English
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE, cont'd
•
In addition to cleaning the tractor before operating and storing, do not attempt to
mow unusually tall grass (10" (25.4 cm) 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.
storing the Tractor
•
Allow the machine to cool in an open area for at least five minutes before storing.
•
Do not park the tractor 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 tractor before storing. Empty cargo boxes,
grass catchers or containers.
•
Always shut off fuel flow when storing or transporting if tractor is equipped with a
fuel shutoff.
•
Check the fuel system (lines, tank, cap and fittings) per the Maintenance Schedule for
cracks or leaks. Repair and clean as necessary.
Maintenance
Removing the Floor Panel
WARNING: Do not operate tractor with floor panel removed.
The floor panel can be removed for maintenance, service and cleaning. To remove the
floor panel:
1. Carefully lift the rear of the
floor panel. See 1 in
Figure 38.
2. Slide the floor panel rearward
to free the front of the floor
panel. See 2 in Figure 38.
3. Lift it off the tractor. See 3 in
Figure 38.
4. To place the floor panel back
on the tractor, carefully fit the
front tabs at the front of the
floor panel into place and
lower the rear of the panel
down into place.
Engine
WARNING: Allow machine to cool in an open area for at least five minutes
before storing or refueling.
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for all engine maintenance procedures
and instructions.
nOTE: Maintenance, repair or replacement of the emission control devices and systems
which are being done at owner's expense may be performed by any engine repair
establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer.
Changing the Engine Oil
WARNING: If the tractor has been recently run, the engine, muffler and
surrounding metal surfaces will be very hot and can cause burns to the skin.
Let the engine cool for at least five minutes. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
nOTE: The oil filter should be changed at every oil change interval.
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:
1. Locate the oil drain hose (a) on the side of the engine.
2. Place an appropriate oil
collection container with
at least a 2.5 quart (2.37
liter) capacity below the
opening of the oil drain
hose, to collect the used
oil. Remove the oil fill
cap/dipstick (b) from the
oil fill tube.
(c)
3. While holding the free
end of the oil drain hose
over the oil collection
container, unscrew the
square head hose plug
(c) from the end of the oil drain hose. See Figure 39. Drain the engine oil into the
collection container.
4. After draining the oil, wipe any residual oil from the oil drain hose. Thread the square
head hose plug into the oil drain hose fitting and tighten the square head hose plug
to 16 ft-lbs (22 N-m).
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3
1
Figure 38
(b)
(d)
(a)
Figure 39
5. Remove the oil filter (d) and drain into the collection container.
6. Replace the oil filter (d), and refill the engine with new oil as instructed in the Engine
Operator's Manual.
nOTE: Place an absorbent towel beneath the oil filter to keep oil off the clutch.
nOTE: Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect
the environment.
nOTE: Maintenance, repair or replacement of the emission control devices and systems
which are being done at owner's expense may be performed by any engine repair
establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer.
lubrication
WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage
PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
•
Using a quality lubricating oil, lubricate all lubrication points. Refer to Maintenance
Schedule chart located in this manual for proper service intervals.
spark Arrestor Maintenance (if equipped)
Spark arrestor assemblies must be inspected and cleaned periodically (see the
Maintenance Schedule chart in this manual). Visually inspect the screen for tears, broken
wires or loose welds. Replace the spark arrestor assembly if any of these conditions
exist. If the screen is in good condition, clean the screen by brushing away loose dirt or
carbon particles.
Tires
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. Refer to Maintenance
Schedule chart located in this manual for proper service intervals.
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
2
inspected and serviced by a qualified tire mechanic.
hydrostatic Transmission
The 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.
Changing the Transmission Oil
Please see an authorized service dealer for transmission oil changes.
Off-season storage
If the 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 Operator's Manual packed 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 5 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 Operator's Manual, drain the fuel from the
carburetor bowl.
3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.