However, any power mower must be operated properly to be safe. It is not a toy or a recreational vehicle. Before you start to use the mower, read this Operator’s Manual carefully. It contains valuable information that is necessary for the safe operation of the machine. Observe all safety rules and become completely familiar with the controls. The information contained in this manual applies to all Dixon® SilverTip™ ZTR® mowers. See your authorized Dixon® dealer for warranty service, parts and repairs or to answer any questions you may have about your new Dixon® ZTR®. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SAFETY&WARNING....................................4-15 WARRANTY........................................................16 SPECIFICATIONS.............................................17 CONTROLS..................................................18-21 OPERATIONINSTRUCTIONS....................22-32 CARE & MAINTENANCE............................33-49 TROUBLESHOOTING..................................50-51 STANDARD SERVICE PARTS LIST...............52 SilverTip™ Part Number 12881-106 3 4 SAFETY Blade Contact Tip Over Run Over Back Over RIDING LAWN MOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Pictured below are the most common causes of injury to the operator or bystander. Please read and understand this manual to prevent injuries. 5 SAFETY Safety Alert Symbol When you see this symbol, BE ALERT to the potential for injury. Follow the recommended safety precautions and safe operating practices. DANGER (highlighted in red) indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING (highlighted in orange) indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION (highlighted in yellow) indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices. WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION: Read, understand, and followallinstructions in this manual and on the mower before starting. Only allowresponsibleadults, who are familiar with the instructions,to operate the mower. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area. Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Mower blades can throwrocks or other debris. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place. This will decreasethe possibilityof injuryfrom objectsbeing thrown bythe mowerblades. Never carry passengers. They may fall off and become seriously injured or interfere with safe operation of the mower. Mowing in reverse is not recommended because it is difficult to maintain a clearvision of the mowing path. However, shouldit become necessaryto back up, remember to look down and behind beforeand while backing. 6 WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION (continued): Neverleavea runningmower unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting. Turn off blades whennot mowing. Injurycould occur from contact withmovingparts. Under no circumstancesshouldyou place hands or feet under the mower deck or in the chute while blades or impeller arestillrunning. To avoid personalinjuryfrom accidental clutch engage ment, stop engine before removing grass catcher or uncloggingchute. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Slowdown before turningto reduce the risk of tip-over. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road ways. Use extra carewhen loading or unloading the mower into a trailer or truck. Push, do not ride the mower when loading and unloading. 7 WARNING Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION (continued): Neverdismount mower without applying parking brake or stoppingengine. Protectyour eyes. Alwayswear safetygogglesor safety glasses with side shields when operatingmower. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of ridingmower relatedinjuries. These operators shouldevaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safelyenough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. To protectagainst possible tip-over, followthe manufacturer’s recommendation for wheelweights and counterweights and ROPS. Maintain or replace safety & instruction labels as needed. The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. 8 WARNING Failure to obser...