SAFETY
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Look behind before and during backing. Do not mow in
reverse unless absolutely necessary. Check discharge
direction. Do not point discharge at people, passing cars,
windows, or doors,
The most common causes of lawn mower injuries are:
1. Contact with mower blade(s) with hands or feet.
2. Tipping over.
3. Running over children.
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Slow down before turning.
Do not leave running mower unattended. Turn off blade, set
parking brake, turn off engine and remove key before
dismounting.
70 PREVENT THESE AND OTHER INJURIES, READ AND
UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN MANUAL AND ON
MOWER BEFORE STARTING MOWER. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Your Dixon mower is equipped with a weight-
sensitive switch which kills the engine when the
operator leaves the seat while blade is engaged.
TEST THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE
BEFORE EACH MOWER USE BY STARTING
ENGINE, ENGAGING BLADE AND RISING SLIGHTLY
FROM SEAT. IF ENGINE DOES NOT STOP, SEE
YOUR DEALER FOR NECESSARY REPAIR.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS-READ CAREFULLY
General Operation
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Read, understand, and observe all instructions before
starting mower.
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Turn off blade, shut off engine, and remove-key before
removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate mower while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
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Allow only responsible adults to operate mower.
Wear appropriate, safe clothing when operating mower.
Never operate mower with bare feet or open sandals.
Do not use mower when grass is wet or slippery.
Clear area of rocks, wire, toys, and other objects which can
cause injury If thrown by mower.
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Watch for traffic when operating mower near or when
crossing roadways.
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Clear area of people and pets. Stop mower If anyone enters
area.
Do not carry passengers.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor in loss of control and tip-over
CHILDREN
accidents. ALL SLOPES REQUIRE EXTRA CAUTION.
Children are attracted to lawn mowers and the mowing
activity. NEVER assume children will stay where they
were last seen. Be alert to avoid accidents.
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Mow across the slope with your Dixon ZTR, never up
or down.
Watch for holes and hidden hazards. Tall grass will
hide obstacles.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other at-
tachments which change the stability of the mower.
Use slow speed.
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. If grass
catcher is used, empty grass catcher bags when
partially full.
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Do not allow children in yard when mower is in
operation.
Be alert and turn off mower if a child enters area.
Before and during backing, look behind and DOWN for
small children.
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Do not allow children to operate mower.
Do not allow children to ride on mower.
Be extra alert for children when approaching blind
corners, shrubs and trees.
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Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Keep movements slow and gradual.
Do not start on a slope.
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If tires lose traction, disengage blade and proceed
slowly down the slope.
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Do not turn on slopes. If absolutely necessary, turn
slowly and gradually downhill.
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Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction will cause
sliding.
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Do not stabilize mower by placing your foot on the
ground.
SERVICE
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Do not make adjustments or repairs with engine
running.
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Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flammable.
Use approved gas container. Keep out of the reach of
children.
Check grass catcher components periodically for
damage or deterioration which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Replace grass
catcher components when necessary with
manufacturer’s recommended parts.
MOWER BLADES ARE SHARP. Use extra caution to
service mower blade. Wrap blades or wear gloves to
prevent injury.
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Never remove gas cap when engine is running.
Fill gas tank outdoors.
Shut off engine. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Clean up gas spills immediately. Turn off fuel shut-off
before storing or transporting mower. “If in doubt as to
how to operate the fuel shut-off valve, ask your dealer
to demonstrate this procedure.”
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Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service if
necessary.
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Allow machine to cool before storing.
Do not store mower or gasoline near open flame, such
as a gas water heater.
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Do not run mower in a closed area. Exhaust fumes are
dangerous.
Protect face, eyes, and clothes when servicing battery.
Battery acid is a poison and can cause burns. Battery
acid can explode when near sparks or flame.
Keep nuts and bolts tight.
Maintain equipment in good condition.
Do not tamper with safety devices.
Check safety devices regularly for proper operation.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, and oil build-up to
prevent fire.
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Stop and inspect mower if you strike an object. Repair
before restarting.
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Move throttle control to “Choke” position if engine is
cold, full throttle if warm.
2. Insert ignition key and turn to “Start” position.
When engine starts, release ignition key. Key will
return to “Run” position.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
1. Read engine manufacturer’s operating and
maintenance instructions.
3. Move throttle from “Choke” to desired speed position.
On initial operation, set throttle at slow speed.
NOTE - SAFETY FEATURE
2. Discuss proper maintenance with your Dealer. YOU
WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY IF YOU REMOVE
PARTS OR MAKE REPAIRS WITHOUT CONSULTING
YOUR DIXON DEALER.
3. Read and observe all safety instructions on your mower
and in the manual.
Safety switches stop engine when operator leaves
seat while mower blade is engaged. Engine cannot be
restarted when blade is engaged or when operator is
off of mower.
4. Check engine oil.
5. Check gas cap to be sure it is in place.
6. Be sure — parking brake is engaged. Mower blades are
disengaged.
DO NOT rely on safety switches. Always turn engine
off when leaving mower,
7. Know how to stop engine. (Turn key to off position,)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The Dixon ZTR has a unique transaxle that require only
two drive levers to control braking, turning, speed,
and direction.
REMEMBER — on initial operation, set throttle speed
on slow and operate with mower blade “OFF.” At first,
operator may “over-control” mower. Slight
movements (finger-tip control) are all that are
necessary for operation.
TO BRAKE — STOP
To brake (stop) mower, move both levers in opposite
TO MOVE FORWARD
direction of travel (if moving forward, pull both levers
back), release levers to neutral, set parking brake.
Release parking brake.
Push both drive levers gradually forward (away
from operator),
To stop on incline, hold light forward or rearward
(opposite of direction of travel) pressure on levers until
parking brake is set.
TO MOVE BACKWARD
ALWAYS SET PARKING BRAKE BEFORE DIS-
MOUNTING.
Pull both drive levers gradually back (toward
operator).
TO SET PARKING BRAKE
The hand operated parking brake is located at left
hand side of mower.
TO TURN
Turning is controlled by moving one drive lever slightly
forward or rearward of the other. To turn left, move
left lever rearward of right lever. To turn “square
corners,” move lever of desired direction to neutral,
move other lever slightly forward or rearward of neutral
lever. To turn on mower’s axis (Zero Radius), reduce
speed, move one lever to reverse position and other
lever to forward position.
To engage brake, pull lever up and to the rear.
To release brake, move lever forward and down.
Always set parking brake before dismounting.
Release parking brake before moving mower.
TO OPERATE MOWER BLADE
Cutting height is set by positioning the adjusting
lever to desired height selection. Pull lever to left until
pin clears notch on quadrant. Move lever to desired
notch and allow pin to engage.
To start mower blades, move engaging mechanism to
“ON” position. See Technical Data Brochure for
specifics on each model.
MAINTENANCE
BELT TENSION
The proper tension for an engaged V-belt is lowest
tension at which the belt will not slip under normal load
conditions.
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE,
SHUT OFF ENGINE, ALLOW TO COOL.
Check Technical Data Brochure for adjustment pro-
cedure. Too much tension shortens belt and bearing life.
Too little tension causes slippage and damages belt.
ENGINE
For engine operating and maintenance information,
refer to the engine operating and maintenance
instructions furnished by the engine manufacturer,
supplied with each mower.
Be sure belts and pulleys are kept free of foreign material.
TRANSAXLE DRIVE BELT
No adjustment necessary.
The spring-loaded idler pulley maintains proper
belt tension.
Check idler to assure it moves freely.
BATTERY
Check the fluid in the battery at frequent intervals.
Keep fluid level above the plates in each cell, using
distilled water.
MOWER DRIVE BELT
See Technical Data Brochure for belt adjustment
procedure on each model.
OFF-SEASON BATTERY STORAGE
Identify each cable so cables can be reconnected to
correct terminals. Disconnect cables from terminals.
ALWAYS disconnect ground cable first and reconnect
last.
REPLACE BELTS WHEN WORN OR IF PROPER
ADJUSTMENT CANNOT BE MADE.
Charge battery.
DO NOT remove battery from mower.
Clean top of battery and terminals.
DRIVE CHAIN ADJUSTMENT
WHEELS AND TIRES
Mower is equipped with manually adjusted drive chain
tension idlers, one for each chain at rear of mower.
Correct tire pressure is important for correct operation of
mower.
To adjust drive chains, tighten nut on chain ten-sioner
L-rod until spring P/N 5133 is nearly compressed as
shown.
Rear-drive tires: 8-12 Ibs. for 18x9.50-8 tires.
12-14 Ibs. for 16x6.60-8 tires & 18x6.50
Front tires
20-24 Ibs.
Check lug nuts periodically for tightness.
PROPER TENSION
NEEDS ADJUSTMENT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Inspection of the chains will show the need for adjustment
when the spring P/N 5133 is free of tension. Inspect chains
after each 10 to 12 hours of operation. Proper lubrication
is important for effective roller chain operation. Use high
quality lubricating oil or motorcycle chain lube. (Do not
use grease or heavy oil). Apply drops of oil to chain joints
after every 25-50 hours of operation. DO NOT
Keep all connections clean and tight.
BODY
Wash with mild detergent.
LUBRICATE IF OPERATED IN HEAVY DUST OR SAND.
TRANSAXLE
See your authorized Dixon Dealer for adjustment or repair.
ADJUSTMENT OR REPAIR BY OTHER THAN
AUTHORIZED DIXON DEALER VOIDS WARRANTY.
FRONT CASTER ASSEMBLY
Each caster assembly has a grease fitting on the under
side of the bearing. Grease with a multipurpose grease
once a year. All other bearings are sealed and require no
lubrication.
PARTS/SERVICE
See your Dixon Dealer for replacement parts, warranty or service.
See the Technical Data Brochure included in owner’s packet for further Information on specific models.
OWNER INFORMATION
.Mower Model Number.
Date Purchased.
Purchased From.
Mower Serial Number
Date Oil Changed:
Date Engine Tuned:
The
Amazing
Transaxle!
DIXOH INJWSTRIES, INC
A 8LOUNT COMPANY
AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL PARK
PO BOX 1369
COrf HYYILLI KS 67337 O945
316 231 2000
P/N 8501
DIXON, ZTR, and ZEETER are registered trademarks of Oixon Industries, Inc.
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