Owners manual

23
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
• Clean the top of the mower deck, under the spindle covers and belt area. See
Figure 24.
Figure 24
• Clean around and near the transmission, axle and the fan area. See Figure 25.
Wheel Not Shown For Clarity
Figure 25
• Debris can accumulate anywhere on the tractor, especially on horizontal
surfaces. Additional cleaning may be necessary when mowing in dry
conditions or when mulching.
• Fuel leaks/spills, oil leaks/spills and excess lubrication can also become
collections sites for debris. Immediate repair and cleaning up oil or fuel spills
can help reduce fire hazards.
• In addition to cleaning the tractor before operating and storing, do not
attempt to mow unusually tall grass (10” or higher), dry grass (e.g., pasture)
or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust
and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
Storing the Tractor
• Allow the machine to cool in an open area before storing.
• Do not park the tractor near any flammable materials (wood, cloth or
chemicals) or any open flames or other potential source of ignition (furnace,
water heater or any other type of heater).
• Remove all combustible materials from the tractor before storing. Empty
cargo boxes, grass catchers or containers.
• Always shut off fuel flow when storing or transporting if tractor is equipped
with a fuel shutoff.
• Check the fuel system (lines, tank, cap and fittings) frequently for cracks or
leaks. Repair and clean as necessary.
Engine Maintenance
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for all engine maintenance procedures 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:
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 on the left side of the engine. See Figure 26.
Oil Drain Hose
Square-Head
Hose Plug
Figure 26
3. Route the free end of the oil drain hose 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 from the oil fill tube.
4. While holding the free end of the oil drain hose over the oil collection
container, unscrew the square head hose plug from the end of the hose. See
Figure 26. Drain the engine oil into the collection container.
5. Route the free end of the oil drain hose toward an appropriate oil collection
container with at least a 2.5 quart capacity, to collect the used oil.
6. Once the oil has finished draining, replace the square head hose plug and fill
the engine as instructed in the engine owner’s manual. See engine owner’s
manual included with this tractor for oil capacity.