SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine before performing any adjustments, repairs or maintenance.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
•Unscrew oil fill cap and remove dipstick from the oil fill tube. See Figure 13.
Oil Fill Cap | Protective Cap |
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| Oil Drain Hose |
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Oil Fill Tube |
| Oil Drain Valve | ||
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| Oil Drain Port | |
NOTE:
Valve location will vary with engine style.
Figure 13
•Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain valve to expose the oil drain port. See Figure 13.
•Push oil drain hose (packed with unit) onto the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose into an appropriate oil collection container with a capacity great enough to collect the used oil.
•Push the oil drain valve in slightly, then rotate counterclockwise and pull outward to begin draining oil. See Figure 13.
•Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining.
• Refill the engine with new motor oil.
IMPORTANT: Refill the engine with the proper capacity and weight of motor oil as instructed in the separate engine manual.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty condition. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug(s) should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
CLEANING THE ENGINE AND DECK
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow grass, leaves, and dirt to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine, especially the pulleys and other moving parts.
Clean the underside of the deck with a wisk broom, putty knife or forced air after each mowing.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a garden hose to clean the cutting deck. The ball bearings in the blade spindles are sealed at the factory and cannot be re- lubricated. Spraying water near the spindles can significantly reduce the life of the bearings.
CUTTING DECK REMOVAL
WARNING: Before performing any maintenance, move the PTO switch into the disengaged (OFF) position, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key from the switch to avoid accidental starting.
Several attachments are available for your tractor. To mount some of these attachments and in order to perform certain maintenance procedures, the deck must be removed from the tractor. To properly remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
WARNING: Do NOT remove deck immediately after operating the tractor. Allow the engine and other moving parts ample time to cool down.
•Move the PTO switch into the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake.
•Lower the deck by moving the lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender.
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