Maintenance & Adjustments
6
23
Maintenance
WARNING!
Before performing any mainte-
nance or repairs, disengage the PTO, release
the forward or reverse control pedal, engage
the parking brake, stop the engine and re-
move the key to prevent unintended starting
.
Engine
Refer to the Kohler Owner’s Manual for all engine mainte-
nance intervals, procedures, specifications and instructions.
Changing the Engine Oil
WARNING!
If the engine has been recently
run, the engine, muffler and surrounding
metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns
to the skin. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:
Run the engine for a short time to warm the engine
1.
oil. The oil will flow more freely and carry away more
impurities. Use care to avoid burns from hot oil.
Locate the oil drain port on the right side of the engine.
2.
Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain
3.
valve to expose the drain port. See Figure 6-1. Remove
the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube.
Figure 6-1
Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual) onto
4.
the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose
into an appropriate oil collection container with at least
a 2.5 quart capacity, to collect the used oil.
Pinch the tabs on the oil drain valve, then pull outward
5.
to begin draining oil. Refer to Figure 6-1.
After the oil has finished draining, push the end of the
6.
oil drain valve back in, until the tabs click into place.
Re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris
from entering the drain port.
Replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil
7.
as instructed in the Kohler Owner’s Manual.
Air Cleaner
Service the pre-cleaner and cartridge/air cleaner element
as instructed in the Kohler Owner’s Manual.
Spark Plug
The spark plugs should be cleaned and the gap reset once
a season. Refer to the Kohler Owner’s Manual for correct
plug type and gap specifications.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Your FMZ tractor is equipped with dual integrated
hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are sealed and are
maintenance-free. However, the tractor is equipped with a
transmission oil expansion tank. Under normal operating
conditions, the oil level in the expansion tank does not
need to be checked and no additional oil is needed
.
If checking the tank oil level, proceed as follows:
IMPORTANT:
Check the oil level ONLY before starting the
tractor when the transmission oil is fully cooled.
Pivot the operator’s seat forward and clean the tank
•
cap and the area around the cap to prevent debris from
contaminating the transmission oil. See Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2
Turn the tank cap counterclockwise to remove, then check
the oil level in the tank. Oil should be visible at the bottom
of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be above 1/4” from
the bottom of the cup. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.
If necessary to add oil, use a quality 20W50 motor oil and
add only enough oil to bring the level to 1/4” above the
bottom of the tank. Reinstall the cap and fully tighten.
Oil Fill Tube
Oil Drain Valve
Dipstick/Oil Fill Cap
Cap
Drain
Drain
Hose
Valve
