Full Product Manual

18 Section 4 — Product care
Maintenance
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage
the PTO, move the drive control levers fully outward in
the neutral position engaging the parking brake, stop the
engine and remove the key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the engine operator’s manual for all
engine maintenance procedures and instructions.
Note: Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the
emission control devices and systems which are
being done at owner’s expense may be performed
by any engine repair establishment or individual.
Warranty repairs must be performed by an
authorized service dealer.
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:
1. Run the engine for a short time to warm
the engine oil. The oil will flow more freely
and carry away more impurities. Use care to
avoid burns from hot oil.
2. Locate the oil drain hose (a) on the right side of
the engine. See Figure 4-1.
(b)
(a)
(c)
(d)
Figure 4-1
3. Route the free end of the oil drain hose
(a) toward an appropriate oil collection
container with at least a 2.5 quart capacity,
to collect the used oil. Remove the oil fill
cap/dipstick (b) from the oil fill tube.
4. While holding the free end of the oil drain
hose (a) over the oil collection container,
unscrew the square head hose plug (c) from
the end of the oil drain hose (a) . See Figure
4-1. Drain the engine oil into the collection
container.
5. After draining the oil, wipe any residual
oil from the oil drain hose (a). Thread the
square head hose plug (c) into the oil drain
hose (b) fitting and fully tighten the square
head hose plug (c).
6. Replace the oil filter (d), and refill the engine
with new oil as instructed in the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Lubrication
WARNING
Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always
disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended starting.
Front Wheels
Each of the front wheel axles and rims is equipped
with grease fittings (a). See Figure 4-2. Lubricate with
a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease
gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.
(a)
Figure 4-2
Steering Supports
Under the frame of the tractor there are two
grease fittings for the steering supports. Lubricate
with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with
a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor
operation. See Figure 4-3.
(a)
Figure 4-3
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system,
parking brake and lift linkage at least once a
season with light oil.
Cleaning & Lubricating the Spindle Pulleys
Once a month remove the belt covers to remove
any accumulation of grass clippings from around
the spindle pulleys and V-belt. Clean more often
when mowing tall, dry grass.
Tires
Check the tire air pressure after every 50 hours
of operation or weekly. Keep the tires inflated to
the recommended pressures. Improper inflation
will shorten the tire service life. See the tire side
wall for proper inflation pressures. Observe the
following guidelines:
• Do not inflate a tire above the maximum
pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.
• Do not reinflate a tire that has been run flat or
seriously under inflated. Have it inspected and
serviced by a qualified tire mechanic.
General Battery Information
WARNING
Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or
onto the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with
clean cold water. If there is any further discomfort, seek
prompt medical attention.
If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean water,
then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/water or
baking soda/water.
NEVER connect (or disconnect) battery charger clips to the
battery while the charger is turned on, as it can cause sparks.
Keep all sources of ignition (cigarettes, matches, lighters)
away from the battery. The gas generated during charging
can be combustible.
As a further precaution, only charge the battery in a well
ventilated area.
Always shield eyes and protect skin and clothing when
working near batteries.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases.
Use extreme caution when handling batteries. Keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
Battery Maintenance
• The battery is filled with battery acid and
then sealed at the factory. However, even a
“maintenance free” battery requires some
maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle.
• Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a
battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals
with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly,
to protect against corrosion.
• Always keep the battery cables and
terminals clean and free of corrosion.
• Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will
leak electrolyte when tipped.
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive
gases. Use extreme caution when handling batteries. Keep
batteries out of the reach of children.
Battery Storage
1. When storing the tractor for extended periods,
disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not
necessary to remove the battery.
2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep
the exterior of the battery clean, especially
the top. A dirty battery will discharge more
rapidly.
3. The battery must be stored with a full charge.
A discharged battery can freeze sooner than
a charged battery. A fully charged battery will
store longer in cold temperatures than hot.
4. Recharge the battery before returning to
service. Although the tractor may start,
the engine charging system may not fully
recharge the battery.
Hydrostatic Transmission
The hydrostatic transmission is sealed at the
factory and is maintenance-free. The fluid level
cannot be checked and the fluid cannot be
changed.