16
Fig. 15
MAINTENANCE
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not
ad just able. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear.
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.
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
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.
TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
Do not attempt to clean transaxle while engine is running
or while the transaxle is hot. To prevent pos si ble damage
to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean
transaxle.
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 main-
tenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or cov-
ers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to “leak” power.
• Raise
seat.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first 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 ADJUSTMENTS section of this man u al).
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 16)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification C.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
•
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt
to enter the engine when changing oil.
•
Slide oil drain extension under oil drain hole (drain hole
may be flush with or protrude from engine block side wall).
•
Make sure back face of oil drain extension is flush with
engine side wall.
• Make sure bottom lip of oil drain extension is lined up
with bottom of oil drain hole.
•
Position a container to catch oil directly under front end
of oil drain extension.
•
Slide a 1/2” (12 point) socket mounted on an extension
onto oil drain plug.
•
Loosen plug while holding the oil drain extension firmly
in place.
• Drain oil into container.
•
After oil has drained completely, reinstall oil drain plug.
(Do not tighten more than 13 Ft. Lbs.)
• 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.
Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten
cap onto the tube securely when finished.
CAUTION: If engine has been operated
for an extended period of time immedi-
ately prior to draining oil, oil will be hot.
Fig. 16
OIL DRAIN HOLE
OIL DRAIN
EXTENSION
OIL
DRAIN
PLUG
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.
