Maintenance & Adjustments

Maintenance

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 Operator/Owner Manual for engine maintenance instructions.

Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. Follow the instructions carefully.

Changing Engine Oil

For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase, a plastic oil drain sleeve is packed with this Operator’s Manual. To drain the oil, proceed as follows:

1.Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube.

2.Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump. See Fig. 6-1.

Figure 6-1

3.Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a capacity of no less than 64 oz.

Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining.

4.Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper viscosity of motor oil.

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Air Cleaner

Service the pre-cleaner and cartridge/air cleaner element as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.

Spark Plug

The spark plug 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 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 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 all-purpose grease before re-installing them.

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™

A hex plug can be found on your tractor’s deck surface. See Fig. 6-2 on the next page.

This plug can be replaced with a water port to be used as part of a separately-available deck wash system.

The Deck Wash System™ is used to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.

NOTE: Refer to the Attachments & Accessories section of this manual for information regarding this and other separately- available attachments & accessories for your tractor.

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