Operating Guide

607203 4-3 REV B
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
or higher. Maximum of 10% ethanol (E10) in fuel. Fuels with
greater than 10% ethanol (such as E15, E20 and E85) voids
warranty. Fuels with greater than 10% ethanol are not
approved for use and such illegal use could cause equipment
failure and pose a fire hazard.
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for additional fuel
specification requirements.
Engine Oil
Check engine oil daily and after every 4 hours of operation.
Mower must be on a level surface when checking oil. Refer to
engine manual and maintenance schedule for oil
recommendation and capacities. Hustler
®
Motor Oil is
recommended.
Change the engine oil after the first 5 hours of operation
and then per the engine manufacturer’s recommendations
after that. If mower is being operated in extremely dirty
conditions, then it is recommended oil be changed more
frequently.
Draining the engine oil:
1. Locate the oil drain hose on the engine. Figure 4-4
2. Un-clip the end of the oil drain hose from the engine
bracket and route it toward the rear of the mower
frame.
3. Position a suitable oil drain container under the
machine below the end of the oil drain hose.
4. Twist the cap on the end of the hose and pull the cap
open to allow the oil to drain. Allow 10 minutes for
engine oil to adequately drain. Figure 4-4
5. After the oil is drained, place the cap back on the end
of the hose and close it by turning it clockwise.
6. Clip the oil drain hose onto the engine bracket.
7. Once the cap is closed and the hose is clipped to the
engine bracket, clean up any spilled oil.
IMPORTANT: All oil drips or spills must be cleaned off
of the engine plate, exhaust system, and muffler guard
before operating the machine.
Engine Air Filter
Perform engine air filter maintenance per the Maintenance
Schedule shown elsewhere in this manual.
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:
Overfilling the fuel tank may cause the following:
• Engine damage
• Fire hazard!
A. Fuel tank neck B. Fuel tank
Figure 4-3
If the engine has been running and is up to operating
temperature, allow the engine to cool before
changing the oil. Engine and engine oil will be very
hot, so be very careful when changing oil and wear
the appropriate protective gear to avoid being
burned or exposed to engine oil.
WARNING
Fill to the bottom of the fuel tank neck
Maximum
Do Not
Overfill
A
B
WARNING
A. Oil drain hose
B. Engine bracket
C. Hose cap
Figure 4-4
A
B
C