602471_1009
4-5
with a damp cloth.
2.
Before installing a new element, inspect it by placing a
bright light inside and rotate the element slowly, looking
for any holes or tears in the paper. Also check gaskets for
cuts or tears. Do not attempt to use a damaged element
which will allow abrasive particles to enter the engine.
3.
Reinstall the dust cup. Make sure it seals all the way
around the air cleaner body, then tighten the clamps.
4.
Check all fittings and clamps periodically for tightness
and inspect hoses for holes or cracks.
5.
Periodically check the intake hose for signs of ingested
dust. Locate and repair the source of ingested dirt.
6.
Never operate a machine without an air filter installed.
Overservicing
Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is removed
for cleaning or replacement before it is necessary. Each time the
filter is removed a small amount of dirt and dust could fall in the
intake system. This accumulated dirt can cause a dusted engine.
It only takes a few grams of ingested dirt over the normal
service life of an engine to cause a dusted engine.
Do not clean element, replace with a new element only.
Cleaning used air filter elements, through improper cleaning
procedures, can get dust on the inside of the filter causing dirt
ingestion and engine failure.
It is important to note that whenever an air filter element is
cleaned by
any method,
the person or company performing the
cleaning assumes responsibility for the integrity of the filter
from then on.
The warranty for air filters expires upon
cleaning or servicing in any manner because the condition of
the filter after servicing is completely out of their control.
Therefore, on a dust ingested engine failure, there will be no
warranty consideration if the air filter element has been
cleaned or serviced in any manner.
A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new
element. Therefore, a dirty filter element is not bad for the
engine unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and engine
performance is affected. The reason is simple. The media in the
filter must be porous to allow air to pass through it. When dirty
air passes through the filter, the dirt plugs some of the holes in
the media and actually acts as part of the filter media. When the
next round of dirt enters, the first dirt helps filter out even
smaller particles making the filter more efficient at stopping dirt
from entering the engine. This is referred to as barrier filtration.
Of course, at some point the filter media becomes too clogged
to allow air to pass.
The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of air
filter element changing.
General engine maintenance
Detailed instructions and recommendations for break-in and
regular maintenance are specified in the Engine Owner’s
manual. Please refer to this manual for engine servicing,
lubricating oil levels with quality and viscosity
recommendations, bolt torques, etc. The engine warranty is
backed by the manufacturer. Special attention should be paid to
applicable data which will not be duplicated here.
Belts
BigDog™ Mowers X Series mowers have two belts. Inspect
belts frequently for wear and serviceability. Replace a belt that
shows signs of severe cuts, tears, separation, weather checking
and cracking, or burns caused by slipping. Slight raveling of belt
covering does not indicate failure, trim ravelings with a sharp
knife.
WARNING:
If the pump belt fails, loss of control will
occur especially when operating on a slope.
If you
lose steering control while operating the machine,
place the steering control levers in the park brake
position immediately. Inspect the machine and
involve your BigDog™ Mowers dealer to resolve
the problem before continuing to operate.
Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A new
belt, or one in good condition, should never run against the
bottom of the groove. Replace the pulley when this is the case,
otherwise belt will lose power and slip excessively.
Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or damage
the fibers of the belt covering.
Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt
dressings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a
very short time.
Mower blade maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power
Fig. 4-5
Fig. 4-6
Oil drain valve
Pre-cleaner
Canister
