Lubrication, Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Tractor

IMPORTANT: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner’s Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper weight of motor oil.

Air Cleaner

Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/air cleaner element as instructed in the Engine Operator/ Owner’s Manual packed with your unit.

Spark Plug

The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season. Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner’s Manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.

Lubrication

WARNING

Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Before lubricating, repairing, or inspect- ing, always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

NOTE: Depending on the engine model found on your tractor, it may be necessary to remove the tractor’s side panel in order to replace the oil filter (if so equipped).

Figure 14

WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner’s Manual for engine maintenance instructions.

Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner’s Manual packed with your unit. Follow the instructions carefully.

Changing Engine Oil

NOTE: Depending on the engine model found on your tractor, it may be necessary to remove the tractor’s side panel in order to replace the oil filter (if so equipped).

For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase of select model tractors, a plastic oil drain sleeve is packed with this Operator’s Manual. To drain the oil, proceed as follows:

1.Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube.

2.Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump. See Figure 14.

3.Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a capacity of no less than 64 oz.

4.Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in the separate Engine Operator/Owner’s Manual packed with your unit.

Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining.

5.Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner’s Manual packed with your unit.

WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the Engine Owner’s Manual packed with your unit.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.

Rear Wheels

The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose grease before re-installing them.

Front Axles

The front wheels should be removed from the axles once a season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose grease before re-installing them.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine.

IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.