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Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication
2/10/09
ZXT54 & ZXT60 Pro Series Zero Turning Radius Mowers Riding Mowers 357-271M
Land Pride
Air Filter Handling
Refer to Figure 5-13 and Figure 5-14:
Prevent costly and non-warrantable premature engine
damage by maintaining the air filter properly. Many
engine problems are due to improper handling of the air
filter. Dust and dirt that gets past the air filter will damage
engine cylinder, piston and bearings in a few hours.
Prevent costly and non-warrantable premature engine
damage by avoiding the following common mishandling:
•
Over servicing
•
Improper installation
•
Damaged air filtering system
•
Incorrect air filter element
Over Servicing
Over servicing occurs when an air filter element is
inspected and/or replaced too often. Dust and dirt can fall
off the filter element onto the canister where it can be
drawn into the intake system. Only a few grams of dirt
getting into an engine during each filter inspection can
prematurely produce dust induced engine damage. A
partially dirty air filter element is not harmful to the
engine.
The air filter element should be changed before it
becomes too dirty and restricts air flow to the engine
hindering its performance. Replace the air filter element
immediately should this happen. Engines that do not get
proper amounts of air will draw in excessive amounts of
gas causing premature engine damage.
The frequency of the air filter needing changing is largely
determined by operating conditions. Dusty conditions will
require more frequent servicing.
A dirty filter element should always be replaced with a
new element. Improper cleaning procedures can get dust
on the inside of the filter causing dirt induced and engine
damage. The air filter warranty expires upon cleaning
or servicing a used filter in any manner. Land Pride
does not warranty a dust induced engine damage if a
used air filter element has been cleaned or serviced
in any manner.
Improper Installation
Improper installation occurs when dust leaks past the
seals. The filter element must be aligned within the
canister and properly seated on both ends to prevent dirt
from entering the engine.
Damaged Air Filtering System
A damaged air filtering system occurs from mishandling
of the filter element and operating the mower in areas
that could damage the canister.
Banging and/or bumping the filter element against a solid
object such as a tire or blowing the element with air can
damage the seals and/or force dust and dirt particles
through the filter media creating a hole for dirt to pass
through to the engine.
Driving the mower carelessly over rough terrain, jutting
sticks, heavy brush and severe rocks can damage the air
cleaner canister. Periodically inspect the outside of the
air cleaner canister for external damage and replace if
necessary.
Incorrect Air Filter Element
The air filter must remain intact to block passage of dirt
and foreign particles. It must be of sufficient size and
construction to withstand stresses, caused by rapid
cycling of air volume demanded by the engine, without
cracking or tearing under fatigue and pressure. Its filter
elements must have the correct media composition, filter
area, micron size and dimensions to properly filter the air
of dirt while at the same time passing sufficient air to the
engine.
Land Pride and the engine manufacturers have carefully
selected a reliable filter designed to fit these needs.
Always use genuine Land Pride filters. Failure to use
original equipment replacement parts is an
alteration and will not be considered for warranty in
the event of a dust induced engine damage. See “ZXT
Pro (Engine Specifications)” on page 49 for Land Pride
air filter replacement numbers.