Hydraulic System

Checking Hydraulic Oil Level

The hydraulic oil level should be checked after the first 10 hours of operation. Thereafter, check the oil after every 200 hours of machine operation or monthly, whichever occurs first.

-IMPORTANT-

If the oil level is consistently low, check for leaks and correct immediately.

1.Wipe dirt and contaminants from around the reservoir cap. Remove the cap from the hydraulic oil reservoir.

2.Visually check the level of hydraulic oil. Hydraulic oil must be at least 2" inches from top of the filler neck. If the level cannot be determined visually, use a clean tape measure to check the level. If the fluid is low, add 20W50 motor oil. DO NOT overfill; (overfilling the oil reservoir may cause oil seepage around the cap area).

3.Clean the fill cap and install it onto the reservoir.

Changing Hydraulic Oil

The hydraulic oil should be changed after every 500 hours or annually, whichever occurs first. The oil should also be changed if the color of the fluid has become black or milky. A black color and/or a rancid odor usually indicates possible overheating of the oil, and a milky color usually indicates water in the hydraulic oil.

-NOTE-

The hydraulic oil should be changed if you notice the presence of water or a rancid odor to the hydraulic oil.

1.Park the mower on a level surface and stop the engine.

2.Place a suitable container under the hydraulic oil drain. Remove the fill cap from the reservoir. Remove the drain cap from the T-Fitting located on the hydraulic system filter head. (See Figure 12). Allow the fluid to drain into the container and properly discard it.

Hydraulic Oil	Filter Head
Drain Cap
	Hydraulic Oil
	Filter

2003SWZ-Oil Drain

Figure 12 Hydraulic Oil Drain Cap

3.Reinstall the drain cap onto the T-Fitting and be sure it is tight.

-NOTE-

Before refilling the hydraulic oil reservoir the hydraulic oil filter should be changed as well. See instructions outlined below.

4.Fill the reservoir to 2" inches from the top of the filler neck with 20W50 motor oil.

5.Replace the reservoir fill cap. Start the engine and drive forward and backward for two minutes. Check the oil level in the reservoir. If necessary, add oil to the reservoir.

Changing Hydraulic Oil Filter Element

The hydraulic oil filter should be changed after every 500 hours of operation or annually, whichever occurs first.

1.Remove the oil filter element (Figure 12) and properly discard it. Fill the new filter with clean oil and install the filter. Hand tighten only.