Full Product Manual

19
PRODUCT CARE
LUBRICATION
Periodically lubricate all pivot points with a quality lubricating oil.
STORING THE MOWER
• Allow the machine to cool in an open area before storing.
• Do not park the mower near any flammable materials (wood, cloth or
chemicals) or any open flames or other potential source of ignition (furnace,
water heater or any other type of heater).
• Remove all combustible materials from the mower before storing. Empty cargo
boxes, grass catchers or containers.
• Check the fuel system (lines, tank, cap and fittings) frequently for cracks or
leaks. Repair and clean as necessary.
Engine Care
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for all engine maintenance intervals,
procedures, specifications and instructions.
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.
Maintain oil level as instructed in Engine Operator’s Manual. Be careful not to spill oil
on any of the belts.
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 on the engine. See Figure 18.
Figure 18
3. Route the free end of the oil drain hose through the hole in the mower frame
toward an appropriate oil collection container with at least a 2.5 quart (2.65
Liter) capacity, to collect the used oil.
NOTE: Avoid getting oil on the muffler when draining.
4. While holding the free end of the oil drain hose over the oil collection container,
unscrew the square-head hose plug from the end of the hose. See Figure 18.
Drain the engine oil into the collection container.
5. Remove the oil filter to make sure all the oil is drained.
6. After draining the oil, wipe any residual oil from the oil drain hose. Thread the
square head plug into the drain hose fitting and fully tighten the plug.
7. Replace the oil filter and refill the engine with new oil as instructed in
the engine operator’s manual. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for
information regarding the volume and weight of engine oil.
8. Place the oil drain hose back in original position.
Battery
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
CAUTION
If removing the battery for cleaning, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black)
wire from its terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-
installing the battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal
first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are
connected to the correct terminals; reversing them could result in serious
damage to your engine’s alternating system.
BATTERY FAILURES
Some common causes for battery failure are:
• Incorrect initial activation
• Overcharging
• Freezing
• Undercharging
• Corroded connections
These failures are NOT covered by your riding mower’s warranty.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING
Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do not
touch and ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch.
1. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your riding mower’s
discharged battery.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the (positive +) post of the jumper
battery.
3. Connect the second cable (negative –) to the other post of the jumper battery.
4. Make the final connection on the engine block of the riding mower, away from
the battery. Attach to an unpainted part to assure a good connection.
CAUTION
If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT start
the vehicle’s engine when jump starting your riding mower.
5. Start the riding mower as instructed in the Operation section of this manual.
6. Set the riding mower’s parking brake before removing the jumper cables, in
reverse order of connection.