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OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MODEL NO. M17538H
*
17.5 HP 38 INCH
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Service and Adjustments
• Storage
• Troubleshooting
*As rated by the engine manufacturer
www.mcculloch.biz
532 43 38-90
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal of alcohol or drugs. starting when setting up, trans port ing, • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing ad just ing or making repairs, al wa
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers GENERAL SERVICE III. CHILDREN • Never operate machine in a closed area. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to • Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment the presence of children. Children are often attracted to is in safe working condition. the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper children will remain where you last saw them. ope
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CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Gasoline Capacity 1.5 Gallons and Type: Unleaded Regular Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) edy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) department. We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians a
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UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel (1) Lock Washer Steering (1) Large Wheel Insert Flat Washer Steering Wheel (1) Hex Bolt Steering Steering Wheel Extension Adapter Steering Boot Shaft Seat (1) Washer (1) Seat (1) Bolt Slope Sheet Key(s) 5
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ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY INSERT A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard wrench sizes are listed. LOCK (1) 1/2" wrench WASHER HEX (2) 3/4" wrench LARGE FLAT BO
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ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2) TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. • Lift seat to raised position. • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly year indicated on label (label is located between terminals) of seat to tractor. charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack-
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ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ✓CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, WE for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST for best cutting performance. PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires. QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be prop- ✓ All
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OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. FAST SLOW REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE IGNITION SWITCH P ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE ENGINE OFF REVERSE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE OPERATION LOCKED UNLOCKED SYSTEM (ROS) FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD OVER TEMP MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT LIGHT 15 15 ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS KEEP AREA CLEAR CLUTCH DI
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OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference. D H E C B F G A M J Fig. 4 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. (A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise, lower, (F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping
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OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating your tractor or per form ing any adjustments or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask over spec- tacles or stan dard safety glasses. • Turn ignition key (F) to “STOP” position and remove HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent un au tho rized use. TO
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OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER TO ADJUST MOWER CUT TING HEIGHT (See Fig. 9) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with The po si tion of the at tach ment lift le ver (A) de ter mines the the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will cut ting height. shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitat- ing or cutting off when operating your equip
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02203 OPERATION TO TRANSPORT ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a transmission by placing freewheel control in free wheel ing minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will po si tion. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce of tractor. valve life). Do not mix oil with gaso
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OPERATION COLD WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and below) 6. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in • When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this sec- control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, tion of manual). then move throttle control to fast position. This may 7. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine require an engine warm-up period from several seconds is running, move throttle
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MAINTENANCE BEFORE EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE MAINTENANCE EACH 8 25 50 100 SEASON STORAGE SCHEDULE USE HOURS HOURS HOURS HOURS Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners A Check/Replace Mower Blades 3 C T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level 4 R Clean Battery and Terminals Clean Debris Off Steering Plate 5 Check Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil
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MAINTENANCE BLADE CARE TRACTOR For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place Always observe safety rules when per form ing any bent or damaged blades. main te nance. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap- BRAKE OPERATION proved by the manufacturer of your tractor. If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest Using a blade not approved by the manu- speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could surface
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MAINTENANCE TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 14 & 15) The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean Determine temperature range expected before oil change. to assure proper cooling. All oil must meet API service classification C. Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine • Be sure tractor is on level surface. is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent pos- • Oil will drain more freely when warm. si ble damage to seals, do not use
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MAINTENANCE CLEANING AIR FILTER • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. matter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. • Clean debris from steering plate. Debris can restrict See Engine Manual. clutch/brake pedal shaft movement, causing belt slip CLEAN AIR SCREEN and loss of drive. Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points and engine dam age fr
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MAINTENANCE DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 19) Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach. IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove bagger chute or mulch cover if attached. 2. Make sure the attachment clu
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SE RI OUS IN JU RY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. • Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. • Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. IMPORTANT: IF AN ATTA
