Simplicity 18.5HP Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’SMANUAL18.5, 21, 26HP Zero-Turn RidersMfg. No. Description7800611 Simplicity Axion Model ZT18533, 18.5HP w/ 33” Mower7800616 Simplicity Axion

OPERATION10Ground Speed Levers These levers control the ground speed of the rider. Theleft lever controls the left rear drive wheel and the rightlever

11Mower Cutting Height SwitchTo increase the mower cutting height (raise the mowerdeck), press the top of the yellow cutting height switch.To decrease

12WARNINGNever allow passengers to ride on the unit.Before leaving the operator’s position for anyreason, engage the parking brake and disengagethe PT

139. Stop the rider and engine (see STOPPING THERIDER AND ENGINE).PUSHING THE RIDER BY HANDNOTE: Do not disengage the transmissions if parked ona slop

14DRIVING PRACTICE - BASIC DRIVINGWARNING: Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6%(10°). See SLOPE OPERATION in the safety section.Zero turn rider

15ADVANCED DRIVINGExecuting an End-Of-Row Zero TurnYour zero turn rider’s unique ability to turn inplace allows you to turn around at the end of acutt

16MOWER DECK REMOVAL &INSTALLATION - 33” DECKSNOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on ahard, level surface such as a concrete floor.Removi

17MOWER DECK REMOVAL &INSTALLATION - 42” DECKSNOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on ahard, level surface such as a concrete floor.Removi

18Figure 14. Mower Belt RoutingA. Idler Pulley ArmB. Mower BeltC. Engine Drive PulleyD. Fixed Idler Pulley (2)E. Arbor Drive Pulley (3)F. Adjustable

19MAINTENANCEMAINTENANCE SCHEDULEThe following schedules should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. * More often in hot (over 85° F:

Not for Reproduction

20Rider Maintenance ItemsACCESSING THE ENGINECOMPARTMENTLift up on the back edge of the seat deck to access theengine compartment. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM

21Figure 22. Arbor Lubrication (3-Blade Model Shown, All Models Similar)Figure 20. Mower Lubrication - 42” DeckLUBRICATIONService Interval: 25 hours.L

22Figure 23. Lubricating RiderFigure 24. Lubricating RiderFigure 25. Lubricating Mower Lift Not for Reproduction

23CLEAN DECK & CHECK / REPLACE MOWER BLADESService Interval: 25 hours or as required.1. Remove mower deck (see “Mower Deck Removal” inthe OPERATIO

24Figure 30. Blade Installation - 42” DeckA. 4x4 Wood Block C. Blade NutB. Spring Washers D. Lift WingsABCDFigure 29. Blade Installation - 33” DeckA

25CLEAN THE BATTERY AND CABLESService Interval: 100 Hours1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negativecable first (B, Figure 32).2. Remove the r

26CHECK / ADJUST PTO CLUTCH Service Interval: 200 Hours.The Power Take Off (PTO) clutch drives the mowerblades. The PTO clutch is engaged and disenga

27Figure 35. Recommended Engine Oil - Briggs & Stratton ModelsUse oil classified API Service Class SF, SG, SH, SJ or better with SAE Viscosity:1

28SERVICE AIR FILTER & PRE-CLEANER - 18.5 & 21 HPENGINESNOTE: Air filter configuration may differ from shown.Consult engine manual for further

29Figure 39. Air Filter CoverA. Air Filter Cover ScrewsASERVICE AIR FILTER -26HP ENGINESNOTE: Air filter configuration may differ from shown.Consult

3TABLE OF CONTENTSSafety RulesGeneral Operation...4Transportation & Storage ...

1.Pre-Cleaner Air Filter1.2.2.Figure 42. Air Filter ServiceREPLACE SPARK PLUGService Interval: YearlySpark Plug Gap: .030” (.76mm)1. Stop the engine

31SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTSGROUND SPEED CONTROL LEVERADJUSTMENTThe control levers have three adjustments: To Adjust Control Lever Height: Pull the l

BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 1. Stop the unit, turn the ignition OFF, set the groundspeed levers to START/PARK positions, set theparking brake lever to the ENGAGE

33Figure 47. Measure Blade Tips to GroundA. Mower DeckB. Blade TipC. Level GroundABCFigure 48. Orient Blades Side-to-SideMOWER DECK LEVELING ADJUSTM

34Figure 50. Measure Blade Tips to GroundA. Mower DeckB. Blade TipC. Level GroundABCFigure 51. Orient Blades Side-to-SideMOWER DECK LEVELING ADJUSTM

35Figure 53. Orient Blades Front-to-BackFront To Back Leveling - 33” DeckIf the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling.Unequal or improper tire p

36Figure 55. Orient Blades Front-to-BackFront To Back Leveling - 42” & 52” DecksIf the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling.Unequal or impr

37MOWER BELT REPLACEMENTMower Drive Belt Replacement - 33” Decks1. Park the rider on a level surface. Disengage the PTO,turn off the engine, set the g

38Mower Drive Belt Replacement - 52” Decks1. Park the rider on a level surface. Disengage the PTO,turn off the engine and set the ground speed control

39STORAGEWARNINGNever store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed,poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors cantravel to an ignition source (such as a f

4SAFETY RULESGENERAL OPERATION1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in themanual and on the unit before starting.2. Do not put hands or fee

40TROUBLESHOOTINGWhile normal care and regular maintenance will extendthe life of your equipment, prolonged or constant usemay eventually require that

41Troubleshooting the MowerPROBLEM CAUSE REMEDYMower cuttingheight does notadjust.Cutting height motor screw dirty or requireslube.Thoroughly clean an

42SPECIFICATIONSENGINE (18.5HP):Make Briggs & StrattonModel ELSHorsepower 18.5 @ 3600 rpmDisplacement 30.59 Cu. in (500cc)ENGINE (21HP):Make Brigg

43SERVICE ITEMSReplacement PartsReplacement parts are available from your authorizeddealer. Always use genuine Simplicity or SnapperService Parts.Tec

44NOTESNot for Reproduction

45NOTESNot for Reproduction

46Lawn Care& Mowing InformationLC-1HOW AND WHEN TOWATER, FERTILIZE &AERATEMost lawns are watered too often,but with too little water. Howevert

47LC-2Lawn Care & Mowing InformationWHEN AND HOW OFTEN TO MOWThe time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’llget when

MANUFACTURING, INC.500 N Spring Street / PO Box 997Port Washington, WI 53074-0997www.SimplicityMfg.comBriggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group

5CHILDRENTragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to thepresence of children. Children are often attracted to the unitand the mowing ac

6WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your unit up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not operate on slopes greater than 10 d

7SERVICE AND MAINTENANCESafe Handling of Gasoline1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and othersources of ignition.2. Use only approved gasoli

8SAFETY & OPERATION DECALSThis unit has been designed and manufactured toprovide you with the safety and reliability you wouldexpect from an indus

9IDENTIFICATION NUMBERSID TagWhen contacting the service center for replacementparts, service, or information you MUST have thesenumbers.Record your m