Operating Guide
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Contents
- Product Identification
- Safety Labels with Text
- Safety Labels without Text
- Safety Label Location
- Understanding the Machine Safety Labels without Text
- Avoid Injury from Loaded Spring
- Avoid Injury from Rotating Blades
- Avoid Injury from Getting Caught in Belts
- Read Operator’s Manual
- Keep Children Away from Mower
- Avoid Injury from Thrown Objects
- Avoid Injury From Tipping
- Avoid Injury From Thrown Objects
- Avoid Injury from Equipment Fires
- Safety
- Machine Cleanout
- Operating Controls
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Mounting and Dismounting Machine
- Adjusting Seat
- Adjusting Armrests
- Adjusting Motion Control Levers
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Adjusting Mower Level
- Adjusting Mower Wheels
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Mower Engagement (PTO) Switch
- Testing Seat Switch
- Testing Motion Control Lever Switch
- Using Park Brake
- Using Key Switch
- Using Low Fuel Indicator Light
- Using Mower Engagement Switch
- Using the Hour Meter
- Using the Motion Control Levers
- Starting the Engine
- Engaging Mower
- Using MulchControl (If Equipped)
- Unplugging Mower
- Stopping the Engine
- Moving Machine by Hand
- Unplugging Mower, Bagger, or Material Collection System
- Using Wash Port to Clean Mower Deck
- Transporting Machine on Trailer
- Transporting Material Collection System (If Equipped)
- Towing Loads
- Mowing Tips
- Blade Choices
- Service Intervals
- Service Lubrication
- Service Engine
- Emissions Service Information
- Avoid Fumes
- Gasoline Engine Oil
- Checking Engine Oil Level
- Changing Conventional Engine Oil and Filter
- Changing John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
- Cleaning Engine Shroud
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Element
- Checking Spark Plug
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Cleaning Engine Screen Guard
- Spark Arrestor Maintenance (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Spark Arrestor
- Service Transmission
- Service Mower
- Mower Deck Identification
- Removing and Installing Mower Deck Foot Plate
- Removing Mower Deck (42A)
- Removing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Installing Mower Deck (42A)
- Installing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (42A Mower)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Installing MulchControl Discharge Plate (If Equipped)
- Installing MulchControl Deflector (If Equipped)
- Installing MulchControl Handle (If Equipped)
- Removing and Storing MulchControl Deck (If Equipped)
- Installing Mulch Blades
- Checking for Bent Mower Blades
- Servicing Mower Blades
- Service Electrical
- Service Miscellaneous
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
- Specifications
- Warranty
- John Deere Quality Statement
- Service Record
- Slope Gauge
- Index
MXAL42833—UN—09APR13
3. Clean dirt and debris from the air cleaner cover (A).
4. Loosen two knobs (B) and remove cover.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine
through a damaged lter element:
● Do not wash paper element.
● Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against
another object.
● Do not use pressurized air to clean element.
● Replace element only if it is dirty, damaged or the seal is
cracked.
NOTE: During lter cartridge removal, any material or foreign object
that enters the air intake must be removed before replacement of
the cartridge.
MXT010728—UN—21APR14
GXT002964—UN—18APR16
5. Lift out lter cartridge (C) and inspect it for damage.
NOTE: Do not put engine oil on precleaner. Engine oil may wick into
the paper lter element and result in poor engine performance.
• Rinse precleaner thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water in a
dry cloth until precleaner is dry.
• Replace the precleaner if damaged or missing.
6. If equipped, carefully clean and inspect foam precleaner (D).
● Wash precleaner in a solution of warm water and liquid
detergent.
7. Clean air cleaner housing carefully. Prevent any dirt from falling into
carburetor.
8. Install cartridge. Make sure that cartridge and seal are properly
seated and sealing the air intake area.
9. Install air cleaner cover and tighten knobs. Do not overtighten.
MX52301,0000F1D-19-06MAY20
Checking Spark Plug
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn
skin. The engine, components, and uids are hot if the
engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before
servicing or working near the engine and components.
1. Park machine safely (See Parking Safely in the Safety section).
MXAL42835—UN—09APR13
2. Disconnect spark plug wire (A) on each side of engine.
3. Remove each spark plug.
Service Engine
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