17
FIG. 9
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE:
The original equipment battery on your tractor is
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps
or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not
nec es sary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to “leak” power.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable fi rst then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in the
Service and Adjustment sec tion of this manual).
5/8" BOLT
OR PIN
BLADE
CENTER HOLE
MAINTENANCE
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and
replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Re place
belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
FIG. 11
FIG. 10
CLOSED
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
DRAIN
TUBE
OIL DRAIN VALVE
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 10 and 11)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classifi cation SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove oil fi ll 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 fi tting.
• Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning
coun ter clock wise.
• To open, pull out on the drain valve.
• 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
bottom fi tting of the drain valve.
• Refi ll engine with oil through oil fi ll dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfi ll. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man-
u al.
• Use gauge on oil fi ll cap/dipstick for checking level.
Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten cap
onto the tube securely when fi nished.
YEL LOW CAP
• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt
or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position. If either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classifi cation SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
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
oil_visc_chart1_e
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 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one
year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fi ll
cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.
