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Assembly Instructions
23
PREOPERATING CHECKLIST
Before operating the mower for the first time, and as
a routine before daily operations, it is important to
make sure the mower is properly prepared and
ready for operation. The following is a list of items to
be checked. (For a mower with frequent operation,
some of these items will not need to be checked ev-
ery day, but the operator should be aware of the con-
dition of each.)
For proper fuels and lubricants refer to Specifica-
tions.
FILL FUEL TANK
Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh fuel. Clean diesel
fuel is particularly important since contaminated fuel
will damage the fuel injectors and injection pump.
NOTE: An electric fuel pump makes it unneces-
sary to bleed (purge out air bubbles) the diesel fuel
injection system when initially fueling an empty fuel
tank.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT permit dirt or other foreign
matter to enter the fuel tank. Wipe dirt from around
the filler cap before removing. Use a clean fuel stor-
age container and funnel.
CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL
Check the engine crankcase oil level before use and
after each 5 hours of continuous operation. Refer
to LUBRICATION for Checking Engine Crankcase
Oil Level in Maintenance Instructions.
CHECK AND SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEAN-
ER SYSTEM
• Check air restriction gauge to make sure there
is no red indication showing.
• Check condition, cleanliness, and security of
the complete air cleaner system (clean air filter
every 100 hours). For detailed procedures,
refer to CLEANING the Engine Air Cleaner
System in Maintenance Instructions.
CHECK ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
• Check the radiator air intake screen to make
sure the screen is clean and free of obstruction.
Also, the radiator cooling fins should be
inspected and cleaned if there is any buildup of
dirt or debris. (Remove the intake screen
assembly to inspect and clean.)
• Check the coolant levels in the radiator and
overflow tank. If additional coolant is needed,
refer to CHECKING/SERVICING the Engine
Cooling System in
Maintenance Instructions.
• Check engine fan belt.
CHECK GEAR AXLE OIL LEVEL
Refer to LUBRICATION for Gear Axle Lubrication
in Maintenance Instructions.
INSPECT FIVE (5) BELTS
Engine PTO Drive, Jackshaft Drive, Hydrostatic
Ground Drive, Engine Fan Belt, and GHS Blower
Drive (if equipped).
DANGER
Handle diesel fuel with care. Use safe re-
fueling procedures:
• DO NOT fill fuel tank with the engine run-
ning.
• If the engine is hot, allow to cool before
refueling.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Fuel the mower outdoors.
• DO NOT smoke while refueling.
• Avoid spilling fuel; use a funnel or spout.
• DO NOT overfill the fuel tank; fill up to
about 1 in. (25 mm) below the top of tank.
WARNING
DO NOT remove the radiator pressure cap
when engine is hot.