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23
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
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 Maintenance
WARNING
Shut off the engine before performing any maintenance. To prevent
accidental start-up, disconnect the spark plug boot.
IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport equipment or to inspect or
remove grass, keep spark plug side of engine up. Transporting or tipping engine
spark plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil
saturation of air cleaner.
Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is essential if high level
performance is to be maintained. Regular maintenance will also ensure a long
service life. The required service intervals and the kind of maintenance to be
performed are described in the table on the previous page. Follow the hourly or
calendar intervals, whichever occur first. More frequent service is required when
operating in adverse conditions.
WARNING
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not
to touch the muffler.
Servicing the Engine Oil
• Check the oil level regularly.
• Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check the oil every five to ten hours of
operation, before starting the engine. See Checking Oil Level in the Assembly section.
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG,
SH, or SJ. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to the expected operating
temperature. Refer to Gas & Oil in the Assembly section of this manual.
Oil Drain
IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.
Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining.
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase of select model tractors, a plastic oil drain
sleeve is packed with this Operator’s Manual. To drain the oil, proceed as follows:
13. Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube.
14. Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump. See “Figure 4”.
15. Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a capacity of
no less than 64 oz.
16. Tip the tractor slightly in the direction of the suitable container to aid in fully
draining all of the oil from the engine.
WARNING
Before tipping engine or equipment to drain oil, drain fuel from tank by
running engine until fuel tank is empty.
• Clean the top of the mower deck, under the spindle covers and belt area. See
“Figure 3”.
Figure 3
• Clean around and near the transmission, axle and the fan area. See “Figure
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.
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