Use and Care Manual

24
PRODUCT CARE
Lubrication
WARNING
Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always
disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
ENGINE
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the Engine
Operator’s Manual packed with your riding mower.
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.
REAR WHEELS
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season.
Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose grease
before re-installing them.
FRONT AXLES
Each end of the riding mower’s front pivot bar may be equipped
with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25
hours of riding mower operation.
STEERING RACK & PINION
Once per season or every 25 hours of operation, it will be
necessary to lubricate the steering rack and pinion gear (a)
located under the front of the riding mower. Using standard
automotive grease, apply grease to the front side and rear side of
the steering rack and pinion gear (a) (Figure 28).
a
Figure 28
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running, except where specified in the
Operator’s Manual.
Seat
Refer to the Set-up section of this manual for seat
adjustment instructions.
Parking Brake
WARNING
Never attempt to adjust the brakes while the engine is
running. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever into
neutral position, stop engine, and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
If the riding mower does not come to a complete stop when the
brake pedal is completely depressed or if the riding mower’s
rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied, the brake is
in need of adjustment. See an authorized service dealer to have
brakes properly adjusted.
Deck
NOTE: Check the riding mower’s tire pressure before performing
any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tire Pressure, in the
Set-up section for more information regarding tire pressure.
FRONTTOREAR LEVELING
It is possible to adjust the pitch of the cutting deck. The front of
the deck should be between 0” (level) and 1/4” (6 mm) lower
than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:
1. With the riding mower parked on a firm, level surface,
place the deck lift lever in the middle position and rotate
the blade so that it is aligned with the front and rear of the
riding mower.
2. 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 0” (level) and 1/4”
(6 mm) less than the second measurement. Determine the
approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and
proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
3. Locate the flange lock nut (a) on the front end of the PTO lift
rod (b) (Figure 29).
a
b
Figure 29
• Tighten the flange lock nut (a) to raise the front of
the deck.
• Loosen the flange lock nut (a) to lower the front of
the deck.
Tires
Refer to Tire Pressure, in the Set-up section for more information
regarding tire pressure.