Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
DANGER
Use extreme caution when working on or near batteries. To help prevent per- sonal injury or property damage:.
•Batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks and flames away from the battery at all times. Ventilate the area when charging or using the bat- tery in an enclosed area.
Battery Care in Service
The battery is sealed and is mainte-
•Always keep the battery cables and ter minals clean and free of corrosive
•After cleaning the battery and termi- nals,
apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals
•Always keep the rubber boot posi- tioned
over the positive terminal to prevent shorting.
Charging
If the tractor has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the battery with an
Jump Starting
IMPORTANT: Never jump your tiller’s dead battery with the battery of a run- ning vehicle.
1.Connect end of one jumper cable to the positive terminal of the good battery, then the other end to the positive termi- nal of the dead battery.
2.Connect the other jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery, then to the frame of the unit with the dead battery.
Failure to use this procedure could cause sparking, and the gas in either battery could explode.
Cleaning
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 termi- nals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
•incorrect initial activation
•undercharging
•overcharging
•corroded connections
•freezing
IMPORTANT: These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s warranty.
Battery Removal and Installation
When removing and installing the bat- tery, disconnect and connect the cables in this order to avoid sparking:
1.To remove the battery, first discon- nect the negative
2.Disconnect the negative
3.Disconnect the positive (+) cable from the positive (+) battery post and bend it away from any metal parts. Cover the cable terminal with its rubber boot.
4.Remove the battery clamp.
5.To install the battery, reverse the above steps. Be sure that the battery posts face to the rear of the tiller and that the positive (+) post is on the left side as you face forward from the han- dlebars.
Battery Storage
Charge battery fully. The battery loses some of its charge each day when the unit is not used.
IMPORTANT: NEVER store battery with- out a full charge. Recharge battery be- fore returning to service or every two months, whichever occurs first.
When storing unit for extended periods, disconnect battery cables. Removing battery from unit is recommended.
CLEANING UNDERSIDE OF
MOWER DECK
WARNING
Mower blades are sharp.
When working near blades, wear heavy leather gloves or wrap blades in thick rags to protect yourself from the sharp edges.
Frequently check, and clean if necessary, the underside of the mower deck. Grass
Inspection/Cleaning of Mower Deck:
1.Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop moving, and disconnect spark plug wire.
2.Tip mower on rear wheels by follow- ing instructions "Tipping Mower For Service" in this Section.
3.Use a plastic or metal scraper to remove grass
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