Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication

Maintenance Instructions

LUBRICATION

The mower deck gearboxes (tee gearbox and blade drive gearboxes) are connected as a unitized assembly, and oil flows freely between them. The gearboxes are permanently lubricated (oil filled) and sealed requiring no scheduled lubrication. However, the gearbox oil seals should be checked every 25 hours for indication of an oil leak; particularly the lower seals on the blade drive gearboxes should be inspected, since they operate in a dirty environment. If an oil leak is noted, replace the oil seal and relu- bricate the gearbox assembly as follows:

1.Remove gearbox cover (footrest). Deck orien- tation should be the normal operating position.

Blade Drive

Gearboxes

Tee

Gearbox

Mower Deck Gearboxes

(shown with gearbox cover removed for clarity)

2.Clean the area around the individual gearbox cover plates to prevent contaminants from entering the gearcase.

3.Remove the screws securing the cover plates on the blade drive gearboxes.

4.Check the level of lubricant in the gearboxes. If the lubricant is low, add SAE E.P. (Extreme Pressure) 90W oil until the oil level is up to (sub- merges) the horizontal shaft in the gearbox (shaft parallel to cover plate).

NOTE: In case the gearboxes are completely drained of oil, approximately 5 fl. oz. (15 cl) of oil per gearbox is required to refill the gear drive assembly.

NOTE: Since the gearboxes are connected as a unit by connector tubes, it is necessary to add oil slowly. Allow a few minutes after adding oil for the oil to flow throughout the assembly and the oil level to stabilize before reassembly.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the deck gear- boxes. The gearbox assembly is not vented, and overfilling with oil will cause excessive pres- sure and result in oil leaks.

5.Check condition of the cover gasket and replace

if worn or damaged. Reinstall gearbox cover plates; torque screws to 24 in-lb (2.7 N·m).

Transaxle Lubrication

•The transaxle oil lubrication is SAE 20W-50 (API Service Class SL or higher) engine oil.

•Inspect both transaxle cases and hoses after ev- ery 100 hours of operation for visible leaks.

•The fluid levels for each transaxle can be checked visually by looking at the fluid levels in each expansion reservoir. When the transaxles are cold, the fluid level in the expansion reservoirs should be between 1/4" and 1/2" (.64 cm and 1.27 cm).

Reservoir Cap

Hot Level

Cold Level

Expansion Reservoir Location

Transaxle Oil and Filter Change

Change the transaxle oil after the initial break-in period of 50 hours. Thereafter, change oil every

250 hours of operation as follows:

1.Thoroughly clean the exterior of the transmis- sion housing before servicing. Using a 1/4” hex wrench, remove the plug on the underside of each transaxle allowing the oil to drain.

2.Remove and replace the oil filters using a 3/8” hex wrench. (Refer to Transaxle Oil Filter Location photo.)