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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
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if
equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing
season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever
occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in
“PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
Fig. 17
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.
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean
to ensure 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. 17 and 18)
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.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
2. Slide oil drain extension from the docking position on the
engine blower housing and extend outward from engine.
02463
CAP
DOCKING
POSITION
OIL DRAIN
EXTENSION
3. To open, twist cap counter-clockwise
4. After oil is drained completely, replace cap and twist
clockwise until it stops.
5. Re-attach oil drain extension to engine blower housing.
6. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this man u al.
7. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For
accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the
tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil at “FULL” line
on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when
finished.
Fig. 18
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Ser-
vice air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
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.
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.