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29

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

CAUSE

CORRECTION

Engine continues to 

run when operator 

leaves seat with 

attachment clutch 

engaged

1. Faulty operator-safety presence control 

system.

1. Check wiring, switches  and connections.  If not 

corrected, contact an authorized service center/ 

department.

CAUTION: DO NOT operate machine until 

problem is corrected.

Poor cut - uneven

1. Worn, bent or loose blade.

1. Replace blade.  Tighten blade bolt.

2. Mower deck not level.

2. Level mower deck.

3. Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower.

3. Clean underside of mower housing.

4. Bent blade mandrel.

4. Replace blade mandrel.

5. Clogged mower deck vent holes from 

buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around 

mandrels.

5. Clean around mandrels to open vent holes.

Mower blades will 

not rotate

1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism.

1. Remove obstruction.

2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt.

2. Replace mower drive belt.

3. Frozen idler pulley.

3. Replace idler pulley.

4. Frozen blade mandrel.

4. Replace blade mandrel.

Poor grass 

discharge

1. Engine speed too slow.

1. Place throttle control in “FAST” position.

2. Travel speed too fast.

2. Shift to slower speed.

3. Wet grass.

3. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

4. Mower deck not level.

4. Level mower deck.

5. Low/uneven tire air pressure.

5. Check tires for proper air pressure.

6. Worn, bent or loose blade.

6. Replace blade.  Tighten blade bolt.

7. Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower.

7. Clean underside of mower housing.

8. Mower drive belt worn.

8. Replace mower drive belt.

9. Blades improperly installed.

9. Reinstall blades sharp edge down.

10. Improper blades used.

10. Replace with blades listed in parts manual.

11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup 

of grass, leaves, trash around mandrels.

11. Clean around mandrels to open vent holes.

Headlight(s) not 

working

(if so equipped)

1. Switch is “OFF”.

1. Turn switch “ON”.

2. Bulb(s) or lamp(s) burned out.

2. Replace bulb(s) or lamp(s).

3. Faulty light switch.

3. Check/replace light switch.

4. Loose or damaged wiring.

4. Check wiring and connections.

5. Blown fuse.

5. Replace fuse.

Battery will not 

charge

1. Bad battery cell(s).

1. Replace battery.

2. Poor cable connections.

2. Check/clean all connections.

3. Faulty regulator (if so equipped).

3. Replace regulator.

4. Faulty alternator.

4. Replace alternator.

Loss of drive

1. Freewheel control in “disengaged” position.

1. Place freewheel control in “engaged” position.

2. Debris on steering plate (if equipped).

2. See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section.

3. Motion drive belt worn, damaged, or broken.

3. Replace motion drive belt.

4. Air trapped in transmission during 

shipment or servicing.

4. Purge transmission.

5. Axle key missing.

5. Install axle key at rear wheel.  See "TO REMOVE 

WHEEL" in the Service and Adjustments section.

Engine "backfires” 

when turning 

engine “OFF”

1. Engine throttle control not set between 

half and full speed (fast) position before 

stopping engine.

1. Move throttle control between half and full speed 

(fast) position before stopping engine.

Engine dies when 

tractor is shifted 

into reverse

1. Reverse operation system (ROS) is not "ON" 

while mower or other attachment is engaged.

1. Turn ignition key to ROS "ON" position. See 

Operation section.

Summary of Contents for M14538H

Page 1: ...up to 10 ethanol E10 is acceptable for use in this machine The use of any gasoline exceeding 10 ethanol E10 will void the product warranty Please read the operator s manual carefully and make sure yo...

Page 2: ...ll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in I GENERAL OPERATION Read understand and follow all instructions on the ma chine and in the manual before starting Do not put hands or feet n...

Page 3: ...hine Use extra care when approaching blind corners shrubs trees or other objects that may block your view of a child IV TOWING Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing Do not attac...

Page 4: ...nual Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment PPE while operating this machine including at a minimum sturdyfootwear eyeprotection andhearingprotection Do not mow in shorts and or open toed footwear...

Page 5: ...s Steering Wheel Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter 1 Hex Bolt 1 Lock Washer 1 Large Flat Washer Steering Wheel Insert 2 Hex Bolts 2 Nut Keps Oil Drain Extension Seat 1 Seat...

Page 6: ...TTERY inthe ServiceandAdjustments section in this manual Fig 1 TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL See Fig 2 ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft Place tabs of steer...

Page 7: ...housing should be prop erly leveled See TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing...

Page 8: ...ions are still secure and wires are properly clamped Before driving tractor be sure freewheel control is in transmission engaged position see TO TRANS PORT in the Operation section of this manual WHIL...

Page 9: ...ety inform ation about hazards which can result in death serious injury and or property damage DANGER indicates a hazard which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING indicates a...

Page 10: ...r to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments Save this manual for future reference Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National...

Page 11: ...ng brake will hold tractor secure Fig 6 Fig 8 Fig 7 STOPPING See Fig 7 MOWER BLADES To stop mower blades place attachment clutch control in the DISENGAGED position ENGINE Move throttle control D betwe...

Page 12: ...ht slot The cutting height range is approximately 1 to 4 25 4 to 101 6 mm The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running These heights are approximate and may va...

Page 13: ...ROS ON POSITION ENGINE ON POSITION NORMAL OPERATING 02828 TRANSMISSION ENGAGED TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply w...

Page 14: ...e extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine Ensurefreewheelcontrolisinthetransmissionengaged position Sit on seat in operating position depress brake pedal and set parking brake Mov...

Page 15: ...er engage or disengage free wheel lever while the engine is running To ensure proper operation and performance it is recom mended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first...

Page 16: ...MMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have beensubjectedtooperatorabuseornegligence Toreceive full value from the warranty operator must maintain tractor as instructed in...

Page 17: ...s running with the ignition switch in the ROS ON position and the attachment clutch engaged any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine BLADE CARE Forbestresultsmo...

Page 18: ...or 50 hours in one year Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight 8 hours of operation Tighten oil fill cap dipstick securely each time you check the oil level TO C...

Page 19: ...housing and clean the area shown to prevent over heating and engine damage CLEAN OUT CHAFF AND DEBRIS 02744 AIR SCREEN Fig 19 CLEAN AIR SCREEN The air screen is over the air intake blower located on t...

Page 20: ...tor at the opposite end from the tap connection Pull back the lock collar of the hose connector and push the connector onto the deck washout port at the left end of the mower deck Release the lock col...

Page 21: ...ower suspension arm A from chassis pin B and rear lift link C from rear mower bracket D remove retainer springs and washers CAUTION AFTER REAR LIFT LINKS ARE DISCONNECTED THE ATTACH MENT LIFT LEVER WI...

Page 22: ...Repeat on opposite side of tractor ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS C Lift rear corner of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin D on rear mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring Ins...

Page 23: ...t your adjustment by mowing some uncut grass and visually checking the appearance Readjust if neces sary until you are satisfied with the results PRECISION SIDE TO SIDE ADJUSTMENT See Fig 30 With all...

Page 24: ...de belt toward rear of tractor off the steering plate F and remove from tractor BELT INSTALLATION Install new belt from tractor rear to front over the steer ing plate F and above clutch brake pedal sh...

Page 25: ...rom chassis and then from the fully charged battery RED cable last from both batteries WEAK OR DEAD BATTERY FULLY CHARGED BATTERY TO REMOVE WHEEL See Fig 35 Block up axle securely Remove axle cover re...

Page 26: ...REPLACING BATTERY See Fig 37 WARNING Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time Before connecting battery remove metal bracelets...

Page 27: ...Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your tractor to rust IMPORTANT NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM Immediately prepare your tracto...

Page 28: ...eck replace ignition switch 8 Faulty solenoid or starter 8 Check replace solenoid or starter 9 Faulty operator presence switch es 9 Contact an authorized service center department Engine clicks but wi...

Page 29: ...mower drive belt 9 Blades improperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades used 10 Replace with blades listed in parts manual 11 Cloggedmowerdeckventholesfrombuildup of gras...

Page 30: ...never across the face Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes 1 Fold this page a...

Page 31: ...31 SERVICE NOTES...

Page 32: ...02 12 14 BD Printed in U S A...

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