Z Master® Professional 7500-D Series Riding Mower

The information screen displays information relative to machine operation; refer to the Software Guide for more information.

The multi-functional buttons are located at the bottom of the panel. The icons displayed on the information screen above the buttons indicate the current function. The buttons allow you to select the engine speed and navigate through system menus.

Refer to the Software Guide for more information.

The LED status light is multi-colored to indicate the system status and is located on the right side of the panel. During startup, the LED illuminates red to orange to green to verify functionality.

• Solid green—indicates normal operating activity

• Blinking red—indicates an active fault

• Blinking green and orange— indicates that a clutch reset is required

Refer to the Software Guide for more information.

If an error occurs, an error message displays, the LED turns red, and the alarm sounds audibly as follows:

• A fast chirp sound indicates critical errors.

• A slow chirping sound indicates less critical errors, such as required maintenance or service intervals.

  Note: During startup, the alarm sounds briefly to verify functionality.

Refer to the Software Guide for more information.

The hour meter records the number of hours the engine has operated. It operates when the engine is running. Use these times for scheduling regular maintenance (Figure 5).

Hours are displayed in Engine-Off screen or in the Engine Hour Counter menu.

Refer to the Software Guide for more information.

Before starting the machine each day, perform the Each Use/Daily procedures listed in .

New engines take time to develop full power. Mower decks and drive systems have higher friction when new, placing additional load on the engine. Allow 40 to 50 hours of break-in time for new machines to develop full power and best performance.

The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable (Figure 11).

Figure 11

To unlatch the seat, push the seat latch forward (Figure 12).

Figure 12

1. Seat latch
2. Seat

The seat is adjustable to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Position the seat where you are most comfortable.

To adjust it, turn the knob in front either direction to provide the best comfort (Figure 13).

Figure 13

1. Seat-suspension knob

Always engage the parking brake when you stop the machine or leave it unattended.

Engaging the Parking Brake

Park the machine on a level surface.

Figure 15

Disengaging the Parking Brake

Figure 16

The blade-control switch (PTO) starts and stops the mower blades and any powered attachments.

Engaging the Blade-Control Switch (PTO)

Note: Engaging the blade-control switch (PTO) with the throttle position at half or less causes excessive wear to the drive belts.

Figure 17

Disengaging the Blade-Control Switch (PTO)

Figure 18

Important: Do not engage the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start, wait 15 seconds between attempts. Failure to follow these instructions can burn out the starter motor.

Note: You may need multiple attempts to start the engine the first time after adding fuel to an empty fuel system.

Figure 19

The drive wheels turn independently, powered by hydraulic motors on each axle. You can turn 1 side in reverse while you turn the other forward, causing the machine to spin rather than turn. This greatly improves the machine maneuverability but may require some time for you to adapt to how it moves.

The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place the throttle control in the FAST position for best performance. Always operate in the full throttle position when mowing.

The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf.

Adjust the height of cut from 25 to 140 mm (1 to 5-1/2 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments by moving the clevis pin into different hole locations.

1. With the engine running, push the deck-lift switch rearward until the mower deck is fully raised, and release the switch immediately.

2. Rotate the height-of-cut pin until the roll pin in it lines up with the slots in the holes in the height-of-cut bracket and remove it (Figure 24).

3. Insert the height-of-cut pin into the hole corresponding to the desired cutting height (Figure 24).

   Refer to the decal on the side of the deck-lift plate for the heights of cut (Figure 24).

4. Using the deck-lift switch, move the deck height out of the transport position (or 5-1/2 inches (140 mm) cutting height) and down to the selected height.

   

   Figure 24

   1. Height-of-cut bracket
   2. Height-of-cut pin

For maximum deck flotation, install the rollers 1 hole position lower. Rollers should maintain a 6 mm (1/4 inch) clearance to the ground. Do not adjust the rollers to support the deck.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

3. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

4. Adjust the anti-scalp rollers as shown in Figure 25, Figure 26, Figure 27, and Figure 28.

   

   Figure 25

   1. Flange nut
   2. Anti-scalp roller
   3. Bushing
   4. Bolt
   

   Figure 26

   Side Discharge Machines

   1. Bolt
   2. Bushing
   3. Anti-scalp roller
   4. Spacer
   5. Flange nut
   

   Figure 27

   Side Discharge Machines

   1. Bolt
   2. Bushing
   3. Anti-scalp roller
   4. Spacer
   5. Flange nut
   

   Figure 28

   Rear Discharge Machines

   1. Bolt
   2. Bushing
   3. Anti-scalp roller
   4. Flange nut

5. For side discharge machines, torque the flange nut to 68 to 75 N∙m (50 to 55 ft-lb).

6. For rear discharge machines, torque the flange nut to 41 to 47 N∙m (30 to 35 ft-lb).

Mount the skids in the lower position when operating at heights of cut greater than 51 mm (2 inches) and in a higher position when operating at heights of cut lower than 51 mm (2 inches).

Adjust the skids as shown in Figure 29.

Figure 29

This procedure applies only to machines with the flow baffle knob. Certain models have nuts and bolts instead of the flow baffle knob that you can adjust the same way.

You can adjust the mower discharge flow for different types of mowing conditions. Position the knob and baffle to give the best quality of cut.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the knob.

4. Slide the knob to the desired position.

5. Tighten the knob.

The following figures are recommendations only. Adjustments vary by grass type, moisture content, and the height of the grass.

Note: If the engine power draws down and the mower ground speed is the same, open the baffle.

Position B

Use this position when bagging. Always align it with the blower opening.

Figure 31

The PTO disengages, an alarm sounds, and a bar graph displays the engine temperature when it reaches an overheat condition. The PTO does not engage until the engine has cooled and you manually shut off the PTO and engage it.

Note: If the engine-coolant level is below the indicator line on the overflow bottle when the engine is cold, the coolant temperature gauge may not register correctly during operation and/or the audible alarm may not sound if the engine overheats.

Use the drive-wheel release valves to release the hydrostatic drive system, which allows you to push the machine without the running the engine.

Rotate each bypass valve counterclockwise 1 turn to release; rotate each bypass valve clockwise to reset the system (Figure 33).

Important: Do not overtighten. Do not tow the machine.

Figure 33

1. Right bypass valve
2. Left bypass valve

Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine. Use a full-width ramp. Ensure that the trailer or truck has all the necessary brakes, lighting, and marking as required by law. Please carefully read all the safety instructions. Knowing this information could help you or bystanders avoid injury. Refer to your local ordinances for trailer and tie-down requirements.

Selecting a Trailer

Warning

Loading a machine onto a trailer or truck increases the possibility of tip-over and could cause serious injury or death (Figure 34).

• Use only a full-width ramp; do not use individual ramps for each side of the machine.

• Do not exceed a 15-degree angle between the ramp and the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.

• Ensure that the length of the ramp is at least 4 times as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground. This ensures that the ramp angle does not exceed 15 degrees on flat ground.

Figure 34

1. Full-width ramp in stowed position
2. Side view of full-width ramp in loading position
3. Not greater than 15 degrees
4. Ramp is at least 4 times as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
5. H=height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
6. Trailer

Grease more frequently when operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

Grease Type: No. 2 lithium or molybdenum grease

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean the grease fittings with a rag.

   Note: Make sure that you scrape any paint off the front of the fitting(s).

4. Connect a grease gun to the fitting.

5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

6. Wipe up any excess grease.

Refer to the following chart for fitting locations and lubrication schedule.

Note: For easier access to the drive U-joints and splined slip joint, remove the floor pan and fully lower the mower deck.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean the grease fittings with a rag.

4. Connect a grease gun to the fitting.

5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

6. Wipe up any excess grease.

   

   Figure 37

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the dust cap and adjust the caster pivots and keep the dust cap off until greasing is done; refer to Adjusting the Caster-Pivot Bearing.

4. Remove the hex plug.

5. Thread a grease fitting into the hole.

6. Pump grease into the fitting until it oozes out around the top bearing.

7. Remove the grease fitting from the hole. Install the hex plug and cap.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the mower for access.

4. Remove the caster wheel from the caster forks.

5. Remove the seal guards from the wheel hub.

   

   Figure 38

   1. Seal guard
   2. Spacer nut with wrench flats

6. Remove a spacer nut from the axle assembly in the caster wheel.

   Note: Thread-locking compound has been applied to lock the spacer nuts to the axle.

7. Remove the axle (with the other spacer nut still assembled to it) from the wheel assembly.

8. Pry out seals and inspect bearings for wear or damage and replace if necessary.

9. Pack the bearings with a general-purpose grease.

10. Insert 1 bearing and 1 new seal into the wheel.

11. If the axle assembly is missing both spacer nuts, apply a thread-locking compound to 1 spacer nut and thread it onto the axle with the wrench flats facing outward.

    Note: Do not thread the spacer nut all of the way onto the end of the axle. Leave approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) from the outer surface of the spacer nut to the end of the axle inside the nut.

12. Insert the assembled nut and axle into the wheel on the side with the new seal and bearing.

13. With the open end of the wheel facing up, fill the area inside the wheel around the axle full of general-purpose grease.

14. Insert the second bearing and new seal into the wheel.

15. Apply a thread-locking compound to the second spacer nut, and thread it onto the axle with the wrench flats facing outward.

16. Torque the nut to 8 to 9 N∙m (75 to 80 in-lb), loosen the nut, then torque it to 2 to 3 N∙m (20 to 25 in-lb).

    Note: Make sure that the axle does not extend beyond either nut.

17. Install the seal guards over the wheel hub, and insert the wheel into the caster fork.

18. Install the caster bolt and tighten the nut fully.

Important: To prevent seal and bearing damage, check the bearing adjustment often. Spin the caster tire. The tire should not spin freely (more than 1 or 2 revolutions) or have any side play. If the wheel spins freely, adjust the torque on the spacer nut until there is a slight amount of drag. Apply another layer of thread-locking compound.

Inspect the engine-valve clearance. Refer to the engine owner’s manual.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Place a drain pan below the fuel filter/water separator.

4. Open the drain plug on the water separator approximately 1 turn to allow water and other contaminates to drain (Figure 44).

   

   Figure 44

   1. Fuel filter/water separator

5. Close the drain plug when only diesel fuel comes out.

   Important: Water or other contaminants in fuel can damage the fuel pump and/or other engine components.

Inspect the fuel lines for deterioration, damage, chaffing, or loose connections.

The electrical system is protected by fuses. It requires no maintenance, however, if a fuse blows check component/circuit for malfunction or short.

1. Unlatch the engine hood and raise the engine hood to gain access to the fuse block.

2. To replace the fuses, pull out on the fuse to remove it.

3. Install a new fuse (Figure 49).

   

   Figure 49

   1. Accessory (15 A)
   2. Chassis (15 A)
   3. Main (25 A)
   4. Power point (15 A)

Inspect the seat belt for wear, cuts, and proper operation of the retractor and buckle. Replace the seat belt if it is damaged.

1. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO).

2. Drive to an open flat area, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position.

3. Move the throttle midway between the FAST and SLOW positions.

4. Move both motion-control levers all the way forward until they both hit the stops in the T-slot.

5. Check which way the machine tracks.

6. Engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key.

7. Adjust the stop plates as needed.

   • If the machine tracks to the right, loosen the bolts and adjust the left stop plate rearward on the left T-slot until the machine tracks straight (Figure 50).

   • If the machine tracks to the left, loosen the bolts and adjust the right stop plate rearward on the right T-slot until the machine tracks straight (Figure 50).

8. Tighten the stop plate (Figure 50).

   

   Figure 50

   1. Control lever
   2. Bolt
   3. Stop plate

9. Align the levers in the front-to-rear position by bringing the levers together to the NEUTRAL position, and slide them until they are aligned, then tighten the bolts (Figure 51).

   

   Figure 51

10. If alignment is needed, loosen the 2 motion-control lever mounting bolts on the misaligned side (Figure 52).

    

    Figure 52

11. Move motion-control lever to meet the opposite side.

12. Tighten the 2 motion-control lever mounting bolts (Figure 52).

Rear tire air pressure specification: 124 kPa (18 psi).

Note: The caster tires are semi-pneumatic tires and do not require air pressure maintenance.

Check the air pressure in the rear tires. Add or remove air as needed to set the air pressure in the tires to the tire air pressure specification.

Important: Maintain pressure in all tires to ensure a good quality of cut and proper machine performance.Check the air pressure in all the tires before operating the machine.

Figure 53

Torque the wheel lug nuts to 115 to 142 N∙m (85 to 105 ft-lb).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the dust cap from the caster and tighten the locknut (Figure 54).

4. Tighten the locknut until the spring washers are flat, and then back off a 1/4 turn to properly set the preload on the bearings (Figure 54).

   Important: Make sure that the spring washers are installed correctly as shown in Figure 54.

5. Install the dust cap (Figure 54).

   

   Figure 54

   1. Spring disc washers

Coolant specification: 50/50 solution of water and permanent ethylene-glycol antifreeze

Cooling-system capacity: 7.6 L (8 US qt)

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Open the hood.

4. Check the level of the coolant in the expansion tank (Figure 56).

   Note: The coolant level should be between the marks on the side of the tank.

   

   Figure 56

   1. Expansion-tank cap
   2. Full line
   3. Add line

5. If coolant level is low, remove the expansion-tank cap, and add the specified coolant (Figure 56).

   Important: Do not overfill.

6. Install the expansion-tank cap.

7. Close the hood.

Clean the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating.

Note: If the mower deck or engine shuts off due to overheating, check the radiator for excessive buildup of debris.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Rotate the hood forward.

4. Using compressed air, blow out debris stuck between the fins of the entire radiator, both from the top down and bottom up.

5. If debris remains, it may be necessary to use water from a low-pressure hose.

   If the radiator is clean, proceed to step 7.

6. Cover the engine with a piece of cardboard or a plastic sheet. Squirt water through the fins. Blow through with low-pressure air from both directions.

   Note: If debris remains, repeat until clean.

7. Lower the hood.

8. Start the engine to ensure that the fan functions properly.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Rotate the hood forward.

4. Drain the coolant when the engine is cool.

5. Remove the radiator cap, place a pan under the radiator, and remove the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator.

6. Remove the coolant hose from the oil cooler and drain the coolant from the engine block (Figure 57).

   

   Figure 57

   1. Coolant hose

7. Install the drain plugs and hoses.

8. Fill radiator with a 50/50 mix of water and ethylene glycol.

   Note: The use of Havoline® Xtended Life coolant is recommended.

   Allow some room (approximately 12.7 mm (1/2 inch)) for expansion. Add 50/50 coolant mix to the overflow bottle on the left side of the engine as required to bring the level up to the indicator line on the bottle.

9. Operate engine until the engine thermostat opens and the coolant is circulating through the radiator core.

   As air purges from the engine block and the coolant level drops, add additional coolant to the radiator.

10. When the radiator is completely full and no additional coolant can be added, continue running and install the radiator cap.

    Ensure that the cap is completely seated by pressing down firmly while turning, until the cap stops. Once the cap is installed, shut off the engine.

Check to ensure that parking brake is adjusted properly. Follow this procedure also whenever you have removed or replaced a brake component.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the rear of the machine up and support the machine with jack stands.

4. Remove the rear tires from the machine.

5. Remove any debris from the brake area.

6. Release the drive wheels; refer to Using the Drive-Wheel Release Valves.

7. Measure the length of the link assembly (Figure 58).

   Note: If the link assembly is attached in the front position, the length should be 219 mm (8-5/8 inches); if it is attached in the rear position, the length should be 232 mm (9-1/8 inches).

   

   Figure 58

   1. Front location
   2. Rear location
   3. 95 mm (3-3/4 inches)
   4. Gap
   5. Spring
   6. Link assembly
   7. Length

8. Measure the length of the spring (Figure 58).

   Note: The measurement should be 95 mm (3-3/4 inches).

9. When you achieve the correct spring length, check to see if there is a visible gap between the trunion and the shoulder.

10. Disengage the parking brake and turn the wheel hub by hand in both directions.

    Note: The wheel hub should move freely.

11. If a gap is needed or the wheel hub does move freely, do the following:

    1. Disengage the parking brake.

    2. Disconnect and fine-tune the rear linkage assembly.

       • Shorten the link to create a gap.

       • Lengthen the link to allow wheel hub movement.

    3. Connect the rear linkage assembly.

12. Engage the parking brake and check the gap.

13. Repeat steps 10 through 12 until a visible gap is achieved and the wheel hub rotates freely. Repeat this procedure for the other side.

    Note: The brake should fully disengage when the brake is in the released position.

14. Rotate the drive wheel release handle to the operating position; refer to Using the Drive-Wheel Release Valves.

15. Install the rear tires and torque the lug nuts to 115 to 142 N∙m (85 to 105 ft-lb).

16. Remove the jack stands.

Replace the belt if it is worn. The signs of a worn belt include squealing while the belt is rotating; the blades slipping while cutting grass; and frayed edges, burn marks, and cracks on the belt.

Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks and cracks are signs of a worn mower belt. Replace the belt if any of these conditions are evident.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Lower the mower to the 76 mm (3 inches) height of cut.

4. Remove the belt covers (Figure 59).

   

   Figure 59

5. Use a ratchet in the square hole in the idler arm to remove tension on the idler spring (Figure 60 or Figure 61).

6. Remove the belt from the mower-deck pulley.

7. Install the new belt around the mower pulleys (Figure 60 or Figure 61).

   

   Figure 60

   Rear Discharge Machine Shown

   1. Spring
   2. Square hole in the idler arm for the ratchet
   3. Spring-loaded idler pulley
   4. Mower belt
   

   Figure 61

   Side Discharge Machine Shown

   1. Spring-loaded idler pulley
   2. Square hole in the idler arm for the ratchet
   3. Spring
   4. Mower belt

8. Ensure that the spring ends are seated in the anchor grooves, and using the ratchet in the square hole, install the belt around the idler pulley (Figure 60 or Figure 61).

9. Install the belt covers (Figure 62).

   

   Figure 62

1. Apply 44 N (10 lb) of force to the alternator belt, midway between the pulleys.

2. If the deflection is not 10 mm (3/8 inch), loosen the alternator mounting bolts (Figure 63).

   

   Figure 63

   1. Mounting bolt
   2. Alternator

3. Increase or decrease the alternator-belt tension.

4. Tighten the mounting bolts.

5. Check the deflection of the belt again to ensure that the tension is correct.

There are 2 height positions for the control levers—high and low. Remove the bolts to adjust the height for the operator.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the bolts and flange nuts installed in the levers (Figure 64).

4. Align the levers in the front-to-rear position by bringing the levers together to the NEUTRAL position, and slide them until they are aligned, then tighten the bolts (Figure 65).

   

   Figure 64

   1. Bolt
   2. Handle
   3. Control lever
   4. Nut
   

   Figure 65

5. If the ends of the levers hit against each other, refer to Adjusting the Motion-Control Linkage.

6. Repeat to adjust the control levers.

Located on either side of the machine, below the seat, are the pump-control linkages. Rotating the end nut with a 1/2-inch deep socket wrench allows fine tuning adjustments so that the machine does not move in neutral. Any adjustments should be made for neutral positioning only.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Push the deck-lift pedal, remove the height-of-cut pin, and lower the mower deck to the ground

4. Raise the rear of the machine up and support it with jack stands (or equivalent support) just high enough to allow the drive wheels to turn freely.

5. Remove the electrical connection from the seat safety switch, located under the bottom cushion of the seat.

   Note: The switch is a part of the seat assembly.

6. Temporarily install a jumper wire across the terminals in the connector of the main wire harness.

7. Start the engine, run it at full throttle, and disengage the parking brake.

   Note: Before starting the engine, ensure that the parking brake is engaged and that the motion-control levers are out. You do not have to be in the seat.

8. Run the machine at least 5 minutes with the drive levers at full forward speed to bring the hydraulic fluid up to the operating temperature.

   Note: The motion-control levers must be in neutral while you are making any adjustments.

9. Bring the motion-control levers into the NEUTRAL position.

10. Adjust the pump control rod lengths by rotating the double nuts on the rod in the appropriate direction until the wheels slightly creep in reverse (Figure 66).

    

    Figure 66

    1. Turn here to adjust.
    2. Loosen here (right-hand thread).

11. Move the motion-control levers to the REVERSE position and while applying slight pressure to the lever, allow the reverse-indicator springs to bring the levers back to neutral.

    Note: The wheels should stop turning or slightly creep in reverse.

12. Shut off the machine.

13. Remove the jumper wire from the wire harness and plug the connector into the seat switch.

14. Remove the jack stands.

15. Raise the deck and install the height-of-cut pin.

16. Check and ensure that the machine does not creep in neutral with the parking brake disengaged.

You can adjust the top damper-mounting bolt to obtain the desired motion-control lever resistance. Refer to Figure 67 for mounting options.

Figure 67

Right Motion Control Shown

1. Torque the locknut to 23 N∙m (17 ft-lb). The bolt must protrude past the end of the locknut after torquing.
2. Most resistance (firmest feel)
3. Damper
4. Medium resistance (medium feel)
5. Least resistance (softest feel)

To ensure a superior quality of cut, keep the blades sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement, you may want to keep extra blades on hand.

Note: Ensure that the mower deck is level before matching the height of cut (HOC).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Check tire pressure of the drive tires.

   If needed, adjust to 124 kPa (18 psi).

4. Using the deck-lift switch, move the deck height out of the transport position (140 mm/5-1/2 inches cutting height).

   

   Figure 82

   1. Height-of-cut bracket
   2. Height-of-cut pin

5. Insert the height-of-cut pin into the 76 mm (3 inches) height-of-cut location.

6. Release the transport lock and allow the deck to lower to the cutting height.

7. Raise the discharge deflector (side discharge mowers only).

8. Measure from the level surface to the front tip of the center blade (Figure 83).

   Note: The measurement should read 76 mm (3 inches).

   In most conditions, the back tips on the side blades should be adjusted as follows:

   • Side-Discharge Machines: 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) higher than the front.

   • Rear-Discharge Machines: should be level with the front.

   

   Figure 83

   1. Side discharge: 83 mm (3-1/4 inches); rear discharge: 76 mm (3 inches).
   2. Rear blade tip
   3. Front blade tip
   4. 76 mm (3 inches)
   5. Level surface

9. Fine-tune the adjustment nut on the front deck lift assembly by turning it (Figure 84).

   Note: To increase the height, turn the adjustment nut clockwise; to decrease, turn it counterclockwise.

   Note: If the front deck links do not have enough adjustment to achieve accurate cutting height, you can use the single-point adjustment to gain more adjustment.

   

   Figure 84

   1. Deck adjustment
   2. Jam nut
   3. Adjustment nut

10. Measure the rear blade tip height. Fine-tune the rear adjusters as required; use the single-point adjustment to gain more adjustment.

    • Side-Discharge Machines: the rear tips of the side blades should measure 83 mm (3-1/4 inches).

    • Rear-Discharge Machines: the rear tips of the side blades should measure 76 mm (3 inches).

11. Measure until all 4 sides are the correct height. Tighten all the nuts on the deck-lift arm assemblies.

12. Lower the discharge deflector (side-discharge mowers only).

13. If the 4 deck adjusters do not have enough adjustment to achieve the accurate height of cut with the desired rake, you can adjust the single-point system (Figure 85).

    

    Figure 85

    1. Single-point height adjustment bolt
    2. Front height-of-cut plate mounting bolt
    3. Rear height-of-cut plate mounting bolt

14. To adjust the single-point system, first loosen the front and rear height-of-cut plate mounting bolts (Figure 85).

    Note: Rear-Discharge Machines Only: The mower deck is attached in the front holes at the factory (Figure 86). If needed, use the back holes for further adjustment when leveling the mower deck.

    

    Figure 86

    1. Mower deck
    2. Front hole
    3. Back hole

15. If the deck is too low, tighten the single-point adjustment bolt by rotating it clockwise. If the deck is too high, loosen the single-point adjustment bolt by rotating it counterclockwise (Figure 87).

    Note: Loosen or tighten the single-point adjustment bolt enough to move the height-of-cut plate mounting bolts at least 1/3 the length of the available travel in their slots. This regains some up and down adjustment on each of the 4 deck links.

    

    Figure 87

    1. Single-point-adjustment bolt

16. Tighten the 2 bolts at the bottom of the height-of-cut plate (Figure 85).

    Note: For most conditions, adjust the black blade tip 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) higher than the front.

17. Torque the 2 bolts to 91 to 113 N∙m (67 to 83 ft-lb).

18. Measure until all 4 sides are the correct height. Tighten all the nuts on the deck lift arm assemblies.

1. Remove the locknut, bolt, spring, and spacer holding the deflector to the pivot brackets (Figure 88).

2. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector (Figure 88).

   

   Figure 88

   1. Bolt
   2. Spacer
   3. Locknut
   4. Spring
   5. Spring installed
   6. Grass deflector
   7. J-hook end of spring

3. Place the spacer and the spring onto grass deflector.

4. Place 1 J-hook end of the spring behind the deck edge.

   Note: Make sure that 1 J-hook end of the spring is installed behind the deck edge before installing the bolt as shown in Figure 88.

5. Install the bolt and the nut.

6. Place 1 J-hook end of the spring around the grass deflector (Figure 88).

   Important: The grass deflector must be able to rotate. Lift the deflector up to the full open position and ensure that it rotates into the full down position.

Important: Do not use water to clean the engine. Use low-pressure compressed air. See the engine owner's manual.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean around the flywheel, cylinder head, injectors, and injector pump.

4. Clean all debris from the exhaust system area.

5. Wipe up any excessive grease or oil around the engine and exhaust area.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean off any oil, debris, or grass build-up on the machine and mower deck, especially under the deck-belt shields, around the fuel tank, and around the engine and exhaust area.

4. Raise the mower deck to the TRANSPORT position.

5. Clean out any grass build-up from the underside of deck and in the discharge deflector.

Engine oil, batteries, hydraulic fluid, and engine coolant are pollutants to the environment. Dispose of these according to your state and local regulations.