WARNING
HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS
CAN PENETRATE SKIN CAUSING SERIOUS IN-
JURY AND GANGRENE.
INJECTED FLUID MUST BE SURGICALLY RE-
MOVED WITHIN A FEW HOURS BY A DOCTOR
FAMILIAR WITH THIS TYPE OF INJURY.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY FROM
PRESSURE LEAKS:
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USE CARDBOARD AND NOT HANDS TO
SEARCH FOR LEAKS.
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RELIEVE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE BEFORE
WORKING ON SYSTEM.
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CHECK HYDRAULIC HOSES, LINES, AND
CONNECTIONS FOR TIGHTNESS AND
GOOD CONDITION BEFORE APPLYING
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
START-UP MAINTENANCE
HYDROSTATIC FLUID
Bush Hog recommends the use of 20W50 motor oil in
the hydrostatic reservoir.
START-UP PROCEDURE
The following start-up procedure should always be fol-
lowed when starting a new installation or when restart-
ing an installation in which the transaxle has been
removed from the system or when oil has been
changed in the transaxle.
Prior to starting the transaxle, make certain all system
components (reservoir, fittings, etc.) are clean prior to
filling with fluid.
Fill the reservoir with recommended fluid which should
be filtered prior to entering the reservoir.
Start the engine and idle at the lowest possible RPM.
With the bypass valve closed, slowly move the dis-
placement control in both the forward and reverse di-
rections. As air is purged from the unit, the oil level in
the reservoir will drop and bubbles may appear in the
fluid. Refill the reservoir as necessary.
WARNING
TO AVOID INJURY FROM EQUIPMENT GROUND
TRAVEL AND MOVEMENT DURING
START-UP PROCEDURE:
DO NOT START OR JOG ENGINE UNTIL:
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PUMP IS IN NEUTRAL POSITION
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DRIVE WHEELS ARE RAISED OFF THE
GROUND.
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EQUIPMENT IS SECURELY BLOCKED-UP TO
KEEP WHEELS FROM GROUND CONTACT.
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PTO AND OTHER WORK FUNCTIONS ARE
DISCONNECTED.
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KEEP HANDS, HAIR AND CLOTHING AWAY
FROM ROTATING BLADES.
Place the steering levers in the neutral position and
open the bypass valve. Slowly move the steering
levers in both the forward and reverse directions to
purge the air from the closed circuit.
Close the bypass valve and run the unit in both direc-
tions for several minutes until any remaining air is
purged from the unit. Refill the reservoir as necessary.
Stop the engine, check for and correct any fluid leaks,
and check the reservoir level. Add fluid if necessary.
The transmission is now ready for operation.
HYDROSTATIC MAINTENANCE
Check the reservoir daily for proper fluid level. Oil level
should be to the cold fill line on the reservoir baffle.
The hydrostatic transaxle units normally do not require
regular fluid changes. The system filter should be
changed after the first 50 hours of break-in, then every
500 hours thereafter. The fluid and filter should be
changed and the system cleaned if the fluid becomes
contaminated with foreign matter (water, dirt, etc.)
.Refer to illustration on page 20.
PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
(Refer to next page for illustration and instructions for Parking
Brake Cable Replacement / Installation)
Check to make sure brake is adjusted properly.
Force on the brake handle to lock the brake in place
should be 15 pounds. To adjust the brake tension,
shorten or lengthen the brake cable linkage.
If further adjustment is needed at each individual wheel
brake:
1. Engage the brake lever (lever up).
2. Remove the wheel from the side needing adjusting.
Loosen brake adjusting nuts, remove excess slack from
cable and retighten nuts.
3. Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts.
Pump Drive Belt Tension Adjustment
1. Stop engine and remove key.
2. The pump drive belt tension is adjusted through a
spring loaded idler pulley.
3. Adjust the eye bolt so the spring length is 7” (mea-
sured to the inside of the spring loops).
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