Section 7
7.3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
A. 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.
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 3" 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.
B. 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.
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 reservoir. Remove the fill cap from the reservoir. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the reservoir. (See Figure
3.
Before refilling the hydraulic oil reservoir the hydraulic oil filter should be changed as
outlined in section C on the next page.
4. Fill the reservoir to 3" 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.
Hydraulic Oil
Reservoir
Figure 7-2 Hydraulic Oil Reservoir
31