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Section 7
Figure 7-2 Hydraulic Oil Reservoir
7.3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
A. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level
The hydraulic oil level should be checked after the first 10
hours of operation. Thereafter, check the oil after every
200 hours of machine operation or monthly, whichever
occurs first.
-IMPORTANT-
If the oil level is consistently low, check for leaks
and correct immediately.
1. Wipe dirt and contaminants from around the reservoir
cap. Remove the cap from the hydraulic oil reservoir.
2. Visually check the level of hydraulic oil. Hydraulic oil
must be at least 3" inches from top of the filler neck. If
the level cannot be determined visually, use a clean
tape measure to check the level. If the fluid is low,
add 20W50 motor oil. DO NOT overfill; (overfilling
the oil reservoir may cause oil seepage).
3. Clean the fill cap and install it onto the reservoir.
B. Changing Hydraulic Oil
The hydraulic oil should be changed after every 500 hours
or annually, whichever occurs first. The oil should also be
changed if the color of the fluid has become black or milky.
A black color and/or a rancid odor usually indicates possible
overheating of the oil, and a milky color usually indicates
water in the hydraulic oil.
-IMPORTANT-
The hydraulic oil should be changed if you notice
the presence of water or a rancid odor to the
hydraulic oil.
1. Park the mower on a level surface and stop the engine.
2. Place a suitable container under the hydraulic oil filter.
Tilt the seat forward. Remove the fill cap from the
reservoir and the drain plug from the bottom of the
drain tee fitting on the front side of the filter base. (See
Figure 7-3). Allow the fluid to drain into the container
and properly discard it.
Figure 7-3 Hydraulic Oil Filter and Drain Plug
3. Re-install the drain plug into the tee fitting and be sure
it is tight.
-NOTE-
Before refilling the hydraulic oil reservoir the
hydraulic oil filter should be changed as outlined
in section C -Changing Hydraulic Oil Filter
Element- on the next page.
HYDRAULIC OIL FILTER
HYDRAULIC OIL
DRAIN PLUG
STC2001HODP
HYDRAULIC OIL
RESERVOIR
STC2002HOR
