Maintenance Instructions
LUBRICATION
44
Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication
On gear driven decks, the mower deck gearboxes
(tee gearbox and blade drive gearboxes) are con-
nected as a unitized assembly, and oil flows freely
between them. The gearboxes are permanently lu-
bricated (oil filled) and sealed requiring no sched-
uled lubrication. However, the gearbox oil seals
should be checked
every 25 hours
for indication of
an oil leak;
particularly the lower seals
on the
blade drive gearboxes should be inspected, since
they operate in a dirty environment. If an oil leak is
noted, replace the oil seal and relubricate the gear-
box assembly as follows:
1. Remove gearbox cover (footrest). Deck orien-
tation should be the normal operating position.
Blade Drive
Gearboxes
Tee
Gearbox
Mower Deck Gearboxes
(Shown with Gearbox Cover
Removed for Clarity)
2. Clean the area around the individual gearbox
cover plates to prevent contaminants from en-
tering the gearcase.
3. Remove the screws securing the cover plates
on the blade drive gearboxes.
4. Check the level of lubricant in the gearboxes. If
the lubricant is low, add SAE E.P. (Extreme
Pressure) 80W-90 (API GL-5) gear lube until
the oil level is up to (submerges) the horizontal
shaft in the gearbox (shaft parallel to cover
plate).
NOTE:
In case the gearboxes are completely
drained of oil, approximately 5 fl. oz. (15 cl) of oil
per gearbox is required to refill the gear drive
assembly.
NOTE:
Since the gearboxes are connected as
a unit by connector tubes, it is necessary to add
oil slowly. Allow a few minutes after adding oil
for the oil to flow throughout the assembly and
the oil level to stabilize before reassembly.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT
overfill the deck gear-
boxes. The gearbox assembly is not vented,
and overfilling with oil will cause excessive pres-
sure and result in oil leaks.
5. Check condition of the cover gasket and replace
if worn or damaged. Reinstall gearbox cover
plates; torque screws to 24 lb
·
in. (3 N
·
m).
Mower Deck Spindle Lubrication
For belt driven decks, lubricate each deck spindle
grease fitting
every 25 hours.
Use SAE general
purpose lithium or molybdenum base grease for
grease fittings.
Transaxle Fluid Level
•
The transaxle oil lubrication is SAE 20W-50 (API
Service Class SL or higher) engine oil.
•
Inspect both transaxle cases and hoses
after ev-
ery 100 hours
of operation for visible leaks.
•
The fluid level of each transaxle can be checked
visually by looking at the fluid level in the expansion
reservoir. When the transaxles are cold, the fluid
level in the expansion reservoir should be between
1/4 in. and 1/2 in. (0.64 cm and 1.27 cm).
Reservoir Cap
Cold Level
Expansion Reservoir Location
Summary of Contents for B18
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