MAINTENANCE
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
The air screen is over the air intake blower located on top of engine. The 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 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.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 26)
The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required.
•Withenginecool,removefilterandplugfuellinesections.
•Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.
•Ensure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned.
•Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
CLAMP
FUEL FILTER 
Fig. 26
CLEANING
•Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter.
•Clean debris from steering plate. Debris can restrict clutch/brake pedal shaft movement, causing belt slip and loss of drive. (See Fig. 27.)
CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points and movable parts.
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL |
CLEAN |
TOP SIDE |
STEERING |
PLATE |
STEERING SYSTEM, DASH, FENDER AND MOWER NOT SHOWN |
Fig. 27 |
•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
•Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.
Except for the washout port (if equipped), we do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean the outside of your tractor unless the engine and transmission 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 outside tractor and mower.
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