16
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF-SJ. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 40 80 100
-30 -20 0 20 30 40
F
C
32
-10 10
60
5W-30
SAE 30
FIG. 11
FIG. 12
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of
operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can
restrict cooling.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi-
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
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or
covers. 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.
•Open battery box door.
•Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery
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 “REPLACING BATTERY” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 11 and 12)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SF-SJ.
•Be sure tractor is on level surface.
•Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•Catch oil in a suitable container.
•Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
•Remove cap from bottom fitting of drain valve and install
the drain tube onto the fitting.
•Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning coun-
terclockwise.
•To open, pull out on the drain valve.
•After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain
valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.
•Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the
bottom fitting of the drain valve.
•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be
sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.
CLOSED
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
CAP
DRAIN
TUBE
OIL DRAIN VALVE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption when used above
32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and
after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/
dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.