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MODEL NO. MC1538ST (MC1538STA)
15.0 HP 38 Inch
Lawn Tractor
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
193186 Rev. 1 09.20.04 MH/TR
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: 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. Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or ci den tal starting when setting up, unclogging
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN GENERAL SERVICE Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to Never operate machine in a closed are. Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that is in safe working condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper children will remain where you last saw the
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CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS It has been designed, engineered and manu factured to giv e you the best possible dependability and performance. Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Gallons and type: Unleaded Regular Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) edy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ (API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) department. We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians
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UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Wheel Insert (1) Knob Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) Keys Slope Sheet (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 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. 1/2 HEX NUT (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers LARGE FLAT (1) 9/16" wrench
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ASSEMBLY SEAT DISCARD TER MI NAL PROTECTIVE CAPS KEPS TERMINAL NUT SEAT PAN HEX BOLT COVER SHOULDER BOLTS 02617 02604 NEGATIVE (BLACK) POSITIVE (RED) CABLE CABLE FLAT WASHER FIG. 3 SEAT PAN 02615 ADJUSTMENT LABEL KNOB FIG. 2 CONNECT BATTERY (See Figs. 3 and 4) CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- 02602 nals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, FIG. 4 remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Posit
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ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. The tires on your tractor were overinfl ated at the factory Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important tractor from the skid. for best cutting performance. Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See SPEC I FI CATIONS” section of this manual. Op er a tion section for location and function of con
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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 IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE P LIGHTSON ENGINESTART ENGINEOFF ENGINEON PARKINGBRAKE PARKINGBRAKE PARKINGBRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OILPRESSURE BATTERY OVERTEMP FUEL REVERSE FORWARD MOWERHEIGHT MOWERLIFT LIGHT 15 15 ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT SLOPEHAZARDS DANGER,KEEPHANDS KEEPAREACLEAR CLUTCHENGAGED CLUTCHDISENGAGED ANDFEETAWAY (SEESAFETYRULESSECTION) DANG
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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. LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT IGNITION POSITION CLUTCH LEVER SWITCH THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LIFT LEVER PLUNGER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT INDICATOR PARKING BRAKE GEARSHIFT LEVER FIG. 5 Our tractor
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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 spectacles or stan dard safety glasses. 00155 IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DIS CHARGED, (DEAD). TO SE
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01994 OPERATION To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 7) clutch/brake pedal. Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing Make all turns slowly. switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged TO TRANSPORT will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally Raise attachment lift to highest position with at tach ment positioned in the seat to p
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OPERATION MOWING TIPS CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per- using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which for mance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the leads to sep a ration and f or ma tion of acids during stor- Service and Adjustments section of this manual. age. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine The left hand side of mower should be used for trim- while in storage. To avoid engine p
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maint_sch-tractore.new1 MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCESCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems T Check for Loose Fasteners R 5 A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 3 C Lubrication Chart T Check Battery Level 4 0 Clean Battery and Terminals R Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 1,2 Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 1,2 E Clean Air
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MAINTENANCE TRACTOR MANDREL TRAILING ASSEMBLY Always observe safety rules when performing any main- EDGE UP te nance. CEN TER HOLE BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than fi ve (5) feet to stop at highest speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Ad just ments LOCK WASHER section of this manual). STAR TIRES FLAT WASHER BLADE Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See
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MAINTENANCE Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine BATTERY and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fi ll Y our tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 11 and 12) Keep battery and terminals clean. Determine temperature range expected be
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00667 MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS CLEANING To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, Clean engine, battery, seat, fi nish, etc. of all foreign cooling fi ns, and other external surfaces of the engine are matter. kept clean at all times. Keep fi nished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely oil, etc. dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and Protect painted surfaces with automotiv
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SE RI OUS IN JU RY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUST- MENTS: Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) 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.
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01156 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS To lower front of mower loosen nut “E” on both front TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING links an equal number of turns. Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground When distance “D” is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than or driveway. Make sure tires are properly infl ated (See rear, tighten nuts “F” against trunnion on both front “PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If links. tires are over or underinfl ated, you will not properly adjust
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02373 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS BELT INSTALLATION - WITH PARKING BRAKE “ENGAGED” Work new belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. Install new belt into engine pulley grove. 1-1/2" Reconnect R.H. suspension arm and secure with re- tain er spring. NUT “A” Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. JAM NUT IDLER MANDREL PULLEYS PULLEY OPERATING ARM FIG. 20 R.H. TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT SUSPENSION ARM (See Fig. 21) Park the tractor on
