Cadet 1212, Operator'S Manual

Page: 17 / 40

17
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
WARNING:
Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO,
move shift lever into neutral position, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
Cleaning the Engine And Deck
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped
off promptly.
Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling
fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine,
especially the belts and pulleys.
IMPORTANT:
The use of a pressure washer or garden
hose to clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may
cause damage to electrical components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in a shortened life of the tractor and reduce its
serviceability.
Engine
Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner
Manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in
the Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner 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 11.
Figure 11
• Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil
drain valve to expose the drain port. See Figure 11.
• Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual)
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
(approximately 64 oz.).
• Push the oil drain valve in slightly, then rotate
counterclockwise and pull outward to begin
draining oil. See Figure 11.
• Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed
in the separate Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner
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:
Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Operator/
Owner Manual packed with your unit for information
regarding the proper weight of motor oil.
Air Cleaner
Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/
air cleaner element as instructed in the
Briggs &
Stratton Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.
Spark Plug
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season.
Refer to the
Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner Manual
for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Lubrication
WARNING:
Before lubricating, repairing, or
inspecting, always disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the
Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner Manual packed with
your unit.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system,
parking brake and lift linkage at least once a season
with light oil.
Front Wheels
Each of the front wheel axles is equipped with a grease
fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours
of tractor operation.
Protective Cap
Oil Drain Hose
Drain Port
Oil Fill Cap
Oil Fill Tube
Oil Drain Valve