Use and Care Manual

17Section 4 — Product care
Using the Deck Wash System
WARNING
When using the deck wash system, never engage the deck
from any position other than the operator’s seat of the tractor.
Do not use an assistant or engage deck in the presence of any
bystanders.
1. Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard
garden hose connected to a water supply.
2. Move the tractor to an area within reach of the
hose where the dispersal of wet grass clippings
is acceptable to you. Disengage the PTO,
engage the parking brake and stop the engine.
3. Pull back the lock collar (a) of the nozzle
adapter (b) and push the nozzle adapter (b)
onto one of the deck wash nozzles (c) at either
end of the tractor deck. Release the lock collar
(a) to lock the nozzle adapter (b) on the deck
wash nozzle (c). See Figure 4-4.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 4-4
4. Turn on the water supply.
5. From the tractor operator’s seat, start the
engine and engage the PTO. Allow to run
as needed. Disengage the PTO and stop the
engine.
6. Turn off the water supply.
7. Pull back the lock collar (a) of the nozzle
adapter (b) to disconnect the nozzle adapter
(b) from the deck wash nozzle (c).
8. Repeat the previous steps to clean the deck
using the deck wash nozzle (c) at the other
end of the deck.
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.
Tractor Storage
If your tractor is not going to be operated for
an extended period of time (thirty days to
approximately six months), the tractor should be
prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and
protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor
(including the tires) to protect it from the elements.
The procedures outlined below should be performed
whenever the tractor is placed in storage.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following
the instructions provided in the engine
manual packed with this manual.
WARNING
Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors or in
poorly ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
2. If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:
a. To prevent gum deposits from
forming inside the engine’s
carburetor and causing possible
malfunction of the engine, the fuel
system must be either completely
emptied, or the gasoline must be
treated with a stabilizer to prevent
deterioration.
WARNING
Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
b. Using a fuel stabilizer for storage
between 30 and 90 days:
• Read the product
manufacturer’s instructions
and recommendations.
• Add to clean, fresh gasoline
the correct amount of
stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of
the fuel system.
• Fill the fuel tank with treated
fuel and run the engine for
2-3 minutes to get stabilized
fuel into the carburetor.
c. Emptying the fuel system for storage
of more than 90 days:
• Prior to putting the tractor
in storage, monitor fuel
consumption with the goal of
running the fuel tank empty.
• Run the engine until it begins
to stall. Use the choke to
keep the engine running
until all fuel in the carburetor
has been exhausted.
• Referring to the engine
manual, drain the fuel from
the carburetor bowl.
3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor
thoroughly.
4. Fully charge the battery, then disconnect
the negative cable at the battery to prevent
possible discharge. Recharge the battery
periodically when in storage.
Note: Remove the battery if exposed
to prolonged periods of sub-freezing
temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location
where temperatures are above freezing.
5. Lubricate all lubrication points.
Note: Using a pressure washer or garden
hose is not recommended for cleaning your
tractor. It may cause damage to electrical
components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or
the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.