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Operator’s Manual

IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully. It contains information about your
safety and the safety of others. Also become familiar with the controls and
their proper use before you operate the product.

FORM NO. 3319–219GB

Wheel Horse

523Dxi Tractor

Model No. 73551 – 8900001 & Up

Summary of Contents for 73551

Page 1: ...ual carefully It contains information about your safety and the safety of others Also become familiar with the controls and their proper use before you operate the product FORM NO 3319 219GB Wheel Horse 523Dxi Tractor Model No 73551 8900001 Up ...

Page 2: ... art products you are responsible for using the product properly and safely You are also responsible for training persons who you allow to use the product about safe operation The warning system in this manual identifies potential hazards and has special safety messages that help you and others avoid personal injury even death DANGER WARNING and CAUTION are signal words used to identify the level ...

Page 3: ...er Take Off PTO 17 Check the Safety Interlock System 17 Gauges and Indicator Lights 18 Driving Forward or Backward 19 Stopping the Machine 20 Page Re centering the Steering Wheel 20 Attachment Power Lift 21 Positioning the Seat 22 Headlights and Taillights 22 Positioning the Tilt Steering Wheel 22 Using the Cruise Control 23 The Smart Turn Steering Feature 24 Pushing the Machine by Hand 24 Mainten...

Page 4: ...ion 1 Read understand and follow all instructions in the operator s manual and on the machine before starting 2 Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine 3 Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys wire etc which could be picked up and thrown by the blade 4 Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop the machine if anyone enters...

Page 5: ...o improve stability Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments These can change the stability of the machine Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction Avoid starting or stopping on a slope If tires lose traction disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope DO NOT Do not operate machine on hillsides or slopes exceed...

Page 6: ...ine to cool before storing 7 Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object Repair if necessary before restarting 8 Grass catcher components are subject to wear damage and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer s recommended parts when necessary 9 Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade...

Page 7: ...Safety 5 Slope Chart Read all safety instructions on pages 2 4 ...

Page 8: ...6 ...

Page 9: ...rator and are located near any area of potential danger Replace any decal that is damaged or lost ON REAR FENDER Part No 98 3088 ON DRIVE SHAFT COVER Part No 98 1608 1 ON DRIVESHAFT TUNNEL 2 UNDER SIDE SHIELD Part No 98 5015 ON RADIATOR FAN SHROUD Part No 95 4143 2 INSIDE FRONT GRILL Part No 93 8069 ...

Page 10: ...n the hood 1 Park the machine on a level surface disengage the power take off PTO set the parking brake lower the attachment lift and turn the ignition key to STOP to stop the engine Remove the key 2 Slide a screwdriver into the right hand side of the slot shown in Figure 1 and push the hood latch to the left 3 Raise the hood to full height m 3584 1 Figure 1 1 Slot for hood latch access POTENTIAL ...

Page 11: ...the two side panel latches 90 or until they line up with the open slot Fig 3 B Pull the top of the side panel toward you until the side panel latches pass through the open slot C Lift the side panel from the tractor m 3318 1 2 Figure 3 1 Side panel latch 2 Open slot POTENTIAL HAZARD Rotating fan and drive shaft can cause injury WHAT CAN HAPPEN Fingers hands or loose clothing can get caught by rota...

Page 12: ...erty damage HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Use a funnel and fill the fuel tank outdoors in an open area when the engine is cold Wipe up any fuel that spills Do not fill the fuel tank completely full Add fuel to the fuel tank until the level is 1 4 to 1 2 6 mm to 13 mm below the bottom of the filler neck This empty space in the tank allows fuel to expand Never smoke when handling fuel and stay away from a...

Page 13: ...e off PTO set the parking brake lower the attachment lift and turn the ignition key to STOP to stop the engine Remove the key 2 Open the hood 3 Clean around the oil dipstick Fig 5 so dirt cannot fall into the dipstick hole and damage the engine 4 Pull out the oil dipstick and wipe the metal end clean Fig 6 5 Slide the oil dipstick fully into the tube Pull the dipstick out and look at the metal end...

Page 14: ...burns HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Do not remove the radiator cap to check coolant Follow the directions below for checking coolant Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot Always allow the engine to cool at least 15 minutes or until the radiator cap is cool enough to touch without burning your hand before removing the radiator cap 1 Park the machine on a level surface disengage the power ...

Page 15: ...he power take off PTO set the parking brake lower the attachment lift and turn the ignition key to STOP to stop the engine Remove the key 2 Check for debris on the 3 air intake screens Fig 8 Wipe away debris before each use and or during use if required ÎÎÎ ÎÎÎ ÎÎÎ 1 m 3412 Figure 8 Arrows show air intake and exhaust path 1 Air intake screens 1 of 3 shown 1 m 3424 Figure 9 1 Radiator screen 3 The ...

Page 16: ...or deplete grease 5 The rear transaxle cover is an air intake area for cooling the transaxle Clean debris from the rear transaxle cover before operating the tractor Fig 11 1 m 3436 Figure 11 1 Rear transaxle cover Check the Safety Interlock System Always check the interlock system before operating the tractor Instructions for checking the interlock system are found in the Operation section page 15...

Page 17: ...hts 7 Fuel gauge 8 Hour meter 9 Ignition switch 10 Brake pedal 11 Parking brake lever 12 High Low range lever 13 Cruise control switch 14 Steering wheel tilt lever 15 Traction control pedal Parking Brake Always set the parking brake when you stop the machine or leave it unattended Setting the Parking Brake 1 Push the brake pedal Fig 12 down and hold it in the depressed position 2 Lift the parking ...

Page 18: ...to the START position Note Additional starting cycles may be required when starting the engine for the first time after the fuel system has been completely without fuel 8 Move the throttle to the SLOW position if in FAST and let the engine warm up a few minutes before applying load Starting in Cold Weather Below 20 F or 7 C Note Use the correct engine oil for the starting temperature refer to Engi...

Page 19: ...re sitting on the seat The brake pedal is depressed The power take off PTO is OFF The safety interlock system will stop the engine if you rise from the seat when the brake pedal is released or the power take off PTO is ON Testing the Safety Interlock System Test the safety interlock system each time before you use the machine Do not operate the machine if the safety system is not functioning prope...

Page 20: ...gine will start Battery Light The battery light will be ON when the key is in the RUN or LIGHTS positions if the battery voltage is below 12 1 volts or above 15 0 volts If the light comes on at a higher RPM it is important to have your battery and electrical system checked and the problem corrected Flashing Reverse Light When the reverse light flashes it indicates the PTO is engaged and the tracto...

Page 21: ...y result IMPORTANT Do not force the shift lever Applying slight pressure to the traction control pedal while shifting will help the gears engage 2 Shift into high H or low L forward speed with the High Low lever Fig 12 Use Low for best mowing performance and smoothest operation with all attachments Use High for transporting or where conditions permit higher speed POTENTIAL HAZARD Excessive speed o...

Page 22: ...ractor HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always remove the ignition key and set the parking brake when leaving the machine unattended even if just for a few minutes Re centering the Steering Wheel The power steering will not always return the steering wheel to the centered position When this happens the steering wheel will appear to be un centered when the front wheels return to the straight ahead position ...

Page 23: ...d hold the attachment in the raised position POTENTIAL HAZARD When the engine is off attachments in the raised position can gradually lower WHAT CAN HAPPEN Someone nearby may be pinned or injured by the attachment as it lowers HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always lower the attachment lift each time you shut off the tractor Lowering Attachments 1 Start the tractor 2 Push the lift lever DOWN to lower the ...

Page 24: ...ghts and taillights are turned on by turning the ignition key to the LIGHTS position They can be turned on even if the engine is not running Remove the key when leaving the machine unattended so that the headlights cannot be turned on and discharge the battery m 3312 1 Figure 21 1 Lights Positioning the Tilt Steering Wheel The steering wheel has four tilt locations Position the steering wheel wher...

Page 25: ...ny speed other than full speed you can speed up with your foot on the traction pedal for as long as you wish When you release the traction pedal the pre selected cruise speed resumes automatically Disengaging the Cruise Control 1 While holding your foot steady on the traction control pedal move the cruise control switch Fig 12 to the OFF position 2 This unlocks the traction control You must now us...

Page 26: ...ver accidents WHAT CAN HAPPEN Rollover accidents can result in serious injury or death HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Do not rely on the Smart Turn Steering feature to avoid accidents while turning Do not set the cruise control at higher speeds when operating on uneven terrain or slopes Read understand and follow all instructions in the operator s manual and on the machine before starting Pushing the Mac...

Page 27: ...r X X Engine Oil change Initial X X Engine Oil Filter change Initial X X Tires check pressure X X Battery check electrolyte level X X Transaxle check oil level X Transaxle change oil Initial X X Transaxle change oil filter Initial X X Power Steering Filter clean Initial X X Lubrication X X PTO Power Take Off Belt check tension Initial X X Engine Air Filter replace X X Fan Belt check X X Radiator a...

Page 28: ...hours Service it more often every few hours if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy Replace the cartridge after every 100 operating hours or yearly Removing the Air Cleaner Cartridge 1 Unlock the clamps and remove the cover 2 Remove the cartridge from the air cleaner body Figure 24 1 Air cleaner body 2 Cartridge 3 Cover 4 Clamps Cleaning the Air Filter Cartridge Clean the cartridge by...

Page 29: ...e oil drains completely Then disengage the power take off PTO set the parking brake and turn the ignition key to STOP to stop the engine Remove the key 3 Open the hood POTENTIAL HAZARD Components under the hood will be hot if the tractor has been running WHAT CAN HAPPEN Touching hot components can cause burns HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Allow the tractor to cool before performing maintenance or touchi...

Page 30: ...ge 27 2 Place a drip pan beneath the oil drip tray to receive oil from the oil filter and oil passages in the engine 3 Turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it Note Dispose of oil filter properly Recycle in accordance with local codes 4 Before installing the filter lightly oil the gasket on the filter with fresh clean oil Screw the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter ad...

Page 31: ...ch a 3 8 ID hose to each of the two drain valves 3 Open both coolant drain valves at the bottom of the radiator and allow coolant to flow into a drain pan When coolant stops flowing close the drain valves and dispose of the coolant properly 4 Slowly fill the radiator with a 50 50 mixture of water and permanent ethylene glycol anti freeze Fill the radiator completely Install the radiator cap 5 Slow...

Page 32: ...ting Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings 4 Wipe up any excess grease Where to Add Grease 1 Lubricate the left hand and right hand spindles until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings Fig 28 2 Lubricate the front axle pivot Fig 28 m 3240 Figure 28 3 Open the drive shaft maintenance cover on the tractor tunnel near the seat by unscrewing the two screws s...

Page 33: ...31 Tire Pressure Service Interval Specification Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified Check the pressure at the valve stem after every 25 operating hours or monthly whichever occurs first Fig 32 Check the tires when they are cold to get the most accurate pressure reading Pressure 12 psi 85 kPa front and rear m 3319 1 Figure 32 1 Valve stem ...

Page 34: ...ng the Brake Adjusting the Brake The brake adjustment is behind the left side cover Fig 34 If the parking brake does not hold securely an adjustment is required 1 Check the brake before you adjust it refer to Checking the Brake 2 Place the transmission in neutral 3 Depress the brake pedal There should be 2 51 mm of free travel Fig 33 before the brake begins to engage 2 m 3418 Figure 33 4 Turn the ...

Page 35: ...l tank Fig 35 36 IMPORTANT Do NOT run the engine until it uses up all of the fuel and stops The fuel injector pump on the engine requires fuel for lubrication m 3263 1 Figure 35 1 Fuel shut off valve 1 2 3 m 2487 Figure 36 1 Hose clamp 2 Fuel line 3 Fuel shut off valve 3 Loosen the hose clamp and slide it up the fuel line away from the fuel shut off valve Fig 36 4 Pull the fuel line off the fuel s...

Page 36: ...lve 2 Fuel filter canister Front Wheel Toe In Service Interval Specification Maintaining correct front wheel toe in is important for safety Smart Turn Steering operation and ease of use If uneven tire wear lawn scuffing or hard steering develop adjustment may be required Check the toe in after every 100 operating hours or once a year whichever occurs first Fig 38 Maintain the following specificati...

Page 37: ...oe In page 34 Transaxle Fluid Service Interval Specification Check the fluid level before every use Always keep the fluid level in the correct operating range on the dipstick when the transaxle is cold Fluid Type SAE 10W 30 Detergent oil API service SG SH or above Checking the Fluid Level 1 Park the machine on a level surface 2 Tilt the seat up 3 Clean around the transmission dipstick Fig 41 so di...

Page 38: ...he power take off PTO set the parking brake lower the attachment lift and turn the ignition key to STOP to stop the engine Remove the key 3 Place a pan below the transaxle drain Open the drain by removing the plug Fig 43 4 When the oil has drained completely install the plug Note Dispose of the used oil at a certified recycling center m 3322 1 Figure 43 1 Transaxle drain plug 5 Change the transaxl...

Page 39: ...initially at 50 hours then at 200 hour intervals thereafter Please have your Authorized Service Dealer clean the filter Fuses Service Interval Specification The electrical system is protected by fuses They require no maintenance However if a fuse blows check the component and circuit for a malfunction or short To replace a fuse pull it out of the fuse box Fig 45 m 3316 4 3 2 1 Figure 45 1 F1 main ...

Page 40: ...bs with the slots in the reflector insert the bulb holder into the reflector and rotate it 1 4 turn clockwise until it stops 3 Push the wire connectors onto the terminals on the bulb holder Taillights Bulb GE 193 Removing the Bulb 1 Disengage the power take off PTO set the parking brake lower the attachment lift and turn the ignition key to STOP to stop the engine Remove the key 2 Remove the two s...

Page 41: ...w the tractor to cool before performing maintenance or touching components under the hood 3 Lift off the cell cover to see into the cells The electrolyte must be up to the lower part of the tube Fig 49 Do not allow the electrolyte to get below the plates 4 If the electrolyte is low add the required amount of distilled water refer to Adding Water to the Battery 5 If the fluid level is correct press...

Page 42: ...y acid POTENTIAL HAZARD The battery terminals could short against the metal tractor components WHAT CAN HAPPEN Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD When removing or installing the battery do not allow the battery terminals to touch any metal parts of the tractor Always keep the battery hold down brackets in place to secure the battery 1 2 3 m 3766 Figure 50 1 Nega...

Page 43: ...yte Level page 39 steps 2 4 3 Remove the cell cover from the battery and connect a 3 to 4 amp battery charger to the battery posts Charge the battery at a rate of 4 amperes or less for 4 hours 12 volts Do not overcharge the battery Install the cell cover after the battery is fully charged POTENTIAL HAZARD Charging the battery produces gasses WHAT CAN HAPPEN Battery gasses can explode HOW TO AVOID ...

Page 44: ...SWITCH IS SHOWN BRAKE IS DEPRESSED BRAKE SWITCH CLOSES WHEN BRAKE SWITCH SW2 BK GY BN P BK VIO W OR GY BK BN Y BK A E P F B A C CRUISE MODULE 95 3029 MOMENTARY 3 AND 2 CONNECTED 5 AND 6 CONNECTED ON 3 AND 2 CONNECTED OFF NO CONNECTION CRUISE SWITCH OPERATION K J D GY VIO W OR WARNING LIGHT HARNESS GLOW PLUGS BATTERY PTO CRUISE MOVED TO REVERSE CLOSES WHEN HYDRO REVERSE SWITCH I G S L LAMP 194 W BK...

Page 45: ...REY ORANGE R R F2 15A R GN OR LOCATIONS VEIWED FROM BACK IGNITION SWITCH TERMINAL BU P F1 30A BK BN BU GN GY S R 5 B L B I SW4 START B I R S RUN B I R RUN LIGHTS B I R L OFF NO CONNECTION IGNITION SWITCH S L R I 4 3 1 2 SEAT SWITCH SW1 F3 10A PK OR BU BU THE SEAT WHEN OPERATOR IS IN SEAT SWITCH IS CLOSED GAUGE TEMP P BK I G S L LAMP 194 T GND TEMP SENDER OIL PRESS GN GND BK GN BU T SEAT RELAY K3 4...

Page 46: ...y page 39 Do not connect the battery cables to the battery posts during storage IMPORTANT The battery must be fully charged to prevent it from freezing and being damaged at temperatures below 32 F 0 C A fully charged battery maintains its charge for about 50 days at temperatures lower than 40 F 4 C If the temperatures will be above 40 F 4 C check the water level in the battery and charge it every ...

Page 47: ... starter or starter solenoid 9 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 10 Seized internal engine components 10 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer The engine cranks but will not start 1 Incorrect starting procedure 1 Refer to Starting and Stopping the Engine page 16 2 The fuel tank is empty 2 Fill with fresh fuel 3 The fuel shut off valve is closed 3 Open the fuel shut off valve 4 Dirt water sta...

Page 48: ...ace the fuel filter Add fresh fuel of proper grade for ambient temperature conditions The engine starts but does not keep running 1 The fuel tank vent is restricted 1 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 2 Dirt or water is in the fuel system 2 Drain and flush the fuel system add fresh fuel 3 The fuel filter is clogged 3 Replace the fuel filter 4 The fuel pump is faulty 4 Contact your Authorized ...

Page 49: ...tale fuel or incorrect fuel is in the fuel system 2 Drain and flush the fuel system add fresh fuel 3 The idle speed adjusting screw is incorrectly set 3 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 4 The fuel pump is faulty 4 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 5 Low compression 5 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 6 The air cleaner element is dirty 6 Clean or replace 7 The fuel filter is clogged...

Page 50: ...e is overheated 4 See ENGINE OVERHEATS 5 Low compression 5 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 6 The fuel tank vent is restricted 6 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 7 The engine load is excessive 7 Reduce ground speed 8 There is air in the fuel 8 Bleed the nozzles and check for air leaks at the fuel hose connections and fittings between the fuel tank and engine 9 The injection pump timing...

Page 51: ...trol was engaged when the traction pedal was in neutral 1 Turn the cruise control off 2 The engine is running at partial speed 2 Move the throttle to FAST 3 The linkage is out of adjustment 3 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer 4 There is internal hydro wear 4 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer The tractor will not operate in either direction 1 The High Low range lever is in N 1 Move the Hi...

Page 52: ...g fan and or transmission cooling fins are faulty or dirty 3 Clean the transmission and or replace the fan contact your Authorized Service Dealer 4 The engine is not operating at full throttle 4 Increase the engine speed to full throttle 5 The power steering filter is dirty 5 Contact your Authorized Service Dealer The front wheels do not turn with the steering wheel 1 Air in the hydraulic system 1...

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Page 56: ...rator s manual Such routine maintenance whether performed by a dealer or by you is at your expense What Does This Warranty Not Cover and How Does Your State Law Relate To This Warranty There is no other express warranty except for special emission system coverage on some products This express warranty does not cover D Cost of regular maintenance service or parts such as filters fuel lubricants tun...

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