Operator`s manual
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Product Identification
- Table of Contents
- Safety
- Understanding The Machine Safety Labels
- DANGER-WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
- DANGER: POISON
- DANGER: ROTATING BLADE-THROWN OBJECTS
- DANGER: ROTATING BLADE
- Emission Control System Certification Label
- Emission Compliance Period
- Certification
- Operating Safely
- Operate Mower Safely
- Parking Safely
- Checking Mowing Area
- Rotating Blades are Dangerous
- Avoid Tipping
- Keep Riders Off
- Wear Appropriate Clothing
- Driving Safely on Public Roads
- Practice Safe Maintenance
- Prevent Fires
- Tire Safety
- Handling Fuel Safely
- Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Operator Station Controls
- Adjusting Seat
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels
- Adjusting Mower Level (Side-to-Side)
- Adjusting Mower Level (Front-to-Rear)
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Mower Engagement Lever Switch
- Testing Seat Switch
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
- Using Park Brake
- Starting Engine
- Idling Engine
- Stopping Engine
- Using Travel Controls on Gear Transmission
- Using Travel Controls on Automatic Transmission
- Using Cruise Control
- Using The Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
- Using Mower Lift Lever
- Using Mower
- Mower Blade Selection
- Using Mower Deck Side Discharge (42-Inch Mower Deck)
- Using Mower Deck Mulch Ready (42-Inch Mower Deck)
- Using Mower Deck with Optional Equipment (42-Inch Mower Deck)
- Pushing Machine
- Unplugging Mower or Optional Bagger
- Transporting Machine on Trailer
- Avoid Using Ground Engaging Equipment
- Using Wheel Weights
- Using Tire Chains
- Mowing Tips
- Replacement Parts
- Service Intervals
- Service Lubrication
- Service Engine
- Engine Warranty Maintenance Statement
- Avoid Fumes
- Engine Oil (Gas)
- Checking Engine Oil Level
- Changing Engine Oil and Filter
- Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Model S1642)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Model S1742)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Model 2046)
- Checking Spark Plugs
- Adjusting Carburetor
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Service Steering and Brakes
- Service Mower
- Service Electrical
- Service Miscellaneous
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
- Specifications
- Assembly
- Warranty
- Index
- Notes
- Quality Statement
- Service Record

Service Miscellaneous - 43
SERVICE MISCELLANEOUS
Service M iscellaneous
Filling Fuel Tank
Use regular grade 87 octane unleaded fuel.
Add John Deere fuel stabilizer to fuel before using it in your
machine to prevent engine damage due to stale fuel. Follow
directions on stabilizer container.
1. Stop engine, let it cool several minutes before you add
fuel.
2. Remove grass clippings and other trash from tank area.
3. Remove fuel tank cap (A).
4. Fill tank with fuel only to bottom of filler neck.
5. Install fuel tank cap.
Cleaning and Repairing Plastic Surfaces
Your John Deere dealer has the professional materials
needed to properly remove surface scratches from any
plastic surfaces, do not attempt to paint over marks or
scratches in plastic parts.
1. Rinse hood and entire machine with clean water to
remove dirt and dust that may scratch the surface.
2. Wash surface with clean water and a mild liquid
automotive washing soap.
3. Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.
4. Wax the surface with a liquid automotive wax. Use
products that specifically say “contains no abrasives.”
5. Buff applied wax by hand using a clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning and Repairing Metal Surfaces
Cleaning:
Follow automotive practices to care for your vehicle painted
metal surfaces. Use a high-quality automotive wax
regularly to maintain the factory look of your vehicle’s
painted surfaces.
Repairing Minor Scratches (surface scratch):
1. Clean area to be repaired thoroughly.
2. Use automotive polishing compound to remove surface
scratches.
3. Apply wax to entire surface.
Repairing Deep Scratches (bare metal or primer
showing):
1. Clean area to be repaired with rubbing alcohol or
mineral spirits.
2. Use paint stick with factory-matched colors available
from your John Deere dealer to fill scratches. Follow
directions included on paint stick for use and for drying.
3. Smooth out surface using an automotive polishing
c
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are
explosive and flammable:
• Shut engine off before filling fuel tank.
• Do not smoke while handling fuel.
• Keep fuel away from flames or sparks
• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated
area.
• Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
• Use clean approved non-metal container to
prevent static electric discharge.
• Use clean approved plastic funnel without
screen or filter to prevent static electric
discharge.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and water in fuel
can cause engine damage:
• Clean dirt and debris from the fuel tank opening.
• Use clean, fresh, stabilized fuel.
• Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day’s
operation to keep condensation out of the fuel tank.
• Use a non-metallic funnel with a plastic mesh
strainer when filling the fuel tank or container.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Improper care of
machine plastic surfaces can damage that surface:
• Do not wipe plastic surfaces when they are dry.
Dry wiping will result in minor surface scratches.
• Use a soft, clean cloth (bath towel, diaper,
automotive mitt).
• Do not use abrasive materials, such as polishing
compounds, on plastic surfaces.
• Do not spray insect repellent near machine.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use a power
buffer to remove wax.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use rubbing
compound on painted surfaces.