LUBRICATION
Transaxle (Transmission) Fluid Change
This transaxle is designed with an external filter for ease of maintenance. To ensure constant fluid quality levels and longer life, an oil filter change interval of every 200 hours is recommended.
The following procedure is performed with the transaxles installed in the mower and the mower on level ground. Apply the pump release valve for each transaxle and set the parking brake.
1.Remove the three ¼" filter guard screws and filter guard. Clean any loose debris from around the perimeter of the filter. See illustration.
2.Place an oil drain pan (12" or more diameter and 8 qt. capacity is optimal) beneath the oil filter. Remove the oil filter from the transaxle.
Drain old oil filters of all
3.After the oil has drained, wipe the filter base surface and apply a film of new oil to the gasket of the replacement filter.
4.Install the new filter by hand, turning it three- quarters to one full turn after the filter gasket contacts the filter base surface.
5.Reinstall the filter guard. Torque screws to 65 in/lbs. each.
6.Repeat steps on the opposite side.
7.Drain old oil filters of all free flowing oil prior to disposal. Place used oil in appropriate containers and dispose of it in accordance with laws in your area.
8.Remove the top port plug (see illustration) from the left side and right side of the transaxles prior to filling with oil. This will allow the transaxles to vent during oil fill.
9.Remove the cap from the transaxles’ expansion tank located on the vehicle frame.
10.Fill with 20W50 motor oil until oil just appears at the bottom of each transaxles’ top port (approximately 2 quarts per transaxle, 4 quarts total). Install the top port plug into each transaxle as the oil level reaches the port.
11.Install and torque the top port plugs to 180 in./lbs.
12.Continue to fill the transaxles through the expansion tank until the FULL COLD line is reached (this will take approximately 23 additional ounces).
13.Reinstall the expansion tank cap by hand. Be careful to not overtighten.
2
3
1
1.Filter guard
2.Transaxle filter
3.Top port plug
47