Maintenance
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.
Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the Engine
Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. Follow the
instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase of select model
tractors, a plastic oil drain sleeve or hose is packed with this
Operator’s Manual. See Figure 6-1.
1. Change the oil as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.
2. Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in the
separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your
unit.
3. Refill the engine with the proper quantity and weight of
new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner
Manual packed with your unit.
Air Cleaner
Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/air cleaner
element as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual
packed with your unit.
Figure 6-1
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 Engine 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 Engine
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.
Rear Wheels
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a
season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose
grease before re-installing them.
Front Axles
Each end of the tractor’s front pivot bar may be equipped with a
grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours of
tractor operation.
Battery
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot
be checked.
•
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free
of corrosive build-up.
•
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat
of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
•
Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive
terminal to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT:
If removing the battery for any reason,
disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first,
followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the
battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal
first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the
wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them
could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine’s
alternator system.
Cleaning Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing
with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the
battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat
terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to
prevent corrosion.
Maintenance & Adjustments
6
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