User manual

18 Section 4 — Product care
2. If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:
a. To prevent gum deposits from
forming inside the engine’s
carburetor and causing possible
malfunction of the engine, the fuel
system must be either completely
emptied, or the gasoline must be
treated with a stabilizer to prevent
deterioration.
WARNING
Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
b. Using a fuel stabilizer for storage
between 30 and 90 days:
• Read the product
manufacturer’s instructions
and recommendations.
• Add to clean, fresh gasoline
the correct amount of
stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of
the fuel system.
• Fill the fuel tank with treated
fuel and run the engine for
2-3 minutes to get stabilized
fuel into the carburetor.
c. Emptying the fuel system for storage
of more than 90 days:
• Prior to putting the tractor
in storage, monitor fuel
consumption with the goal of
running the fuel tank empty.
• Run the engine until it begins
to stall. Use the choke to
keep the engine running
until all fuel in the carburetor
has been exhausted.
• Referring to the engine
manual, drain the fuel from
the carburetor bowl.
3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor
thoroughly.
4. Fully charge the battery, then disconnect
the negative cable at the battery to prevent
possible discharge. Recharge the battery
periodically when in storage.
Note: Remove the battery if exposed
to prolonged periods of sub-freezing
temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location
where temperatures are above freezing.
5. Lubricate all lubrication points.
Note: Using a pressure washer or garden
hose is not recommended for cleaning your
tractor. It may cause damage to electrical
components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or
the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
Removing The Tractor From Storage
1. Check the engine oil.
2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires
to the recommended pressure.
3. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few
minutes to ensure engine is operating properly.
5. Drive the tractor without a load to
make certain all the tractor systems are
functioning properly.
Adjustments
WARNING! Shut the engine off,
remove the ignition key and engage
the parking brake before making
adjustments. Protect your hands by
using heavy gloves when handling
the blades.
Deck Leveling
Note: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer
to Tires for information regarding tire pressure.
WARNING
Shut the engine off, remove the ignition key and engage
the parking brake before making adjustments. Protect your
hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades.
Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side)
Note: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires for information regarding tire pressure. Always
level the deck side-to-side before front to rear.
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing
unevenly, a side-to-side adjustment can be
performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface,
place the deck lift handle in a middle mowing
position and rotate both outside blades so
that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
2. Measure the distance from the outside of
the left blade tip to the ground and the
distance from the outside of the right blade
tip to the ground. Both measurements taken
should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to
the next step.
3. Loosen the lower jam nut (a) on the
adjustable lift link (b) attached to the deck
lift arm (c) to lower the deck and tighten
the upper jam nut (d) to secure the deck
in place, loosen the upper jam nut (d) then
tighten the lower jam nut (a) to raise the
deck and secure the deck in place. See
Figure 4-6.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 4-6
4. The deck is properly leveled when both
blade tip measurements are equal.
Leveling the Deck (Front-To-Rear)
Note: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires for information regarding tire pressure. Always
level the deck side-to-side before front to rear.
The front of the deck should be between ⁄⁄”
lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary
as follows:
1. Park the tractor on a firm, level surface
and place the deck lift handle in a middle
position.
2. Rotate the blade nearest the discharge
chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.
3. Measure the distance from the front of
the blade tip to the ground and the rear
of the blade tip to the ground. The first
measurement taken should be between ⁄”
and ⁄” less than the second measurement.
4. Determine the approximate distance
necessary for proper adjustment and
proceed, if necessary.
5. Using a wrench, raise the front of deck by
loosening the lock nuts (a) to the front of the
pivot pin (b) and then tighten the jam nuts (c)
on the back of the pivot pin to raise the front
of the deck and secure in place. See Figure 4-7.
Bottom View
(c)
(a)
(b)
Figure 4-7
6. Using a wrench, lower the front of deck by
loosening the jam nuts (c) on the back of
the pivot pin (b) and then tighten the lock
nut (a) on the front of the pivot pin to lower
the front of the deck and secure in place.
See Figure 4-7.
7. The deck is properly leveled when the front tip
of the blade is ⁄” lower than the rear tip.
Adjusting the Front Gauge Wheels
WARNING
Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of
the cutting deck.
The front gauge wheels on the tractor deck are
an anti-scalp feature, and should not ride on
the ground. The front gauge wheels should be
approximately ⁄⁄” above the ground when the
deck is set in the desired height setting.
Using the deck lift handle, set the deck in the
desired height setting, then check the gauge wheel
distance from the ground below. If necessary adjust
the front gauge wheels as follows: