Maintenance Instructions

LUBRICATION

LUBRICATION

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to lubricate the machine with the engine running. Disengage the PTO clutch, shut off the machine, and remove the ignition key.

Proper lubrication is an important maintenance pro- cedure. It reduces wear and makes the machine quieter and easier to operate.

Engine Oil

Engine Break-In Oil

No special break-in oil is required. The engine is serviced with 10W-30, Service Class SG oil from the factory. Change the oil after the initial engine break- in period of 5 hours. Thereafter, change oil after every 100 hours of operation or more often in extremely dusty or dirty conditions.

Checking Engine Crankcase Oil Level

Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and after each 5 hours of continuous operation.

IMPORTANT: The importance of checking and maintaining the proper crankcase oil level cannot be overemphasized. Check the oil level BE-

FORE EACH USE.

1.Park the mower on a level surface with the en- gine stopped. Also, make sure the engine is cool and oil has had time to drain into the sump [allow at least five (5) minutes after stopping the engine].

IMPORTANT: NEVER check or add oil with the engine running.

2.Before removing the dipstick, clean the area around the dipstick to keep any dirt or debris out of the engine.

3.Remove the dipstick, wipe off with a clean rag, then reinsert the dipstick into the tube without screwing it in.

4.Remove the dipstick again and check the oil lev- el on the dipstick. The oil level should be be- tween the FULL and LOW mark on the dipstick.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine without a sufficient oil supply in the crankcase. DO NOT operate with the oil level below the lower mark or above the upper mark on the dipstick.

5.If additional oil is needed, refer to Specifications for proper crankcase lubricant. Fill up to, but not above, the upper mark on the dipstick.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the crankcase (oil above “F” mark) as thisCAN result in en- gine overheating, loss of power, and possible engine damage.

Changing Engine Crankcase Oil/Oil Filter

Change the engine crankcase oil after every 100 hours of operation and replace the oil filter every other oil change (every 200 hours of operation or more often in extremely dusty or dirty conditions).

1.Park the mower on a level surface with the en- gine stopped. The engine oil should be warm before draining. If not warm from operation, start the engine and run a few minutes to warm the oil.

2.Before removing the dipstick and oil fill cap, clean the area around them to keep any dirt or debris out of the engine.

3.Remove the dipstick, oil fill cap, and unscrew the oil drain plug 4-1/2 revolutions (to prevent the drain plug from coming out completely, do not exceed 4-1/2 turns). Drain oil into a suitable container. Be sure to allow ample time for com- plete drainage.

Oil Fill/

Dipstick

Oil Filter

Oil Drain

Oil Drain, Dipstick (Oil Fill),

and Oil Filter Location

30