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.

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.

Deck Wash System™

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.

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. 6-2.

Figure 6-2

5.Turn the water on.

6.While sitting in the operator’s position on the tractor, start the engine and place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.

7.Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the ON position.

8.Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck engaged for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.

9.Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the OFF position.

10.Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the tractor’s engine off.

11.Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water port on your deck’s surface.

12.Repeat steps 4 through 11 on the opposite side of the cutting deck.

IMPORTANT: After cleaning your deck with the Deck Wash System™ , return to the operator’s position and engage the PTO. Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.

Adjustments

WARNING! Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual.

Leveling the Deck

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires in the Service section of this manual for more information regarding tire pressure.

20Section 6— Maintenance & Adjustments