START-UP MAINTENANCE
HYDROSTATIC FLUID
Bush Hog recommends the use of 20W50 motor oil
in the hydrostatic reservoir.
START-UP PROCEDURE
Prior to starting the pump, make certain all system
components (reservoir, fittings, etc.) are clean prior
to filling with fluid.
Fill the reservoir with recommended fluid which
should be filtered prior to entering the reservoir.
HYDROSTATIC MAINTENANCE
Check the reservoir daily for proper fluid level.
The pump and motor units normally do not require
regular fluid changes. The system filter should be
changed after the first 50 hours of break-in, then
every 250 hours thereafter. The fluid and filter should
be changed and the system cleaned if the fluid
becomes contaminated with foreign matter (water,
dirt, etc.).
PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the brake handle so that a 20 pound pull
applied 1” from the top of the handle is required to
lock handle in the up position.
TO TIGHTEN BRAKE: Turn knob on the top of han-
dle in the clockwise direction.
ADJUSTING TRACTION SPRING TENSION
WARNING - Do not over extend springs. Over exten-
sion will cause loss of weight to rear of tractor. This
could cause operator to lose control of the machine,
particularly while going down a hill.
Tighten nut on the eye bolt until the threads are 1/2”
past the end of the nut. Tighten the locking nut
against the frame locking the eyebolt in place.
WARNING
TO AVOID INJURY FROM EQUIPMENT GROUND
TRAVEL AND MOVEMENT DURING
START-UP PROCEDURE:
DO NOT START OR JOG ENGINE UNTIL:
● PUMP IS IN NEUTRAL POSITION
● DRIVE WHEELS ARE RAISED OFF THE
GROUND.
● EQUIPMENT IS SECURELY BLOCKED-UP TO
KEEP WHEELS FROM GROUND CONTACT.
● PTO AND OTHER WORK FUNCTIONS ARE
DISCONNECTED.
● BODY AND CLOTHING IS KEPT AWAY FROM
OTHER MOVING PARTS.
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Hydrostatic Reservoir
Filler Cap
Reservoir
Drain Plug
Start the engine and idle at the lowest possible RPM.
With the bypass valve closed, slowly move the dis-
placement control in both the forward and reverse
directions. As air is purged from the unit, the oil level
in the reservoir will drop and bubbles may appear in
the fluid. Refill the reservoir as necessary.
Place the steering levers in the neutral position and
open the bypass valve. Slowly move the steering
levers in both the forward and reverse directions to
purge the air from the closed circuit.
Close the bypass valve and run the unit in both direc-
tions for several minutes until any remaining air is
purged from the unit. Refill the reservoir as necessary.
Stop the engine, check for and correct any fluid leaks,
and check the reservoir level. Add fluid if necessary.
The transmission is now ready for operation.