Hydrostatic Zero-Turn
Commercial Riding Mower
Professional Turf Equipment
60” & 72” Fabricated Deck
InDirect Injection Diesel
OPERATOR’S AND SERVICE MANUAL
FORWARD
The Tank Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Commercial Riding Mower provides superb maneuverability,
mid-mount cutting capability for professional landscapers, commercial lawn service compa-
nies, professional turf managers and golf course superintendents. The machine incorporates
many safety features that should be studied by all operators and maintenance personnel
before use. The list of safety precautions should receive particular attention.
This manual presents all of the operating and maintenance instructions necessary to keep
your mower at peak efficiency. If operated and maintained properly, your mower will give
dependable service.
CAUTION:
Only thoroughly trained persons should operate and maintain this
mower. This machine can cause serious injury to anyone who mis-
uses it and does not understand its operation. For their personal
safety, all operators and maintenance personnel are required to
read this entire manual before operating the mower.
Hazard control and accident prevention are partially dependent
upon the design and configuration of the equipment. Notwithstand-
ing, these factors are also dependent upon the awareness, concern,
prudence and proper training of the personnel involved in the oper-
ation, transport, maintenance and storage of the equipment.
WARNING
•
•
The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
•
In the State of California, the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other States may have similar laws. Federal laws apply to federal lands. A spark arrester muffler
may be available.
NOTE: The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with
regards to performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and
service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s owner’s/operator’s
manual, packed seperately with your unit, for more information.
MODELS LISTED IN THIS MANUAL
28HP Tank,
28HP Tank,
53AB5JEX750
53AB5JEZ750
3
5. Keep all safety signs legible and properly
installed.
6. Do not check for hydraulic leaks with any part
of the body.
7. Do not add fuel to a machine when the engine
is running and/or the exhaust system is hot.
8. Keep machine clean and free of debris, grass,
leaves, oil, grease, etc.
9. Place lap bars in neutral/start position, set
park brake, disengage P.T.O., turn engine off,
and remove ignition key before you dismount
from machine.
10. Use machines laterally or diagonally across
slopes, avoid going downhill when possible.
11. Go slowly and use extra care when descend-
ing slopes.
12. Disengage P.T.O. when crossing surfaces
such as asphalt, concrete, loose ground,
sand, gravel, etc.
GENERAL SAFETY
OPERATIONS
A. DANGER
1. Do not operate machine in confined areas
where exhaust gases can accumulate.
2. Do not operate machine without mower chute
deflector in place and operational.
3. Do not carry passengers.
B. WARNING
1. Do not operate machines under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
2. Do not operate machines without all guards
and safety devices in place and functional.
3. Do not start machines if there are fuel or oil
leaks or spillage — clean it up.
4. Do not operate machines near spilled or leak-
ing fuels.
13. Use extra care when loading and unloading
machines from trucks or trailers.
5. Do not stop or park machine over dry leaves,
grass, debris, etc. that could be combustible.
6. Use extreme care when backing up.
7. Do not operate machine on slopes greater
than 15 degrees (27%), and always go across
slopes, not up and down.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A. General
1. Read this Operator’s Manual before starting
the mower. Study the controls and learn the
proper sequence of operation.
2. Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain
this machine who has not read this manual.
Never permit children to operate this machine.
3. Never carry passengers.
4. Do not remove any shields, guards or safety
devices. If a shield, guard or safety device is
damaged or does not function, repair or
replace it before operating the mower.
5. Always wear safety glasses and safety shoes
when operating or maintaining this mower. Do
not wear loose-fitting clothing.
8. Do not operate machines on slopes when
traction is reduced (wet grass, ice, soft
ground, loose ground, leaves, pine needles,
debris, etc.).
9. Avoid turning downhill if possible, go slowly
and use extra care when turning downhill.
10. Do not operate machines during reduce visi-
bility (low light, fog, rain, etc.).
11. Do not operate machines with non-approved
attachments.
12. Do not operate machines that are dam-
aged.....have machine repaired.
13. Do not operate machines that have not been
properly maintained.
6. Disconnect the spark plug wires and remove
the key from the ignition to prevent the engine
from accidentally starting before performing
any maintenance on this mower.
7. Never run the engine indoors without ade-
quate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
8. To avoid serious burns, do not touch the
engine, exhaust pipe or muffler while the
engine is running or until it has cooled after it
has been shut off.
14. Use only replacement parts that are the same
or equivalent to the original equipment.
15. Do not modify machines or any of their com-
ponents, especially the engine governor!
16. Do not operate machine for more than 2 hours
without hearing protection.
C. CAUTION
1. Use proper protective equipment when oper-
ating machine (gloves, boots, and hearing
protection are recommended).
2. Read entire machine Operator’s Manual.
3. Make sure operators are fully trained in the
safe use of the machine.
9. The liquid in the battery is dilute sulfuric acid.
Always wear safety glasses and rubber gloves
when working on the battery. Do not overfill
the battery.
4. Follow all safety instructions when using the
machine.
10. Lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen and
oxygen gases which form an explosive mix-
4
ture. Keep sparks and flames away at all
times.
terminals can produce sparks and heat...connections
to the terminals must be kept tight, and the terminals
and battery surfaces kept clean of acids and corro-
sion. If batteries are re-charged or “jumped” from
external sources, make sure that the connections are
made properly and in the correct sequence...connect
to the positive terminal of the good battery first, then
connect that to the positive terminal of the weak bat-
tery. The third connection should be to the negative
terminal of the good battery, followed by the negative
terminal of the weak battery. If sparks are observed
or heating of the wiring or connectors is detected,
disconnect in reverse order (I.E., the negative termi-
nal of the weak battery first). Batteries should be re-
charged at a constant voltage...generally 14.5 +/- 0.5
volts DC for a nominal 12 volt DC battery.
11. When looking for oil leaks, never run your
hand over hydraulic hoses, lines or fittings.
Never tighten or adjust hydraulic hoses, lines
or fittings while the system is under pressure.
If high-pressure oil penetrates the skin, the oil
must be removed within a few hours by a doc-
tor familiar with this form of injury or serious
complications may result.
B. Related to Fuel
1. Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors can
explode if ignited. Please respect it.
2. Do not smoke or permit others to smoke
while handling fuel.
3. Always use approved containers for fuel and
fill slowly to decrease the chance of static
electricity buildup and spillage.
4. Store fuel in well ventilated and unoccupied
buildings away from sparks and flames.
5. When dispensing gasoline into approved con-
tainers, place the container on the ground
when refueling to avoid a possible static elec-
tricity ignition of fuel vapors.
6. Do not fill containers while it is inside a vehi-
cle, trunk, the bed of a pickup or floor of a
trailer.
7. Always shut off the engine and permit it to
cool before removing the fuel tank cap.
8. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors.
9. If the fuel container spout will not fit inside the
fuel tank opening, use a funnel.
D. When Mowing
1. Keep adults, children and pets away from the
area to be mowed.
2. When operating this mower in the forward
direction, DO NOT allow the steering levers to
return to the neutral position on their own.
Always maintain a firm grip on the levers,
operate them smoothly and avoid any sudden
movements of the levers when starting or
stopping.
3. If the mower is equipped for side discharge,
never use the mower without the discharge
chute installed and placed in the down position.
4. Always remove debris and other objects from
the area to be mowed.(Note: debris and loose
grass will reduce traction.)
10. When filling the fuel tank, stop when the fuel
reaches one inch from the top. This space is
5. Mow only in daylight.
6. Watch for holes, sprinkler heads and other
hidden hazards.
necessary for tank expansion. Do not overfill
.
11. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
7. Avoid driving too close to trees, creeks,
ditches, sand traps and other obstacles.
8. Before backing up, check behind you and
watch where you’re going.
9. Always reduce speed when making a turn,
and when grass is wet.
C. Related to Batteries
Batteries are stored electrical energy devices that
may be serviceable with removable caps (the electro-
lyte levels can be checked), or may be non-service-
able (no attempt should be made to open the vents).
10. Always mow across slopes, never up and
down the slope. Do not operate on steep
slopes and slow down before turning.
11. Be careful when crossing gravel paths or
roadways. Always turn off the blade clutch
switch and wait until the blades stop rotating
and raise the cutting deck to the transport
position. Always allow other vehicles to have
the right-of-way.
12. If you hit a solid object while mowing, turn off
the blade clutch switch, place the left and right
steering levers in the neutral, opened-out
position, move the throttle to slow, set the
parking brake, shut off the engine and take
the key from the ignition switch. Inspect for
Batteries may contain lead (Pb) and sulfuric acid,
and they must be re-cycled and not disposed of nor
abandoned. Sulfuric acid can cause severe burns,
and in the event of contact, the areas should be
flushed with water and a physician contacted. Bat-
tery cases should not be punctured. Lead is poison-
ous and is contained within the positive and negative
terminals as well as within the battery’s internal grid-
work of plates and active materials.
Explosive gases are generated when batteries are
re-charged, so sparks, flames and heat sources
should be avoided. Loose connections at the battery
5
damage. Repair any damage. Make sure the
blades are in good condition and that the
blade bolts are tight before restarting the
engine.
13. Never leave the mower unattended without:
turning off the blade clutch switch; placing the
left and right steering levers in the neutral
opened-out position; moving the throttle to
slow; setting the parking brake; shutting off
the engine and taking the key from the ignition
switch.
14. Never walk or stand on the discharge side of a
mower with the engine running. Turn off the
blade clutch switch if another person
approaches while you are operating the
mower.
15. Never attempt to operate the traction unit
without the mowing deck attached.
16. Keep the mower and especially the engine
and hydraulic components clean and free of
grease, grass and leaves to reduce the
chance of fire and to permit proper cooling.
E. Towing
1. Tow only with a machine that has an approved
hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed
equipment except at the hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for
weight limits for towed equipment and towing
on slopes.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment
may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
Note: 5 degrees (9%) maximum slope.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
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SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS
WARNING
GLOW
SHIELD MISSING
PLUGS
DO NOT OPERATE
Part Number: 01009619
Part Number: 00030635
DANGER
ROTATING BLADE
Do not put hands or feet
under or into mower when
engine is running.
Part Number: 00030633
Part Number: 01003450
Part Number: 01003452
Part Number: 01003451
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY,
D
O
N
O T
O
P
E
R A T
E
M
O W
E
R
U
N L
E
S
DISCHARGE CHUTE COVERORGRASS
S
C A T C H E
R
IS I N I T
S
P
R O P
E
R
P
L A C E
.
!
WARNING!
D A N G E R
Maximum weight on hitch is 50 lb
Maximum towed load is 500 lb
Never allow passengers on towed equipment
K E E P H A N D S a n d FE E T A W A Y
Loss of traction can occur during operation on slopes, 5 (9%) maximum
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop
Use caution during turns, avoid jack-knifing
Use extra caution when operating in reverse
Do not modify hitch, repair or replace damaged hitches
Part Number: 01006536
Part Number: 01002166
!
WARNING
Serious bodily injury may result from failure to follow safe
operating procedures.
Read the Operator's Manual before operating this machine.
Clear area of debris and other objects before mowing.
Do not operate machine when children and others are around.
Do not operate machine without guards, shields and safety
devices in place and working.
Avoid slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Slow down and use caution on slopes. Go across slopes!
Part Number: 02000163
7
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL INFO.
Controls:
Engine ignition and start switch; throttle; left and right steering
levers; electric blade clutch switch; parking brake; mower deck lift
Parking Brake:
Seat:
Mechanical linkage attached to the brake handle and drum
brakes
Fully adjustable Suspension Seat-fore/aft, seatback, armrests
and operator weight adjustments
Frame:
2" Steel square tube and plate, all welded construction
Instrumentation:
Hourmeter; Low Voltage, Low Oil Pressure, High Coolant Tem-
perature, and Glo-Plug activation indicator lights; (tachometer
optional)
Front Caster Wheels:
Drive Wheels:
Tire Pressure:
Fuel Tank:
Ground Speed:
Net Weight:
13 x 6.50 x 6
60" & 72” deck, 24x12 - 12
10-12 psi Rear, 20-25 psi front caster
Two 6.5 gallon w/ shutoff valves
0-12 + MPH forward. 0-5 MPH reverse
1460 lbs. w/60" deck, & 1540 lbs. w/72” deck
Operator Protective
Device:
Roll Over Protective Structure, Retractable Seat Belts, Brush
Guard, and Sun Canopy
ENGINE INFO.
Engine:
Type:
Air Cleaner:
Lube System:
Hydraulic System:
Coolant:
28.2HP, InDirect Injection, Caterpillar diesel, 1.131 liters
Horizontal Crankshaft, 3 cylinder in-line, 23:1 compression
Dual Element, Canister Type
Pressurized with oil filter Shell Rimula 15W40-4.3 quarts
3 quart capacity, One quart filter Shell Rimula 15W40, CI-4 plus
Shell Dex-Cool ELA 50/50 antifreeze
Starter:
12-volt electric, cold limit -20C (-4F)
Blade Brake Clutch:
Electric
TRACTION DRIVE INFO.
Traction Drive:
Variable-speed hydrostatic pumps and hydraulic wheel motors for
each drive wheel
CUTTER DECK INFO.
Cutter Deck;Drive:
Deck Lift:
Cutting Height:
No. of Blades
60” & 72” Belt Driven
Hand lever w/pin lock for height adjustment & foot pedal assist
1-1/2" to 5"
3, attach to spindle with 3/4” bolts
Deck Spindles:
1-1/4” diameter tapered-roller bearings, aluminum housing
8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure. 1
Figure. 2
Hour Meter
(tach optional)
Electric Blade
Clutch Switch
Engine throttle
Ignition Switch
k. Be careful when crossing gravel paths or
roadways. Always turn off the blade clutch
switch and wait until the blades stop rotat-
ing and raise the cutting deck to the trans-
port position. Always allow other vehicles
to have the right of way.
l. If you hit a solid object while mowing, turn
off the blade clutch switch, place the steer-
ing levers in the neutral, opened-out posi-
tion, move the throttle to slow, set the
parking brake, shut off the engine, and
take the key from the ignition switch.
Inspect for damage. Repair the damage.
Make sure the blades are in good condition
and that the blade bolts are tight before
restarting the engine.
m. Never leave the mower unattended without
observing the following: turn off the blade
clutch switch, placing the steering levers in
the neutral open-out position, moving the
throttle to slow, setting the parking brake,
shutting off the engine and taking the key
from the ignition switch.
n. Never walk or stand on the discharge side
of the mower when the engine is running.
Turn off the blade clutch switch if another
person approaches while you are operat-
ing the mower.
A.General
1. When Mowing:
a. Keep adults, children, and pets away from
the area to be mowed.
b. When operating this mower, in the forward
direction, do not allow the steering levers
to return to Neutral on their own. Always
maintain a firm grip on the levers, operate
them smoothly and avoid any sudden
movements of the levers when starting and
stopping.
c. If the mower is equipped for side dis-
charge, never use the mower without the
discharge chute installed and placed in the
down position.
d. Always remove debris and other objects
from the area to be mowed (Note: debris
and loose grass will reduce traction).
e. Mow only in daylight.
f. Watch for holes, sprinkler heads, and other
hidden hazards.
g. Avoid driving too close to trees, creeks,
ditches, sand traps, and other obstacles.
h. Before backing up, check behind and
watch where you are going.
i. Always reduce speed when making a turn,
and when grass is wet.
j. Always mow across slopes, never up and
down the slope. Do not operate on steep
slopes and slow down before turning.
Avoid turning downhill if possible, start at
the bottom and work up to the top. Use
extra care and go slowly when turning
downhill. Control the speed and direction
of the zero turn machine “primarily” with
the speed/directional control (lap bar) of
the downhill side of the machine...I.E.,
maintain the uphill side lap bar “essen-
tially” in a fixed position.
o. Never attempt to operate the traction unit
without having the mowing deck attached.
p. Keep the mower and especially the engine
and hydraulic components clean and free
of grease, grass, and leaves to reduce the
chance of fire and permit proper cooling.
2. Safety Awareness when Mowing
a. Do not operate on steep slopes, those
above 15 degrees (27% slope).
b. Avoid turning downhill if possible, if not use
extra care and go slowly.
c. Avoid turning when going downhill, traction
is at a minimum going downhill.
9
d. Do not operate with discharge side of the
mower toward streets, buildings, play-
grounds, parking lots, other machines, ani-
mals, and other people.
e. Avoid operation or use extreme care if the
traction surface is wet, unstable, or slip-
pery.
f. Use extra care when grass clippings,
leaves, pine needles, or debris are present
as traction can be reduced.
switch in the “on” position until the glow-plug
light goes out. Turning the switch further
against spring pressure starts the engine.
The engine will only start if the blade clutch
switch is in the “off” position, the parking
brake is engaged and the left and right steer-
ing levers are in the neutral, opened-out
position. The key should always be removed
from the switch if the operator leaves the
mower’s seat.
g. Slow-down before turning and come to a
complete stop before any zero turn maneu-
ver.
h. Do not stop machine or park machine over
combustible materials such as dry grass,
leaves, debris, etc.
3. To Mow Grass and Produce a Striped Pat-
tern
a. Pick a point on the opposite side of the
2. Glow Plugs: Combustion chamber plugs are
fitted with the necessary precise tip protrusion
into each combustion chamber, to enable the
sprayed fuel to be properly ignited during
cranking, without causing a significant drop of
combustion efficiency during engine running.
Glow plugs, due to their high tip temperature
when activated, give satisfactory starting at
ambient temperature-bottom limits approach-
ing that of other starting-fluid aids.
area to be mowed (post, tree, shrub, etc.).
3. Engine Throttle Control: (See Figure 2.)
Located on the left side of the mower next to
the operator’s seat. Moving the throttle control
from the rear to the front will increase the
engine speed from slow to fast.
b. If on an hillside, start at the bottom so that
the turns are uphill rather than downhill.
c. Align the mower so as to head directly
toward the object on the far side.
d. Slowly increase the speed of the machine
to match cutting conditions, terrain, and
operator familiarity with the controls and
keep the machine headed directly toward
the alignment object. Do not go fast as to
reduce cut quality or to be uncomfortable
in controlling the speed and direction of the
machine.
e. When approaching the other end of a strip,
slow down or stop before turning. A U-turn
is recommended unless a zero turn is
required. The speed of a U-turn that will
allow for machine controllability and mini-
mal turf defacement will be dependent on
several factors including: the speed of the
turn, the radius of the turn, the tire tread
pattern, the traction coefficient of the tire to
the traction surface, the slope of the trac-
tion surface.
4. Left and Right Steering Levers: (See Figure
3.) These hinged levers open out to the side
in the neutral position to permit the operator to
be seated or to leave the mower’s seat. The
operator, when seated, can pull the levers up
to the operating position, a comfortable fore-
arm’s length away. These levers control all of
the movements of the mower. Pushing both
levers forward causes the mower to move for-
ward. Pulling both levers back causes the
mower to move backward. Pushing one lever
ahead of the other lever causes the traction
wheel on the side where the lever is ahead to
rotate faster than the other traction wheel,
making the mower turn toward the side where
the lever is behind. When one lever is pushed
forward and the other lever pulled back the
same amount, one traction wheel will turn in
reverse and the mower will turn within its own
length.
f. Remember, a zero turn requires that the
forward or reverse travel of the machine be
stopped prior to the initiation of the turn or
severe turf defacement can occur.
g. To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf,
change the direction that the strips are
mowed by approximately 45 degrees the
next and each subsequent time that the
area is mowed.
In order to start the engine, both steering
levers must be opened out to the side in the
neutral position; the parking brake must be
engaged; and the blade clutch switch must be
“off”. However, once the engine starts, the
parking brake must be released before the
operator places the steering levers into the
operating position or the engine will
automatically shut off.
B.Controls
1. Engine ignition and start switch: (See Fig-
ure 1.) Located on the instrument housing
below the right side of the operator’s seat.
When the key is inserted and turned clock-
wise, 45 degrees, the ignition circuit is
Note: The Steering Lever will return toward
neutral when released, but they should be
placed in neutral by the driver. If the Drive
Handles are not placed in neutral, the tractor
may creep.
closed. When the engine is “cold”, have the
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