Operating Guide

ManualsBrandsHustler ManualsZero-Turn Riding Lawn MowersRaptor SD 23-HP V-twin Dual Hydrostatic 54-in Zero-turn Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability (Kit Sold Separately)

604856 4-7 REV P

aged element which will allow abrasive particles to

enter the engine.

3. Reinstall the top of the canister housing. Make sure it

seals all the way around the lower part of the housing,

then tighten the clamps. Figure 4-15

4. Never operate the machine without an air filter

installed.

Overservicing

Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is removed

for cleaning or replacement before it is necessary. Each time

the filter is removed a small amount of dirt and dust could

fall in the intake system. This accumulated dirt can cause a

dusted engine. It only takes a few grams of ingested dirt over

the normal service life of an engine to cause a dusted engine.

Do not clean the element, but replace with a new element

only. Cleaning used air filter elements, through improper

cleaning procedures, can get dust on the inside of the filter

causing dirt ingestion and engine failure.

It is important to note that whenever an air filter element is

cleaned by any method, the person or company performing

the cleaning assumes responsibility for the integrity of the

filter from then on. The warranty for air filters expires upon

cleaning or servicing in any manner because the condition of

the filter after servicing is completely out of the filter

manufacturer’s control. Therefore, on a dust ingested engine

failure, there will be no warranty consideration if the air filter

element has been cleaned or serviced in any manner.

A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new

element. Therefore, a dirty filter element is not bad for the

engine unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and

engine performance is affected. The reason is simple. The

media in the filter must be porous to allow air to pass

through it. When dirty air passes through the filter, the dirt

plugs some of the holes in the media and actually acts as

part of the filter media. When the next round of dirt enters,

the first dirt helps filter out even smaller particles making the

filter more efficient at stopping dirt from entering the engine.

This is referred to as barrier filtration.

Of course, at some point the filter media becomes too

clogged to allow air to pass.

The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of air

filter element changing.

General Engine Maintenance

Detailed instructions and recommendations for break-in

and regular maintenance are specified in the Engine Owner’s

Manual. Please refer to this manual for engine servicing,

lubricating oil levels with quality and viscosity

recommendations, bolt torques, etc. The engine warranty is

backed by the engine manufacturer. Special attention should

be paid to applicable data which will not be duplicated here.

Belts

Inspect belts frequently for wear and serviceability.

Replace a belt that shows signs of:

• severe cuts

• tears

• separation

• weather checking

• cracking

• burns caused by slipping.

Slight raveling of belt covering does not indicate failure,

trim ravelings with a sharp knife.

Briggs & Stratton engine

A. Air filter cover

Figure 4-14

Kohler engine

A. Air cleaner canister B. Clamp

Figure 4-15