Operating Instructions

Maintenance Instructions

•When operating on a slope, reduce speed and use caution to start, stop, and maneuver. Avoid sharp turns or sudden changes in direction. The maximum recommended side slope operating angle is 20 degrees or 33% grade.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CARE OF THE KAWASAKI ENGINE

Fuel System

•Fuel must be clean - free from water, dirt, and organic material.

•Change fuel filter on a regular basis and when contamination is suspected or found in the fuel.

Starting/Stopping

•Match crankcase oil viscosity to the ambient tem- perature, allowing the engine to crank faster and start easier.

Cooling System

•Operate the engine at full speed when mowing. This will allow the engine to produce full horsepower and move more cooling air through the cooling fins.

Air Cleaner System

20°

60 in.

22 in.

• Use only Kawasaki air cleaner elements. After-

market elements may not seal in the air cleaner

housing, allowing dirt to enter the engine. Also,

aftermarket filters often skimp on the filtration media

and require more frequent cleaning and replace-

ment (see following instructions).

• DO NOT overservice or frequently “disturb” the

Maximum Recommended Side Slope

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TILT-UP DECK OPERATION/TRANSPORT

To avoid potential deck and/or tractor damage while using the tilt-up deck, the following recommendations are offered:

•Do not move the tractor with the deck in the tilt- up position since both the roller wheels (on the back of the deck) may be damaged by moving the tractor. The tilt-up configuration should only be used when the tractor is parked.

•When transporting a tractor with the deck in the tilt-up position (on a truck or trailer), the deck should be secured to the vehicle with a strap or rope (stop vertical movement). This will prevent the deck from bouncing on the rear roller wheels (caus- ing breakage).

air filter. A dirty air filter actually cleans better than

a new one. Changing and cleaning the air filter too

often can actually reduce filter efficiency and

increase the opportunity for traces of dust to enter

the engine.

• When the air filter element is removed or

replaced, make sure all dust is cleaned out of the

air cleaner housing. Use a damp cloth and wipe

the interior of the air cleaner case clean (a little dirt

left here will be sucked into the engine and reduce

engine life). When the filter is installed, make sure

the element is held tight and straight in the hous-

ing for proper seating and sealing.

Oil

•DO NOT screw filler cap into crankcase when checking oil level.

•Single viscosity or multi-viscosity oils may be used with the viscosity matching ambient tempera- tures for the engine operating conditions. This will aid starting in cold weather and assure proper lubri- cation in hot weather.

•Use only Kawasaki oil filters. Aftermarket filters may not seal properly and/or have the incorrect pressure relief valve for proper lubrication.

28