Manual

27
IMPORTANT: When replacing the blade, be sure to
install the blade with the side of the blade marked
‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing
the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade
spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft. and 90 lbs-
ft.
Battery
California Proposition 65 Warning: 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.
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid
levels cannot be checked and fluid can not be added.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean
and free of corrosive build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a
light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both
terminals
• Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the
positive terminal to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT: If removing the battery, 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 the
POSITIVE (+) terminal before connecting the
NEGATIVE (Black) wire to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal.
Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct
terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and
cause damage to your engine’s alternator.
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.
• Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of
your tractor’s discharged battery.
• Connect the other end of the (+) cable to the
positive (+) post of the jumper battery.
• Connect the second negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) post of the jumper battery.
• Make the final connection on the engine block of
the stalled tractor, away from the battery. Attach to
a unpainted part to assure a good connection.
IMPORTANT: If the jumper battery is installed on a
vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT start the vehicle’s
engine when jump starting your tractor.
• Start the tractor (as instructed on page 17).
• Set the tractor’s parking brake before removing the
jumper cables, in reverse order of connection.
• Allow the tractor’s engine to run for 15 minutes
before shutting it off to allow the alternator time to
charge the discharged battery.
Charging
If the unit has not been put into use for an extended
period of time, charge the battery with an automotive-
type 12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at a
maximum of six amps.
WARNING: Batteries give off an explosive
gas while charging. Charge battery in a well
ventilated area and keep away from an open
flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space
heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
Cutting Deck Removal
To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
• Place the PTO/Blade Engage lever in the
disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking
brake.
• Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the
bottom notch on the right fender.
• Remove the hairpin clip that secures the PTO cable
to the rear of the cutting deck. See Figure 20.
Remove the PTO cable and accompanying spring
from the cutting deck.
Figure 20
• Remove the deck belt from around the tractor’s
engine pulley.
• Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the
tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left
side of the deck.
PTO Cable
Hairpin Clip
Spring