Engine, Belts, Transaxle Cooling, Lubrication

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot.

•Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte- nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your near- est authorized service center/department.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

SAE 30

5W-30

°F

-20°

0°

30° 32° 40°

60°

80°

100°

°C

-30°

-20°

-10°

0°

10°

20°

30°

40°

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 17)

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SF, SG or SH.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

•Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

•Remove drain plug.

•After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 3 of this manual.

•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.

OIL FILL

CAP/DIPSTICK

OIL DRAIN

PLUG

FIG. 17

AIR FILTER (See Fig. 18)

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of opera- tion or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first.

Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

•Remove knob(s) and cover.

TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER

•Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge.

•Wash it in liquid detergent and water.

•Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.

•Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil.

•If very dirty or damaged, replace pre-cleaner.

•Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge.

•Reinstall cover and secure with knob(s).

TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE

•Remove cartridge nut.

•Carefully remove cartridge to prevent debris from entering carburetor. Clean base carefully to prevent debris from entering carburetor.

•Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface. If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.

•Reinstall cartridge, nut, precleaner, cover and secure with knob(s).

IMPORTANT: PETROLEUM SOLVENTS, SUCH AS KEROSENE, ARE NOT TO BE USED TO CLEAN THE CARTRIDGE. THEY MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION OF THE CARTRIDGE. DO NOT OIL CARTRIDGE. DO NOT U S E P R E S S U R I Z E D A I R T O C L E A N O R D R Y CARTRIDGE.