15
MAINTENANCE
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE:
The original equipment battery on your tractor is
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps
or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not
nec es sary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to “leak” power.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
•
Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
•
Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in the
Service and Adjustment sec tion of this manual).
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main-
te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest
speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved
surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See
“TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments sec-
tion of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See the side
of tires for proper PSI).
•
Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
NOTE:
To seal tire punctures and pre vent flat tires due to
slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local
parts dealer. Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot and
corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND REVERSE OP-
ERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 15)
Ensure operator presence and reverse operation sys tems
are work ing properly. If your tractor does not function as
described, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is
fully de pressed, and the attachment clutch con trol is
in the dis en gaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
•
When the engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine.
•
When the engine is running and the at tach ment clutch
is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never operate unless
the operator is in the seat.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the engine "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch
engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the ROS "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch en-
gaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse
should NOT shut off the engine.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place
bent or damaged blades.
Fig. 16
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 16)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
NOTE:
Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade
with heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning coun ter clock wise.
•
Install new blade with stamped "THIS SIDE UP" facing
deck and mandrel assembly.
IMPORTANT:
To ensure proper as sem bly, center hole in
blade must align with star on mandrel assembly.
• Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT
: Special blade bolt is heat treated.
025
45
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
BLADE
CENTER
HOLE
STAR
BLADE BOLT
(SPECIAL)
ROS "ON"
POSITION
ENGINE "ON" POSITION
(NORMAL OPERATING)
02828
Fig. 15
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap-
proved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could
damage your tractor and void your warranty.
