MAINTENANCE
DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 14)
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 PTO (Blade Engage) is not engaged, 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. 14
IMPORTANT: Tug hose ensuring connection is secure.
5.Turn the water on.
6.While sitting in the operator’s position on the tractor, 
" position.
IMPORTANT: Recheck the area making certain the area is clear.
7.Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) to the ON position. Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck engaged until the deck is cleaned.
8.Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) to the OFF 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. Engage the mower deck PTO to remove ex- cess 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.
•Plug any holes in mower with bolts and locknuts.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.
•Keep battery and terminals clean.
•Keep battery bolts tight.
•Keep small vent holes open.
•Recharge at
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to “leak” power.
•Remove terminal guard.
•Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat- tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.
•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
•Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual).
V-BELTS
Check
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins 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. To prevent pos- sible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.
•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 nearest authorized service center/department.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification
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