Assembly Instructions
23
PREOPERATING CHECKLIST
Before operating the mower for the first time, and as
a routine before daily operations, it is important to
make sure the mower is properly prepared and
ready for operation. The following is a list of items
to be checked. (For a mower with frequent opera-
tion, some of these items will not need to be checked
every day, but the operator should be aware of the
condition of each.)
For proper fuels and lubricants refer to
Specifica
tions.
FILL FUEL TANK
Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh automotive grade
unleaded
gasoline (87 octane rating minimum).
DANGER
Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is
highly flammable and its vapors are explo-
sive. Use safe refueling procedures:
•
DO NOT fill fuel tank with the engine run-
ning.
•
If the engine is hot, allow to cool before
refueling.
•
Use an approved fuel container.
•
Fuel the mower outdoors.
•
DO NOT smoke while refueling.
•
Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.
•
DO NOT overfill the fuel tank; fill up to
about 1 in. (25 mm) below the top of tank.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT
permit dirt or other foreign
matter to enter the fuel tank. Wipe dirt from around
the filler cap before removing. Use a clean fuel stor-
age container and funnel.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT mix oil with gasoline.
Al-
ways use fresh, automotive grade gasoline.
DO
NOT
use premium, white, or high-test gasoline.
DO
NOT
use additives, such as carburetor cleaners, de-
icers, or moisture removing agents.
DO NOT
use
gasoline blended with methyl alcohol.
CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL
Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and
after each 8 hours
of continuous operation. Refer
to
LUBRICATION
for
Checking Engine Crankcase
Oil Level
in
Maintenance Instructions.
CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEAN-
ER SYSTEM
•
Check air restriction gauge to make sure there is
no red indication showing.
•
Check condition, cleanliness, and security of the
complete air cleaner system
(every 100 hours).
For detailed procedures, refer to
CLEANING
the
Engine Air Cleaner System
in
Maintenance
Instructions.
CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Check that the engine cooling air intake screen is
free of obstruction by grass clippings or debris and
clean if required. Also, cylinder head cooling fins
should be inspected and cleaned if any build-up of
debris is noted [remove two (2) cylinder head ac-
cess panels to inspect and clean].
CHECK GEAR AXLE OIL LEVEL
Refer to
LUBRICATION
for
Gear Axle Lubrication
in
Maintenance Instructions.
INSPECT FOUR (4) DRIVE BELTS
Engine PTO Drive, Jackshaft Drive, Hydrostatic
Ground Drive, and GHS Blower Drive (if equipped).
CHECK HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION OIL
LEVEL
Refer to
LUBRICATION
for
Checking Hydrostatic
Transmission Fluid Level
in
Maintenance Instruc
tions.
CHECK FUNCTION OF OIL PRESSURE
WARNING HORN
Turn ignition key to the
RUN
position. The oil pres-
sure horn should signal, indicating normal function.
