly inspect the mower and repair anydamage before
restarting the engine andoperating the mower. Make sure cutter
bladesare in good condition and blade nuts are torquedto 60 ft-lb
(81.3 N⋅ m).
18. Do not touch the engine or muffler while theengine is
running or immediately after stop-ping the engine. These areas may
be hotenough to cause serious burns.
19. When leaving the machine unattended, dis-engage the blade
clutch (PTO), stop theengine, and remove the key.
MAINTENANCE
1. To prevent accidental starting of the enginewhen servicing or
adjusting the machine, re-move the key from the ignition switch and
dis-connect the spark plug wires.
2. To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine free ofgrass, leaves,
excessive grease, and dirt.
3. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to ensurethe machine
is in a safe, working condition.Check the blade mounting nuts
frequently, mak-ing sure they are tight.
4. Perform only maintenance instructions de-scribed in this
manual. Unauthorized main-tenance operations or machine
modificationsmay result in unsafe operating conditions.
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Safety Instructions
14
5. If the engine must be running to perform a main-tenance
adjustment, keep hands, feet, andclothing away from moving parts.
Do not wearjewelry or loose clothing.
6. Always use the proper engine servicemanual when working on
the engine.Unauthorized maintenance operations ormodifications to
the engine may result inunsafe operating conditions.
7. Altering the equipment or engine in any mannerwhich adversely
affects its operation, perfor-mance, durability, or use will VOID
the warrantyand may cause hazardous conditions.
8. Never attempt to disconnect any safety devicesor defeat the
purpose of these safety devices.
9. Do not change the engine governor settings oroverspeed the
engine. The governor has beenfactory-set for maximum-safe engine
operatingspeed.
10. Use genuine factory replacement parts. Sub-stitute parts may
result in product malfunctionand possible injury to the operator
and/orothers.
11. Use care when charging the battery or per-forming
maintenance on the battery andelectrical system:
a. Make sure the battery charger is unpluggedbefore connecting
or disconnecting cablesto the battery.
b. Charge the battery in a well-ventilatedspace, so gases
produced while chargingcan dissipate. Make sure the battery ventsin
the caps are open.
c. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materi-als away from the
battery at all times. Toavoid sparks, use care when removing
bat-tery cables from posts.
d. Disconnect both battery cables before un-plugging any wiring
connectors or makingrepairs on the electrical system.
IMPORTANT: Keep all applicable manualsimmediately accessible to
anyone who mayoperate or service this machine.
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Safety Instructions
15
SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALSSafety, Control, and
Instruction Decals are installed on the machine;
if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should
be ordered and installed beforeputting the machine into operation.
The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Section.
RH Fender (5802-1)LH Fender (5802-2)
Each End of Mower Deck (5808)
SD Deck Discharge Shield (5848)
Deck Gearbox Cover (5807-3)
Rear Body,Above Muffler (5805)
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Safety Instructions
16
SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALSSafety, Control, and
Instruction Decals are installed on the machine;
if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should
be ordered and installed beforeputting the machine into operation.
The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Section.
Parking Brake (7809)
Center Body Behind Transaxles(9804)
Front Body Adjacent toLH Steering Lever (7818)
Blade Clutch on Front BodyAdjacent to RH Steering Lever
(4107-6)
Deck Carrier Frame (8653)
Deck Carrier Frame (5865)
Deck Carrier Frame (8647)
Hydrostat OilReservoir (4024-2)
Belt Routing (4107-5)
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Assembly Instructions
17
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Walker Mowers are shipped partially assembled toour distribution
network, and are typically assembledby the selling dealer. For any
additional assemblybesides the following, contact your Walker
dealer.
Battery Service
The battery is a completely sealed, non serviceablebattery.
IMPORTANT: Make sure battery is securelymounted in the frame. A
loose battery may causedamage to the case resulting in acid leakage
and se-vere damage to the machine. A hazard may be cre-ated by
damage to critical working parts and safetysystems.
Mower Deck Assembly
Deck Caster Wheels Installation
1. Remove the bolt, nut, axle spacer tube, andspacer washers
from each deck caster wheelfork.
NOTE: Spacer washers are used only whenthe optional
semi-pneumatic deck wheels (8.25x 2.75) are installed.
2. Fit the axle spacer tube through the wheel hub,position the
spacer washer on each side of thehub (if used), and fit the
assembly into the wheelfork.
3. Insert the 3/8-16 x 4-1/2 in. bolt through thewheel fork with
the bolt head to the outside andinstall the 3/8-16 in. Keps
nut.
4. Tighten the bolt and nut until the axle spacertube bottoms
against the inside of the wheelfork (will not turn) while the wheel
and spacerwashers (if used) spin freely without binding.
Deck Caster Wheel Installation
Deck Discharge Shield Installation(Side Discharge Models
Only)
Attach the deck side discharge shield by positioningthe shield
hinge lug in front of the deck mount andfastening with two 3/8-16 x
1-1/4 in. bolts, 3/8-16ESNA nuts, and 3/8 in. wave spring washers.
Thewave washers fit between the two hinging surfaces.Tighten the
nuts until the shield moves freely but isnot loose.
Deck Discharge Shield Installation
WARNING
DO NOT operate the machine without thegrass deflector chute
attached and in thelowest possible position.
Attach Shield
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Assembly Instructions
18
PTO Shaft Guard Installation
Position the shaft guard as shown and mount withtwo 1/4-20 x 1/2
in. bolts.
PTO Shaft Guard Installation
Tilt-Up Roller Wheel Installation
NOTE: A 2-1/2" diameter tilt-up roller wheel(P/N 9772) is
required for decks installed on theModel MB tractor.
Mount the two (2) tilt-up roller wheels on the brack-ets on the
rear skirt of the deck housing using the P/N 8490 axle bolt, 3/8
in. wave spring washer and3/8-16 in. Whiz locknut. Tighten the axle
bolt untilthe wheel rolls freely, but is not loose.
Roller Wheel Installation
Mower Deck Installation on Tractor
Deck Installation
1. Lightly grease each deck support arm (2) on thetractor. Refer
to Mower Deck Installation photofor location of deck support
arm.
2. Engage the deck carrier frame tube sockets onthe tractor
support arms (refer to PTO ShaftGuard Installation photo for socket
location).Slide the deck onto the support arms approxi-mately 3 in.
(76 mm).
3. Align and connect the splined PTO shaft andsocket halves, as
shown in PTO Shaft Connec-tion photo. The PTO shaft has a pilot end
to easealignment of shaft; fit shaft end into socket androtate
shaft until the splines line up as indicatedby arrows, then slide
together.
PTO Shaft Connection
4. Install the hitch pin through the hole on the endof each
support arm to lock the deck in place (re-fer to Deck Counterweight
Spring Installationphoto). Two (2) hitch pins are included in
theowner's packet of materials.
Mower Deck Installation
Carrier FrameTube Sockets
AttachGuard
Roller Wheels
PTOConnection
Arrows on Shaft and Tube(used to align when sliding
together)
Deck SupportArms
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Assembly Instructions
19
Deck Counterweight Spring Installation
5. Raise mower body (instead of lifting the front ofdeck) and
clip the counterweight springs to thereceptacle on front of body.
Lower the body totension the springs. (Refer to Deck Counter-weight
Spring Installation photo.)
6. With the counterweight springs connected, theweight on the
deck caster wheels should be 15to 25 Ib (6.8 to 11.3 kg). Check
this weight by lift-ing on the front of the deck carrier frame.
Ifrequired, the spring tension can be adjusted bytightening or
loosening the elastic stop nuts lo-cated underneath the lower
spring hook. Referto Deck Counterweight Spring
Installationphoto.
Hitch PinsLock Deck OnSupport Arms
Counterweight SpringsClip Onto Body
With Body Tilted Up
Spring Tension Adjustment NutLocated Under Lower
Spring Hook (not visible)
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Assembly Instructions
20
Deck Leveling
1. Position mower on a smooth, level surface. Setthe cutting
height to the highest position - 4 in.(102 mm) - for easy access
under the deck tomeasure blade height. Refer to ADJUSTINGCUTTING
HEIGHT in Operating Instructions.
NOTE: A block of wood cut 4 in. (102 mm) highis a convenient
gauge to measure blade heightabove ground during the leveling
process.
2. Check the side-to-side level. Rotate each bladesideways and
measure the distance from bladetip to ground on each side. If
measurementsvary more than 1/8 in. (3 mm), add a washershim under
the deck support pins on the low sideto level the deck.
3. Check the front-to-rear level. Rotate the bladesto point
forward. Measure the distance fromblade tip to ground on the front
and rear. Therear of the blade should be 1/8 to 1/4 in. (3 to 6mm)
higher than the front of the blade; shim therear (or front) deck
support pins equally toachieve at least 1/8 in. (3 mm)
difference.
NOTE: The mower deck and support frameare jig welded; within
normal tolerances, very lit-tle, if any, shimming should be
required to levelthe deck. Tire pressure will influence the
level-ness of the deck. Check the tire pressure as apossible cause
of the deck not being level.
WARNING
The machine must be shut off during this procedure.
4 in. (102 mm)Wood Block
Should not vary more than 1/8 in. (3 mm)
side-to-side
Should be 1/8 in. (3 mm) to 1/4 in. (6 mm) higher at the rear of
the blade
4 in. (102 mm)Wood Block
Deck Leveling
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Assembly Instructions
PREOPERATING CHECKLIST
Before operating the mower for the first time, and asa routine
before daily operations, it is important tomake sure the mower is
properly prepared and readyfor operation. The following is a list
of items to bechecked. (For a mower with frequent operation,some of
these items will not need to be checked everyday, but the operator
should be aware of the conditionof each.)
Body Rod in Engaged Position
Body Rod in Stowed Position
CHECK BODY ROD IN STOWED POSITION
Check that body rod is secured in the stowed positionbefore
lowering body. Refer to Body Rod in StowedPosition photo.
For proper fuel and lubricants refer to Specifications.
FILL FUEL TANK
Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh, automotive gradeunleaded
gasoline (85 octane rating minimum).
Body Rod
Body Rod
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Assembly Instructions
22
IMPORTANT: DO NOT permit dirt or other foreignmatter to enter
the fuel tank. Wipe dirt from aroundthe filler cap before removing.
Use a clean fuel stor-age container and funnel.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.Always use fresh,
automotive grade unleaded gas-oline. DO NOT use premium, white, or
high-testgasoline. DO NOT use additives, such as
carburetorcleaners, deicers, or moisture removing agents. DONOT use
gasoline blended with methyl alcohol.
CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL
Check the engine crankcase oil level before use andafter each 8
hours of continuous operation. Referto LUBRICATION for Checking
Engine CrankcaseOil Level in Maintenance Instructions.
CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEAN-ER SYSTEM
• Check condition, cleanliness, and security of thecomplete air
filter element (clean air filter every100 hours). For detailed
procedures, refer toCLEANING the Air Cleaner System in Mainte-nance
Instructions.
CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Check that the engine cooling air intake screen is freeof
obstruction by grass clippings or debris and cleanif required.
Also, cylinder head cooling fins should beinspected and cleaned if
any build-up of debris isnoted. Contact your Walker Dealer to
perform thisprocedure.
CHECK SECURITY OF DRIVE TIRE MOUNT-ING NUTS
The eight (8) Drive Tire mounting nuts should eachbe torqued to
75-85 ft-lbs. (101.7-115.2 N⋅m).
INSPECT TWO (2) DRIVE BELTS
Engine/PTO and Ground Drive.
CHECK HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE OILLEVEL
Refer to LUBRICATION for Transaxle Lubricationin Maintenance
Instructions.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
Deck Caster Wheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)Drive = 15 PSI (103 kPa)Rear
= 20 PSI (137 kPa)
CHECK AND CLEAN GRASS BUILDUPUNDERNEATH MOWER DECK
Refer to CLEANING in Maintenance Instructions fordeck cleaning
information.
The tilt-up deck can be secured in the raised positionby
unlocking the deck lock levers on each side of thecarrier frame and
inserting the deck hook into the tilt-up latch on the tractor body.
Before operating thetractor, make sure to re-engage the deck lock
leversafter lowering the deck to the normal operating
posi-tion.
DANGER
Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is high-ly flammable and its
vapors are explosive.Use safe refueling procedures:
• DO NOT fill fuel tank with the engine run-ning.
• If the engine is hot, allow to cool beforerefueling.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Fuel the mower outdoors.
• DO NOT smoke while refueling.
• Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.
• DO NOT overfill the fuel tank; fill up toabout 1 in. (25 mm)
below the top of tank.
DANGER
Never operate cutter blades with deck inraised position because
it is hazardous.
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Assembly Instructions
Deck Secured in Tilt-Up Position
CHECK MOWER BLADE CONDITION, SHARP-NESS, AND SECURITY OF
MOUNTING
The blade mounting nut should be tightened to 60 ft-lb (81.3
N⋅m). If blade sharpening is required, referto CHECKING/SERVICING
for Sharpen MowerBlades in Maintenance Instructions.
ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT, IF RE-QUIRED
Position the hitch pins in the four deck support pins.Refer to
the “Cutting Height Adjustment” decal on thedeck gearbox cover.
PERFORM ANY ADDITIONAL PROCEDUREScalled for on the MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULECHART in Maintenance Instructions.
CAUTION
Do not operate machine with deck tilt-uppivot joint
unlocked.
DANGER
Do not operate the mower with deck in tilt-up position. Do not
move the tractor withthe deck in the tilt-up position.
Tilt-Up Latch
23
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Operating Instructions
24
CONTROL IDENTIFICATION, LOCATION, AND FUNCTION
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is located on the right front of thebody and
is used to start and stop the engine. Theswitch has three
positions: “O” is the OFF position,RUN is the position the key
returns to after starting,and “S” is the START position. When
starting theengine, turn the key clockwise to the “S” position.
Donot hold the key in the “S” position longer than 10
seconds. If the engine does not start, return the keyto the “O”
position for at least 60 seconds beforemaking a restart attempt.
Prolonged cranking candamage the starter motor and shorten battery
life.Release the key when the engine starts, and it willreturn to
the RUN position. To stop the engine, rotatethe key
counterclockwise to the “O” position.
Ignition Switch
CAUTION
Before operating the mower, become fa-miliar with the location
and function of alloperator controls. Knowing the
location,function, and operation of these controlsis important for
safe and efficient opera-tion of the mower.
START
ONOFF
Operating Controls
Throttle
Choke(not visible)
Parking Brake
Hourmeter
BodyLatch
SteeringLevers
IgnitionSwitch
Blade Clutch(PTO)
Forward SpeedControl (FSC)
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Operating Instructions
25
Engine Choke
The choke control lever (black knob) is located onthe left side
of the seat. To start a cold engine, movethe choke control forward
to the ON position. Afterengine starts, move choke control toward
the OFFposition, keeping enough choke to allow the engineto run
smoothly as it warms up. As soon as possible,move the choke to the
OFF position. A warm enginerequires little or no choke for
starting.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFFposition during
normal engine operation; runningwith the choke in the ON position
CAN damage theengine.
Engine Throttle
The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on theleft side
of the seat and is used to control enginespeed. Moving the lever
forward toward the FASTposition increases engine speed; moving it
back-ward toward the IDLE position decreases enginespeed.
Choke and Throttle Location
Forward Speed Control (FSC)
Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:One is to set
forward travel speed, and the other isto establish the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. Whenthe FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD position,a
friction lock holds any forward speed setting from0 to 8 mph (0 to
12.9 km/h). The ground speed is pro-portional to the lever
position; the further the lever isadvanced forward, the faster the
tractor moves. It isnot necessary to hold the FSC in position since
thefriction lock maintains the selected lever position.Pulling back
on the steering levers overrides theFSC setting and slows or stops
forward travel.Releasing the steering levers allows the tractor
toresume forward travel at the speed set by the FSClever. To stop
and park the machine, the FSC leveris moved backward to the
NEUTRAL-PARKposition.
Steering Levers
Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-dent steering
lever, for both steering function andFORWARD/REVERSE motion. The
FSC lever setsthe maximum forward speed, and also sets the for-ward
position of the steering levers. The steeringlevers operate only
with a backward pulling move-ment of the lever, which causes the
drive wheel forthat lever to first slow down, stop, and then
reversewith a full backward lever stroke. The levers arereleased to
the FORWARD position for “straight-ahead” ground travel.
NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers willnot cause any
change in tractor motion - there will beno steering lever reaction
and there will be nomachine damage.
Blade Clutch (PTO)
The blade clutch lever has two positions. Pulling thelever UP
engages the PTO that drives the mowerblades. Pushing the lever DOWN
disengages thePTO and engages the blade brake.
ChokeThrottle
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Operating Instructions
26
Parking Brake
The parking brake functions by locking a detent arminto the
transaxle outer control gear teeth. Movingthe lever FORWARD engages
the parking brake;moving the lever BACKWARD releases the brake.
IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely beforeengaging the
parking brake. The parking brake usesa positive mechanical lock
similar to the PARK posi-tion on an automotive automatic
transmission. If thetractor is moving when the brake is engaged, it
willresult in sudden stoppage and possible internaldamage to the
transaxle.
NOTE: If pressure on the parking brake pin (e.g.parked on a
hill) makes it impossible to release theparking brake with the
parking brake lever, move themower gently forward or backward to
allow the brakedetent to set into the teeth.
Transaxle Lockout Rods
The transaxle lockout rods disengage the transax-les. By lifting
the rods up and locking them into placewith the shoulder on the rod
in the chassis notch, thetransaxles are released to permit
freewheeling. Byreleasing the rods and recessing them back
towardthe chassis, the transaxles are engaged for normaloperation.
The transaxle rods in the LOCKOUTposition are used to enable moving
the machinewithout the engine running (e.g., for service). Referto
TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS in this section foroperating instructions.
NOTE: The transaxle lockout rods ends should becompletely
retracted against the body, otherwiseoperation of the transaxle may
be erratic.
Hydro Lockout Rod Location
Hourmeter
The hourmeter, which is located on the right front ofthe body,
displays operating time accumulatedwhile the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
The hourmeter provides maintenance remindersafter certain hours
of operation. The hourmeterscreen will start flashing the reminder
one hour priorto the recommended interval and will continue
untilone hour after the recommended interval (twohours). The
hourmeter does not have a manualreset function.
* These intervals reflect the actual time that thereminder will
flash (one hour prior to and onehour after the recommended
interval).
** This reminder is only used one time.
*** In normal operating conditions, oil changes in100-hour
intervals are acceptable. Walker andthe engine manufacturers
recommend engineoil changes every 50 hours in extremely dirtyor
dusty conditions or for units with less than100 hours annual
use.
NOTE: The blinking hour glass on the displaymeans that the meter
is operating properly.
Hourmeter
Hydro LockoutRods
Procedure Interval* Reminder
Oil Change (Break-In)** 4-6 Hours
CHG
���
Lubricate and Check Levels
24-26 Hours ����
Oil Change 49-51 Hours***CHG
���
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Operating Instructions
27
THROTTLE
BLADE CLUTCH(PTO)
PARKINGBRAKE
LEFT WHEELSTEERING LEVER
Forward Position(No Control Change)
RIGHT WHEELSTEERING LEVER
FORWARD SPEEDCONTROL LEVER (FSC)
Full ForwardGround Speed
Position
IntermediateGround Speed
Position
Neutral-ParkPosition
IdlePosition
ON Position
OFF Position
CHOKE
FastThrottlePosition
Operating Controls (Top View from Drivers Point of View)
The Forward Speed Control also Establishes the Neutral-Park
Position of the Steering Levers
Neutral-ParkPosition
Reverse DriveWheel Motion
Position
EngagedPosition
EngagedPosition
DisengagedPosition
DisengagedPosition
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Operating Instructions
28
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Before attempting to start the engine, makesure the operator
is in the seat, the ForwardSpeed Control is in NEUTRAL-PARK
position,and the blade clutch and parking brake areDISENGAGED.
NOTE: Release parking brake to prevent extraload on the starter
if the transmission neutral isslightly out of adjustment.
2. Move the choke lever to the ON position and
move the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (toward FAST).Turn the
ignition switch to the START position tostart the engine. Release
the key to RUN posi-tion as soon as the engine starts.
NOTE: The choke may not be required if theengine is warm.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT crank the engine con-tinuously for more than
10 seconds at a time. Ifthe engine does not start, turn the key to
theOFF position and allow a 60 second cool-downperiod between
starting attempts. Failure to fol-low these guidelines can damage
the startermotor and shorten battery life.
3. After the engine starts, gradually move thechoke to the OFF
position, keeping enoughchoke on to allow the engine to run
smoothly asit warms up. As soon as possible, move thechoke to the
OFF position.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in theOFF position during
normal engine operation;running with the choke in the ON position
CANdamage the engine.
ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERING
CAUTION
Before operating the mower, read and un-derstand all Safety
Instructions and Operat-ing Instructions.
WARNING
NEVER run the engine in an enclosed orpoorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaustcontains carbon monoxide, an odorlessand deadly
gas.
CAUTION
A safety interlock switch system PRE-VENTS CRANKING the engine
with eitherthe Forward Speed Control or the bladeclutch (PTO) out
of neutral. If the enginecranks otherwise, the safety system is
notworking and should be repaired or adjust-ed before operating the
mower. DO NOTdisconnect safety switches; they are forthe operator's
protection.
CAUTION
Learn to START, STOP, and MANEUVERthe mower in a large, open
area.
If the operator has not operated a machinewith LEVER STEERING OR
DUAL TRAN-SAXLES, steering and ground operationshould be learned
and practiced until theoperator is completely comfortable han-dling
the machine BEFORE ATTEMPTINGTO MOW.
DANGER
Keep feet on footrest at all times when themachine is
moving.
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Operating Instructions
1. Move the FSC out of NEUTRAL-PARK positionto the desired
forward speed. DO NOT hold for-ward on steering levers. It is not
necessary tohold the FSC lever in position since a frictionlock
maintains the selected lever position (andforward travel
speed).
NOTE: This is exactly the same procedureused to normally stop
and park the machine.
NOTE: If the FSC lever will not stay in theselected position,
the friction lock needs to beadjusted. Contact your Walker
Dealer.
2. Steer by pulling the lever on the side of desireddirection of
turn, e.g., pull the LH lever to turnleft. To minimize the
possibility of overcontrol,use only one hand on both steering
levers.
Correct Operator Hand Position on the Controls
Beginning Recommendations are:
♦ Learn operation of the mower in an openarea away from
buildings, fences, and ob-structions. Learn operation on flat
groundBEFORE operating on slopes.
♦ Start maneuvering the mower with SLOWengine speed and SLOW
Forward SpeedControl setting until familiar with all operat-ing
characteristics.
♦ Remember it is not necessary to hold thesteering levers
forward (a unique Walkerfeature); always PULL on the levers
forsteering or for reverse motion of the mower.
♦ Learn to operate the mower with your lefthand on the steering
levers and right hand onForward Speed Control. The use of twohands
on the steering levers tends to causeovercontrol.
♦ Learn to operate the steering levers withsmooth action. Jerky
movements are hardon the transmission and lawn. For sharpturns, do
not allow the inside wheel to stopand twist on the grass. Pull the
steering le-ver controlling the inside wheel into reversefor a
smooth “rolling” turn (one wheel roll-ing forward while the other
rolls backward).
♦ Practice maneuvering the mower untilyou can make it go exactly
where you areaiming.
♦ Remember, for an emergency stop, or incase of loss of control,
machine movementcan always be stopped quickly by pullingthe Forward
Speed Control into the NEU-TRAL-PARK position.
WARNING
In case either of the transmission drivebelts break during
operation, and if themachine is on a slope, the machine
willfreewheel down the slope. To maintaincontrol, immediately (1)
Release thesteering levers and simultaneously (2)Move the FSC to
the NEUTRAL-PARKposition. When the machine is stoppedor moving
slowly, engage the parkingbrake.
Pull SteeringLevers withLeft Hand
Keep Feet on Footrestwhen Moving
Forward Speed Control(FSC)
29
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Operating Instructions
30
3. Reverse direction of the mower by pulling bothlevers
backward.
NOTE: Smooth action on the steering leverswill produce smooth
mower operation. Remem-ber to keep the engine and ground speed
slowuntil learning the control response.
4. The FSC may be adjusted forward for fasterground speed and
backward for slower groundspeed. When mowing, ground speed should
beadjusted to match the load on the cutter blades,i.e., as the
engine pulls down in heavy cutting,pull back on the FSC lever to
reduce groundspeed. Adjusting ground speed helps maintaina balance
between engine power and bladespeed for high-quality cutting
action.
5. Stop ground travel by pulling both steeringlevers backward to
the NEUTRAL-PARK posi-tion (tractor not moving) and then moving
theFSC lever to the NEUTRAL-PARK position.
NOTE: If the tractor creeps forward or back-ward with the FSC
lever in the NEUTRAL-PARKposition, the transmission control needs
to beadjusted. Contact your Walker Dealer.
ENGAGING THE MOWER
1. Set the engine throttle at about 1/3 speed. Donot attempt to
engage the blade clutch athigh engine speeds. This will drastically
short-en drive belt life. Use only moderate enginespeed when
engaging the blade clutch.
2. Pull the blade clutch lever SLOWLY up to en-gage the mower
blades.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT engage the blade clutchwhen transporting the
mower across drives, side-walks, loose materials, etc. DO NOT
engage theblade clutch with the PTO shaft disconnected(the mower
deck removed from tractor).
Blade Clutch Engaged
Blade Clutch Disengaged
CAUTION
A safety interlock switch (seat switch) willcause the engine to
stop if the bladeclutch is engaged and the operator is notin the
seat. The function of this switchshould be checked by the operator
rais-ing off the seat and engaging the bladeclutch; the engine
should stop. If theswitch is not working, it should be re-paired or
replaced before operating themower. DO NOT disconnect the
safetyswitches; they are for the operator's pro-tection.
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Operating Instructions
31
STOPPING THE MACHINE
1. Slow the engine to idle; put the throttle in theIDLE
position.
2. Pull the steering levers to the NEUTRAL-PARKposition and then
move the FSC lever backwardto the NEUTRAL-PARK position.
3. Disengage the blade clutch.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT disengage the bladeclutch with high engine
speed (above 1/2throttle) since the brake action on the blade
drivewill cause premature wear of the Engine/PTOBelt and internal
braking mechanism (orsystem).
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Engage the parking brake.
IMPORTANT: The transaxles lock to prevent themower from rolling
freely with the enginestopped. However, if the mower is parked on
aslope, it is necessary to ENGAGE the parkingBRAKE to prevent the
mower from creeping.This is due to a small amount of slippage in
thetransaxles, especially when transmission fluidis warm.
ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
Cutting height is adjusted by positioning the fourretainer hitch
pins in a series of seven verticalholes on the deck support pins.
Lift handles havebeen provided on each end of the deck to assist
inraising the deck while positioning the hitch pins. Cut-ting
heights range from 1 in. (25 mm) [top holes] to4 in. (102 mm)
[bottom holes] in 1/2 in. (13 mm)increments.
Cutting Height Adjustment
CAUTION
If the cutting blades strike a stationaryobject while mowing,
stop the mower im-mediately, disconnect the spark plugwires, lift
the deck, and inspect the deckand blades thoroughly for damage.
Makesure that the blade timing has not been dis-turbed (the blades
should be at 90 degreesto each other). Refer to
REPLACING/RE-PAIRING the Blade Overload Shear Boltsin Maintenance
Instructions if blades are outof time. Also, make sure the blade
retain-ing nuts are torqued to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N⋅m).
WARNING
A brake stops the cutter blades from free-wheeling within five
(5) seconds after dis-engaging the clutch. If the brake
systemmalfunctions and the blades do not stopwithin five (5)
seconds, the brake shouldbe repaired or replaced before
operatingthe mower. Contact your Walker Dealer.
WARNING
Remove the key from the ignition switchwhen leaving the mower
unattended. Thiswill prevent children and inexperiencedoperators
from starting the engine.
WARNING
The engine must be stopped before ad-justing cutting height.
Disengage theblade clutch (PTO), stop the engine, andremove the
ignition key. Wait for all move-ment to stop before getting off the
seat.
Lift Handle
Deck Support Pin
Hitch Pin
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Operating Instructions
32
TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TOW this mower with thetransmission lockout
engaged. Towing can produceexcessive internal pressure and damage
thetransaxle.
To move the mower with the engine NOT running(dead battery,
maintenance, etc.), the transaxles areunlocked (released).
1. Raise the body.
2. Pull up the transaxle lockout rods on both theRH and LH
transaxles and secure into place byshouldering both rods in the
chassis notch area.
3. The mower will “freewheel” with the rods in theLOCKOUT
position. The levers must be in thehighest position to completely
unlock thetransmissions.
Hydro Lockout Rod - Freewheel Position
4. After moving the mower, release the rods, plac-ing them in
the normal OPERATING position.The transmission rod ends should be
com-pletely retracted against the chassis, otherwiseoperation of
the transmission maybe erratic.
Hydro Lockout Rod - Normal Operating Position
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING
IMPORTANT: Operate the engine at full speedwhen mowing, to allow
the engine to produce fullhorsepower and to increase efficiency of
the enginecooling system.
• Keep the mower deck and discharge chute clean.
• Mow with sharp blades. A dull blade tears thegrass (resulting
in poor lawn appearance) and usesextra power (slowing the mowing
speed).
• It is preferable to cut grass when it is dry and nottoo tall.
Mow frequently and do not cut grass tooshort. (For best appearance,
cut off 1/3 or less ofexisting grass height.)
• When mowing, operate the engine at or near fullthrottle for
the best cutting action. Mowing with alower engine RPM causes the
mowing blade to notcut clean and tear the grass. The engine
isdesigned to be operated at full speed.
• When mowing in adverse conditions (tall and/orwet grass), mow
the grass twice. Raise the mowerto the highest setting - 4 in. (102
mm) - for the firstpass and then make a second pass cutting to
thedesired height.
• Use a slow setting on the FSC for trimmingoperations.
Hydro Lockout Rod
Hydro Lockout Rod
-
Operating Instructions
33
• Make sure the mower is leveled properly for asmooth cut. Refer
to Deck Leveling in AssemblyInstructions.
• Use an alternating stripe mowing pattern forbest appearance
and vary the direction of the stripeeach time the grass is mowed to
avoid wear patternsin the grass.
• Avoid damage to the grass by slipping and skid-ding of the
drive tires. Use smooth control move-ments of the steering levers
since the transaxles are“power boosted controls” and jerking the
levers caneasily slip the tires. For sharp turns, do not allow
theinside wheel to stop and twist on grass; pull insidesteering
lever into reverse for a smooth “rolling” turn(one wheel rolling
forward while the other rolls back-ward).
• When using a side discharge mower deck, theside discharge
shield must not be removed andmust be kept in the lowest possible
position todeflect grass clippings and thrown objects down-ward.
Orient the side discharge away from side-walks or streets to
minimize cleanup of clippings.When mowing close to obstacles,
orient the side dis-charge away from obstacles to reduce the chance
ofdamage to property by thrown objects.
Side Discharge Shield in Lowest Position
• When operating on a slope, reduce speed anduse caution to
start, stop, and maneuver. Avoidsharp turns or sudden changes in
direction. Themaximum recommended side slope operatingangle is 20
degrees or 33% grade.
Maximum Recommended Side Slope
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TILT-UP DECK OPERATION/TRANSPORT
To avoid potential deck and/or tractor damage whileusing the
tilt-up deck, the following recommenda-tions are offered:
• Do not move the tractor with the deck in the tilt-up position
since both the roller wheels (on the backof the deck) may be
damaged by moving the tractor.The tilt-up configuration should only
be used whenthe tractor is parked.
• The tractor body should never be tilted for-ward with the deck
in the tilt-up position. This cancause the deck to unhook from the
tractor and fallwith considerable force, potentially causing deck
ortractor damage and/or bodily injury.
• When transporting a tractor with the deck in thetilt-up
position (on a truck or trailer), the deckshould be secured to the
vehicle with a strap orrope (stop vertical movement). This will
prevent thedeck from bouncing on the rear roller wheels (caus-ing
breakage). This will also prevent the deck fromunhooking from the
tractor and falling, potentiallycausing deck or tractor damage.
Damage to otheritems parked in front of the deck may also
occur.
DischargeShield
Maximum RecommendedSide Slope - Do Not Operate
on Steep Slopes
60 in.
22 in.20°
-
Maintenance Instructions
34
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS -
MODEL MB
Service Item Daily25
Hours50
Hours100
Hours250
Hours YearlyRef.Page
Check Engine Crankcase Oil Level x 36
Check/Clean Engine Air Cooling System* x 41
Clean Grass Buildup Under Deck x 42
Service Mower Blades x 44
Check Security of Air Cleaner System x 44
Lubricate Grease Fittings and Oil Points* x 37
Check Transaxle Fluid x 40
Check Tire Pressure x 44
Check Drive Belts (Engine/PTO, Ground Drive) x 45
Check PTO and Deck Gearbox Oil Seals x 45
Inspect Air Filter Paper Element* x 42
Clean and Re-Oil Air Filter Foam Element x 42
Change Engine Crankcase Oil** x 36
Change Engine Oil Filter x 36
Check Security of Drive TireMounting Nuts (75-85 ft-lbs.) x
22
Clean Transaxle Cooling Fins x 43
Change Transaxle Oil and Filter x 40
Replace Fuel Filter x 49
∗ More often in extremely dusty or dirty conditions(see notes
about air cleaner element underIMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF BRIGGS
& STRATTON ENGINE)
∗∗ Change engine oil and filter after first 8 hours of operation
of a new engine (break-in period)
CAUTION
When performing maintenance with themower body raised, a safety
prop shouldbe installed from back of body to chassisframe
(fail-safe protection in case of fail-ure of body lift
support).
CAUTION
Maintenance procedures requiring special training ortools should
be performed by a trained technician.
-
Maintenance Instructions BRIGGS & STRATTON TIPS
35
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THEBRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE
Fuel System
• Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and or-ganic
material.
• Clean the fuel filter on a regular basis and whencontamination
is suspected or found in the fuel.
Starting
• Start engine with the throttle advanced off idle(1/4 to 1/2
throttle). This will aid starting, especiallyin cold weather.
• Keep the battery fully charged.
• Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem-perature,
allowing the engine to crank faster andstart easier.
• Allow engine to run at idle for a few seconds be-fore stopping
engine to avoid run-on or backfiring.
Cooling System
• Keep engine air intake screen and cylinder headfins free of
grass clippings, chaff, and dirt. Inspectintake screen and cooling
fins for cleanliness anddamage.
• Operate the engine at full speed when mowing.This will allow
the engine to produce full horsepowerand move more cooling air
through the engine cool-ing fins.
Air Cleaner
• Use only Briggs & Stratton air cleaner
elements.Aftermarket elements may not seal in the air
cleanerhousing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also,
af-termarket filters often skimp on the filtration mediaand require
more frequent cleaning and replace-ment.
• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” theair filter. A
dirty air filter actually cleans better thana new one. Changing and
cleaning the filter too of-ten can actually reduce filter
efficiency and increasethe opportunity for traces of dust to enter
the engine.Wait until the element really needs servicing as
indi-cated by the loss of engine power.
• When the air filter element is removed or re-placed, make sure
all dust is cleaned out of the aircleaner body. Use a damp cloth
and wipe the inte-rior of the air cleaner body clean (a little dirt
left herewill be sucked into the engine and reduce enginelife).
When the filter is reinstalled, make sure the el-ement is held
tight and straight in the air cleanerbody for proper seating and
sealing.
Oil
• Single viscosity or multi-viscosity oils may beused with the
viscosity matching ambient tempera-tures for the engine operating
conditions. This willaid starting in cold weather and assure proper
lu-brication in hot weather.
• Use only Briggs & Stratton oil filters. Aftermarketfilters
may not seal properly and/or have the in-correct pressure relief
valve for proper lubrication.
-
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION
36
LUBRICATION
Proper lubrication is an important maintenance pro-cedure. It
reduces wear and makes the machinequieter and easier to
operate.
Engine Oil
Engine Break-In Oil
No special break-in oil is required. The engine is ser-viced
with 10W-30, Service Class SG oil from thefactory. The oil should
be changed after the initialengine break-in period of 5-8 hours.
Thereafter,change oil after every 50 hours of operation.
Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level
Check the engine crankcase oil level before use andafter each 8
hours of continuous operation.
IMPORTANT: The importance of checking andmaintaining the proper
crankcase oil level cannot beoveremphasized. Check the oil level
BEFOREEACH USE.
1. Park the mower on a level surface with theengine stopped.
Also, make sure the engine iscool and oil has had time to drain
into the sump[allow at least five (5) minutes after stoppingthe
engine].
IMPORTANT: NEVER check or add oil with theengine running.
2. Before removing the dipstick, clean the areaaround the
dipstick to keep any dirt or debris outof the engine.
3. Remove the dipstick, wipe off with a clean rag,then reinsert
the dipstick into the tube and pressall the way down.
4. Remove the dipstick again and check the oillevel on the
dipstick. The oil level should bewithin the “Operating Range” on
the dipstick(between the LOW mark and the FULL mark).
IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine withoutsufficient oil supply in
the crankcase. DO NOToperate with oil level below the LOW mark
orabove the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Dipstick Operating Range
5. If additional oil is needed, refer to Specificationsfor
proper crankcase lubricant. Fill to the FULLmark.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill crankcase [oilabove FULL level] as
this CAN result in engineoverheating, loss of power, and
possibleengine damage.
Changing Engine Crankcase Oil/Oil Filter
Change the engine crankcase oil after every 50hours of operation
and the oil filter after every 100hours of operation as
follows:
1. Park the mower on a level surface with theengine stopped. The
engine oil should bewarm before draining. If not warm from
opera-tion, start the engine and run a few minutes towarm the
oil.
2. Before removing the dipstick, clean the areaaround it to keep
any dirt or debris out of theengine.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lubricate the machinewith the engine running.
Disengage thePTO clutch, shut off the machine, and re-move the
ignition key.
{LOWMark
FULLMark
OperatingRange
-
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION
37
3. Remove the dipstick and oil drain plug, and drainoil into a
suitable container. Be sure to allowample time for complete
drainage.
4. Before removing the oil filter, clean the areaaround the
filter to keep dirt and debris out of theengine.
5. Remove the old oil filter and wipe off the filtermounting
surface on the engine.
Dipstick and Oil Fill(view from above left side of tractor)
Oil Drain and Oil Filter Locations(view from above right side of
tractor)
6. Apply a thin coating of new oil to the rubber gas-ket on the
replacement oil filter.
IMPORTANT: Use ONLY oil filters from theengine manufacturer.
Aftermarket oil filters maynot seal properly and/or may not have
the cor-rect pressure relief valve for proper lubrication.
7. Install the new oil filter on the engine. Turn theoil filter
clockwise until the rubber gasket con-tacts the sealing surface,
then tighten the filteran additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
8. Reinstall the drain plug.
9. Fill the crankcase with new, clean oil. Use onlycrankcase
lubricants recommended by theengine manufacturer. Refer to
Specifications inthis manual or the engine owner’s manual. Usethe
recommended oil viscosity for the expectedambient temperature. Oil
with the correct vis-cosity will aid starting in cold weather and
assureproper lubrication in hot weather. Fill to FULLmark on the
dipstick; crankcase capacity is 1.5quarts (1.4 liters) when
changing oil and filter.
IMPORTANT: Check the dipstick reading be-fore pouring in the
last 1/2 pint of oil and fill onlyto the FULL mark. The oil level
should never beover the FULL mark on the dipstick; overfillingcan
result in engine overheating and loss ofpower.
10. Start the engine and check for oil leaks aroundthe oil
filter. Stop the engine, recheck the oil lev-el, and add oil if
necessary. (When the engineis first operated with a new oil filter,
the oil levelwill drop slightly as the filter is filled with
oil.)
Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication
Lubricate the grease fittings and oil points afterevery 25 hours
of operation. Lubricate more oftenwhen operating in dusty or dirty
conditions. UseSAE general purpose lithium or molybdenum basegrease
for grease fittings and light machine oil (SAE10) to lubricate oil
points. Lubricate the locationsshown in the Chassis and Deck
LubricationPoints illustration.
NOTE: PTO universal joints (on the deck and trac-tor) require
routine lubrication after every 8 hours ofrunning time.
NOTE: The best way to lubricate the PTO tube halfof the
universal joint assembly is to remove it fromthe tractor. See
instructions for removing and install-ing PTO quick coupler, refer
to Deck Installation inMower Deck Installation on Tractor in the
Assem-bly Instructions.
Oil Fill
Dipstick
Oil Drain
Oil Filter
-
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION
38
Ident Lubrication No.No. Location Type Places
Ident Lubrication No.No. Location Type Places
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:
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������� /*��������� ������ ��%��� �� ���� ����
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-
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION
39
3
4
5
7
7
8
11
9
13
16
17
18
6
1
2
4
7
6
7
11
12
22 & 23
20 & 24
21
2019
15
1 2
10
12
14
22
Chassis and Deck Lubrication Points
-
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION
40
Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication
The mower deck gearboxes (tee gearbox and bladedrive gearboxes)
are connected as a unitizedassembly, and oil flows freely between
them. Thegearboxes are permanently lubricated (oil filled)
andsealed requiring no scheduled lubrication. However,the gearbox
oil seals should be checked every 25hours for indication of an oil
leak; particularly thelower seals on the blade drive gearboxes
should beinspected, since they operate in a dirty environment.If an
oil leak is noted, replace the oil seal and relu-bricate the
gearbox assembly as follows:
1. Remove gearbox cover (footrest). Deck orien-tation should be
the normal operating position.
Mower Deck Gearboxes(shown with gearbox cover removed for
clarity)
2. Clean the area around the individual gearboxcover plates to
prevent contaminants fromentering the gearcase.
3. Remove the screws securing the cover plateson the blade drive
gearboxes.
4. Check the level of lubricant in the gearboxes. Ifthe
lubricant is low, add SAE E.P. (ExtremePressure) 80W-90 oil until
the oil level is up to(submerges) the horizontal shaft in the
gearbox(shaft parallel to cover plate).
NOTE: In case the gearboxes are completelydrained of oil,
approximately 5 fl. oz. (15 cl) of oilper gearbox is required to
refill the gear driveassembly.
NOTE: Since the gearboxes are connected asa unit by connector
tubes, it is necessary to addoil slowly. Allow a few minutes after
adding oilfor the oil to flow throughout the assembly andthe oil
level to stabilize before reassembly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the deck gear-boxes. The gearbox
assembly is not vented,and overfilling with oil will cause
excessive pres-sure and result in oil leaks.
5. Check condition of the cover gasket and replaceif worn or
damaged. Reinstall gearbox coverplates; torque screws to 24 in-lb
(2.7 N·m).
Transaxle Lubrication
• The transaxle oil lubrication is SAE 20W-50 (APIService Class
SL or higher) engine oil.
• Inspect both transaxle cases and hoses after ev-ery 100 hours
of operation for visible leaks.
• The fluid levels for each transaxle can bechecked visually by
looking at the fluid levels in eachexpansion reservoir. When the
transaxles are cold,the fluid level in the expansion reservoirs
should bebetween 1/4" and 1/2" (.64 cm and 1.27 cm).
Expansion Reservoir Location
Transaxle Oil and Filter Change
Change the transaxle oil after the initial break-inperiod of 50
hours. Thereafter, change oil every250 hours of operation as
follows:
1. Thoroughly clean the exterior of the transmis-sion housing
before servicing. Using a 1/4” hexwrench, remove the plug on the
underside ofeach transaxle allowing the oil to drain.
2. Remove and replace the oil filters using a 3/8”hex wrench.
(Refer to Transaxle Oil FilterLocation photo.)
Blade DriveGearboxes
TeeGearbox
Reservoir Cap
Hot Level
Cold Level
-
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION/CLEANING
Transaxle Oil Filter Location
3. Reinstall drain plugs.
4. Place 6” (15 cm) block under the left hand drivewheel.
5. Fill the transaxles with 20W-50 (API ServiceClass SL or
higher) oil through the reservoir. Fillup to the opening.
6. Remove the block from the left wheel and reat-tach the
reservoir hoses to the transaxles.
7. Both reservoirs should have a maximum oil levelof 1/4” (6.35
mm) with 20W-50 (API ServiceClass SL or higher) oil.
8. Start and drive the unit for 1- 2 minutes.
9. If the transaxles sound noisy or have poor steer-ing
response, recheck oil level in bothtransaxles by removing the
elbows (check oillevel at fill opening).
10. If oil needs to be added refer back to steps 5-9.
Transaxle Drain Plugs(view from underside of tractor)
CLEANING
Engine Air Cooling System
To prevent engine overheating and possible enginedamage, clean
grass clippings, chaff and dirt fromthe rotating engine air intake
screen every 8 hours ofoperation. In certain mowing conditions (dry
grass,leaves, tree "cotton", etc.) it may be necessary tocheck and
clean this area several times each day toprevent engine
overheating. Also, visually checkinside cylinder head shroud and
between cylinderhead fins for material packed in this area
whichwould prevent cooling airflow; remove shroud andclean as
required.
IMPORTANT: Yearly or every 100 hours, removeengine cooling
shroud and clean cylinder head cool-ing fins to prevent
overheating. Make sure coolingshroud is reinstalled properly.
Keep Engine Screen Clean
Use 3/8" hex wrench to remove filter
Drain Plugs
Rotating Engine Screen
41
-
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING
42
Clean Cooling Fins and Fan
Air Cleaner System
The engine is equipped with a paper air cleaner ele-ment with an
oiled foam pre-cleaner whichsurrounds the paper element. Clean and
re-oil thefoam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; more often industy/dirty
conditions. Inspect the paper elementevery 100 hours and replace
yearly (or when dirty ordamaged). Service the foam precleaner as
follows:
• Remove air cleaner cover and remove foam pre-cleaner by
sliding it off the paper element.
• Wash foam pre-cleaner in liquid detergent andwarm water.
• Wrap foam pre-cleaner in cloth and squeeze dry(do not
wring).
• Saturate foam in clean engine oil. Squeezefoam to distribute
and remove excess oil.
• Remove the paper filter element by pulling it outof the air
cleaner body.
• Clean the filter element using low pressure com-pressed air
[less than 100 PSI (689 kPa)]. Blow outthe filter from the interior
of the element while turningthe element.
NOTE: Washing the element in water or cleaningsolution is not
recommended. Replace the elementif it does not clean up with
compressed air.
• Use a bright light inside the element to inspect fordamage.
Check the element very carefully for pinholes or other damage that
will allow dirt to leakthrough the paper media. Replace element if
nec-essary.
• Use a clean, damp cloth and wipe the interior ofthe air
cleaner body clean. Use special care to cleanboth the inside and
outside surfaces of the outlettube.
• Install foam pre-cleaner over dry element and re-assemble onto
engine. Tighten knob mounting aircleaner element securely, 1/2 to 1
turn after contact-ing cover, but do not over-tighten. Make sure
ele-ment is sealed tightly against the element cover andbase plate.
Reinstall air cleaner cover.
Air Cleaner Components
Grass Buildup in Mower Housing
CAUTION
Operating the engine with a blocked air in-take screen, dirty or
plugged cooling fins,and/or cooling shrouds removed willcause
engine damage from overheating.
Clean these areas of dirt and debris
DANGER
Before raising or removing the mowerdeck for cleaning, stop the
engine, removethe ignition key, and disconnect the sparkplug
wires.
Pre-Cleanerand Cartridge
Cover
Plate
Body
Clips
Knob
Cartridge
FoamPre-Cleaner
-
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING/CHECKING/SERVICING
1. Raise the deck lock lever handle on each side ofthe carrier
frame and pull out to release carrierframe for tilting action.
2. Using the carrier frame lift handle, raise deck tothe TILT-UP
position and insert the deck hookinto the tilt-up latch on the
tractor body.
Deck Secured in Tilt-Up Position
3. Clean grass buildup underneath the deck usinga pressure
washer (and scraper if required).
NOTE: If the buildup is severe, it may be easierto clean the
deck by removing the deck assem-bly from the tractor and standing
the deskassembly on its “nose”.
NOTE: While some degree of material buildupin the mower deck
housing can be tolerated, apoint is finally reached where cutting
qualitydeteriorates and clogging begins to occurbecause of too much
buildup on the baffling andhousing.
4. Lower the deck to the normal operating positionand re-engage
the deck lock levers.
Transaxle Cooling Fins
Keeping the cooling fins on the transaxles clean andfree of
obstruction is essential to avoid overheat-ing the transmission
fluid and shorteningtransmission life. The cooling fins should
bechecked every 100 hours; and cleaned ifnecessary.
To clean the fins, use compressed air and/or a pres-sure washer.
The cooling fins extend all the wayaround the housing -- the fins
underneath need to beclean as well as the more visible fins above.
Also,pay close attention to the area under the drive pulley.
IMPORTANT: In case an oil leak develops on theinput shaft, the
cooling fan blowing dusty air and oilon the transmission will
quickly pack the cooling finswith oily dirt. If this condition
occurs, contact yourdealer immediately to avoid overheating and
dam-aging the transaxle.
An additional procedure in maintaining transaxlecooling is to
inspect the cooling fans. Replace thefan(s) if blades are missing
or damaged.
Transaxle Cooling Fins
CHECKING/SERVICING
CAUTION
Do not operate machine with deck tilt-uppivot joint
unlocked.
DANGER
To prevent accidental starting of the en-gine when servicing or
adjusting the ma-chine, remove the key from the ignitionswitch and
disconnect the spark plugwires.
Cooling Fins
CoolingFans
Tilt-Up Latch
43
-
44
Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING
Security of Air Cleaner System
NOTE: The following inspection is only an externalinspection and
should be done without “disturb-ing” the filtration components.
On a daily basis, visually inspect the external condi-tion of
the air cleaner cover.
Check for damage. Make sure the cover is in placeand the cover
latches are secure - do not run theengine without the air cleaner
cover in place andsecure.
Battery
NOTE: For initial battery service during setup, referto Battery
Service in Assembly Instructions.
IMPORTANT: Make sure battery is securelymounted in the frame. A
loose battery may causedamage to the case resulting in acid leakage
andsevere damage to the machine. A hazard may becreated by damage
to critical working parts andsafety systems.
Cleaning the Terminals
If battery terminals are corroded, remove batteryfrom the mower.
Using a wire brush, remove corro-sion with a solution of one part
baking soda andfour parts water. Rinse with clean water. Coat
theterminals with petroleum jelly or terminal protectorspray to
retard further corrosion.
Charging the Battery
Check the battery charge by measuring the specificgravity of
electrolyte; if specific gravity is less than1.225, the battery
will need to be charged as follows:
• Charge the battery at 15 amps for 10 minutes.DO NOT exceed 20
amps maximum recommendedcharging rate. Charge until specific
gravity is atleast 1.250. Total charging time should not exceedone
(1) hour.
Tire Pressure
Inflate tires to pressures shown below:
Deck Caster Wheel