Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine.

IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.

Battery

The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked.

•Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up.

•After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.

•Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting.

IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine’s alternating system.

Cleaning Battery

Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

Battery Failures

Some common causes for battery failure are:

•Incorrect initial activation

•Overcharging

•Freezing

•Undercharging

•Corroded connections

These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s warranty.

Deck Wash System™

A hex plug can be found on your tractor’s deck surface. See Fig. 6-2.

This plug can be replaced with a water port to be used as part of a separately-available deck wash system.

Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.

NOTE: Refer to the Attachments & Accessories section of this manual for information regarding this and other separately- available attachments & accessories for your tractor.

Deck Wash System™

If your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its Deck Wash System™, follow these instructions to utilize this feature.

Hex Plug

Figure 6-2

Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:

1.Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough for your garden hose to reach.

Caution: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.

2.Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the parking brake and stop the engine.

3.Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your tractor’s Operator’s Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.

4.Attach the hose coupler to the water port on the deck’s surface. See Fig. 6-3.

5.Turn the water on.

Figure 6-3

Section 6 — Maintenance & Adjustments

 

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