Full Product Manual

19
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Hydrostatic Transmission
Your zero turn tractor is equipped with two hydrostatic pumps/transaxles. Some
models are equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir. Under normal
operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion reservoirs does not need to be
checked and no additional oil is needed.
Checking & Adding Transmission Oil
WARNING
Check the oil level ONLY before starting the tractor when the transmission
oil is fully cooled.
1. Clean the
reservoir cap
and the area
around the
cap to prevent
debris from
contaminating
the transmission
oil. See Figure 35.
2. Turn the
reservoir
cap counter-
clockwise to remove, then check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be
visible at the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be above the
“FULL COLD” line. See Figure 35. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.
3. If necessary to add oil because of some type of leakage, use a quality 20W50
motor oil and add only enough oil to bring the level to the “FULL COLD” line.
Reinstall the cap and fully tighten.
Note: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the oil level in the reservoir may
be slightly higher than the maximum due to air in the oil lines. Operation of the
tractor will eventually purge the air from the lines and the oil level will settle to the
maximum.
4. Repeat the process for the other transmission.
Changing the Transmission Oil & Filter (If Equipped)
Note: Refer to maintenance schedule chart located in this manual for proper service
intervals.
To change the transmission oil:
1. Remove the cap from
the transmission oil
expansion reservoir.
See Figure 35.
2. Remove the three
filter guard screws (a)
and the filter guard
(b). Clean any loose
debris from around
the filter (c). See
Figure 36.
3. Place and oil drain pan
with an eight quart
(7.6 liter) capacity
below the filter.
4. Remove the filter.
5. When the oil finishes draining, wipe the filter base and apply a thin coat of
fresh oil on the filter base.
6. Install the new filter.
7. Re-install the filter guard.
8. Remove the top port plug (d) from the transaxles to allow the transaxles to
vent during filling. See Figure 36.
Figure 35
(c)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(b)
(d)
Figure 36
9. Using a high-quality 20W50 motor oil, slowly fill the transaxles until oil
appears at the top port on the transaxles.
10. Re-install the top port plugs. Torque to 180 in-lbs (20.3 N-m). and continue
to fill until the “FULL COLD” line is reached.
11. Replace the reservoir cap and fully tighten.
12. Repeat the process for the other transmission.
13. When replacing the transmission oil, a “purging” procedure should be
performed to remove air form the system. The procedure should be
performed with the rear wheels off the ground or in an area free of
bystanders or objects. To perform the purging procedure:
a. Disengage the brake and open the bypass valve and start the tractor.
b. Move the lapbars in forward and reverse 5-6 times.
c. Close the bypass valves.
d. Move the lapbars in forward and reverse 5-6 times
e. Check the oil level and add as necessary.
f. Repeat steps a-e until the transaxles operate at normal noise levels
and normal speeds.
Off-Season Storage
If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty
days or more), 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 this
manual as well as the engine manual provided with this tractor.
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.
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.
• Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
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.
Note: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended for cleaning
your tractor other than to clean the underside of the deck. 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.