MAINTENANCE
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause engine damage due to overheating.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 27)
The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required.
•With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.
•Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.
•Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned.
•Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
CLAMP | CLAMP |
FUEL FILTER 
Fig. 27
CLEANING
•Cleanengine,battery,seat,finish,etc.ofallforeignmatter.
•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
•Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.
We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and trans- mission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower.
DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 28)
Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use.
1.Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach.
IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove bagger chute or mulch cover if attached.
2.Make sure the attachment clutch control is in the “DISENGAGED” position, set the parking brake, and stop the engine.
3.Thread the nozzle adapter (packaged with your tractor’s Operator’s Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.
4.Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and push the adapter onto the deck washout port at the left end of the mower deck. Release the lock collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle.
HOSE
NOZZLE ADAPTER
WASHOUT 
PORT
Fig. 28
IMPORTANT: Tug hose ensuring connection is secure.
5.Turn the water on.
6.While sitting in the operator’s position on the tractor,
IMPORTANT: Recheck the area making certain the area is clear.
7.Move the tractor’s attachment clutch control to the “ENGAGED” position. Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck engaged until the deck is cleaned.
8.Move the tractor’s attachment clutch control to the “DIS- ENGAGED” position. Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the tractor’s engine off. Turn the water off.
9.Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to dis- connect the adapter from the nozzle washout port.
10.Move the tractor to a dry area, preferably a concrete or paved area. Place the attachment clutch control in the “ENGAGED” position to remove excess water and to help dry before putting the tractor away.
WARNING: A broken or missing washout fitting could expose you or others to thrownobjectsfromcontactwiththeblade.
•Replace broken or missing washout fitting immediately, prior to using mower again.
•Pluganyholesinmowerwithboltsandlocknuts.
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