16
S
ection
4 — S
ervice
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in
the Engine Operator’s Manual.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system,
parking brake and deck 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 with
an all-purpose grease before re-installing them.
Front Axles (Hydrostatic only)
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.
Headlights
Refer to the Parts/Warranty Supplement when
replacement of head lamp bulbs is necessary.
Replace headlight bulbs as follows:
1.
Fully raise the hood of the tractor.
2.
Unplug the wire harness leads from the
headlight socket terminals. Note which
wire connects to each terminal before
disconnecting.
3.
Rotate the socket assembly approximately
a 1⁄4-turn to align the socket tab with the
reflector housing notch; then withdraw the
bulb and socket assembly from the reflector
housing. See Figure 4-3.
Figure 4-3
4.
Push the bulb inward and turn counter-
clockwise to remove from the socket.
5.
Align a locking post of the bulb base with
the notch in the socket, then push the bulb
inward and turn clockwise to lock. See
Figure 4-3.
6.
Align the socket tab with the notch of the
reflector housing; then push the socket
inward and turn as necessary to lock the
socket in the housing.
7.
Connect the wire harness leads to the
appropriate socket terminals.
Cleaning the Engine & Deck
Engine
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.
IMPORTANT:
The use of a pressure washer to
clean your tractor is NOT recommended. It may
cause damage to electrical components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine.
Deck Wash System™ (If Equipped)
Some tractors come fitted with a Deck Wash
System™, which is used to rinse grass clippings from
the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of
corrosive chemicals. Other tractors may have a deck
wash plug, allowing for a Deck Wash System™ that
can be added at a later time. If this is the case, a hex
bolt and washer can be found on your tractor’s deck
surface and can be replaced with a water port to be
used as part of an optional deck wash system.
To utilize the Deck Wash System™, complete the
following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1.
Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on
your lawn, near enough for your garden
hose to reach.
CAUTION:
Make certain the tractor’s
discharge chute is directed AWAY
from your house, garage, parked
cars, etc.
2.
Disengage the PTO (PTO OFF), set the
parking brake and stop the engine.
3.
Thread the hose coupler (packaged with
your Operator’s Manual) onto the end of
your garden hose.
4.
Attach the hose coupler to the water port
on the deck’s surface. See Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4
5.
Turn the water ON.
6.
While sitting in the operator’s position on
the tractor, start the engine and place the
throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.
7.
Move the tractor’s PTO into the PTO ON
position.
8.
Remain in the operator’s position with the
cutting deck engaged for a minimum of
two minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
9.
Move the tractor’s PTO into the PTO OFF
position.
10.
Turn the key to the STOP position to turn the
lawn tractor’s engine OFF.
11.
Turn the water OFF and detach the hose
coupler from the water port on your deck’s
surface.
12.
Repeat steps 4 through 11 on the opposite
side of the cutting deck if a second water
port is present.
IMPORTANT:
After cleaning your deck
with the Deck Wash System™ , return to the
operator’s position and engage the PTO. Keep
the cutting deck running for a minimum of
two minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly dry.
Battery
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION:
If removing the battery,
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.
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:
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
alternating system.
Cleaning Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor
and washing with a baking soda and water
solution. If necessary, clean the battery terminals
with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat
terminals and exposed wiring witha light coat
of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals
prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
•
Incorrect initial activation
•
Overcharging
•
Freezing
•
Undercharging
•
Corroded connections
NOTE:
These failures are NOT covered by
your tractor’s warranty.