Engine

MAINTENANCE

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 MAINTENANCE

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

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent pos- sible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transmission.

•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 com- pressed 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 nearest authorized service center/department.

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL. 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

Fig. 17

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F/0°C. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 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 and 18)

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

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

DOCKING
POSITION	OIL DRAIN
	EXTENSION

CAP

Fig. 18

2.Slide oil drain extension from the docking position on the engine blower housing and extend outward from engine.

3.To open, twist cap counter-clockwise

4.After oil is drained completely, replace cap and twist clockwise until it stops.

5.Re-attach oil drain extension to engine blower housing.

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

7.Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.Tightencapontothetubesecurelywhenfinished.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Ser- vice air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

ENGINE OIL FILTER

Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.

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. Ensure 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.