User Guide

The fuel tanks are located in the tractor’s fenders. (Fig. 11-7) Total
capacity for the fuel tanks is 12 U.S. gallon (45.4 liter)
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
The fuel filter (Fig. 11-8A, 11-8B & 11-8C) is installed in the fuel line
between fuel tanks and engine fuel pump. Replace filter annually or after
every 500 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
When replacing the fuel filter, check the fuel line hoses and fuel shut-
off valve grommet for any cracks or leaks.
On early units a fuel shut-off valve is located on the outlet port of each
fuel tank. (Fig. 11-9A) Close these valves (turn clockwise) to prevent fuel
flow to the engine.
Current production units have a fuel shut-off valve attached to the
crossmember next to the hour meter. (Fig. 11-9B) Close this valve (center
position) to prevent fuel flow to the engine. Fig 11-9B shows the valve’s
two other positions.
Engine oil and filter
Check engine oil daily and after every 4 hours of operation. Crankcase
dipstick and oil filler tube are located at the rear of the machine (Fig. 11-
10A & 11-10B). Tractor must be setting level when checking oil. Refer to
engine manual and maintenance schedule for oil recommendation and
capacities.
Change the engine oil and filter after the first 5 hours of operation, per
the engine manufacturer’s recommendations after that. If tractor is being
operated in extremely dirty conditions, then it is recommended oil be
changed more frequently.
The oil drain and oil filter are located at the rear of the engine. Fig. 11-
10A & 11-10B
Engine air filter
Perform engine air filter maintenance per the Service Interval chart on
page 11-8.
A specially designed dry filter is standard equipment on the Mini Z
tractors and supplies clean combustion air to the engine. Fig. 11-11
Recommended service procedure
Many engine failures can be attributed to improper air cleaner
servicing. Ingested dust and dirt will cause cylinder, piston and bearing
damage in a few hours. “Dusted” engines will result from:
1. Overservicing the air filter element.
2. Improper installation.
3. Damaged filter, seals or canister.
4. Incorrect air filter element size.
5. Use of poorly designed aftermarket air filter elements.
Air cleaner servicing is an inexpensive maintenance check that can
prevent costly non-warrantable premature engine damage.
Overservicing
Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is removed for cleaning
or replacement before it is necessary. Each time the filter is removed a
small amount of dirt and dust could fall in the intake system. This
accumulated dirt can cause a dusted engine. It only takes a few grams of
ingested dirt over the normal service life of an engine to cause a dusted
engine.
Do not clean element, replace with a new element only. Cleaning
used air filter elements, through improper cleaning procedures, can get dust
on the inside of the filter causing dirt ingestion and engine failure.
Figure 11-9B
Fuel valve (shown in closed position)
Left fuel tank
Right fuel tank
Figure 11-9A
Fuel shut-off valve
Valve grommet
Figure 11-8B
Fuel filter
Honda engine
11-11
302612_0606
Figure 11-8C
Fuel filter
Figure 11-8A
Fuel filter
Kawasaki engine
Kohler engine