MODEL NO. MC12538 (MC12538A) 12.5 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 189035 Rev. 1 09.19.03 TR PRINTED IN U.S.A. SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. GENERAL OPERATION · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. 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 machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. Slow down before turning. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage. DO NOT: · Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. · Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in. · Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding. · Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. · Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. · Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. · Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. · Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. · Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. · Never allow children to operate the machine. · Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. IV. SERVICE · Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. - Use only an approved container. - Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke. - Never refuel the machine indoors. - Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater. Never run a machine inside a closed area. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. · II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. DO: · Mow up and down slopes, not across. · Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. · Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. · Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. · Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. · Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. · Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. · Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. · · · · · · · · · 2 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Never carry children.They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor. WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too 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. 3 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and type: Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): Oil Capacity: Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) 3 Pints Champion RC12YC Forward: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Reverse: Tire Pressure: Charging System: Battery: Front: Rear: 14 PSI 12 PSI 1.1 2.2 3.3 4.9 1.4 CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to ser vice or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and observe the safety rules. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor. · Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual. WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved 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. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service center/department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). · · 3 Amps Battery 5 Amps Headlights AMP/HR: MIN. CCA: Case Size: 27-35 FT. LBS. 28 230 U1R Blade Bolt Torque: TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES................................. 4 ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 6-8 OPERATION ............................................................. 9-13 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 14 MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 14-17 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 18-23 STORAGE .................................................................... 24 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 25-26 REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 28-43 WARRANTY................................................................. 45 4 UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Wheel Insert (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft (1) Bolt Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) Keys Slope Sheet (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 5 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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers (1) 9/16" wrench Tire pressure gauge Utility knife When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). INSERT 1/2 HEX NUT LARGE FLAT WASHER STEERING WHEEL TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON · · · Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from carton. Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat. Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove. ADAPTER STEERING BOOT TABS EXTENSION SHAFT 1/4 HEX BOLT 1/4 LOCKNUT BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1) ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT · Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mounting holes in extension and lower shafts and install 1/4 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely. IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 10-12 FT. LBS TORQUE. LOWER STEERING SHAFT TAB SLOTS FIG. 1 · Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure. INSTALL STEERING WHEEL · Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward. · Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension. · Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter. · Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex nut and tighten securely. · Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. · Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill. IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID. 6 02 59 7 ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2) Adjust seat befo ...