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4-3
Check oil level in hydraulic system after every 50 hours of
operation or weekly, whichever occurs first. Check more often if
system appears to be leaking or otherwise malfunctioning.
Fluid level should be 1” (2.54cm) from top of reservoir. Use
only SAE 20W50 SL/SM service motor oil. Fig. 4-1
Change hydraulic system filter element after first 50 hours of
machine operation, then replace filter and oil in reservoir every
500 hours thereafter. Fig. 4-1
The system filter is located in front of the hydraulic reservoir.
A standard oil filter wrench is used to change filter, threads are
right handed.
Use a BigDog™ Mowers approved filter
element only.
IMPORTANT:
Prefill the filter element with clean oil, before
installing, to prevent drawing air into the system pump.
Fuel system
DANGER:
To avoid personal injury or property dam-
age, use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
DANGER:
Observe usual fuel handling precautions:
• Do not smoke while refueling. Extinguish all ciga-
rettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
• Do not remove fuel cap or fill tank with engine run-
ning or while engine is hot. Clean up any fuel spills.
• Allow engine to cool before storing machine inside
a building.
• Keep fuel away from open flame or spark and store
machine away from open flame or spark or pilot
light such as on a water heater or appliances.
• Use extreme care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and vapors are
explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn
you and others and can damage property.
• Refuel outdoors. Never refuel or drain the fuel from
the machine indoors.
• Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong
odor of gasoline or diesel fuel fumes present. Locate
and correct cause.
• Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out
of the reach of children. Never buy more than a 30
day supply of fuel.
• Do not fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with interior carpets or plastic
truck bed liners. Always place fuel containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• When practical, remove gas or diesel fuel powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel the
equipment with its wheels on the ground. If this is
not possible, then refuel such equipment on the
truck or trailer using a portable container and not a
fuel dispenser nozzle. If a fuel dispenser nozzle
must be used, keep the nozzle in contact with the
rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times
until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-
open device.
• Never use gasoline for cleaning parts.
• Read and observe safety precautions elsewhere in
this manual.
WARNING:
Gasoline and diesel fuel is harmful or
fatal if swallowed.
Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury
and illness.
Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank or fuel con-
tainer opening.
Keep gas away from eyes and skin.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.
The fuel tanks are located in the mower’s fenders.
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or
higher.
IMPORTANT:
Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol because
the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
A fuel shut-off valve
is located on each mower. The location
and operation of the fuel valve will vary depending upon the
unit. Close the fuel valve to prevent fuel flow to the engine. The
valve’s two other positions will allow fuel to be drawn from
either one or the other fuel tank. Fig. 4-2
Fig. 4-1
Hydraulic filter
Hydraulic
reservoir
Fig. 4-2
Fuel shutoff valve
Left fuel tank
Right fuel tank
Closed position
