20
AIR FILTER (See Fig. 22)
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean
the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or
every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of
operation or every season, whichever occurs first.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
• Loosen knob and remove cover.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of
operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The fan and cooling fins of transmission 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.
• 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
compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling
fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the
transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest
authorized service center/department.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity
grade according to your expected operating temperature.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 20 and 21)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SF, SG or SH.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
• Remove drain plug.
• After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug
and tighten securely.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
• 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.
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
10W30
FIG. 20
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.
OIL FILL
CAP/DIPSTICK
OIL
DRAIN
PLUG
AIR
SCREEN
CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 21)
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or
compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.
FIG. 21
CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS
To insure 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. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen,
dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed
will cause engine damage due to overheating.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the
battery to “leak” power.
• Remove terminal guard.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery
cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in the
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual).