McCulloch M17538H manual

• Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Service and Adjustments • Storage • T roubleshooting www .mcculloch.biz 532 43 38-90 OPERA TOR’S MANU AL MODEL NO . M17538H 17.5 HP * 38 INCH L A WN TRACTOR *As rated by the engine manufacturer[...]

2 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAP ABLE OF AMPUT A TING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. F AILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLL OWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESUL T IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEA TH. I. GENERAL OPERA TION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the [...]

3 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary . Al ways look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children, even with the blades s[...]

4 T ABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3 PRODUCT SPECIFICA TIONS ....................................... 4 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4 ASSEMBL Y ................................................................. 6-8 OPERA TION ...................................[...]

5 UNAS SEMBLED P ARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Seat (1) Seat Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Key(s) Slope Sheet (1) Hex Bolt (1) Lock W asher (1) Large Flat W asher Steering Wheel Insert (1) W asher (1) Bolt[...]

6 AS SEMBL Y TOOLS REQUIRED FOR AS SEMBL Y A socket wrench set will make assembly easier . Stan dard wrench sizes are listed. (1) 1/2" wrench (2) 3/4" wrench (3) Pliers (4) Utility knife (5) Tire pres sure gauge When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means when you are in the operating po si tion (seated be hind the stee[...]

7 AS SEMBL Y TO CHECK BA TTERY (See Fig. 3) • Lift seat to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label is located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BA TTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions). • For [...]

8 AS SEMBL Y CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be prop- erly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING?[...]

9 OPERA TION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) OVER TEMP LIGHT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS 15 15 (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE F[...]

10 OPERA TION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERA TING 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. (A) A TT ACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise, lower , and adjust the mower d[...]

11 OPERA TION 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. Fig. 5 TO M[...]

12 OPERA TION REVERSE OPERA TION SYSTEM (ROS) Y our tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch en-[...]

13 OPERA TION TOWING CARTS AND OTHER A T T ACH MENTS T ow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac- tor . Use common sense when towing. T oo heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor . ADD [...]

14 MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per- for mance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trim- ming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of[...]

15 MAINTENANCE T R A C T 0 R 1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures . 2 - Service more often when operating in dir ty or dusty conditions. E N G I N E 3 2 2 2 2 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 - Not required if equipped with maintenance-free battery . 5 - See Cleaning in Ma[...]

16 MAINTENANCE TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main te nance. BRAKE OPERA TION If tractor requires more than five (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 CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments section of th[...]

17 MAINTENANCE TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 14 & 15) Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification C. • Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container . • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt t[...]

18 MAINTENANCE IN-LINE FUEL FIL TER (See Fig. 17) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, ob struct ing fuel flow to car bu re tor , re place ment is re quired. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sec- tions. • Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing toward[...]

19 MAINTENANCE DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 19) Y our 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. IMPORT ANT : Make certain the tractor’s d[...]

20 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO A VOID 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. • T urn ignition key to “STOP ” and remove key . • Make sure the b[...]

21 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS E F C G Q R D K G P B L M A IMPORT ANT : CHECK BEL T FOR PROPER ROUTING IN ALL MOWER PULLEY GROOVES. • Raise attachment lift lever to highest position. • If necessary , adjust gauge wheels before op er at ing mower as shown in the Operation section of this manual. E F H J M Fig. 23 Fig. 24 A B D C Fig. 21 Fig. 22 • [...]

22 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Fig. 26 • If adjustment is necessary , see step in Visual Adjust- ment instructions above. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT - TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 28 & 29) IMPORT ANT : Deck must be level side-to-side. T o obtain the best cutting re sults, the mower blades shou[...]

23 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPL ACE MOTION BEL T DRIVE (See Fig. 31) P ark the tractor on level surface. En gage parking brake. For as sis tance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BEL T REMOVAL - • Remove mower (See “TO RE MOVE MOWER” in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt[...]

24 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REP AIRS (See Fig. 33) • Block up axle securely . • Remove axle cover , retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. Fig. 33 RE T AIN ING RING WASH ERS SQUARE KEY (REAR WHEEL ONL Y) AXLE COVER TO ST ART ENGINE WI[...]

25 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPL ACE HEADLIGHT BULB • Raise hood. • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. • Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. • Close hood.  HOOD HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECTOR Fig. 36 TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBL Y (S[...]

26 STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. WARNING: Never store the trac tor with gas o line in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any en clo sure. TRACTOR Remove mower from t[...]

27 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly . 2. See “TO ST ART ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Engine flooded. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter . 5. Clean/replace air fil[...]

28 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when oper- ator 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. Poor cut - uneven 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Re[...]

29 SERVICE NOTES[...]

30 SERVICE NOTES[...]

31 1 5 DE G REE S M AX . FOLD ALON G DOTTED LINE THI S I S A 1 5 DE G REE S LOPE ONLY RIDE UP AND DO W N HILL, NOT ACRO SS HILL S U GG E S TED G UIDE FOR S I G HTIN G S LOPE S FOR S AFE OPERATION W ARNIN G : To avo i d s er i o us i n ju ry, operate yo u r tra c tor u p and do w n the fa c e of s lope s , never a c ro ss the fa c e . Do not mo w s [...]

www .mcculloch.biz 12.29.09 JA Printed in the U.S.A.[...]