15
MAINTENANCE
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per form ing any
main te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest
speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved
surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See
“TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See the sides
of tires for proper PSI).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control
chemi cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and pre vent flat tires due
to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your
local parts dealer. Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot
and corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND REVERSE
OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 13)
Be sure operator presence and reverse operation sys tems
are work ing properly. If your tractor does not function as
described, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is
fully de pressed, and the attachment clutch con trol is
in the dis en gaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• When the engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the at tach ment clutch
is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never operate unless
the operator is in the seat.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the engine "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch
engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch
in the ROS "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch
engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should NOT shut off the engine.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place
bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap-
proved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could
damage your tractor and void your warranty.

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient
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 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is main-
tenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or cov-
ers. 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.
• Raise hood.
• 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 “REPL ACING BATTERY" in the
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this man u al).
Fig. 13

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 14)

• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade
with heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.
• Install new or resharpened blade with stamped "THIS
SIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly.
IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER HOLE
IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL ASSEMBLY.
• Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: SPECIAL BLADE BOLT HEAT TREATED.
BLADE
BLADE BOLT
(SPECIAL)
CENTER HOLE
STAR
MANDREL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 14
ROS "ON"
POSITION
ENGINE "ON" POSITION
(NORMAL OPERATING)
0
2
8
2
8