SECTION 10: MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine before performing any adjustments, repairs or maintenance.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to the trouble shooting chart for information.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.
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 plugs 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 ENGINE AND DECK
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Grass, leaves, and other dirt must not be allowed to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or on any part of the machine.
Clean the underside of the deck after each mowing.
CUTTING BLADES
WARNING: Protect hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blades.
The blades may be removed for sharpening or replacement as follows:
Remove the hex flange nut that holds the blade to the blade spindle. See Figure 25.
Blade
Hex
Flange
Nut
Figure 25
When sharpening the blades, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge be ground equally to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage to the mower and could break, causing personal injury.
The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with part number) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Blade
Hex Flange Nut: 840 in. lb. min., 1080 in. lb. max.
Blade Spindle Screws
If disassembled for any reason, tighten the blade spindle screws between 200 and 275 inch pounds.
WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
The caster (forward slant of the king pin) and the camber (tilt of the wheels out at the top) require no adjustment. Automotive steering principles have been used to determine the caster and camber on the tractor. The front wheels should
Some units have adjustable tie rods so the
•Remove the hex nut and lock washer, and drop the end of the tie rod from the axle bracket. See Figure 26.
•Loosen the hex jam nut on tie rod.
•Adjust the tie rod assembly for correct
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