Dixon D17K38 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

E
edwardsryanAug 22, 2025
Why Dixon D17K38 is hard to start?
- A
  Anna MorrisAug 22, 2025
  If your Dixon Lawn Mower is hard to start, several factors could be responsible. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, so clean or replace it. A bad spark plug might not ignite the fuel properly, so replace it. A weak or dead battery won't provide enough power, so recharge or replace it. A dirty fuel filter can impede fuel flow, so replace it. Stale or dirty fuel can also cause starting issues, so empty the fuel tank and refill it with fresh, clean gasoline. Check all wiring for looseness or damage. The carburetor might be out of adjustment, see 'To Adjust Carburetor' in Service Adjustments. If the engine valves are out of adjustment, contact an authorized service center.
B
Bruce PorterAug 27, 2025
What to do if Dixon D17K38 engine will not turn over?
- A
  Adam ColemanAug 27, 2025
  If your Dixon Lawn Mower engine won't turn over, it could be due to several reasons. Make sure the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed. Ensure the attachment clutch is disengaged. A weak or dead battery can prevent the engine from turning over, so recharge or replace the battery. Check for a blown fuse and replace it if necessary. Corroded battery terminals can also cause this issue, so clean them thoroughly. Inspect all wiring for any looseness or damage. A faulty ignition switch, solenoid, or starter could also be the culprit, so check and replace them as needed. If you suspect faulty operator presence switch(es), contact an authorized service center.
T
Todd SmithAug 30, 2025
How to fix excessive vibration in Dixon D17K38?
- J
  jennifer20Aug 30, 2025
  To address excessive vibration in your Dixon Lawn Mower, check for a worn, bent, or loose blade. If found, replace the blade and tighten the blade bolt. Also, inspect the blade mandrel for bending and replace it if necessary. Ensure that all parts are tightened, and replace any damaged parts.
W
William PhillipsSep 1, 2025
What to do if Dixon D17K38 Lawn Mower engine clicks but will not start?
- K
  Kevin McgeeSep 1, 2025
  If your Dixon Lawn Mower engine clicks but doesn't start, it might be due to a weak or dead battery, so recharge or replace the battery. Corroded battery terminals can also cause this issue, so clean the battery terminals. Check all wiring for looseness or damage. A faulty solenoid or starter could also be the problem, so check or replace them.
D
donald50Sep 3, 2025
How to fix uneven cut of Dixon D17K38 Lawn Mower?
- R
  robertsaaronSep 3, 2025
  To fix an uneven cut with your Dixon Lawn Mower, start by checking the blade for wear, bending, or looseness. Replace the blade and tighten the blade bolt if needed. Ensure that the mower deck is level and adjust it if it is not. Clear any buildup of grass, leaves, or trash under the mower. Inspect the blade mandrel for bending and replace it if necessary. Also, check for clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels, and clean around mandrels to open vent holes.
D
Daniel MendozaSep 5, 2025
What causes Dixon D17K38 blades will not rotate?
- M
  Mike HansenSep 5, 2025
  If the blades on your Dixon Lawn Mower won't rotate, it could be due to an obstruction in the clutch mechanism, so remove any obstruction. A worn or damaged mower drive belt could also be the cause, so replace it. Additionally, a frozen idler pulley or blade mandrel can prevent rotation, so replace them if necessary.
F
Francis GoodmanSep 7, 2025
What to do if Dixon D17K38 Lawn Mower headlight(s) not working?
- R
  Randall HodgeSep 7, 2025
  If the headlight(s) on your Dixon Lawn Mower are not working, first ensure that the switch is turned 'ON'. If the bulb(s) or lamp(s) are burned out, replace them. Check for a faulty light switch and replace it if necessary. Inspect the wiring and connections for any looseness or damage. Finally, check for a blown fuse and replace it if needed.
S
Steven MitchellSep 9, 2025
What to do if Dixon Lawn Mower battery will not charge?
- X
  xbrownSep 9, 2025
  If your Dixon Lawn Mower battery will not charge, it may be due to bad battery cell(s), so replace the battery. Check and clean all cable connections to ensure they are secure. If your mower is equipped with a regulator, a faulty regulator could be the issue, so replace it. Similarly, a faulty alternator could be the cause, so replace the alternator.
A
Ashlee HartSep 12, 2025
What causes loss of drive in Dixon D17K38?
- J
  Jill HancockSep 12, 2025
  If you experience a loss of drive in your Dixon Lawn Mower, it could be due to debris on the steering plate. A worn, damaged, or broken motion drive belt can also cause this, so replace the motion drive belt. Another possible reason is a missing axle key, install axle key at rear wheel.
J
James ShepherdSep 13, 2025
What causes Dixon Lawn Mower engine to “backfires” when turning engine “OFF”?
- M
  Michael GravesSep 13, 2025
  If your Dixon Lawn Mower engine "backfires" when turning it "OFF", it is likely because the engine throttle control was not set between half and full speed (fast) position before stopping the engine. Move the throttle control between half and full speed (fast) position before stopping the engine.

Dixon D17K38 Specifications

General

Brand	Dixon
Model	D17K38
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

SAFETY RULES

GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents. Operate with extra caution.

SAFETY RULES

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.

TOWING

Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing.

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline.

GENERAL SERVICE

Ensure safe working condition, check safety devices, and keep machine clean.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe safety rules, follow a regular maintenance schedule.

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

Lists necessary tools like socket wrench set, utility knife, tire pressure gauge, and pliers.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

Check battery status and charge if necessary before removing from skid.

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

Instructions on how to unpack the tractor from its shipping carton.

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

Step-by-step guide to assemble the steering wheel, shaft, and boot.

INSTALL SEAT

Instructions for installing the tractor seat and connecting wiring.

TO ADJUST SEAT

Guide on how to adjust the seat position for comfortable operation.

ASSEMBLY

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID

Steps to safely remove the tractor from its shipping skid.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal performance and safety.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

Instructions on how to level the mower deck for best cutting results.

FINAL ASSEMBLY CHECKLIST

A final checklist before operating the tractor to ensure assembly is complete and safe.

OPERATION

OPERATION SYMBOLS

Learn and understand the meaning of various symbols that may appear on the tractor.

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS

Explains the meaning of DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, HOT SURFACES, and FIRE symbols.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

Familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments on your tractor.

CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS

Detailed explanation of the function of each control (e.g., levers, switches, pedals).

OPERATION

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

Guides on operating the tractor, including setting the parking brake and stopping.

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

Steps to engage the parking brake to secure the tractor.

STOPPING

Procedures for stopping the mower blades, ground drive, and engine.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL

Instructions on using the throttle control for optimal engine speed and performance.

OPERATION

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

How to control the direction and speed of the tractor using the gearshift lever.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

Guide on adjusting the attachment lift lever to set the desired cutting height.

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)

Explanation of the ROS system and how to use it safely.

TO OPERATE MOWER

Steps to engage the mower blades and operate the mower deck.

OPERATION

TO STOP MOWER BLADES

Procedure to disengage the attachment clutch control to stop mower blades.

OPERATING ON HILLS AND TRANSPORT

Safety guidelines for slopes and instructions for safely transporting the tractor.

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

Guidelines for towing attachments and the associated safety precautions.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

Pre-start checks including engine oil level and adding gasoline.

OPERATION

TO START ENGINE

Step-by-step guide for starting the tractor engine, including warm and cold weather procedures.

MOWING TIPS

Advice on optimal mowing practices for best results and lawn care.

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

A comprehensive schedule detailing maintenance tasks and their frequency.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

General advice on maintaining the tractor for warranty and optimal performance.

BEFORE EACH USE

Essential checks to perform before each use of the tractor.

LUBRICATION CHART

Chart indicating lubrication points and recommended lubricants.

MAINTENANCE

BRAKE AND TIRE CHECKS

Checking brake operation and maintaining proper tire pressure for safe operation.

SAFETY SYSTEM CHECKS

Checking the operator presence system and reverse operation system (ROS).

BLADE MAINTENANCE

Covers blade care, safety precautions, and removal procedures.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Information on battery care, cleaning terminals, and general maintenance.

MAINTENANCE

V-BELTS AND TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE

Checking V-belts for wear and replacing them; keeping transaxle clean.

ENGINE LUBRICATION AND OIL CHANGE

Instructions on engine lubrication, oil changes, and filter replacement.

ENGINE AIR FILTER AND COOLING

Servicing the air filter, cleaning the air screen, and maintaining the cooling system.

MUFFLER AND SPARK PLUGS

Inspection and replacement of the muffler and spark plugs.

MAINTENANCE

IN-LINE FUEL FILTER

Procedure for replacing the in-line fuel filter.

CLEANING PROCEDURES

General cleaning instructions and using the deck washout port.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR SERVICE

Critical safety precautions to take before performing any service or adjustments.

TO REMOVE MOWER

Step-by-step instructions for removing the mower deck from the tractor.

TO INSTALL MOWER

Step-by-step instructions for installing the mower deck onto the tractor.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS

How to attach the mower side suspension arms to the tractor chassis.

ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS

Instructions for attaching the rear lift links to the mower and tractor.

ATTACH FRONT LINK

How to attach the front link assembly to the tractor's front suspension bracket.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

TO LEVEL MOWER

Instructions on how to level the mower deck for optimal cutting performance.

VISUAL SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT

A visual method to adjust the mower deck for side-to-side levelness.

FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT

How to adjust the mower deck so the front tip is lower than the rear tip.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

BELT REPLACEMENT

Step-by-step instructions for replacing mower and motion drive belts.

TO CHECK BRAKE

How to check the tractor's brake system for proper function and service needs.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER ADJUSTMENT

How to adjust the transaxle gear shift lever to ensure neutral alignment.

WHEEL REMOVAL AND STEERING ALIGNMENT

Instructions for removing wheels and adjusting steering wheel alignment.

WEAK BATTERY STARTING PROCEDURE

Procedure for starting the tractor using jumper cables with a weak battery.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

BATTERY AND LIGHTING REPLACEMENT

Steps for replacing the battery, hood, grill, and headlight bulb.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND ENGINE ADJUSTMENTS

Covers electrical system checks and engine adjustments for throttle, choke, and carburetor.

STORAGE

TRACTOR AND BATTERY PREPARATION

Steps for preparing the tractor and battery for storage, including cleaning and lubrication.

ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM PREPARATION

Critical instructions to prevent gum deposits and fuel system damage during storage.

ENGINE OIL AND CYLINDER PREPARATION

Instructions for draining engine oil and protecting cylinders during storage.

OTHER STORAGE TIPS

Additional storage tips like covering the tractor and avoiding plastic covers.

TROUBLESHOOTING

ENGINE STARTING PROBLEMS

Lists common causes and corrections for engine starting issues.

LOSS OF POWER

Common causes and corrections for the tractor experiencing a loss of power.

TROUBLESHOOTING

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION

Causes and solutions for excessive vibration during operation.

ENGINE SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE

Troubleshooting faulty operator-safety presence control system.

MOWER PERFORMANCE ISSUES

Diagnosing and correcting issues with cut quality, blade rotation, and grass discharge.

SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION

SLOPE OPERATION WARNING

Critical safety warning about operating on slopes, emphasizing 15-degree maximum.

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Dixon D17K38 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Dixon D17K38 Specifications

Summary

SAFETY RULES

GENERAL OPERATION

SLOPE OPERATION

SAFETY RULES

CHILDREN

TOWING

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

GENERAL SERVICE

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

INSTALL SEAT

TO ADJUST SEAT

ASSEMBLY

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

FINAL ASSEMBLY CHECKLIST

OPERATION

OPERATION SYMBOLS

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS

OPERATION

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

STOPPING

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL

OPERATION

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)

TO OPERATE MOWER

OPERATION

TO STOP MOWER BLADES

OPERATING ON HILLS AND TRANSPORT

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

OPERATION

TO START ENGINE

MOWING TIPS

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

BEFORE EACH USE

LUBRICATION CHART

MAINTENANCE

BRAKE AND TIRE CHECKS

SAFETY SYSTEM CHECKS

BLADE MAINTENANCE

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

V-BELTS AND TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE

ENGINE LUBRICATION AND OIL CHANGE

ENGINE AIR FILTER AND COOLING

MUFFLER AND SPARK PLUGS

MAINTENANCE

IN-LINE FUEL FILTER

CLEANING PROCEDURES

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR SERVICE

TO REMOVE MOWER

TO INSTALL MOWER

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS

ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS

ATTACH FRONT LINK

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

TO LEVEL MOWER