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Section 7
7.3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
A. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level
The hydraulic oil level should be checked after the first
10 hours of operation. Thereafter, check the oil after
every 200 hours of machine operation or monthly,
whichever occurs first.
-IMPORTANT-
If the oil level is consistently low, check for
leaks and correct immediately.
1. Wipe dirt and contaminants from around the
reservoir cap. Remove the cap from the hydraulic oil
reservoir.
2. Visually check the level of hydraulic oil. Hydraulic
oil must be at least 2-1/4" inches from top of the
filler neck. If the level cannot be determined visually,
use a clean tape measure to check the level. If the
fluid is low, add 20W50 motor oil. DO NOT
overfill; (overfilling the oil reservoir may cause oil
seepage).
3. Clean the fill cap and install it onto the reservoir.
Hydraulic OIl Reservoir
Drain Cap
Figure 7-2 Hydraulic Oil Reservoir
B. Changing Hydraulic Oil
The hydraulic oil should be changed after every 500
hours or annually, whichever occurs first. The oil
should also be changed if the color of the fluid has
become black or milky. A black color and/or a
rancid odor usually indicates possible overheating of
the oil, and a milky color usually indicates water in
the hydraulic oil. -NOTE-
The hydraulic oil should be changed if you
notice the presence of water or a rancid
odor to the hydraulic oil.
1. Park the mower on a level surface and stop the
engine.
2. Place a suitable container under the hydraulic oil
reservoir. Remove the cap from the tee installed in
the hydraulic oil reservoir. (See Figure 7-2). Allow
the fluid to drain into the container and properly
discard it.
3. Install the cap onto the tee and be sure it is tight.
4. Remove the fill cap from the reservoir and fill the
reservoir to 2-1/4" inches from the top of the filler
neck with 20W50 motor oil.
5. Start the engine and drive forward and backward for
two minutes. Check the oil level in the reservoir. If
necessary, add oil to the reservoir.
6. Replace the reservoir fill cap.
C. Changing Hydraulic Oil Filter Element
The hydraulic oil filter should be changed after every 500
hours of operation or annually, whichever occurs first.
1. Remove the oil filter element (Figure 7-3) and
properly discard it. Fill the new filter with clean oil
and install the filter. Hand tighten only.