Big Dog ALPHA User Manual

119293 REV E
BIG DOG
®
MOWER CO. ALPHA
®
General Service Manual
200 South Ridge Road
Hesston, Kansas
67062

Big Dog ALPHA Specifications

General

Engine Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Cutting Width	Unknown
Fuel Capacity	Unknown
Transmission	Hydrostatic
Engine Displacement	726 cc
Deck Material	Fabricated Steel

Summary

General Information

Big Dog ® Mowers Service Program

Describes the purpose and scope of the service manual for Big Dog ALPHA ® mowers.

Maintenance Introduction

Highlights the importance of regular maintenance for preventing downtime and premature failure.

Warranty Information

Details warranty repair procedures and requirements for Authorized Dealers.

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Safe Servicing Practices

Provides guidelines and precautions for performing maintenance and repairs safely.

Pre-Operation Precautions

Outlines critical steps to take before operating the mower for enhanced safety.

Operation Precautions

Details safety measures to ensure safe and efficient operation of the mower.

General Maintenance Precautions

Covers general safety rules and best practices for performing maintenance tasks.

Prevent Battery Explosions

Provides crucial safety instructions to prevent battery explosions and related hazards.

Avoid Acid Burns

Details precautions to prevent skin and eye contact with corrosive battery acid.

Torque Specifications

Standard Torques

Lists recommended torque values for standard fasteners used throughout the manual.

Special Torques

Specifies unique torque values required for particular components and fasteners.

Power Unit Maintenance

Steering Adjustments

Guides users through procedures to adjust steering control levers for proper mower tracking.

Park Brake Spring Adjustment

Details the process for adjusting the tension of the park brake spring.

Transaxle Drive Belt Care

Provides information on inspecting, adjusting, and replacing the transaxle drive belt.

Tire Pressure and Type

Recommends correct tire pressures and specifies approved tire types for optimal performance.

Engine Maintenance Procedures

General Engine Maintenance

Overview of engine maintenance tasks based on manufacturer recommendations.

Engine Oil and Filter Service

Step-by-step instructions for changing engine oil and replacing the oil filter.

Engine Air Filter Maintenance

Details maintenance procedures for the engine's air intake filter.

Fuel Evaporation System Filter

Instructions for checking and replacing the fuel evaporation system filter.

Fuel and Evaporative System Line Routing

Diagrams illustrating the correct routing of fuel and vapor lines for the system.

Engine RPM Settings

Guidelines for checking and adjusting engine idle speeds for optimal mowing efficiency.

Deck Adjustments and Service

Deck Leveling Procedure

Step-by-step guide for adjusting the mower deck to achieve a level cut.

Mower Blades: Maintenance and Replacement

Covers checking, sharpening, balancing, and replacing mower blades for optimal performance.

Deck Belt Maintenance

Information on inspecting, adjusting, and replacing the mower deck drive belts.

36"/42" Deck Belt Routing

Diagram showing the correct routing of the deck belt for 36" and 42" mower decks.

52" Deck Belt Routing

Diagram illustrating the correct routing of the deck belt for 52" mower decks.

Electrical System Schematics

Electrical Schematic – Kawasaki

Wiring diagram for Kawasaki engines (prior to S/N 14014077).

Electrical Schematic – Kawasaki (S/N 14014077 & higher)

Updated wiring diagram for later model Kawasaki engines.

Electrical Schematic – Kohler

Wiring diagram for Kohler engines.

Comprehensive Maintenance Procedures

Maintenance Schedule

Provides recommended service intervals for weekly, 40-hour, and annual maintenance tasks.

Maintenance Locator Chart

Visual diagrams identifying key maintenance components on the mower for easy access.

Troubleshooting Guide