1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Bigdog Mower Co. Manuals
  4. Lawn Mower
  5. Alpha
  6. Operator's manual

Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha Operator's Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

BIGDOG
MOWER CO. Alpha
®
®
Operator's Manual
200 South Ridge Road
Hesston, Kansas
67062
607233
REV A

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Alpha and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha

Summary of Contents for Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha

  • Page 1 BIGDOG MOWER CO. Alpha ® ® Operator’s Manual 200 South Ridge Road Hesston, Kansas 67062 607233 REV A...
  • Page 2 WARNING The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT OF SPARK ARRESTER MUFFLER This equipment may create sparks that can start fires around dry vegetation. California Public Resources Code Section 4442.6 provides that it is unlawful to use or operate an internal combustion engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective working order.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents General Information ........1-1 To the New Owner .
  • Page 4 General Engine Maintenance ......4-4 Belts..........4-4 Mower Blades .

  • Page 5: General Information

    Mower Company ® ® ® BigDog Alpha reserves the right to redesign and change the machine as To the New Owner deemed necessary, without notification. If a change has been made to your machine which is not reflected in this manual, contact your BigDog Mower Dealer for current information.
  • Page 6 REV A 607233...

  • Page 7: Safety Precautions

    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS trained in its proper use. They should read this manual completely and thoroughly before attempting to set-up, operate, adjust, or service this equipment. Safe Operating Practices This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a avoid serious injury or death.
  • Page 8 • Do not wear radios or music headphones while  Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses operating this mower. Safe operation requires are tightly secured and bolts are tightened. your full attention. • Never operate a poorly maintained mower. ...
  • Page 9 ramp provides a surface for the mower frame to  Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot contact if the unit starts to tip backwards. It also on the ground. reduces the risk of a wheel going off and the mower ...

  • Page 10: Service Precautions

    • Buildings • Disconnect the negative battery cable. • Rocks • Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing. These are just a few examples of situations when caution must be used when operating on a slope. •...
  • Page 11  Grass collection system components are subject to • Electrolyte may overflow and damage paint, wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose wiring or structure. When cleaning the battery, moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently use soap and water. Be careful not to get soap check components and replace with manufacturer’s and water into the battery.

  • Page 12: Safety And Instructions Decals

    • Do not fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a The following illustrations show the safety decals that are truck or trailer bed with interior carpets or plastic located on the mower. A brief explanation is shown to help truck liners.
  • Page 13 DANGER: Battery Hazards! Part Number 601815 601815 • Avoid skin contact • Do not overfill battery. • Do not allow open flame near the with battery acid battery when charging. • Electrolyte may overflow and damage • Hydrogen gas forms inside the paint, wiring or structure.
  • Page 14 WARNING: Thrown objects! • Never operate the mower deck with side deflector damaged, altered, removed or in raised position, except when the entire grass catcher attachment or mulching system is being used. DANGER: Rotating blades, pulleys & belts • Keep shields and covers in place while machine is in operation.
  • Page 15 Slope Guide Use this diagram when determining the degree of slope to be mowed. E (15 Slope Guide Lines D (10 C (5 Line A 1. Hold this sheet of paper in front of you. Make sure that Line A is horizontal. 2.
  • Page 16 REV A 2-10 607233...

  • Page 17: Operation

    OPERATION Safe Operating Practices Controls Refer to the Safety Precautions section of this manual for Steering control levers (Figure 3-2 & Figure 3-3) — operational and personal safety information. these levers control the mower’s speed, direction, stopping, and park brake. Control Panel The parking brake may not hold the mower if parked on a slope.

  • Page 18: Safety Start Interlock System

    Shown with steering control lever in the park brake position A. Lights Figure 3-5 A. Steering control lever Safety Start Interlock System Figure 3-3 The mower’s safety start interlock system consists of the park brake switches, seat switch, and deck clutch switch. IMPORTANT: Repair this important safety feature immediately if it malfunctions.

  • Page 19: Starting The Engine

    An interval of at least two minutes should be allowed If you cannot locate the problem contact your BigDog ® between such cranking periods to protect the starter Mower Dealer. from overheating and burn-out. 6. Perform test to make sure safety start interlock The safety interlock system should always system is operating properly.

  • Page 20: Mower Operation

    To stop or decrease speed, move steering control levers to Bypass valve rod shown in operating position neutral. When going forward pull back gently on steering control levers. When going in reverse push forward gently on steering control levers. For emergency stops, when traveling forward or rearward, place the steering control levers in the park brake position immediately.
  • Page 21 FRONT OF MOWER FACES THIS DIRECTION THREE POINT TURN FORWARD TRAVEL ZERO RADIUS TURN Step 1 FORWARD TRAVEL RIGHT TURN Step 2 REVERSE TRAVEL RIGHT TURN Step 3 REVERSE TRAVEL N = NEUTRAL POSITION Direction of arrows indicate direction of mower movement Neutral Right control lever...
  • Page 22 Operating Suggestions Never work with blades while the engine is running An inexperienced operator should not mow on or deck clutch switch is engaged (on). slopes or on uneven terrain. Always place the deck clutch switch in the Before attempting normal speed operation an disengaged position, place steering control levers inexperienced operator should: in the park brake position, turn the engine off and...

  • Page 23: Deck Cutting Height Adjustment

    3. Now, push the deck clutch switch down (clutch disengaged), and with the engine running, listen to confirm that the blades have stopped rotating. Never attempt to make any adjustments to the 4. If the mower blades continue to rotate with the deck mower deck while the engine is running or with the deck drive clutch engaged.

  • Page 24: Anti-Scalp Wheels

    1.60” (40.6mm) below the mower blades. This setting is preferred when mowing at cutting heights of 2-1/2” (63.5mm) or higher. When the wheel is mounted in the top hole, it is located .70” (17.8mm) below the mower blades. This is the acceptable setting for mowing at cutting heights of 1-1/2”...

  • Page 25: Maintenance & Adjustments

    MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS Safe Servicing Practices Torque Values Refer to the Safety Precautions section of this manual for more service safety information. Particular attention must be given to tightening Service Introduction the drive wheel lug nuts and blade spindle bolts. Failure to correctly torque these items may result in the loss of a wheel or blade, which can cause Regular maintenance is the best prevention for costly...

  • Page 26: Lubrication

    Lubrication The fuel and evaporative emissions control system for this mower is EPA compliant. Use only BigDog Mower approved ® replacement parts. Use SAE multi-purpose grease. Your evaporative emission control system may include Electrical System parts such as: • fuel tanks IMPORTANT: Refer to the Safety section of this manual for detailed battery servicing safety information.

  • Page 27: Fuel Evaporation System Filter

    Fuel Evaporation System Filter These mowers have a fuel evaporation system filter. This filter must be checked and replaced every 100 hours or annually whichever comes first. Figure 4-4 A. Fuel cap Figure 4-2 IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The fuel tank should be filled no higher than the bottom of the fill neck.

  • Page 28: Engine Air Filter

    Belts 3. Attach one end of the hose onto the oil drain valve nipple. Make sure the hose is pushed all the way onto the valve. Figure 4-5 Inspect belts frequently for wear and serviceability. Replace a belt that shows signs of: 4.
  • Page 29 Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades Always check for blade damage: • if mower strikes a rock, branch or other foreign object during mowing! • or if an abnormal vibration occurs while operating. Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation. Sharpen the blades following the pattern shown.

  • Page 30: Seat Adjustment

    C. Blade B. Boss Figure 4-9 Seat Adjustment The seat on the BigDog Alpha mower can be adjusted ® ® forward and rearward by pivoting the seat platform up and forward. Then, loosen the four cap screws on the underneath side of the seat platform.
  • Page 31 A. Cap screws Figure 4-10 A. Upper control lever C. Lower control lever B. Cap screws Figure 4-11 607233 REV A...
  • Page 32 Maintenance Schedule Refer to Figure 4-12, Figure 4-13, Figure 4-14, Figure 4-15, & Figure 4-16 WEEKLY * ANNUALLY SERVICE AT OR 40 OR 100 INTERVALS INDICATED HOURS HOURS Verify safety start interlock system Prior to each use Visually inspect unit for loose hardware and/or damaged parts Prior to each use Visually inspect tires Prior to each use...
  • Page 33 Maintenance Locator Chart Figure 4-12 1. Engine Oil Fill & Dipstick 2. Fuel Filter 3. Engine Air Cleaner 4. Engine Oil Drain Valve 5. Battery 6. Fuel Tank 7. Engine Oil Filter 8. Park Brake Switch (2) 9. Drive Tire 10.
  • Page 34 REV A 4-10 607233...

  • Page 35: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING The majority of operating problems that occur with a system can be traced to improper adjustments or delayed service. A consistently applied preventative maintenance program, as outlined in the Maintenance section of this manual, will prevent many problems. The following chart is designed to help you locate a problem by suggesting probable causes and the recommended solutions.
  • Page 36 REV A 607233...

  • Page 37: Storage

    STORAGE General Mower Preparation for Storage Allow the engine to cool before changing the 1. Remove all grass, dirt, and trash from mower and engine oil. Use caution when changing the engine cutting units. oil as it will be very hot. You should wear the IMPORTANT: Wash the machine with a mild detergent appropriate protective gear to avoid being burned and water.

  • Page 38: Product Literature

    PRODUCT LITERATURE If you would like to view or print a copy of the product manuals (Operator’s Manual, Parts Manual, or General Service Manual) for these mowers go online to www.bigdogmowerco.com. Contact your local BigDog Mower dealer if you require another engine manual. ®...
  • Page 39 INDEX PAGE PAGE Air Flow Baffles ............3-8 New Season Preparation ........6-1 Anti-scalp Wheels ...........3-8 Operating Suggestions .......... 3-6 Battery Service Precautions ........2-5 Operation ..............2-2 Belts .................4-4 Operator Platform Adjustment ......4-7 Children ..............2-4 Parts and Service ........... 1-1 Cold Weather Pump Clutch ........3-3 Personal Safety ............

Table of Contents