John-deere L2048 User Manual

OMGX20928 I1GX20928I1Scotts Lawn TractorsL1742, L17.542, L2048 and L2548OPERATOR’S MANUALNorth American VersionLitho in U.S.A.

Safety - 6SAFETYWear Appropriate Clothing• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate for the job.• Always wear safety goggles or sa

Safety - 7SAFETYPrevent Fires• Never remove fuel cap, or add fuel with engine running or hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes.• Never store e

Safety - 8SAFETYground away from the vehicle before filling. Keep nozzle in contact with container opening while filling.• When practical, remove equi

Operating - 9OPERATINGOperatingDaily Operating Checklist❏ Test safety systems.❏ Check tire pressure.❏ Check fuel level.❏ Check engine oil level.❏ Remo

Operating - 10OPERATINGMX7696Picture Note: Automatic/Foot Control Models OnlyA - Forward Travel PedalB - Reverse Travel PedalMX10503Picture Note: Gear

Operating - 11OPERATINGMX7691A - Free-Wheeling Lever (Foot Control Models)MX7696A - Power Port (On models 2048 and 2548 Only)Miscellaneous Accessories

Operating - 12OPERATINGMX76951. Put attachment lift lever (A) into the slot adjacent to desired cutting height.• Slide the height reminder tab (B) to

Operating - 13OPERATING1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.3. Move mower lift

Operating - 14OPERATINGMX7674; MX7674bPicture Note: 42 (3 in 1) used for illustration.3. Place a straight 2x4 piece of wood (A) or a 38 mm (1.5 in.) t

Operating - 15OPERATINGTesting Safety SystemsUse the following checkout procedure to check for normal operation of machine.If there is a malfunction d

IntroductionINTRODUCTIONIntroductionThank You for Purchasing a Scotts ProductWe appreciate having you as a customer and wish you many years of safe an

Operating - 16OPERATINGMX10501; MX76973. Lock the park brake (A).4. Engage PTO:• On models 2048 and 2548: Pull PTO switch (B) up.• On all other models

Operating - 17OPERATINGthere is a problem with your safety interlock circuit. Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)1. Park machine safely. (See Parki

Operating - 18OPERATINGleft in the on or run position but, will automatically shut off after two hours.Starting the Engine1. Sit in seat.2. Disengage

Operating - 19OPERATINGMX10526Picture Note: Model 17.542 used for photo purposes.Engine is air cooled and needs a large volume of air to keep cool. Ke

Operating - 20OPERATING• To turn headlights off, turn key switch from headlights on position (B) to run position (C).Using Travel Controls on Gear Tra

Operating - 21OPERATINGUsing Travel Controls on Automatic TransmissionTravel ForwardMX7696• Push down the forward travel pedal (A).Travel in ReverseNO

Operating - 22OPERATING1. Stop forward travel.2. Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.MX7697Picture Note: Model 17.542 shown.3.

Operating - 23OPERATINGUsing Mower1. Start engine and run at half speed for a couple of minutes to warm up.2. Lower mower to desired cutting height po

Operating - 24OPERATINGUnplugging Mower or Optional BaggerBefore getting off the seat:1. Stop machine.2. Disengage mower blades.3. Move throttle lever

Operating - 25OPERATINGMX10440; MX88682. Install mulch cover (C) onto mower deck (D). Mulch cover lip (E) must be seated in mower deck groove.3. Hook

Product IdentificationPRODUCT IDENTIFICATIONProduct IdentificationRecord Identification NumbersScotts Lawn TractorsL1742, L17.542, L2048 and L2548 PIN

Operating - 26OPERATINGUsing Storage AccessoriesMX10524A - Glove Storage Pocket• Use the storage pocket (A) for small items such as gloves.MX10528• On

Replacement Parts - 27REPLACEMENT PARTSReplacement PartsService LiteratureIf you would like a copy of the Parts Catalog or Technical Manual for this m

Service Intervals - 28SERVICE INTERVALSService IntervalsServicing Your MachinePlease use the following timetables and the maintenance schedule located

Service Intervals - 29SERVICE INTERVALSLubricating Seat in the SERVICE LUBRICATION section.)After Storage• Charge battery.• Check safety systems.• Che

Service Lubrication - 30SERVICE LUBRICATIONService LubricationGreaseThe following greases are preferred:• John Deere Multi-Purpose SD Polyurea Grease•

Service Lubrication - 31SERVICE LUBRICATIONLubricating Pivot PointsMX10515Picture Note: 42 (3 in 1) used for illustration.A - Lift PivotsB - Mower Dec

Service Engine - 32SERVICE ENGINEService EngineEngine Warranty Maintenance StatementMaintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control device

Service Engine - 33SERVICE ENGINEMX10526Picture Note: Model 17.542 used for photo purposes.4. Remove dipstick (A). Wipe with clean cloth.5. Install di

Service Engine - 34SERVICE ENGINE11.Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating.12.Check oil level, a

Service Engine - 35SERVICE ENGINEelement (D) in the air cleaner housing.b. Wash precleaner in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. Do not us

Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTSAll information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest information at the time of

Service Engine - 36SERVICE ENGINEChecking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Models 2048 and 2548)1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the S

Service Engine - 37SERVICE ENGINEMX10526Picture Note: Model 17.542 used for photo purposes.4. Disconnect spark plug wire(s) (A), one on each side on V

Service Engine - 38SERVICE ENGINEMX7685Picture Note: Model 17.542 used for photo purposes.5. Slide hose clamps (A) away from fuel filter (B) using a p

Service Transmission - 39SERVICE TRANSMISSIONService Transmission Checking TransmissionThe transmission is a sealed component. No maintenance is requi

Service Mower - 40SERVICE MOWERService MowerInstalling or Removing Mower Drive Belt at Engine Drive Sheave (48 (3-in-1) Only)NOTE: This procedure is

Service Mower - 41SERVICE MOWERMX105165. Remove spring locking pins and washers (F) and disconnect rear draft arms (G), two on each side.MX10521Pictur

Service Mower - 42SERVICE MOWERMX10529Picture Note: 42 (3 in 1) used for photo purposes.7. Install front draft rod (C) into mower deck bracket (D) and

Service Mower - 43SERVICE MOWERReplacing Mower Drive Belt (42 (3 in 1))1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY section.)2. Remove mower

Service Mower - 44SERVICE MOWERshields (D).MX10506b. Loosen sheaves (E) and (F).c. Remove mower belt.4. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as ne

Service Mower - 45SERVICE MOWERrod in correct direction to set brake at proper distance from pulley.6. Adjust both brakes.7. Install left belt shield.

Safety - 1SAFETYSafetyUnderstanding The Machine Safety LabelsSafety Alert SymbolThe machine safety labels shown in this section are placed in importan

Service Mower - 46SERVICE MOWERSharpening Blades• Sharpen blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener.MX8333• Keep original bevel (A)

Service Electrical - 47SERVICE ELECTRICALService ElectricalWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead components,

Service Electrical - 48SERVICE ELECTRICALUsing Booster BatteryMIF TS204M71044A - Booster BatteryB - Disabled Vehicle Battery1. Connect positive (+) bo

Service Electrical - 49SERVICE ELECTRICALMX76863. Pull defective fuse (A) out of socket.4. Check metal clip in fuse window and discard fuse if clip is

Service Miscellaneous - 50SERVICE MISCELLANEOUSService MiscellaneousFilling Fuel TankUse regular grade 87 octane unleaded fuel.Add John Deere fuel sta

Service Miscellaneous - 51SERVICE MISCELLANEOUS(A) towards rear of tractor and remove from bolt (B), one on each side.MX105194. Open hood.5. Disconnec

Troubleshooting - 52TROUBLESHOOTINGTroubleshootingUsing Troubleshooting ChartIf you are experiencing a problem that is not listed in this chart, see y

Troubleshooting - 53TROUBLESHOOTINGEngine Vapor Locks Fuel tank vent plugged.Dirt in fuel filter.Cooling fins plugged.Loose hose connection at fuel fi

Troubleshooting - 54TROUBLESHOOTINGElectricalTractorMowerIF CHECKStarter Does Not Work Or Will Not Turn Engine Brake pedal is not depressed.PTO is eng

Troubleshooting - 55TROUBLESHOOTINGPatches Of Grass Uncut Travel speed too fast.Engine rpm not at wide open throttle.Mower deck needs cleaning.Belt Sl

Safety - 2SAFETY• Shield eyes, explosive gases can cause blindness or injury.• No sparks, flames, smoking.• Sulfuric acid can cause blindness or sever

Storage - 56STORAGEStorageStoring SafetyPreparing Machine for Storage1. Repair any worn or damaged parts. Replace parts if necessary. Tighten loose ha

Storage - 57STORAGE5. Check spark plug gap. Install and tighten plugs to specified torque. 6. Lubricate all grease points.7. Run the engine 5 minutes

Assembly - 58ASSEMBLYAssemblyCharge and Connect Battery1. Remove and discard the red positive (+) protective cap from the positive (+) battery termina

Assembly - 59ASSEMBLYtests. (See Testing Safety System in the OPERATING section.)Break-In Electric PTO Clutch (Models 2048 and 2548 Only)1. Start engi

Specifications - 60SPECIFICATIONSSpecificationsGear Model L1742Engine Manufacturer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specifications - 61SPECIFICATIONSSpark Plug-Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specifications - 62SPECIFICATIONSTire Pressure (Front) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warranty - 63WARRANTYWarra ntyLimited Warranty For New Scotts Brand Products-U.S. OnlyManufactured by John Deere(U.S. Only)A. GENERAL PROVISIONS - The

Warranty - 64WARRANTYwarranty term. Warranty service must be performed by a dealer or service center authorized by John Deere to service the type of p

Warranty - 65WARRANTYengine. In California, 1995 and later small off-road equipment engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s s

Safety - 3SAFETYEmission Control System Certification LabelNOTE: Tampering with emission controls and components by unauthorized personnel may result

Warranty - 66WARRANTYbusiness hours at any authorized John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment Retailer located within the United States of Americ

Warranty - 67WARRANTYDeere dealer authorized to sell John Deere batteries, and present the battery to the dealer with the top cover plate codes intact

Index - 68INDEXIndexAAccessories, Miscellaneous ... 11Air Cleaner Elements (Model 1642), Checking and Cleanin

Index - 69INDEXMower Blades, Servicing ... 45Mower Deck 42 (3 in 1), Specifications ...

NotesNOTESNotes

Quality Statement - 71QUALITY STATEMENTQuality StatementPlease do not return this product to the store where you purchased it.Your Scotts product, des

Service Record - 72SERVICE RECORDService RecordRecord Service DatesOil Change Oil Filter ChangeLubricate MachineAir Cleaner Element Check/CleanFuel Fi

Safety - 4SAFETYChecking Mowing Area• Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.• Study mowing area.

Safety - 5SAFETYadult.• Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay alert to the p