22
Air Filter
The engine is equipped with a replaceable, high density 
paper air cleaner element and an oiled, foam 
precleaner which surrounds the paper element. See 
Figure 21. Always examine the air cleaner before 
starting the engine. Check for a buildup of dirt and 
debris around the air cleaner system. Keep this area 
clean. Also check for loose or damaged components. 
Replace all bent or damaged air cleaner components.
NOTE: Starting the tractor with loose or damaged air
cleaner components could allow  unfiltered air into the
engine causing premature wear and failure.
Precleaner
Wash and re-oil the precleaner every 25 hours of 
operation if equipped, (more often under extremely 
dusty or dirty conditions).
• Loosen the air cleaner cover knob and remove the 
cover.
• Remove the precleaner from the paper element.
• Wash the precleaner in warm water with detergent. 
Rinse the precleaner thoroughly until all traces of 
detergent are eliminated. Squeeze out excess 
water (do not wring). Allow the precleaner to air dry.
• Saturate the precleaner with new engine oil. 
Squeeze out all excess oil.
• Reinstall the precleaner over the paper element.
• Reinstall the air cleaner cover and tighten the knob 
securely.
• When ordering replacement parts, use the 
accompanying Illustrated Parts manual, or the 
Attachments & Accessories table found on page 32 of 
this manual.
Service Paper Element
NOTE:  Refer  to  the  Attachments  &  Accessories  table
found on page 32 of this manual for the proper air filter.
The paper element should be replaced at least every 
100 hours of operation. Replace more frequently if the 
tractor is operated under extremely dusty conditions. 
To replace the paper element, proceed as follows:
• Loosen the air cleaner cover knob and remove the 
cover. 
• Remove the short seal and wing nut. Then remove 
the air cleaner element with precleaner. Remove 
the precleaner from the element and service as 
instructed earlier in this section.
IMPORTANT:
Do not wash the paper element or use 
pressurized air, as this will damage the element.
Examine the element and discard if dirt and/or damage 
is present.
NOTE: Handle new elements carefully; do not use if
the sealing surfaces are bent or damaged.
Figure 21
• If any loose dirt or debris fell on the air cleaner base 
when the element was removed, carefully remove it 
and wipe the base clean. Be careful that none of it 
drops into the intake throat. 
• Check the condition of the rubber seal on the air 
cleaner stud. If condition is questionable in any 
way, replace it with the new long seal packaged 
with the replacement element.
• Check the air cleaner base. Make sure it is secured 
and not damaged. Also check the air cleaner cover 
for damage or improper fit. Replace all damaged air 
cleaner components.
• Install the precleaner over the new paper element. 
• Install the element (with precleaner) on the base 
and secure it with the wing nut. 
• Install short seal onto the stud until it contacts the 
wing nut, then reinstall the cover and tighten the 
knob securely. Refer to Figure 21.
Spark Plug
Every 200 hours of operation, remove the spark plug, 
check its condition, and reset the gap or replace with a 
new plug as necessary. 
Air Cleaner Cover
with Knob
Foam
Precleaner
Short Seal
Wing Nut
Air Cleaner Element
with Seals
Long Seal
Stud
Gasket
Air Cleaner
Base