Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha User Manual

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

Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha Specifications

General

Brand	Bigdog Mower Co.
Model	Alpha
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

General Information

To the New Owner

Guidance for new owners on reading the manual, understanding responsibilities, and ensuring safe operation.

Using this Manual

Instructions on interpreting directional terms, understanding manual variations, and general usage tips.

Warranty Registration

Procedure for activating the warranty by registering the mower with the manufacturer within ten days of purchase.

Model and Serial Number

Identification and location of model and serial numbers for registration and service needs.

Parts and Service

Recommendations for using genuine BigDog® parts and contacting authorized dealers for service.

Safety Precautions

Safe Operating Practices

Essential safety rules for operating the mower, focusing on protecting hands, feet, and preventing entanglement.

Safe Operation

Guidelines for evaluating terrain, using approved attachments, and inspecting the area for hazards.

Personal Safety

Recommendations for appropriate clothing, footwear, and hearing protection to ensure operator safety.

Operation Safety

Safety instructions for operating the mower, covering unattended operation, damage checks, and general safe practices.

Using a Ramp

Precautions for safely loading and unloading the mower onto trailers or trucks using ramps.

Slope Operation

Critical guidelines for operating on slopes, emphasizing caution, avoiding tip-overs, and terrain assessment.

Children Safety

Safety warnings regarding children's proximity, interaction, and supervision during mower operation.

Service Precautions

Safety guidelines for performing maintenance and adjustments, including engine running status and battery handling.

Mower Blade Maintenance Precautions

Safety warnings and precautions for handling and servicing sharp mower blades.

Battery Service Precautions

Safety guidelines for servicing the mower's battery, including acid handling and cable connections.

Fuel Handling Precautions

Essential safety measures for handling gasoline to prevent fire, explosion, and personal injury.

Safety and Instructions Decals

Information on the purpose and importance of safety decals on the mower for operator understanding.

Operation

Safe Operating Practices

Refer to safety precautions for operational and personal safety information related to mower use.

Control Panel Overview

Identification and explanation of the main controls on the mower's control panel.

Mower Controls

Detailed explanation of steering control levers, deck lift pedal, and their functions.

Operating Lights

Information about the mower's front-mounted operating lights and their automatic activation.

Steering Control Lever Operation

Illustration and description of the steering control lever's function and position.

Deck Lift Pedal Operation

Illustration and description of the deck lift pedal for raising and lowering the deck.

Safety Start Interlock System

Explanation of the safety interlock system and daily inspection procedures for proper function.

Starting the Engine

Step-by-step procedure for safely starting the mower's engine, including pre-operation checks.

Stopping the Engine

Procedure for shutting down the mower's engine safely and correctly.

Moving Mower with Stalled Engine

Instructions on how to manually move the mower if the engine stops working.

Driving the Mower

Guidance on operating the mower, including forward, reverse, turning, and zero-radius turns.

Deck Clutch Operation

Procedure for checking the deck clutch engagement and disengagement for proper blade operation.

Deck Cutting Height Adjustment

Steps for setting the mower's deck cutting height and placing it in the transport position.

Anti-scalp Wheels

Explanation of anti-scalp wheels, their purpose, and two adjustment positions for terrain.

Operating Suggestions

Maintenance & Adjustments

Safe Servicing Practices

General safety guidelines for performing maintenance and adjustments on the mower.

Service Introduction

Importance of regular maintenance for preventing costly downtime and ensuring longevity.

Torque Values

Specified torque values for critical fasteners like lug nuts and blade bolts for safety.

Tire Maintenance

Recommended tire pressure for optimal mowing performance and even tire wear.

Flex Fork® Break-In

Procedure for breaking in newly installed Flex Forks® to ensure proper deck leveling.

Lubrication

Recommendation to use SAE multi-purpose grease for lubrication of mower components.

Electrical System

Details about the mower's 12-volt electrical system, battery size, and maintenance recommendations.

Master In-Line Fuse

Location and function of the main in-line fuse protecting the complete electrical system.

Hydraulic System

Information on sealed transmissions and maintenance precautions related to water intrusion.

Fuel and Evaporative Emissions Control System

Overview of the EPA-compliant system and prohibition of modifications or tampering.

Fuel Evaporation System Filter

Maintenance schedule for checking and replacing the fuel evaporation system filter.

Engine Oil and Filter

Procedures for checking and changing engine oil and filter, including safety warnings about hot components.

Engine Air Filter

Instruction to perform engine air filter maintenance according to the schedule.

General Engine Maintenance

Reference to the Engine Owner's Manual for detailed engine maintenance, lubrication, and torque.

Belts

Inspection criteria for belts and guidance on replacing worn or damaged belts to prevent loss of control.

Mower Blades

Importance of sharp mower blades for efficiency and turf quality, and replacement of damaged blades.

Mower Blade Maintenance

Detailed instructions on sharpening, balancing, checking for damage, and verifying blade distortion.

Mower Blade Replacement

Safety precautions and necessary tools for removing and installing mower blades.

Seat Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the mower's seat forward or rearward for optimal operator comfort.

Steering Control Lever Adjustment

Instructions for adjusting steering control levers for operator comfort and proper alignment.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Locator Chart

Troubleshooting

Storage

General Mower Preparation for Storage

Steps to prepare the mower for storage, including cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and tire pressure.

Preparation of Engine for Storage

Procedures for preparing the engine for extended storage, including fuel stabilizer and oil changes.

Preparation of Battery for Storage

Guidelines for removing, maintaining, and storing the mower battery to prevent damage.

New Season Preparation

Service required before starting the mower after seasonal storage, including cleaning, oil check, and battery installation.

Product Literature