9 MAINTENANCE
en-41
9.9
DRIVE AXLE FLUID ________________________________________________________
Drain and replace the drive axle fluid and filter after the first 75 hours and
each 400 hours.
Always replace the filter when you replace the drive axle fluid.
a
Clean the area around the vent plug, expansion bottle cap and
filter to prevent dirt to enter the drive axle.
b
Place a container capable of holding two gallons (8 liters) under
the drive axle.
c
Remove the 3 filter guard screws, the filter guard and the filter.
Remove the cap from the expansion bottle. Allow the fluid to drain
into the container.
d
After the oil has drained, clean the filter mounting surface. Apply a
thin film of oil to the filter gasket and assemble the filter to the drive
axle. Tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the filter base, then
tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 turn. Only use your hand to tighten
the filter.
e
Assemble the filter guard and the guard screws. Torque the screws to 65 in. lb. (7.3 Nm).
f
Remove the vent plug from the drive axle. Add fluid to the expansion bottle until the oil level reaches the bottom
of the vent. Assemble the vent plug. Torque the plug to 180 in. lb. (20.3 Nm)
g
Add oil until the fluid is at the FULL COLD line on the expansion bottle. Assemble the expansion bottle cap.
h
Repeat steps a~f for the other drive axle.
After the drive axle fluid is changed, the air must be removed from the drive axles. Lift the rear wheels off the ground.
Support the mower with jack stands.
a
Start the engine and disengage the parking brake.
b
Move the neutral release knobs to the Neutral Released position. Slowly move the steering control levers from
the Neutral Position, to the full forward position, to the full reverse position and return the handles to the Neutral
position. Repeat 5 to 6 times.
c
Move the neutral release knobs to the Normal Operation position. Slowly move the steering control levers from
the Neutral Position, to the full forward position, to the full reverse position and return the handles to the Neutral
position. Repeat 5 to 6 times.
d
Stop the engine and add fluid to the expansion bottle until the fluid is at the FULL COLD line.
e
If needed, repeat steps a~d until the drive axles operate at normal noise levels and the tires move smoothly in the
forward and reverse directions.
WARNING
Make sure the mower is parked on a solid and level surface. Never work on a mower that is supported only by the
jack. Always use jack stands.
Put chocks in front of and behind the front wheels.
CAUTION
When you remove the air from the drive axles, the rear wheels will turn. To prevent injury, use caution to prevent
contact with the wheels.
FULL COLD
Vent
Plug
Expansion
Bottle
Filter
Filter
Guard
!
!
