17
MAINTENANCE
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
NOTE:
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine
oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage
from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill
cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20 0 30 40
80
100
-30
-20 0 20 30
40
F
C
32
-10
10
60
5W-30
SAE 30
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil
change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen,
cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are
kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely
dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other
cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces
as necessary. Ensure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE:
Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen,
dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds re moved
will cause engine damage due to overheating.
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean
to ensure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine
is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent pos-
si ble damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or
steam to clean transmission.
•
Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and
clean.
• Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com-
pressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cool ing fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid main te-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should
the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your
near est au tho rized ser vice center/department.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 17 & 18)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
LOWER DASH COVER REMOVAL
• Raise
hood.
• Remove fastener from lower dash cover.
CAUTION:
Remove lower dash cover carefully to ensure
cover tabs are not broken.
• Slide lower dash cover up to release cover tabs from
tapered slots in lower dash and remove.
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
•
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to
enter the engine when changing oil.
•
Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the
drain tube onto the fitting.
•
Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning coun ter-
clock wise.
•
To open, pull out on the drain valve.
TABS
SLOTS
FASTENER
LOWER
DASH
COVER
02463
CLOSED
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
DRAIN
TUBE
OIL DRAIN VALVE
YEL LOW CAP
•
After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain
valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin
is in the locked position as shown.
•
Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the bot-
tom fitting of the drain valve.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.
•
Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Ensure
dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep
oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube se-
curely when finished.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
The air screen is over the air intake blower located on top
of engine. The air screen must be kept free of dirt and
chaff to prevent engine dam age from overheating. Clean
with a wire brush or compressed air to re move dirt and
stubborn dried gum fibers.
