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OPERATOR’S MANUAL Safety, Assembly, Operating, and Maintenance Instructions Model MS ™ Please Read and Save These Instructions Beginning S/N: 117172 For Safety, Read All Safety and Operation Effective Date: 05-07-12 Instructions Prior to Operating Machine P/N 5000-23...
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Foreword Thank you. . .for purchasing a Walker mower. Every effort has been made to provide you with the most reliable mower on the market, and we are sure you will be among our many satisfied custom- ers. If for any reason this product does not perform to your expectations, please contact your local dealer.
Table of Contents General Information Operating Instructions ________________ 1 _____________ 25 HIGHLIGHTED INFORMATION _____________ 1 CONTROL IDENTIFICATION, GLOSSARY ____________________________ 1 LOCATION, AND FUNCTION _____________ 25 IDENTIFYING NUMBER LOCATIONS ________ 1 Ignition Switch _______________________ 25 ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION _______ 2 Engine Choke ________________________ 25 SERVICING OF ENGINE AND Engine Throttle _______________________ 26...
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Table of Contents Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING _________________ 61 __________ 42 Drive Belts ___________________________ 61 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART _______ 42 Engine Belt _________________________ 62 IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE PTO Drive Belt ______________________ 63 OF THE SUBARU ENGINE ________________ 43 Ground Drive Belt ____________________ 64 Fuel System _________________________ 43 Blade Overload Shear Bolts_____________ 65 Starting _____________________________ 43...
If you have any difficulty finding an authorized outlet or obtaining warranty service, please contact our Service Department for assis- Tractor Serial Number Location tance: Walker Manufacturing Company Serial Number 5925 E. Harmony Road Fort Collins, CO 80528 1-970-221-5614 www.walkermowers.com...
22 in. (56 cm) Two (2) Counter-Rotating Blades with a 2 in. 42 in. (107 cm) GHS Model (5 cm) Center Overlap Torsion-Flex Frame with Caster Wheels and Deck Suspension Counterweight Springs DRIVE BELTS Engine Walker P/N 5230-2 Ground Drive Walker P/N 5232 PTO Drive Walker P/N 5234-2...
Specifications MODEL GHS SYSTEM Blower 10 in. Diameter, Three-Blade Paddle Wheel Belt Scrubber Brake [Works in Combination with PTO Clutch, Stops Blower Brake Blower within Five (5) Seconds of PTO Disengagement] Max. Blower RPM 4000 Grass Catcher Capacity gal / bu / L 63 / 6.7 / 238 Oscillating Vane Switch Mounted on Grass Delivery Spout Triggers Full Signal...
Component Identification NOTE: Control Identification shown in Operating Instructions section. Grass Handling System 6.7 Bushel Catcher Catcher Door Safety Latch Tilt-Up Latch Spring Clip Anti-Scuff Roller Counterweight Spring and Protective Cover Transmission Control Rod Adjustment Nut (LH) Deck Support Pins Catcher Lift / and Height Adjustment Dump Handle...
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Component Identification Removable Grass Catcher Door Catcher Screen Catcher Gas Spring (Not Visible) Exhaust Deflector Catcher Door Gas Spring Protective Cover Catcher Door Catcher Lift / Dump Handle Catcher Door Handle Anti-Scuff Roller Muffler Left Hand Tailpipe Drive Wheel Rotating Engine Screen Tailwheel Fork and Wheel...
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Component Identification Air Cleaner Donaldson Cover Air Cleaner Rubber Bumpers (Body Support) Air Filter Restriction Gauge Air Intake Hose Muffler Fuel Tank Carburetor Fuel Tank Muffler Heat Shield Starter Solenoid (Not Shown) GHS Blower Tractor PTO Gearbox LH Hydrostatic RH Transmission Transmission Lockout Lever RH Hydrostatic...
Manufacturing must take full responsibility for safety. comply with safety instructions may result in person- al injury. The Walker Rider Lawnmower has been designed with many safety features to protect the operator from The seriousness or degree of importance of each personal harm or injury.
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Safety Instructions - Before Operating 6. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get 12. The electrical system battery contains sulfuric caught in moving parts. Do not operate this ma- acid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and chine while wearing shorts; always wear ade- clothing.
Safety Instructions - Operating Operate the mower only in daylight or in Do not operate machine if the operator pres- good artificial light with good visibility of the area ence safety switch system is not working. being mowed. Verify proper operation by having the operator lift off the seat with the engine running and mov- Sit on the seat when starting the engine and ing two controls, one at a time;...
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Safety Instructions - Operating 14. The maximum recommended slope operat- 20. In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck or GHS catching system: ing angle is 15 degrees or 26% grade. When operating the machine on a slope, reduce speed Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turn and use caution to start, stop, and maneuver.
Safety Instructions - Maintenance To prevent accidental starting of the engine 11. Use care when charging the battery or per- when servicing or adjusting the machine, re- forming maintenance on the battery and electri- move the key from the ignition switch and dis- cal system: connect the spark plug wire.
Safety Instructions SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALS Safety, Control, and Instruction Decals are installed on the machine; if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should be ordered and installed before putting the machine into operation. The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Manual. Top Rear of Fuel Tank (5855) Deck Carrier Frame (8647) Underside of Body (5861)
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Safety Instructions SAFETY, CONTROL, AND INSTRUCTION DECALS Safety, Control, and Instruction Decals are installed on the machine; if any are missing, illegible, or damaged, a replacement should be ordered and installed before putting the machine into operation. The Decal Part Number is listed below and in the Parts Manual. Each End of Mower Deck (5808) SD Deck Discharge Shield (5848) Fender, LH Side (5802-2)
Assembly Instructions SETUP INSTRUCTIONS Dry Battery Service Walker Mowers are shipped partially assembled. DANGER After uncrating the tractor and mower deck, initial setup is required. Activating a battery can be dangerous. NOTE: During the process of unpacking, any dam- The battery should be taken to a reliable...
Assembly Instructions Battery Charging Install the battery in the mower as shown in Battery Installation photo. Connect the positive (+) first and then the negative (-) cable to the proper battery ter- DANGER minal [red cable and boot connects to the Posi- tive (+) terminal].
Assembly Instructions Tighten the bolt and nut until the axle spacer Deck Discharge Deflector Shield Installation tube bottoms against the inside of the wheel (Side Discharge Models Only) fork (will not turn) while the wheel and spacer Attach the side discharge deflector shield using two washers (if used) spin freely without binding.
Assembly Instructions If the deck is rear discharge (GHS equipped model), the rear discharge chute will need to be Attach Spring aligned and connected to the blower inlet dur- ing the last 2 in. (51 mm) of slide action on the support arms.
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Assembly Instructions With the counterweight springs connected, the Spring Tension Adjustment Nut weight on the deck caster wheels should be Located Under Lower 15 to 25 Ib (6.8 to 11.3 kg); this adjustment is Spring Hook (Not Visible) preset at the factory. If required, the spring ten- sion can be adjusted by tightening or loosening Counterweight the elastic stop nuts located underneath the...
Assembly Instructions Deck Leveling Check the side-to-side level. Rotate each blade sideways and measure the distance Position mower on a smooth, level surface. Set from blade tip to ground on each side. If mea- the cutting height to the highest position - 4 in. surements vary more than 1/8 in.
Assembly Instructions PREOPERATING CHECKLIST IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline. Al- ways use fresh, automotive grade unleaded gaso- Before operating the mower for the first time, and as line. DO NOT use premium, white, or high-test gas- a routine before daily operations, it is important to oline.
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Assembly Instructions INSPECT THREE (3) DRIVE BELTS CAUTION Engine, PTO, and Hydrostatic Ground Drive. Do not operate machine with deck tilt-up CHECK HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION OIL pivot joint unlocked. LEVEL Refer to LUBRICATION for Checking Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid Level in Maintenance Instruc DANGER tions.
Operating Instructions CONTROL IDENTIFICATION, LOCATION, AND Do not hold the key in the “S” position longer than FUNCTION 10 seconds. If the engine does not start, return the key to the “O” position for at least 60 seconds before making a restart attempt. Prolonged cranking can CAUTION damage the starter motor and shorten battery life.
Operating Instructions Engine Throttle Steering Levers The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on the Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen- left side of the seat and is used to control engine dent steering lever, for both steering function and speed.
*** In normal operating conditions, oil changes in 100-hour intervals are acceptable. Walker and the engine manufacturers recommend engine oil changes every 50 hours in extremely dirty or...
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Operating Instructions The Forward Speed Control also Establishes the Neutral-Park Position of the Steering Levers LEFT WHEEL FORWARD SPEED RIGHT WHEEL STEERING LEVER CONTROL LEVER (FSC) STEERING LEVER Forward Position (No Control Change) Full Forward Ground Speed Position Neutral-Park Position Intermediate Ground Speed Position...
Before operating the mower, read and un- motor and shorten battery life. Consult your derstand all Safety Instructions and Operat Walker dealer or authorized engine dealer for ing Instructions. additional help. After the engine starts, gradually move the...
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Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK ♦ Remember it is not necessary to hold the position. When the machine is stopped or steering levers forward (a unique Walker moving slowly, engage the parking brake. feature); always PULL on the levers for steering or for reverse motion of the mower.
NOTE: If the tractor creeps forward or back- ward with the FSC lever in the NEUTRAL-PARK Blade Clutch Engaged position, the transmission control needs to be adjusted. Contact your Walker dealer. Disengaged Position ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE Set the engine throttle at about 1/2 speed. DO NOT attempt to engage the blade clutch at high engine speeds.
1 in. (25 mm) [top holes] to stop within five (5) seconds, the brake 4 in. (102 mm) [bottom holes] in 1/2 in. (13 mm) should be adjusted or repaired before op- incre ments. erating the mower. Contact your Walker dealer. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Operating Instructions After moving the mower, release the locking Lift Handle cam, placing the lever DOWN in the normal OP- ERATING position. Make sure the transmis- sion lockout plunger on the side of the transmis- sion case (activated by the lockout lever) is com pletely released, otherwise the transmis- Deck Support sion operation will be erratic.
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Operating Instructions • Use a slow setting on the FSC for trimming op- erations. • Make sure the mower is leveled properly for a smooth cut. Refer to Deck Leveling in Assembly In structions. • Use an alternating stripe mowing pattern for best appearance and vary the direction of the stripe each time the grass is mowed to avoid wear patterns in the grass.
Operating Instructions RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TILT-UP DECK OPERATION/TRANSPORT Maximum Recommended Slope - Do Not Operate To avoid potential deck and/or tractor damage while on Steep Slopes using the tilt-up deck, the following recommenda- tions are offered: • Do not move the tractor with the deck in the tilt- up position since both the roller wheels (on the back of the deck) and the GHS discharge chute may be damaged by moving the tractor.
Operating Instructions GRASS HANDLING SYSTEM (GHS) GHS Model Only Exhaust Screen Catcher Door (Removable) Safety Latch ® Grass-Pak Vane Switch Exhaust ® Powerfil Deflector Drive Motor Actuator “Full” Signal Horn Catcher Clutch Door Shear Pin Catcher Door Spring PTO and Blade Gear Drive Shear Grass Catcher...
Operating Instructions General Information NOTE: When a side discharge or mulching mow er deck is installed on the GHS model, a blower intake The Grass Handling System (GHS) consists of a cover should be installed in the blower intake tube. rear discharge mower deck connected to a 10 in.
Operating Instructions • Clogging Checklist Check the amount of flat section remaining at blade tip. This is the area that is ground away (re- In case of clogging, there will be a distinct change moved) when the blades are sharpened. If too much in the sound of the blower, i.e., the blower sound of the flat section is removed, the “air lift”...
Operating Instructions • Check that the openings in the removable air WARNING exhaust screen in the grass catcher are not plugged. If the screen is clogged, refer to Cleaning ® DO NOT test the Grass-Pak switch with the GHS Exhaust Screen in this section. the engine running.
Operating Instructions Dumping the Catcher DANGER Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of an embankment or retaining wall with drop off. Safety For dumping, the catcher either tailgate dumps into Latch a disposal area or dumps into the optional dump bag.
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Operating Instructions Tilt the catcher back to dump into the bag by lifting on the catcher lift handle on the lower front corner of the catcher with the one hand while continuing to hold up on the bag strap(s) with the other hand. Refer to photos for posi- tioning the bag and dumping.
Maintenance Instructions CAUTION Maintenance procedures requiring special training or tools should be performed by a trained technician. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART - RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS - MODEL MS Every Ref. Service Item Daily Hours Hours Hours Yearly 2 Years Page Check Engine Crankcase Oil Level...
Maintenance Instructions SUBARU TIPS IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE Air Cleaner System SUBARU ENGINE • Use only Donaldson air cleaner elements. After- market elements may not seal in the air cleaner Fuel System housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also, af- •...
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION LUBRICATION IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine without a sufficient oil supply in the crankcase. DO NOT operate with oil level below the LOW (L) mark or WARNING above the FULL (H) mark on the dipstick. DO NOT attempt to lubricate the machine NOT SCREWED IN with the engine running.
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION Start and run the engine. Stop the engine, re- Changing Engine Crankcase Oil check the oil level, and add oil if necessary. Change the engine crankcase oil after every 50 hours of operation as follows: Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication Lubricate the grease fittings and oil points after ev ery Park the mower on a level surface with the 25 hours of operation.
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Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION Ident Lubrication Ident Lubrication Location Type Places Location Type Places Catcher Hinge Point Deck Caster Wheel Fork Pivot Grease Choke Control Cable Ends Blade Drive Gearbox Oil* Throttle Control Cable Ends Tee Gearbox, Deck Oil* Engine Belt Tightener Pivot Grease Deck Caster Wheel Bearing Grease...
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication NOTE: Since the gearboxes are connected as a unit by connector tubes, it is necessary to add The mower deck gearboxes (tee gearbox and blade oil slowly. Allow a few minutes after adding oil drive gearboxes) are connected as a unitized as- for the oil to flow throughout the assembly and sembly, and oil flows freely between them.
Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION Gear Axle Lubrication The reservoir has a fluid level COLD mark. The reservoir oil level should ALWAYS be at or • The gear axle oil lubrication is SAE E.P. 80W-90 slightly above the COLD mark. (API GL-5) gear lube. If the fluid is below the COLD mark (or the trans- •...
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING CLEANING IMPORTANT: Use only Donaldson air filter ele- ments for replacement (Donaldson P822686 or Walker 5090-1). Aftermarket filters may not seal CAUTION properly or filter efficiently. If a pressure washer is used on the ex- Cover Latch...
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Maintenance Instructions CLEANING Use a bright light inside the element to inspect for damage. Check the element very carefully Air Indicator Restriction Gauge for pin holes or other damage that will allow dirt to leak through the paper media. Replace element if necessary.
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING Fuel Filter Canister Clean and inspect the fuel filter screen after every 50 hours of service. Replace if damaged. Service the fuel filter as follows: Safety Filter Primary Fuel Shut-Off Radial Sealing Filter Element Valve Surface Air Filter Element Replacement Fuel Filter and Sediment Bowl 10.
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING Engine Cooling System NOTE: The planned maintenance schedule calls for cleaning the cylinder head cooling fins yearly or Cooling Air Intake System every 300 hours as a minimum. To prevent engine overheating and possible engine damage, clean grass clippings, chaff, and dirt from the rotating engine cooling air intake screen after every 8 hours of operation.
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING Grass Buildup in Mower Deck Housing Clean grass buildup underneath the deck using a pressure washer (and scraper if required). DANGER NOTE: If the buildup is severe, it may be easier to clean the deck by removing the deck assem- bly from the tractor and standing the deck as- Before raising or removing the mower sembly on its “nose”.
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING GHS Blower Use a pressure washer or water spray, and di- rect the spray inside the blower housing against Normally, the GHS blower operates with no mainte- the blower blades. Water pressure will cause nance or cleaning. However, when mowing grass the blower wheel to begin to spin and the com- that is dirty and damp (especially springtime mow- bination of spinning action and water will effec-...
Maintenance Instructions CLEANING/ CHECKING/SERVICING Hydrostatic Transmission Cooling Fins CHECKING/SERVICING Keeping the cooling fins on the hydrostatic transmis- DANGER sions clean and free of obstruction is essential to avoid overheating the transmission fluid and short- ening transmission life. The cooling fins should be To prevent accidental starting of the en- checked every 100 hours;...
Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING Replace filler caps. Tire Pressure IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the battery. Electro- Inflate tires to pressures shown below: lyte will overflow through the vent tube onto parts of Deck Caster Wheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa) the machine and WILL result in severe corrosion. Drive = 15 PSI (103 kPa) Rear...
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Maintenance Instructions CHECKING/SERVICING Check blade balance by positioning the blade WARNING horizontally on a blade balancer or use a nail or shaft through the center hole. If either end of the blade rotates downward, grind (remove) DO NOT try to straighten a blade that is metal on that end until the blade will balance.
Refer to LUBRICATION for operating the mower. Contact your Walker dealer for Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication in this section. this service or refer to the Walker Service Manual. Spark Plug Every 100 hours, remove the spark plug, inspect, clean, and reset the gap (or replace with a new plug).
If the FSC friction lock needs to be adjusted, contact • With an operator in the seat, the engine starts but your Walker dealer or refer to the Walker Service dies soon after the Forward Speed Control (FSC) or Manual.
Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING REPLACING/REPAIRING Drive Belts There are three (3) individual belts on the ma- DANGER chine: • Engine Belt To prevent accidental starting of the en- gine when replacing parts or repairing the • PTO Drive Belt machine, remove the key from the ignition switch and disconnect the spark plug •...
Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING Engine Belt To remove the engine belt: Roll the belt off the compound pulley and remove the belt. Relax the belt by depressing the spring- loaded idler arm. Engine Belt Compound Pulley Idler Pulley Push Idler Pulley to Relax Belt Tension Spring Belt Tightener...
Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING PTO Drive Belt To remove the PTO drive belt: Move blade clutch (in direction of engage- ment) far enough to relax belt scrubber Remove the engine belt, as described in brake without tightening the PTO drive belt. previous section.
Maintenance Instructions REPLACING/REPAIRING Ground Drive Belt To remove the ground drive belt: Slide belt off pulleys, then release the idler. Raise the spring-loaded idler to relax belt. Raise Idler Pulley to Relax Belt Idler Pulley Belt Tightener Arm Transmission Tension Spring Drive Pulley Hydrostatic Ground Drive...
(1) complete revolu- tion. Make sure blade tips pass clear of each other. IMPORTANT: Use only Walker P/N 8067-13 If timing is incorrect, contact your Walker dealer. shear pins for replacement to provide proper shock protection -- these pins are hardened to shear under a specific amount of load.
ING/SERVICING in this section. If blades are re- blade is sharpened. Replace the blade when less placed, always use Walker original equipment than a 3/4 in. (19 mm) flat section remains at the blades to ensure safety and optimum performance.
Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS Steering Levers An adjustment range of approximately 3 in. (76.2 mm) Jam Nut is available on the steering levers - the levers can be adjusted forward or aft depending on the arm length of the operator. The levers can be adjusted by loos- ening the locknut at the pivot point and the locknut holding the lever in position in the adjustment slide.
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Maintenance Instructions ADJUSTMENTS Position the discharge chute so that it is pointing ® If adjustment is required, hold the Grass-Pak straight back. switch mount bracket firmly, grasp the switch and bracket and bend it down. Adjustments Turn the ignition switch ON and move the should be done in very small increments check- blade clutch to the ENGAGED position ing the measurement each time until the recom-...
(1) year* after date of sale to the original retail purchaser unless the product is used for rental purposes, in which case this warranty is limited to ninety (90) days. At Walker’s request, customer will make the defective part available for inspection by Walker and/or return the defective part to Walker, transpor- tation charges prepaid.