Full Product Manual

16 Section 4 — Product care
7. Move the rider’s PTO into the engaged (ON)
position.
8. Remain in the operator’s position with
the deck engaged for a minimum of two
minutes, allowing the underside of the deck
to thoroughly rinse.
9. Move the rider’s PTO into the disengaged
(OFF) position.
10. Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position to turn the rider’s engine off.
11. Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler
from the water port on your deck’s surface.
12. After cleaning your deck with the Smart Jet
system, return to the operator’s position and
engage the PTO. Keep the deck running for
a minimum of two minutes, allowing the
underside of the deck to thoroughly dry.
Cleaning the Rider
WARNING
If the rider has been recently run, the engine, muffler and
surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns
to the skin. Let the engine cool for at least five minutes
Exercise caution to avoid burns.
Your rider should be cleaned after each use and
under certain conditions, i.e. dry conditions and/
or mulching situations, additional cleaning may be
necessary.
One of the best ways to keep your rider running
efficiently and to reduce fire risk is to regularly
remove debris buildup from the rider. Follow
the recommendations below and contact your
authorized dealer with any questions.
• Allow the machine to cool in an open area
before cleaning.
• Do not use water on any part of the rider
except the underside of the cutting deck.
Doing so can cause damage to the rider’s
spindle bearings, electrical system and
engine, leading to premature failures. The
use of compressed air and/or leaf blower
will help keep the rider clean.
• Clean under the hood. Exhaust manifold,
around fuses, all wiring and harnesses,
muffler pipe, muffler shield, engine intake
screens and cooling fins, etc. See Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2
• Clean the top of the mower deck, under the
spindle covers and belt area. See Figure 4-3.
Figure 4-3
• Clean around and near the transmission,
axle and the fan area. See Figure 4-3.
• Debris can accumulate anywhere on the
rider, 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 rider 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.
Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the riding
mower and washing with a baking soda and
water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery
terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits.
Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or
petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid
levels cannot be checked.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals
clean and free of corrosive build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and terminals,
apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease
to both terminals.
• Always keep the rubber boot positioned over
the positive terminal to prevent shorting.
Important: If removing the battery for any
reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black)
wire from it’s terminal first, followed by
the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing
the battery, always connect the POSITIVE
(Red) wire its terminal first, followed by
the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that
the wires are connected to the correct
terminals; reversing them could change
the polarity and result in damage to your
engine’s alternating system.
Storing the Rider
• Allow the machine to cool in an open area
before storing.
• Do not park the rider 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
rider before storing. Empty cargo boxes,
grass catchers or containers.
• Always shut off fuel flow when storing or
transporting if rider 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.
Maintenance
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage
PTO, move shift lever (if equipped) into neutral position,
set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
Engine
Note: On some models, it may be necessary to
remove bagger (if equipped) components to
access the oil fill and/or drain.
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed
in the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your
riding mower. Follow the instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
Note: An oil siphon is needed to drain the oil
from the crankcase on the 24" Deck model
equipped with Briggs & Stratton engines. See the
Parts/Warranty supplement for information on
purchasing an oil siphon kit (part no. 490-850-
0008). Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual
included with this riding mower for complete
engine maintenance instructions.
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase, proceed
as follows:
1. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow
the oil in the crankcase to warm up. Warm
oil will flow more freely and carry away
more of the engine sediment which may
have settled at the bottom of the crankcase.
Use care to avoid burns from hot oil.
2. Lower the deck into the lowest position.
3. Locate the oil drain valve on the side of the
engine and the oil fill cap on the topside of
the engine.
4. Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the
dipstick from the oil fill tube.
5. Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve (a)
onto the space provided around the oil
drain plug (b). See Figure 4-4 or Figure 4-5
for the two possible oil drain sleeves and
refer to the applicable image for your riding
mower.
(a)
(b)
Figure 4-4