Battery, Cutting Deck Removal, Jump Starting

IMPORTANT:When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.

IMPORTANT:Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft. and 90 lbs- ft.

Battery

California Proposition 65 Warning: Battery

posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked and fluid can not be added.

•Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up.

•After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals

•Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting.

IMPORTANT: If removing the battery, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and cause damage to your engine’s alternating system.

Jump Starting

WARNING: Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do not touch, and ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch.

•Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery.

•Connect the other end of the cable to the (positive +) post of the jumper battery.

•Connect the second cable (negative –) to the other post of the jumper battery.

•Make the final connection on the engine block of the stalled tractor, away from the battery. Attach to a unpainted part to assure a good connection.

IMPORTANT: If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT start the vehicle’s engine when jump starting your tractor.

•Start the tractor (as instructed on page 16).

•Set the tractor’s parking brake before removing the jumper cables, in reverse order of connection.

•Allow the tractor’s engine to run for 15 minutes before shutting it off to allow the alternating system time to charge the discharged battery.

Charging

If the unit has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the battery with an automotive- type 12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at six amps.

WARNING: Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge battery in a well ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

Cutting Deck Removal

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

•Place the PTO/Blade Engage lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake.

•Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender.

•Remove the hairpin clip that secures the PTO cable to the rear of the cutting deck. See Figure 19. Remove the PTO cable and accompanying spring from the cutting deck.

Figure 19

•Remove the deck belt from around the tractor’s engine pulley.

•Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left side of the deck.