User manual

16 Section 4 — Product care
Note: This Operator’s Manual covers several models.
Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features
in this manual are applicable to all tractor models
and the tractor depicted may differ from yours.
Troubleshooting
Excessive vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
• Tighten blade and spindle.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
• Replace blade.
Uneven cut
1. Deck not leveled properly.
• Perform side-to-side deck
adjustment.
2. Dull blade.
• Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
• Check tire pressure in all four tires.
Tractor will not mulch grass (If equipped w/
mulching kit)
1. Engine speed too low.
• Place throttle in FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Wet grass.
• Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Excessively high grass.
• Mow once at a high cutting height,
then mow again at desired height or
make a narrower cutting swath.
4. Dull blade.
• Sharpen or replace blade.
Maintenance
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage
the PTO, move the drive control levers fully outward in
the neutral position engaging the parking brake, stop the
engine and remove the key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the engine operator’s manual for all
engine maintenance procedures and instructions.
Note: Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the
emission control devices and systems which are
being done at owner’s expense may be performed
by any engine repair establishment or individual.
Warranty repairs must be performed by an
authorized service dealer.
Changing the Engine Oil
WARNING
If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler
and surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause
burns to the skin. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:
1. Run the engine for a short time to warm
the engine oil. The oil will flow more freely
and carry away more impurities. Use care to
avoid burns from hot oil.
2. Locate the oil drain hose (a) on the right side of
the engine. See Figure 4-1.
(b)
(a)
(c)
(d)
Figure 4-1
3. Route the free end of the oil drain hose
(a) toward an appropriate oil collection
container with at least a 2.5 quart capacity,
to collect the used oil. Remove the oil fill
cap/dipstick (b) from the oil fill tube.
4. While holding the free end of the oil drain
hose (a) over the oil collection container,
unscrew the square head hose plug (c) from
the end of the oil drain hose (a) . See Figure
4-1. Drain the engine oil into the collection
container.
5. After draining the oil, wipe any residual
oil from the oil drain hose (a). Thread the
square head hose plug (c) into the oil drain
hose (b) fitting and fully tighten the square
head hose plug (c).
6. Replace the oil filter (d), and refill the engine
with new oil as instructed in the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Cleaning & Lubricating the Spindle Pulleys
Once a month remove the belt covers to remove
any accumulation of grass clippings from around
the spindle pulleys and V-belt. Clean more often
when mowing tall, dry grass.
Every 25 hours, lubricate the deck spindles. Locate
the spindle lube fitting and using a grease gun,
lubricate the spindles. The spindle holds 2.3
ounces of grease. See Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2
Lubrication
WARNING! Before lubricating,
repairing, or inspecting, always
disengage PTO, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system,
parking brake and lift linkage at least once a
season with light oil.
Front Wheels
Each of the front wheel axles and rims is equipped
with grease fittings. See Figure 4-3. Lubricate with
a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease
gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.
Figure 4-3
Cleaning the Transmission Cooling Slots
Keep both sides of transmission cooling slots on the
frame between the engine and the seat box clear of
grass clippings and leaves.
WARNING
If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler and
surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns
to the skin. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
Using the Deck Wash System
WARNING
When using the deck wash system, never engage the deck
from any position other than the operator’s seat of the tractor.
Do not use an assistant or engage deck in the presence of any
bystanders.
1. Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard
garden hose connected to a water supply.
2. Move the tractor to an area within reach of the
hose where the dispersal of wet grass clippings
is acceptable to you. Disengage the PTO,
engage the parking brake and stop the engine.