Cleaning

MAINTENANCE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil ﬁll cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 16-17)

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classiﬁcation SG-SL.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

•Remove oil ﬁll cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

•Install the drain tube onto the valve.

•Open drain valve by using a 7/16" (11mm) wrench turning counterclockwise.

OIL DRAIN VALVE

TO OPEN

TO CLOSE

DRAIN	02791
TUBE

FIG. 17

•After oil has drained completely, close the drain valve turning clockwise. Use the 7/16" (11mm) wrench to apply a small amount of torque to keep it closed. Do not over tighten.

•Remove the drain tube and store in a safe place.

•Reﬁll engine with oil through oil ﬁll dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overﬁll. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man- ual.

•Use gauge on oil ﬁll cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.Tighten cap onto the tube securely when ﬁnished.

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum ﬁbers.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air ﬁlter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See Engine Manual.

ENGINE OIL FILTER

Replace the engine oil ﬁlter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded mufﬂer and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a ﬁre hazard and/or dam- age.

SPARK PLUGS

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs ﬁrst. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 18)

The fuel ﬁlter should be replaced once each season. If fuel ﬁlter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel ﬂow to carburetor, replacement is required.

•With engine cool, remove ﬁlter and plug fuel line sec- tions.

•Place new fuel ﬁlter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.

•Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned.

•Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.

CLAMP

FUEL FILTER

FIG. 18

•Clean engine, battery, seat, ﬁnish, etc. of all foreign matter.

•Keep ﬁnished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

•Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.

We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and trans- mission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower.