SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.
•Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the engine manual. Read and follow instructions carefully. Refer to this manual for details about type and grade of oil.
Changing Engine Oil
1.Unscrew oil fill cap and remove dipstick from the oil fill tube. See Figure 12.
2.Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain valve to expose the oil drain port. See Figure 12.
3.Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual) onto the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose into an appropriate oil collection container with a capacity great enough to collect the used oil (approximately 62 oz.).
4.Push the oil drain valve in slightly, then rotate counterclockwise and pull outward to begin draining oil. See Figure 12.
5.Service the oil filter as instructed in the engine manual.
6.Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining. Refill the engine with approximately 62 oz.(1.8 liters) of new motor oil.
Air Cleaner
Oil Fill Cap | Protective Cap |
| Oil Drain Hose |
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|
|
Oil Fill Tube |
| Oil Drain | |
| |||
| |||
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|
| Valve |
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|
| Oil Drain Port |
Figure 12
Service the
Spark Plug
Clean the spark plug and reset its gap once a season, preferably at the start of each mowing season. Refer to the engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Lubrication
Engine
•Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the engine manual.
Pivot Points & Linkage
•Lubricate all pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.
Rear Wheels
•Remove rear wheels from the axles once a season; lubricate the axles and rims with an
Front Wheels
•Each front wheel axle is equipped with a grease fitting; lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation or at least once a season.
Cleaning The Engine & Deck
•Wipe off any fuel or oil spillage on the machine promptly. Do not allow grass, leaves, and dirt to accumulate around the cooling fins or on any other part of the machine, especially the pulleys and other moving parts.
IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will reduce life of the
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