Maintenance Instructions
LUBRICATION
46
Mower Deck Gearbox Lubrication
The mower deck gearboxes (tee gearbox and blade
drive gearboxes) are connected as a unitized as-
sembly, and oil flows freely between them. The
gearboxes are permanently lubricated (oil filled) and
sealed requiring no scheduled lubrication. Howev-
er, the gearbox oil seals should be checked
every
25 hours
for indication of an oil leak;
particularly
the lower seals
on the blade drive gearboxes
should be inspected, since they operate in a dirty
environment. If an oil leak is noted, replace the oil
seal and relubricate the gearbox assembly as fol-
lows:
1. Remove gearbox cover (footrest). Deck orien-
tation should be the normal operating position.
Blade Drive
Gearboxes
Tee
Gearbox
Mower Deck Gearboxes
(Shown with Gearbox Cover
Removed for Clarity)
2. Clean the area around the individual gearbox
cover plates to prevent contaminants from en-
tering the gearcase.
3. Remove the screws securing the cover plates
on the blade drive gearboxes.
4. Check the level of lubricant in the gearboxes. If
the lubricant is low, add SAE E.P. (Extreme
Pressure) 80W-90 (API GL-5) gear lube until
the oil level is up to (submerges) the horizontal
shaft in the gearbox (shaft parallel to cover
plate).
NOTE:
In case the gearboxes are completely
drained of oil, approximately 5 fl. oz. (15 cl) of oil
per gearbox is required to refill the gear drive
assembly.
NOTE:
Since the gearboxes are connected as
a unit by connector tubes, it is necessary to add
oil slowly. Allow a few minutes after adding oil
for the oil to flow throughout the assembly and
the oil level to stabilize before reassembly.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT
overfill the deck gear-
boxes. The gearbox assembly is not vented,
and overfilling with oil will cause excessive pres-
sure and result in oil leaks.
5. Check condition of the cover gasket and replace
if worn or damaged. Reinstall gearbox cover
plates; torque screws to 24 in-lb (2.7 N
·
m).
Transaxle Lubrication
·
The transaxle oil lubrication is SAE 20W-50 (API
Service Class SL or higher) engine oil.
·
Inspect both transaxle cases and hoses
after ev-
ery 100 hours
of operation for visible leaks.
·
The fluid level of each transaxle can be checked
visually by looking at the fluid level in the expansion
reservoir. When the transaxles are cold, the fluid
level in the expansion reservoir should be between
1/4 in. and 1/2 in. (0.64 cm and 1.27 cm).
Reservoir Cap
Cold Level
Expansion Reservoir Location
Transaxle Oil and Filter Change
Change the transaxle oil after the initial
break-in
period
of
75-100 hours.
Thereafter, change oil
ev-
ery 400 hours
of operation as follows:
1. Thoroughly clean the exterior of the transmis-
sion housing before servicing. Using a 1/4 in.
hex wrench, remove the plug on the lower in-
side of each transaxle allowing the oil to drain.
2. Remove and replace the oil filters using a 3/8 in.
hex wrench. (Refer to
Transaxle Oil Drain
Plug, Filter, and Guard Location
illustration.)
