MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
CAUTION!
Remove the key and disconnect the plug before starting any cleaning, maintenance or repair procedure
Always wear suitable working clothes and safety gloves.
LUBRICATION
Never dispose of used oil, petrol or any other type of pollutant in the environment!
Proper maintenance and correct lubrication help to keep the mower working perfectly.
ENGINE
For the lubrication intervals, follow the instructions provided in the engine handbook; in all cases the oil must be
changed after the first 5 working hours, and then every 50 hours or every season, together with the oil filter, fig.
8 (oil drain plug).
For the 13,5 HP engine use SAE 30 oil, 1.4 litres without filter, 1.7 litres with filter (fig. 4). For the Vanguard 16 HP
engine use SAE 30 oil, 1.6 litres.
Replace the engine oil filter (fig. 8/A).
The first precaution is to ensure that the engine is correctly serviced with the air filter, cooling fins and cylinder head
clean and the oil at the correct level.
Check the air filter every 4 hours, or even more often in very dusty environments (fig. 3 - fig. 3/A).
Check the engine cooling intake grille.
HYDROSTATIC AXLE
With the engine cold, check the expansion tank (fig. 22); it must be empty.
Clean the hydraulic motor cooling fans often, every 4 working hours in summer when conditions are very dusty.
Change the engine oil after the first 50 hours' operation, and then every 200 hours, use 1.85 lt of 10W30 oil and
to replace proceed as follows:
1) Remove the two caps fig. 23
2) Using a screwdriver, remove the cap fig. 24
3) Screw the two caps fig. 23 back into place (tightening torque 13~17 Nm).
4) Fill with oil and replace the cap fig. 24.
5) Check that the expansion tank is empty; the level is 12 mm below the bottom of the expansion tank fig. 22.
REAR WHEEL AXLE
Grease the rear wheel pivot pins in fig. 10 every 20 hours.
Lubricate the steering joints.
SHARPENING THE BLADES
A blunt blade pulls at the grass, giving it an unsightly appearance. The cutting edge of the blade must therefore
always be kept sharp; worn blades must be replaced.
To do this it is best to remove the mower deck fig. 11, Proceed as follows:
1) Remove the guard above the deck by unscrewing the two knobs fig. 2 n° 13.
2) Release the spring fig. 12 "E".
3) Release the fork fig. 12 "F".
4) Remove the belt fig. 12.
5) Release the fork fig. 13
6) Release the belt stretcher spring and the register fig. 13/A.
7) Release the pin 11 fig. 2, pull the deck forward and place it to the side. Take care not to bend adjuster cables 11.
As the blades wear they lose their cutting efficiency and tend to become unbalanced, causing the mower to vibrate.
If the unbalance persists even after sharpening, check the balance by inserting a screwdriver in the hole in the
centre of the blade and grind until the blade remains horizontal and therefore "balanced".
To remove a blade, take hold of it firmly, wearing safety gloves, and undo the central screw.
CAUTION!
Always replace damaged or bent blades; never attempt to repair them! ALWAYS USE ORIGINAL BLADES!
ADJUSTING THE CUTTING DECK
A level deck is essential for a uniform cut over the whole lawn.
With the mower on a flat surface, check that the tyre pressure is correct, check the float spring tension, and if
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