Clean the Battery and Cables

Service Interval: 100 Hours

WARNING

Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery.

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.

Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling batteries.

1.Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (B, Figure 23).

2.Remove the rubber strap securing the battery, and remove the battery.

3.Clean the battery and battery compartment with a solution of baking soda and water.

4.Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until shiny.

5.Reinstall the battery and secure with the rubber strap.

6.Reattach the battery cables: first attach the positive cable (see A, Figure 23), then attach the negative cable (B).

7.Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petroleum jelly or non-conducting grease.

Figure 23. Engine Compartment

A.Positive (+) Battery Cable

B.Negative (-) Battery Cable

CHECK RIDER SAFETY

SYSTEM

Service Interval: Every 100 hours, every spring/fall, and after storage of 30 days or longer.

This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. These safety systems are present for your safety. Do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.

Operational SAFETY Checks

TEST 1 — ENGINE SHOULD NOT CRANK IF:

•Mower blades switch is ON, OR

•Ground speed control levers are not in their START/PARK positions.

TEST 2 — ENGINE SHOULD CRANK IF:

•Mower blade switch is OFF, AND

•Ground speed control levers are in their START/PARK positions.

TEST 3 — ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:

•Operator rises off seat with the mower blade switch ON, OR

•Operator rises off seat with the ground speed levers in DRIVE positions, OR

•Operator moves the left ground speed control lever out of its START position while leaving the right lever in START/PARK (both levers must be moved from START to DRIVE position simultaneously to avoid shutoff).

TEST 4 — BLADE BRAKE CHECK

The mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a complete stop within five seconds after the mower blade switch is turned OFF. If mower drive belt does not stop within five seconds, contact your local authorized dealer.

NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, the mower blade switch must be turned OFF and the ground speed control levers must be locked in their START/PARK positions in order to start the engine.

WARNING

If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not operate it. See your local authorized dealer. Under no circumstance should you attempt to defeat the purpose of the safety interlock system.