User Manual

18
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
NOTE: Refer to Maintenance Chart on page 28 for a
reference of recommended maintenance intervals.
WARNING: Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission
control devices and systems, which are being done at
the customer’s expense, may be performed by any
engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty
repairs must be performed by a Cub Cadet Dealer.
Engine Oil Recommendations
Using the proper type and weight of engine oil is
extremely important. So is checking and changing oil
regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or operating the
engine with dirty oil will result in premature engine wear
and failure.
Engine Oil Type
Use only a high quality detergent
oil of API (American Petroleum
Institute) service class SG, SH,
SJ or higher. Selection of engine
oil should be based on the lowest
anticipated temperatures prior to
the next scheduled oil change.
Refer to the Temperature / Oil Viscosity Chart.
Checking the Oil Level
It is important to check the oil level at least every four
hours of operation. Regular checking during the first 24
hours of operation is especially important. Check the oil
level before each use as follows:
• Allow the engine a few minutes to rest after opera-
tion. This will give the oil time to drain into the crank-
case sump and result in a more accurate dipstick
reading.
• Clean the area around the oil fill cap/dipstick to pre-
vent debris from entering the crankcase.
• Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick by lifting it (single
cylinder models) or twisting it (twin cylinder models)
out of the oil fill tube.
• Wipe the dipstick clean before pushing it all the way
back into the oil fill tube. Withdraw the dipstick to
check the oil level. Refer to figure at right.
• Always keep the oil level at or near the FULL mark
on the dipstick. If the oil is low, add oil of the proper
type up to the FULL mark. Always re-check the oil
level with the dipstick before adding more oil.
IMPORTANT: Never operate
the engine with the oil level
outside of the Operating
Range on the dipstick.
• After checking the oil
level (and adding oil, if
necessary), reinstall the
oil fill cap/dipstick onto
the oil fill tube.
Adding Oil
If, after checking the oil level,
you find the dipstick reads L,
proceed as follows.
• Place the tractor on a level surface. Engage the
parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key.
• Clean the area around the oil fill cap and fill tube to
prevent debris from entering the crankcase.
• Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube
and SLOWLY pour oil into the oil fill tube. Do NOT
pour more than 6 oz. of oil at a time without first
stopping and re-checking the oil level.
• Fill the crankcase until the oil level reaches the full
(F) mark on the dipstick. See Figure above. Refer to
the viscosity oil chart for information regarding the
proper type of oil to add to the crankcase.
IMPORTANT: The engine may overheat and/or damage
may result if the oil level is below the L or above the F
on the dipstick.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap/dipstick securely onto the oil
fill tube.
IMPORTANT: The oil fill cap/dipstick must be installed
securely onto the tube at all times when the engine
is operating. Severe engine damage could result from
failure to do so.
A
P
I
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
J
F
L
Operating Range
TEMPERATURE / OIL VISCOSITY CHART
Temperature Change Expected Before Next Oil Change
°C
°F
403020100-10-20-30
10080604032200-20
5W-20, 5W-30
10W-30 (Twin Cylinder)
10W-30 (Single Cylinder)
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is acceptable,
up to 4°C (40°F).
**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold below
23°C (-10°F).
**
*