This document is an Owner/Operator Manual for the Gravely HVZ series, specifically models 915084-2350 and 915086-1840. It provides comprehensive information on the safe operation, maintenance, and specifications of these zero-turn riding mowers.
The Gravely HVZ is a cutting machine designed for lawn maintenance. Its primary function is to mow grass efficiently, offering features that enhance maneuverability and ease of use. The manual emphasizes that the machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects, underscoring the importance of observing all safety instructions and decals to prevent serious injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution due to the risk of loss-of-control and tip-over accidents.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual details specifications for both models, 915084 and 915086.
- Engine: Both models are equipped with Kohler engines.
- Model 915084: Engine Power - 23 hp (17.1 kW) at Maximum RPM, Governed RPM - 3350.
- Model 915086: Engine Power - 18 hp (13.4 kW) at Maximum RPM, Governed RPM - 3400.
- Speed:
- Forward Max.: 6.0 m.p.h (9.6 km/h) for both models.
- Reverse Max.: 3 m.p.h (4.8 km/h) for both models.
- Turning Radius: Zero for both models, indicating their zero-turn capability.
- Brakes: Internal Transmission for both models.
- Electrical System:
- Starter: Electric.
- Battery: 12 Volt Maintenance Free.
- PTO (Power Take-Off): Electric Clutch/Brake.
- Fuel:
- Fuel Type: Refer to Engine Manual.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.25 gal. (12.3 L) for both models.
- Transmission: Hydrostatic Drive for both models.
- Size and Weight:
- Length: 70 in. (178 cm) for both models.
- Width: 58 in. (147 cm) for model 915084, 48 in. (122 cm) for model 915086.
- Weight: 540 lbs (245 kg) for model 915084, 540 lbs (236 kg) for model 915086.
- Height: 40 in. (102 cm) for both models.
- Tires:
- Front Tire Size: 4 x 11 (10.6 X 28) for both models.
- Rear Tire Size: 18 x 9.5 x 8 (46 x 24 x 20) for model 915084, 18 x 8.5 x 8 (46 x 24 x 20) for model 915086.
- Front Tire Pressure: 46 psi (317 kPa) for both models.
- Rear Tire Pressure: 12 psi (82.7 kPa) for both models.
- Mower Deck:
- Cutting Height: 1-4 in. (2.5-10.2 cm) for both models.
- Cutting Width: 50 in. (127 cm) for model 915084, 40 in. (102 cm) for model 915086.
- Towing Capacity:
- Max. Towing Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg) for both models.
- Max. Tongue Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg) for both models.
Usage Features:
The manual covers various aspects of operating the Gravely HVZ.
- Controls and Features: Key controls include the Throttle Lever, Choke Control, Ignition Switch, PTO Switch, Seat, Steering Levers, Fuel Tank, Mower Lift Pedal, Mower Deck, Discharge Chute, and Parking Brake.
- Starting and Shutting Off Engine: Detailed instructions are provided for starting a cold or warm engine, including choke usage and throttle positions. The importance of disengaging the PTO, engaging the parking brake, and placing steering levers in neutral before starting is highlighted. For stopping, the unit should be stopped, PTO disengaged, throttle set to slow, ignition turned off, key removed, and parking brake set.
- Steering Levers: The unit is steered by pushing both levers forward for forward travel, pulling both backward for reverse, or a combination for turning. Steering lever height and forward/reverse speed can be adjusted.
- Mower Lift Pedal: Used to raise and lower the mower deck, with an adjustment pin for setting cutting height.
- Fueling: Instructions for filling the fuel tank safely, emphasizing not to overfill, to clean the area around the cap, and to replace the cap securely.
- Emergency Stop: Bring steering levers to neutral, set parking brake, and turn off the engine.
- Operating Mower: Start the engine, set throttle to fast, engage PTO (only when not plugged with grass), release parking brake, use steering levers to move, and disengage PTO to stop blades.
- Transporting: Shut off engine, set parking brake, remove key, and drain fuel. Securely tie down the unit, avoiding linkages or guards.
- Best Performance Practices: Cut dry grass, keep blades sharp, level the mower deck, avoid cutting too low, mow twice for very tall grass, avoid excessive speed, mow at full throttle, remove only 1/3 of grass length when mulching, discharge clippings into already cut areas, vary cutting pattern, and keep the mower deck clean.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule to prolong the unit's life.
- Each Use:
- Check Safety Interlock System: Ensure it functions properly before each use.
- Check Parking Brake: Engage and push the unit; if it rolls, contact a dealer.
- Clean Unit: Remove dirt, grease, leaves; avoid solvents, hard cleaners, or abrasives.
- Check Tires: Verify correct tire pressure.
- Check Mower Blades: Inspect for wear or damage.
- Follow Engine Manual Maintenance Schedule: Perform scheduled engine maintenance.
- 25 Hours or Every Season:
- Check Battery: Keep terminals clean.
- Lubricate Unit: Apply grease to zerks on each front wheel.
- 50 Hours or Every Season:
- Check Fasteners: Inspect and tighten all nuts and bolts to correct torque value; replace missing or damaged fasteners.
- 100 Hours or Every Season:
- Check All Belts: Replace worn or deteriorated belts, including hydrostatic and PTO belts.
- Mower Deck Removal and Installation: Instructions for removing and installing the mower deck, including PTO belt handling and trunnion management.
- Levelling and Adjusting Pitch of Mower Deck: Detailed steps for adjusting the mower deck on a level surface with correct tire pressure, ensuring proper blade distance from the ground, forward pitch, and side-to-side pitch.
- Replacing Mower Blade: Instructions for safe removal and installation of mower blades, emphasizing the use of gloves and caution due to sharp edges. Torque specifications for the hex bolt are provided.
- Sharpening Mower Blade: Recommendations to have blades professionally sharpened. Criteria for discarding blades (e.g., more than 1/2 inch metal removed, eroded air lift area, bent/broken). Instructions for balancing blades after sharpening.
- Servicing the Battery: Instructions for battery removal, installation, and cleaning of terminals. Warnings about frozen batteries and proper charging procedures are included. Jump-starting is not recommended.
- Adjusting Steering Levers: Steps to adjust steering lever height and forward/reverse speed to ensure the unit tracks straight.
- Replacing PTO Belt: Instructions for removing and installing the PTO belt, including handling idler spring tension.
- Replacing Hydrostatic Belt: Steps for removing and installing the hydrostatic belt, also involving idler spring tension and electric clutch connector.
- Storage: Short-term storage involves cleaning the unit, inspecting for wear/damage, and tightening fasteners. Long-term storage includes fully charging the battery, draining fuel, and following engine storage procedures.
The manual also includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues like the engine not cranking/starting, running rough, unit not moving, PTO/mower blades not engaging, and engine overheating, providing probable causes and corrections. A list of service parts and optional accessories is also included.
Safety is a paramount concern, with numerous warnings and alerts throughout the manual, including specific decals and their meanings. The manufacturer, Gravely (a division of Ariens Company), reserves the right to discontinue, change, and improve its products without notice. The manual also contains warranty information, outlining limited warranties for lawn and garden products, Sno-Thro products, and DURA-CLEAN™ Auger components, along with exceptions, limitations, and exclusions.