Owner's Manual

16
MAINTENANCE
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
ad just able. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine
oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage
from running low on oil.
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 40
80
100
-30
-20 0
20 30 40
F
C
32
-10
10
60
5W-30
SAE 30
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or
compressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Ser-
vice air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill
cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil
change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen,
cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are
kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely
dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other
cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces
as necessary. Ensure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen,
dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds re moved
will cause engine damage due to overheating.
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean
to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine
is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent pos-
si ble damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or
steam to clean transmission.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and
clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com-
pressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cool ing fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid main te-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should
the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your
near est au tho rized ser vice center/department.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 15 & 16)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
LEFT LOWER DASH COVER REMOVAL
• Raise hood.
• Remove fastener from left lower dash cover.
CAUTION: Remove lower dash cover carefully to ensure
cover tabs are not broken.
• Slide lower dash cover up to release cover tabs from
tapered slots in lower dash and remove.
0
27
9
4
DRAIN
TUBE
OIL DRAIN VALVE
TO CLOSE
TO OPEN
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
• Install the drain tube onto the valve.
• Open drain valve by using a 10mm wrench turning
counterclockwise.
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
TABS
SLOTS
FASTENER
LOWER
DASH
COVER
• After oil has drained completely, close the drain valve
turning clockwise. Use the 10mm wrench to apply a small
amount of torque to keep it closed. Do not over tighten.
• Remove the drain tube and store in a safe place.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.
Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on
the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when
taking reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.
Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.