6
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Tractor
*Kohler Single Shown
NOTE: Depending
on the engine model
found on your tractor,
it may be necessary to
remove the tractor’s
side panel in order to
replace the oil filter (if
so equipped).
Figure 6-1
WARNING
Before performing
any maintenance,
lubrication or repairs,
disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral
position, set parking
brake, stop engine and
remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
WARNING: Before performing
any maintenance or repairs,
disengage PTO, move shift lever
into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended
starting.
Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for
engine maintenance instructions.
Check
engine oil level before each use as instructed
in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your
unit.
Follow the instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
NOTE: Depending on the engine model found on your
tractor, it may be necessary to remove the tractor’s side
panel in order to replace the oil filter (if so equipped).
1. Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil
drain valve to expose the drain port. See Figure 6-1.
2. Remove the oil fill cap/ dipstick from the oil fill tube.
3. Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual)
onto the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the
hose into an appropriate oil collection container with
a capacity great enough to collect the used oil.
4. After the oil has finished draining, push the oil drain
valve back in, rotate it clockwise to lock the valve
closed and re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to
keep debris from entering the drain port.
5. Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in
the separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed
with your unit.
Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil
has finished draining.
6. Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in
the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your
unit.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner
Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the
quantity and proper weight of motor oil.
Air Cleaner
Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/air
cleaner element as instructed in the Engine Operator/
Owner Manual packed with your unit.
Spark Plug(s)
The spark plug(s) should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended
at the start of each mowing season. Refer to the Engine
Operator/Owner Manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
Lubrication
WARNING: Before lubricating,
repairing, or inspecting, always
disengage PTO, move shift lever
into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended start-
ing.
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the
Engine Owner Manual packed with your unit.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking
brake, and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.
Rear Wheels
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once
a season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an
all-purpose grease before reinstalling them.
Front Axles
Each end of the tractor’s front pivot bar may be equipped
with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after
every 25 hours of tractor operation.
Cleaning the Engine And Deck
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped
off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around
the cooling fins of the engine or on any other part of the
machine.
IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer to clean your
tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to
electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the
engine.
