Simplicity 300 Series Battery Maintenance, Lubricate Rear Axle Shafts, Service Interval Yearly

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Regular Maintenance

Battery Maintenance

WARNING

When removing or installing battery cables, disconnect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect it LAST. If not done in this order, the positive terminal can be shorted to the frame by a tool.

Cleaning the Battery and Cables

Service Interval: Every 100 Hours

1.	Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative
	cable first (A, Figure 17).
2.	Remove the battery hold-down (C) and battery.
3.	Clean the battery compartment with a solution of
	baking soda and water.
4.	Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a
	wire brush and battery terminal cleaner until shiny.
5.	Reinstall the battery in the battery compartment, and
	secure with the battery hold-down (C).
6.	Reattach the battery cables, positive cable first (B).

C

B

A

Figure 17. Battery

A.Negative Cable

B.Positive Cable & Cover

C.Rubber Hold-Down Strap

7. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with

petroleum jelly or non-conducting grease.

Lubricate Rear Axle Shafts

Service Interval: Yearly

A

C

BD

We recommend removing the rear wheel hubs and lubricating the axle shafts yearly. This prevents the wheel hubs from seizing onto the axle shaft and makes future service easier.

1.Turn off the ignition, turn off the PTO, engage the parking brake, and block the front tires.

2.Using a jack or chain hoist positioned at the center of the rear frame, carefully jack the unit up until the rear tires are approximately 1" - 2" (2.5-5cm) off the ground.

NOTE: For overall unit stability during service, do not jack rear end higher than required for wheel removal.

3.Support the rear of the unit on jackstands positioned under the rear frame.

NOTE: Your axle assembly may differ slightly from the

assembly pictured: the quantity of washers is adjusted on a tractor by tractor basis during assembly to allow a small amount of axle end-play.

4.Remove the hardware retaining the wheel assembly to the axle and lubricate the axle shaft using anti- seize compound or lithium grease.

5.Reinstall the components in reverse order of disassembly and lower the unit. Be sure the key (A, Figure 18) is in place in the axle keyway.

	G
	H
E	F
	F
Figure 18. Rear Axle Hardware
A. Key	F. Small Washer
B. Stationary Washer / Washer	G. Retaining Ring
C. Spacer	H. Axle Cap
D. Wheel & Hub	I. Large Washer
E. Axle Cap Retainer

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Contents 18HP Hydro Tractors 20HP Hydro TractorsMower Decks 1732286Page Table of Contents Safety Rules & Information Operating Safety Safety Rules and Information Slope OperationSafety Rules & Information General OperationIgnition System Service & Maintenance Safe Handling of GasolineIdentification Numbers CE Identification Tag MarkingsNorth American CE ModelsSafety Decals Safety DecalsNorth American Models All ModelsCE Safety Icons Safety IconsControl Functions Throttle ControlChoke HeadlightsFeatures & Controls Volt Power Outlet Parking Brake FunctionHourmeter Automatic Controlled TractionOperational Safety Checks General Operating SafetyAdding Fuel Operating the Tractor Starting the EngineStopping the Tractor & Engine Driving The TractorMowing in Reverse Pushing the Tractor by HandAttachment Operation in Reverse Adjusting Mower Cutting Height 38, 44 & 50 Mower Decks Adjusting Mower Cutting Height 40 Mower DecksLift Variations When Using Attachments Attaching a TrailerManual Lift Models Snowthrower Dozer E Applications MowerMower Deck Removal & Installation Installing the Mower DeckSimplicity, Massey Ferguson or Agco Models Removing the Mower DeckSnapper Models Upper Hanger Upper Hole Lift Hook Lower Hole Long HubStorage How and When to Water Fertilize & AerateHow High To Mow the Grass Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingLawn Care & Mowing Information When and How Often to MowProper Mowing Speed Using a Mulching Mower Benefits of Proper Mulching Using the Side Discharge DeflectorLimitations of Mulching Decks Correct Ground Speed & Engine SpeedRegular Maintenance Before Every Spring Each Hours 100 250 Fall UseRegular Maintenance Battery Maintenance Cleaning the Battery and CablesService Interval Every 100 Hours Service Interval YearlyGrease LubricationOil Service Interval Every 100 Hours or As Required Servicing the Mower BladesCheck Mower Blade Timing 40 Mowers Check Blade TimingK57 Maintenance Transmission MaintenanceTransmission Identification Maintenance Records Troubleshooting Adjustment, & Service TroubleshootingTroubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service Tractor TroubleshootingSeat Adjustment Battery ChargingPitch Adjustment Seat Slide AdjustmentSteering Wheel Adjustment Steering Gear AdjustmentBrake Adjustment Thicker Spoke Faces SeatPTO clutch adjustment Adjust PTO Clutch Window Adjustment Nut Feeler GaugeMower Adjustments Gauge Wheels Select ModelsHook Tractor Lift Arm Jam Nut WasherLeveling The Mower Leveling The Mower Side-to-Side, J-Hook Models LocknutMower Belt Replacement 44 & 50 PTO Belt ReplacementTo avoid damaging belts, do not PRY GapArbor Drive Belt Replacement 44 & 50 Mowers Mower PTO Belt Replacement Mower Arbor Drive Belt Replacement Release Cogged Belt Tension a /8 Ratchet and ExtensionMower Drive Belt Replacement 20 HP* Briggs & Stratton 18 HP* Briggs & StrattonBroadmoor / 300 / 1600 / 2600 Series K57Replacement Parts Maintenance ItemsOptional Accessories Technical ManualsO D U C T S