605046
4-1
REV A
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
Safe Servicing Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid
serious injury or death.
Service Precautions
Unless specifically required,
DO NOT
have engine run-
ning when servicing or making adjustments to mower.
Park the machine on level ground. Place steering control
levers in the park brake position, disengage deck clutch,
lower deck, remove ignition switch key and disconnect
negative battery cable before doing any maintenance.
Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning
or repairing. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine
power should be performed by trained maintenance per-
sonnel only. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, be
sure proper ventilation is available when engine must be
operated in an enclosed area. Read and observe safety
warnings in front of manual.
Before working on or under the deck, make certain
engine cannot be accidentally started. Shut engine off,
remove ignition switch key and disconnect negative bat-
tery cable for maximum safety. Repairs or maintenance
requiring engine power should be performed by trained
maintenance personnel only.
Except when changing or checking the belt,
always
keep
belt covers on mower deck for safety as well as for clean-
liness.
Use a stick or similar instrument to clean under the
mower making sure that no part of the body, especially
arms and hands are under the mower.
Keep your machine clean and remove any deposits of
trash and clippings, which can cause engine fires and
hydraulic overheating as well as excessive belt wear.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool
before storing.
Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent
fires by keeping the engine compartment, top of the
deck, exhaust area, battery, fuel line, fuel tank and
operator’s station clean of accumulated trash, grass
clippings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled
fuel and oil.
Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing the
hydraulic system and battery, or when grinding mower
blades and removing accumulated debris.
Use extra caution when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Never attempt to start the engine when there is a strong
odor of gasoline fumes present. Locate and correct the
cause.
Never remove the fuel cap or refuel the mower while
engine is running or while engine is hot; never refuel near
an open flame or near devices which can create a spark.
Refuel outdoors. Never refuel or drain the fuel from the
machine indoors.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area unless exhaust
is vented to the outside. Exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide which is an odorless and deadly poison.
Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to the
mower drive system, mower deck or any attachment
while the mower engine is running or deck clutch is
engaged. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power
should be performed by trained maintenance personnel
only.
Never work under the machine or attachment unless it is
safely supported with jack stands. Make certain machine
is secure when it is raised and placed on the jack stands.
The jack stands should not allow the machine to move
when the engine is running and the drive wheels are
rotating.
Use only certified jack stands.
Use only appro-
priate jack stands, with a minimum weight rating of 2000
pounds (907 kg) to block the unit up. Use in pairs only.
Follow the instructions supplied with the vehicle stands.
Exercise caution when releasing spring tension from any
of the belt idlers or when working with any of the deck
lift components.
Do not touch hot parts of machine.
Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment
bolts. Keep equipment in good working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the discharge
chute with the engine running. Turn off the engine and be
sure the blades have stopped before cleaning. Use a stick
to clear a plugged discharge area.
Never use your hand!
Grass collection system components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
Exercise caution when working under the deck as the
mower blades are extremely sharp. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.
Use only genuine BigDog
®
Mowers replacement parts to
ensure that original standards are maintained.
Service Introduction
Regular maintenance is the best prevention for costly
downtime or expensive, premature repair. The following pages
contain suggested maintenance information and schedules
which the operator should follow on a routine basis. For more
detailed information order the correct Parts Manual and General
Service Manual for your unit. Refer to the
Product Literature
section of this manual.
Remain alert for unusual noises, which could signal a
problem. Visually inspect the machine for any abnormal wear or
damage. A good time to detect potential problems is while
performing scheduled maintenance service. Correcting the
problem as quickly as possible is the best insurance.
Clear away heavy build-up of grease, oil and dirt, especially
