Full Product Manual

22
PRODUCT CARE
8. Add new hydrostatic transmission oil. Refer to Adding Hydrostatic
Transmission Oil in this procedure.
(d)
(c)
(b)
(a)
Figure 23
ADDING HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION OIL
1. Loosen the two star knobs securing the leg pad to the mower.
2. Remove the leg pad from the mower.
3. Remove the two star knobs securing the rear panel to the mower.
4. Remove the rear panel from the mower.
5. Remove the hydrostatic transmission oil reservoir cap (a)
6. Insert a funnel into the reservoir (b). See Figure 24.
7. Add hydrostatic transmission oil until the level is even with the upper reservoir
mounting bolts. See Figure 22.
8. Replace the hydrostatic transmission oil reservoir cap.
9. Purge air from the hydrostatic transmission. Refer to Purging Air From The
Hydrostatic Transmission in this procedure.
10. Using the two star knobs, reinstall the rear panel.
11. Using the two star knobs, reinstall the leg pad.
(a)
(b)
Figure 24
PURGING AIR FROM THE HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
Due to the effects air has on efficiency in hydrostatic drive applications, it is critical
that air is removed or purged from the system.
IMPORTANT: These purge procedures must be preformed any-time a hydrostatic
system has been opened for maintenance or repair, or if any additional oil has been
added to the system.
Air creates inefficiency because it has compression and expansion rates that are
higher than that of oil.
Air trapped in the oil may cause the following symptoms:
1. Noisy operation.
2. Lack of power or drive after short-term operation.
3. High operation temperature and excessive expansion of oil.
Before starting, make sure the reservoir is at the proper oil level. Refer to Checking
The Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level in this Section.
IMPORTANT: The following procedures should be performed with the mower drive
wheels off the ground, then repeated under normal operating conditions.
WARNING
Certain procedures require the mower engine to be operated and the vehicle
to be raised off of the ground. To prevent possible injury to the servicing
technician and/or bystanders, insure the vehicle is properly secured.
4. With the bypass valves open and the engine running, slowly move the drive
control levers in both forward and reverse directions (5 to 6 times). As air is
purged from the unit, the oil level in the reservoir will drop.
5. With the bypass valve closed and the engine running, slowly move the
directional control in both forward and reverse directions (5 to 6 times). Check
the oil level, and add oil as required after stopping engine.
6. It may be necessary to repeat STEPS 1 and 2 until all the air is completely
purged from the system. When the wheels moves forward and reverse at
normal speed and the reservoir oil remains at a constant level, purging is
complete.
Mower Storage
If your mower is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (30 days
to approximately 6 months), the mower should be prepared for storage. Store the
mower in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the mower (including
the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be
performed whenever the mower is placed in storage.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in the
Engine Operator’s Manual packed with this manual.
WARNING
Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly ventilated
enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
2. If storing the mower 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.