0
WARNING: Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage
PTO, move shift lever into neutral posi-
tion, 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 and Filter
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).
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase of select
model tractors, a plastic oil drain sleeve or hose is
packed with this Operator’s Manual. See Figure 6-1.
1. Change the oil as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.
2. Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed in
the separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed
with your unit.
6
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Tractor
NOTE:
Models
equipped with a 38-inch
deck have one deck
idler pulley. Models
equipped with a 42-inch
deck have two deck
idler pulleys.
Figure 6-1
3. Refill the engine with the proper quantity and weight
of new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Opera-
tor/Owner Manual packed with your unit.
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 starting.
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 re-installing 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.
A hex plug can be found on your tractor’s 42” & 46” deck
surface. See Figure 6-2.
This plug can be replaced with a water port to be used as
part of a separately-available deck wash system.
NOTE
: Refer to page 28 for information regarding this and
other separately-available attachments & accessories for
your tractor.
