Assembly Instructions

PREOPERATING CHECKLIST

Before operating the mower for the first time, and as a routine before daily operations, it is important to make sure the mower is properly prepared and ready for operation. The following is a list of items to be checked. (For a mower with frequent operation, some of these items will not need to be checked every day, but the operator should be aware of the condition of each.)

For proper fuel and lubricants refer to Specifications.

FILL FUEL TANK(S)

Fill the fuel tank(s) using clean, fresh, automotive grade unleaded gasoline (87 octane rating mini- mum) or gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume). See engine manual for complete fuel recommendations.

DANGER

Handlegasolinewith care. Gasolineishighly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Use safe refueling procedures:

DO NOT fill fuel tank(s) with the engine running.

If the engine is hot, allow to cool before refueling.

Use an approved fuel container.

Fuel the mower outdoors.

DO NOT smoke while refueling.

Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.

DO NOT overfill the fuel tank(s); fill up to about 1 in. (25 mm) below the top of tank.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT permit dirt or other foreign matter to enter the fuel tanks. Wipe dirt from around the filler cap(s) before removing. Use a clean fuel storage container and funnel.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline. Always use fresh, automotive grade unleaded gasoline or gasohol. DO NOT use premium, white, or high-test gasoline. DO NOT use additives, such as carburetor cleaners, deicers, or moisture removing agents. DO NOT use gasoline blended with methyl alcohol.

CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL

Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and after each 8 hours of continuous operation. Refer to LUBRICATION for Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level in Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEANER SYSTEM

Check air restriction gauge to make sure there is no red indication showing.

Check condition, cleanliness, and security of the complete air cleaner system (inspect air filter every 100 hours). For detailed procedures, refer to CLEANING the Engine Air Cleaner System in Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

Check that the engine cooling air intake screen is free of obstruction by grass clippings or debris and clean if required. Also, cylinder head cooling fins should be inspected and cleaned if any build-up of debris is noted [remove two (2) cylinder head access panels to inspect and clean].

CHECK SECURITY OF DRIVE TIRE MOUNTING NUTS

The eight (8) Drive Tire mounting nuts should each be torqued to 75-85 ft-lbs. (101.7-115.2 N·m).

INSPECT FOUR (4) DRIVE BELTS

Engine/PTO and Ground Drive.

CHECK HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL

Refer to LUBRICATION for Transaxle Lubrication in Maintenance Instructions.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

Deck Caster Wheel = 20 PSI (137 kPa)

Drive

=

15 PSI (103 kPa)

Rear

=

20 PSI (137 kPa)

20