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 4-4.
•
Debris can accumulate anywhere on the
rider, especially on horizontal surfaces.
Additional cleaning may be necessary
when mowing in dry conditions or when
mulching.
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4— P
ection
roduct
Wheel Not Shown For Clarity
•
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.
Cleaning Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the rider
and washing with a baking soda and water
solution. If necessary, clean the battery terminals
with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat
terminals and exposed wiring with a light coat
of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals
prevent corrosion.
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.
Engine
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.
Follow the instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
Oil Drain Hose Models
WARNING! If the engine has been
recently run, the engine, muffler and
surrounding metal surfaces will be hot
and can cause burns to the skin.
Exercise caution to avoid burns.
c
are
Figure 4-4
NOTE: The oil filter (if equipped) should be
changed at every oil change interval.
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:
1.
Run the engine for a short time to warm
the engine oil. The oil will flow more freely
and carry away more impurities. Use care to
avoid burns from hot oil.
2.
Open the tractor's hood and locate the oil
drain port on the side of the engine.
3.
Place an appropriate oil collection
container with at least a 2.5 quart capacity
below the opening of the oil drain tube, to
collect the used oil. Remove the oil fill cap/
dipstick from the oil fill tube.
4.
Pop open the protective cap on the end of
the oil drain valve to expose the drain port.
See Figure 4-5.
OPENED
CLOSED
Clear Oil Drain Tube
Figure 4-5
5.
Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil
fill tube.
6.
Push the oil drain tube (packed with this
manual) onto the oil drain port. Route the
opposite end of the tube into an appropriate
oil collection container with at least a 2.5
quart capacity to collect the used oil.
7.
The engine is equipped with a twist-
and-pull drain port. Turn the oil drain
valve 1⁄4-turn counter-clockwise, then pull
outward to begin draining oil. After the
oil has finished draining, push the end of
the oil drain valve back in and turn 1⁄4-turn
clockwise to secure it back in place. Re-cap
the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris
from entering the drain port.
8.
Replace the oil filter, 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.
9.
To refill the oil, close the oil drain and refer
to the engine operator's manual for refilling
instructions, oil type and amount.
Oil Drain Sleeve Models
WARNING! If the engine has been
recently run, the engine, muffler and
surrounding metal surfaces will be hot
and can cause burns to the skin.
Exercise caution to avoid burns.
To complete the oil change, proceed as follows:
1.
Run the engine for a few minutes to allow
the oil in the crankcase to warm. Warm oil
will flow more freely and carry away more