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Section 7
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 3-1/4" 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 around the cap area).
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.
-NOTE-
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
reservoir. Remove the fill cap from the reservoir.
Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the
reservoir. (See Figure 7-2). Allow the fluid to drain
into the container and properly discard it.
3. Re-install the drain plug into the reservoir 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 on the next page.
4. Fill the reservoir to 3-1/4" inches from the top of the
filler neck with 20W50 motor oil.
5. Replace the reservoir fill cap. Start the engine and
drive forward and backward for two minutes. Check
the oil level in the reservoir. If necessary, add oil to
the reservoir.
Figure 7-2 Hydraulic Oil Reservoir
Hydraulic Oil
Reservoir
STT99HOR-1
