Exmark Lawn Mower TR23KC User Manual

For Turf Ranger  
Serial Nos. 510,000 & Higher  
and  
FMD524 & FMD604  
Serial Nos. 510,000 & Higher  
Part No. 103-9192  
 
EXMARK PARTS PLUS® PROGRAM  
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 1995  
Program  
If your Exmark dealer does not have the Exmark part in stock,  
Exmark will get the parts to the dealer the next business day or  
the part will be FREE* Guaranteed!!  
How the Program Works  
1.  
If dealer does not have part in stock for a "down" unit at  
the time of request by customer, the dealer contacts his  
distributor by 1:00 p.m., local time, and requests Exmark  
Parts Plus® shipment of six (6) line items or less.  
2.  
Distributor ships part(s) to dealer or customer, as  
requested by dealer, same day, overnight UPS  
Distributor bills dealer for part and freight charges where  
applicable.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
If distributor does not have the part(s) in stock to satisfy Exmark Parts Plus® order, he contacts Exmark by 3:00 p.m.,  
central time, with an Exmark Parts Plus® order of six (6) line items or less.  
If order is received by 3:00 p.m. central time, Exmark ships part(s) direct to dealer or customer, as requested by  
distributor, same day, overnight UPS, Exmark bills the distributor for parts and shipping charges, where applicable.  
The customer pays for the part and freight if it is shipped under the Exmark Parts Plus® and if it arrives in  
accordance to the program.  
Who pays for the part and freight if it fails to arrive overnight in accordance to the program?  
A. Under any circumstance the customer does not pay.  
B. If the part does not arrive overnight due to:  
1. The dealer not submitting the Exmark Parts Plus® order to his Exmark distributor by 1:00 p.m., the dealer  
pays for the part and freight.  
2. The Distributor being unable to ship the part the same day or not submitting the Exmark Parts Plus® order  
to Exmark by 3:00 p.m., central time, the Distributor pays for the part and freight.  
3. Exmark being unable to ship the part and the Exmark parts order is received by 3:00 p.m., central time,  
Exmark pays for the part and freight.  
4. If the part does not arrive overnight due to the shipper (UPS), the shipper pays for the freight and Exmark  
pays for the part.  
The following restrictions apply -- The Exmark Parts Plus® Program is available only through participating Exmark  
Dealers and applies only to orders submitted on this program Monday through Thursday. Parts Plus service is available  
only in the 48 contiguous United States. UPS has initiated a Saturday delivery program to many areas of the continental  
United States and can be requested for an overnight shipment on Friday to be delivered Saturday. The next day air  
charge, plus the Saturday delivery fee will be the responsibility of the purchaser. Exmark Mfg. will assume no  
responsibility for Saturday delivery shipments. To qualify, all Exmark Parts Plus® orders must be received by Exmark by  
3:00 p.m., central time. Orders must be six (6) line items or less. Exclusions from the Exmark Parts Plus® Program are:  
Any wholegood or accessory in its entirety, engines and engine replacement parts, 5-speed Peerless transmissions and  
5-speed transaxles, hydraulic or hydrostatic wheel motors, cutter decks and engine decks or any item exceeding United  
Parcel Service size and weight restrictions.  
Due to UPS restrictions, aerosol spray paint is considered a hazardous material and cannot be shipped via UPS next day  
or Second Day Air.  
Exmark Manufacturing stocks a limited supply of parts for transaxles, pumps and wheel motors. These parts can be  
ordered for Next Day Air shipment but will not be guaranteed per the Parts Plus Program.  
ii  
 
CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of your Exmark Mower. This product has been  
carefully designed and manufactured to give you a maximum amount of dependability and  
years of trouble-free operation.  
OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
This manual contains assembly, operating, maintenance, adjustment, and safety  
instructions for your Exmark mower.  
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER, CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS  
ENTIRETY.  
By following the operating, maintenance, and safety instructions, you will prolong the life  
of your mower, maintain its maximum efficiency, and promote safe operation.  
If additional information is needed, or should you require trained mechanic service,  
contact your authorized Exmark equipment dealer or distributor.  
All Exmark equipment dealers and distributors are kept informed of the latest methods  
of servicing and are equipped to provide prompt and efficient service in the field or at their  
service stations. They carry ample stock of service parts or can secure them promptly for you  
from the factory.  
All Exmark parts are thoroughly tested and inspected before leaving the factory,  
however, attention is required on your part if you are to obtain the fullest measure of  
satisfaction and performance.  
iii  
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1. SAFETY  
PAGE  
1.1 Safety Alert Symbol...................................................................................... 1  
1.2 Training........................................................................................................ 1  
1.3 Preparation................................................................................................ 1-3  
1.4 Operation .................................................................................................. 4-6  
1.5 Maintenance & Storage................................................................................ 7  
1.6 Safety Signs.............................................................................................. 8-9  
2. SPECIFICATIONS  
2.1 Model Number............................................................................................ 10  
2.2 Engine........................................................................................................ 10  
2.3 Fuel System ............................................................................................... 10  
2.4 Electrical System........................................................................................ 10  
2.5 Operator Controls....................................................................................... 10  
2.6 Seat............................................................................................................ 10  
2.7 Hydrostatic Ground Drive System .............................................................. 10  
2.8 Tires........................................................................................................... 11  
2.9 Deck........................................................................................................... 11  
2.10 Dimensions ............................................................................................... 11  
2.11 Torque Requirements................................................................................ 11  
3. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
3.1 to 3.10 Assembly................................................................................... 12-15  
4. CONTROLS .............................................................................................. 15-17  
5. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS  
5.1 Pre-Start..................................................................................................... 17  
5.2 Mowing.................................................................................................. 17-18  
5.3 Transporting.......................................................................................... 18-19  
6. MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS  
6.1 Periodic Maintenance............................................................................ 19-27  
6.2 Adjustments .......................................................................................... 27-33  
7. WASTE DISPOSAL  
7.1 Motor Oil Disposal...................................................................................... 34  
7.2 Battery Disposal ......................................................................................... 34  
8. TROUBLE SHOOTING  
8.1 Mower Cuts Unevenly ................................................................................ 34  
8.2 Engine Will Not Start............................................................................. 34-35  
9. WIRING DIAGRAMS..................................................................................... 36  
10  
.
WARRANTY................................................................................................. 37  
iv  
 
1.SAFETY  
1.1 SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL  
This SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL  
is used both in this manual and on the machine to  
identify important safety messages which must be followed to avoid accidents. This  
symbol means:  
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!  
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!  
The safety alert symbol appears above information, which alerts you to unsafe actions  
or situations and will be followed by the word DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.  
DANGER: White lettering / Red background. Indicates an imminently hazardous  
situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury.  
WARNING: Black lettering / Orange background. Indicates a potentially hazardous  
situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious injury.  
CAUTION: Black lettering / Yellow background. Indicates a potentially hazardous  
situation which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate injury.  
1.2 TRAINING  
1.2.1  
Regard the Exmark mower as a piece of power equipment and teach this  
regard to all who operate this unit.  
1.2.2  
Read the instructions carefully. Familiarize yourself with the controls and the  
proper use of the equipment. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read  
English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.  
1.2.3  
1.2.4  
Do not allow operation of this machine by untrained personnel. Never allow  
children, teenagers, or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the  
mower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.  
Avoid mowing while people, especially children, or pets, are nearby. Keep in  
mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring  
to other people or their property.  
1.3 PREPARATION  
1.3.1  
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are  
needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and  
attachments approved by Exmark.  
1.3.2  
The use of personal protective equipment, such as (but not limited to)  
protection for the eyes, ears, feet, and head is recommended.  
CAUTION  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
This machine produces sound levels in excess of 85  
dBA at the operator’s ear when in operation.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
Exposure to sound levels of 85 dBA or above for  
extended periods of time can cause hearing loss.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Wear hearing protection when operating this machine.  
1.3.3  
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not  
operate equipment when barefoot or when wearing open sandals.  
- 1 -  
 
1.3.4  
1.3.5  
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all  
stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects, which may damage the  
equipment or cause personal injury to the operator or bystanders.  
Always set the park brake before starting the engine.  
WARNING  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is  
an odorless deadly poison.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
Carbon monoxide can kill you.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Do not run engine indoors or in a small confined area  
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.  
DANGER  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
In certain conditions gasoline is extremely flammable  
and highly explosive.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you, others,  
and cause property damage.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
DO NOT smoke while refueling, and stay away from  
an open flame or where gasoline fumes may be ignited  
by spark.  
Refuel only outdoors.  
Store gasoline in an approved container and keep it  
out of the reach of children.  
Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the  
cap of the fuel tank or add fuel when engine is running  
or when the engine is hot.  
Never fill the fuel tank so that the gasoline level rises  
above a level that is 1/2” below the bottom of the filler  
neck to allow for gasoline expansion and prevent fuel  
spillage.  
If fuel is spilled, DO NOT attempt to start the engine.  
Move away from the area of the spill and avoid  
creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have  
dissipated.  
Do not operate without the entire exhaust system in  
place and in proper working condition.  
- 2 -  
 
DANGER  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
In certain conditions gasoline is extremely flammable  
and highly explosive.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
A static charge can ignite gasoline vapors. A fire or  
explosion from gasoline can burn you, others, and  
cause property damage.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Purchase and store gasoline only in an approved  
container.  
Always place gasoline containers on the ground away  
from your vehicle before filling.  
Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or on a  
truck or trailer bed because interior carpets or plastic  
truck bed liners may insulate the container and slow  
the loss of any static charge.  
When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from  
the truck or trailer and refuel the equipment with its  
wheels on the ground.  
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a  
truck or trailer from a portable container, rather than  
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.  
If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used, keep the  
nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or  
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.  
WARNING  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
Gasoline vapor can collect inside enclosed trailers and  
may be ignited by electrical sparks or hot  
engine/exhaust components.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
Explosion and fire may occur, resulting in property  
damage, personal injury, and/or death.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Provide adequate ventilation of any enclosed trailer to  
prevent build up of gasoline vapors, especially at floor  
level.  
Refuel only outdoors, never inside an enclosed trailer.  
Be sure all fuel tanks and gasoline storage containers  
have proper caps installed to prevent spillage and  
minimize vapor escaping into the trailer.  
Do not place any equipment that is leaking gasoline in  
an enclosed trailer.  
- 3 -  
 
1.4 OPERATION  
Although hazard control and accident prevention are partially dependent upon the  
design and configuration of the equipment, these factors are also dependent  
upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of the personnel  
involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the equipment.  
It is essential that all Operator Safety Mechanisms be connected and in operating  
condition prior to use for mowing.  
WARNING  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
Operating engine parts, especially the muffler, become  
extremely hot.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
Severe burns can occur on contact.  
Debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Allow engine parts, especially the muffler, to cool before  
touching.  
Remove accumulated debris from muffler and engine area.  
Install and maintain in working order a spark arrester before  
using equipment on forest-covered, grass-covered, or  
brush-covered unimproved land.  
WARNING  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
Hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories can become  
entangled in rotating parts.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
Contact with rotating parts can cause traumatic amputation  
or severe lacerations.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Do not operate the machine without guards, shields, and  
safety devices in place and working properly.  
Keep hands, feet, hair, jewelry, or clothing away from  
rotating parts.  
1.4.1  
1.4.2  
Give complete, undivided attention to the job at hand.  
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light, keeping away from holes and  
hidden hazards. NEVER carry passengers. DO NOT operate the mower  
when children or others are in the area.  
1.4.3  
1.4.4  
When feasible, avoid operating the equipment in wet grass.  
Use EXTREME caution when mowing and/or turning on slopes as loss of traction  
and/or tip-over could occur. The operator is responsible for safe operation on  
slopes.  
- 4 -  
 
DANGER  
POTENTIAL HAZARD  
Mowing on wet grass or steep slopes can cause sliding and  
loss of control.  
WHAT CAN HAPPEN  
Wheels dropping over edges, ditches, steep banks, or  
water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious  
injury, death or drowning.  
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD  
Mow up and down slopes.  
Do not mow slopes when grass is wet.  
Do not mow near drop-offs or near water.  
Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.  
Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.  
Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.  
See inside the back cover to determine the approximate slope angle of the  
area to be mowed.  
Use a walk behind mower and\or a hand trimmer near drop-offs, ditches,  
steep banks or water. This area can be dangerous, see Figure 1.  
G0083  
Figure 1  
SAFE ZONE FOR MOWING  
Progressively greater care is needed as the slope increases.  
Always avoid sudden starts and turns.  
Be aware that loss of traction may occur going downhill. Weight transfer to  
the front wheels may cause rear wheel to lift off ground cause loss of  
steering.  
Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change the operating  
angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.  
Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing  
area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.  
Use extreme care with grass catchers or attachments. These can change  
the stability of the machine and cause loss of control.  
1.4.5  
1.4.6  
Use EXTREME caution when backing up. LOOK BEHIND YOU!  
Stop the blades when crossing surfaces other than grass and when  
transporting the mower to and from the area to be mowed.  
- 5 -  
 
1.4.7  
Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields, or covers. Always  
have safety shields, guards, switches, and other devices in place and in proper  
working condition.  
1.4.8  
1.4.9  
Do Not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating  
an engine at excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.  
Disengage PTO before starting engine.  
1.4.10 Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.  
1.4.11 Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts while the mower is  
being operated.  
1.4.12 Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove key:  
a) Before checking, cleaning, or working on the mower.  
b) After striking a foreign object (inspect the mower for damage and  
make repairs before restarting and operating the mower).  
c) Before clearing blockages.  
d) Whenever you leave the mower.  
1.4.13 Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop:  
a) Before refueling.  
b) Before making height adjustments.  
c) Before dumping the grass catcher.  
1.4.14 Before stopping the engine, place the throttle control midway between the  
“slow” and “fast” positions. Allow the engine to run a minimum of 15 seconds,  
then stop the engine.  
1.4.15 The fuel system is provided with a shut-off valve. The fuel shut-off valve is  
used to shut off the fuel when:  
a) The machine will not be used for a few days.  
b) During transport to and from the job.  
c) When parking inside a building.  
1.4.16 This mower was designed for one operator only. Keep all others away from  
mower during operation.  
1.4.17 Do Not mow with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered unless  
there is a grass collection system or mulch kit in place and working properly.  
1.4.18 Be aware of the mower discharge and direct discharge away from others.  
1.4.19 Do NOT operate the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  
1.4.20 Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, other objects that  
may obscure vision.  
1.4.21 If jump starting is required:  
a)  
b)  
c)  
Connect the positive (+) power cable from the positive post on the  
booster battery to the positive terminal post on the starter solenoid switch  
(this post has the positive battery cable attached to it).  
Connect the negative or ground cable (-) to the negative post on the battery  
to any engine deck ground, preferably the engine block as far away from  
the battery as possible.  
Disconnect battery cables in the reverse order after starting.  
- 6 -  
 
1.5 MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE  
1.5.1  
1.5.2  
1.5.3  
For engine maintenance, follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations  
precisely as stated in the engine manual.  
Disconnect the battery cable form the negative battery post when the unit will  
be allowed to sit for more than 30 days without use.  
Allowing batteries to stand for an extended period of time without recharging  
them will result in reduced performance and service life. To preserve optimum  
battery performance and life, recharge batteries in storage when the open  
circuit voltage drops to 12.4 volts.  
NOTE: To prevent damage due to freezing, battery should be fully charged  
before putting away for winter storage.  
1.5.4  
Keep engine and engine area free from accumulation of grass, leaves,  
excessive grease or oil, and other debris, which can accumulate in these  
areas. These materials can become combustible and may resu