GB - 21
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The long trouble-free life of your machine
depends on the maintenance it receives. Set
up a maintenance program for your 8400 to
cover the following points:
• Keep tractor and mowers clean.
• Keep all moving parts properly
lubricated (see LUBRICATION on
page 23).
• Keep all parts properly adjusted.
• Inspect for loose, worn or damaged
parts.
• Keep shields in place at all times.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
If your inspection reveals worn or damaged
parts, replace these parts before operating
machine or before actual breakdown occurs.
ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY
Use the illustrations in the Parts Manual as
reference for disassembly and assembly of
components. Always maintain relative
position of parts when disassembling. Clean
and lubricate individual parts and
components as required.
BATTERY
1. Make certain the ignition switch is in the
“off” position and the keys have been
removed.
2. Refer to the Mower Specifications in this
manual for battery specifications.
3. When the battery is being installed or
removed, make sure that the positive
and negative terminals do not come in
contact with metal tractor parts at the
same time, or severe damage may
result.
4. Battery connections must be kept clean
and tight at all times. Loose cables will
cause eventual battery failure. Keep
terminal covers in place.
5. Use soap and water to clean the battery
as required. Care must be taken to
prevent soap and water from getting
inside battery.
6. Clean the terminal contact surfaces with
a battery terminal brush or steel wool.
7. Tighten cables securely to battery
terminals.
8. Apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or
chassis lubricant to terminals and cable
ends after assembly to prevent
corrosion.
CHARGING A BATTERY
Charge battery only in a well-vented location,
away from sparks or open flame.
1. Remove the battery from the tractor
before charging.
2. Be sure charger is “off.“
3. Connect charger leads to battery.
Connect the positive (+) connector from
the charger to the positive battery
terminal. Connect the negative (–)
connector of the charger to the negative
battery terminal.
4. Charge the battery using one of the
methods shown below. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions on the
charger.
MAINTENANCE
DANGER: To avoid possible
serious bodily injury, before
performing any adjustments,
maintenance, or lubrication, place
all controls in “neutral,” lower the
mowers to the ground, engage
parking brake, turn ignition switch
off, and remove key.
DANGER: To avoid injury from hot,
high-pressure oil, never disconnect
hydraulic hoses with attachments in
up position. Never rub hands across
tubes, hoses, or fittings to check for
leaks. Hydraulic fluid escaping
under pressure can have sufficient
force to penetrate the skin.
DANGER: Always wear protective
glasses or goggles and protective
clothing when working with
batteries. Always connect the
“ground” (black) cable last and
remove it first whenever performing
any maintenance. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid and generate explosive
mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen
gases. Keep any device which may
cause sparks or flames away from
the battery to prevent explosions.
Read and follow the battery
manufacturer’s instructions on
safety, maintenance, and installation
procedures.
DANGER: To avoid possible injury,
stand away from battery when
charger is turned on. A damaged
battery or a battery with an internal
short could explode.