Hex Plug

Figure 6-2

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.

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 information regarding tire pressure.

Front To Rear

The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can be adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be between ¼-inch and 3⁄8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:

1.With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.

2.Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The first measurement taken should be between ¼” and 3⁄8” less than the second measurement. Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.

3.Locate the jam nut and lock nut on the front side of the stabilizer bracket. See Fig. 6-3. After loosening the jam nut:

Tighten the lock nut to raise the front of the deck; Loosen the lock nut to lower the front of the deck.

Figure 6-3

4.Retighten the jam nut loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.

Section 6 — Maintenance & Adjustments

 

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