SECTION 7: 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 manufacturer’s Operator/Owner Manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the engine manufacturer’s Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. Follow the instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
NOTE: Depending on the engine model found on your tractor, it may be necessary to remove the tractor’s side panel in order to replace the oil filter (if so equipped).
Changing Engine Oil
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase of select model tractors, a plastic oil drain sleeve is packed with this Operator’s Manual. To drain the oil, proceed as follows:
•Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube.
•Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump. See Figure 20.
Oil Drain Sleeve |
Figure 20
•Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a capacity of no less than 64 oz.
•Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in the separate engine manufacturer’s Operator/
Owner Manual packed with your unit.
Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining.
•Refill the engine with new motor oil.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper weight of motor oil.
Air Cleaner
Service the
Spark Plug(s)
The spark plug(s) should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Operator/Owner Manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Lubrication
WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the engine manufacturer’s Owner Manual packed with your unit.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.
Rear Wheels
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an
Front Axles
Each end of the tractor’s front pivot bar may be equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.
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