MTD 18HP Lawn Mower User Manual


 
22
i. Inspect the hydraulic hoses, lines and fit-
tings. Replace as necessary.
j. Jack the mower up and store it on blocks to
take the weight off of the tires.
2. To Put the Mower Back in Service:
a. Check the battery. Charge if necessary.
b. Gasoline Engine Only: Remove the spark
plugs and wipe them off. Using the starter,
crank the engine to pump the excess oil
out of the spark plug holes. Replace the
spark plugs and the ignition leads. Refill
the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
c. Check the level of the oil in the crankcase
and the hydraulic tank.
d. Lower the mower off the block and check
the tire pressure.
e. Push the mower outdoors and start the
engine. Let the engine idle until it has
warmed up completely (4 to 5 minutes).
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
A. Daily Checks
1. Before starting engine:
a. Check the fuel level.**
b. Check the engine oil level.**
c. Check the hydraulic oil level.
d. Check the hydraulic hoses for leaks, abra-
sion, kinks, twists, or a flattened condition.
e. Check the tires and tire pressure.
Drive Tires: 8-10 psi.
Front Caster Wheels: 20-25 psi.
f. Check the spindle belt, the mower drive
belt and the hydro drive belt.
g. Check the blades. Make sure they are
sharp and that the blade securing cap
screws are tight.
h. Check the cutting height.
2. When ready to start the engine:
a. Check the five safety switches for proper
operation.
3. After mowing:
a. Clean the mower.
b. Clean the engine air screen.
c. Oil the wear points. Follow the Oiling
Chart.
d. After the first five hours, Change the
engine oil and engine oil filter.
B. Every 25 Hour Checks
1. Service the engine foam element air pre-
cleaner.*
2. Grease the three spindle bearings.
C. Weekly or Every 50 Hour Checks
1. Change the engine oil. (Every 25 hours under
heavy duty operation.)
2. Clean or replace the engine’s paper air
cleaner element.*
3. Check the battery’s electrolyte level.
4. Clean the engine cooling fins and external
surfaces.*
5. After the first 50 hours, change the hydraulic
oil and the hydraulic oil filter. Change them
every 500 hours thereafter.
6. Oil wear points.
Follow the Oiling Chart.
7. Lubricate all grease fittings.
Follow the
Lubrication Chart.
D. Every 100 Hour Checks
1. Change the engine oil filter. (Every 50 hours
under heavy duty operation.)
2. Check the engine spark plugs.
E. Yearly Checks
Check the oil in the hydraulic reservoir.
* Perform maintenance more frequently under dusty
conditions.
**Reference Engine Owner’s Manual