Maintenance Instructions

LUBRICATION

Reservoir Cap

Hot Level

Cold Level

Air Bleed Plug

Transmission Reservoir

and Air Bleed Plug Location

3.If the fluid is below the COLD mark (or the trans- mission is not performing properly), loosen the air bleed plug (located on the top of transmis- sion case next to the plastic reservoir).

a.If a small amount of fluid leaks from around the air bleed plug:

*The transmission is full of fluid.

*Tighten the plug and fill the reservoir to the COLD level mark.

b.If no fluid leaks from around the air bleed plug:

*Slowly add fluid into the reservoir until fluid starts to leak from around the plug. (Transmissions are serviced from the factory with Mobil 1 (15W50) Synthet- ic Oil). When it is necessary to add flu- id, refer to Specifications for the proper fluid.

*As soon as there is fluid leaking from around the air bleed plug, tighten the plug and fill the reservoir to the COLD level mark. Wipe any excess oil off of the transmission housing.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the transmission reservoir. This will result in oil leaking out of the reservoir cap vent when the transmission warms up. It is preferable to add fluid to the transmission when it is cold and make sure the oil is not above or below the COLD level mark.

IMPORTANT: The transmission reservoir has a fine mesh screen in the bottom to trap dirt and foreign particles from entering the transmission. When filling the reservoir, fluid will flow quite slowly through this screen; so it is essential that there is fluid at the bleed plug before the transmission is considered full.

IMPORTANT: Any attempt to remove or in any way alter the filtering screen in the transmission reservoir could cause damage to the transmission and will VOID any transmission warranty.

Changing Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid

The hydrostatic fluid should be changed every 1000 hours or two (2) years. Also, the fluid should be changed if the natural color of the fluid has become black or milky (indicating possible overheating or water contamination of fluid). The transmission is refilled using the factory service fluid noted in TRANSMISSION Specifications. The fluid is changed as follows:

1.Park the mower on a level surface and stop the engine.

2.Remove the lower drain plug and the air bleed plug. Allow the fluid to drain out.

IMPORTANT: Clean any dirt from around the plugs and reservoir cap before removing them.

3.Reinstall the lower drain plug, making sure the rubber O-ring on the plug is in place and in good condition.

4.Refill the transmission through the air bleed plug hole until it is as full as possible.

IMPORTANT: Avoidfluidcontaminationwhenfill- ing the reservoir. Use clean container, spout, fun- nel, etc. when pouring the fluid into the reservoir.

5.Rotate the transmission input shaft about five (5) revolutions to allow any trapped air to escape.

6.Before installing the air bleed plug, fill the reser- voir with fluid allowing a small amount to leak out of the air bleed plug hole.

7.Install the air bleed plug and fill the reservoir to the COLD level line.

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