Section 6— Maintenance & adjuStMentS30
Battery Storage
1.  When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the 
negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery.
2.  All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior 
of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will 
discharge more rapidly.
3.  The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged 
battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully 
charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot.
4.  Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although 
the tractor may start, the engine charging system may not 
fully recharge the battery.
Tires
Check the tire air pressure before each use. Inflation pressure 
of the rear tires is important for stability while the mower is in 
operation. If the tire diameter is not equal between the two tires, 
the mower will pull to one side. Keep the tires inflated to the 
recommended pressures. Improper inflation will shorten the tire 
service life. See the tire side wall for proper inflation pressures. 
Observe the following guidelines:
•  Do not inflate a tire above the maximum pressure shown 
on the sidewall of the tire.
•  Do not reinflate a tire that has been run flat or seriously 
under inflated. Have a qualified tire mechanic inspect and 
service the tire.
•  Balance inflation pressure between the rear tires to help 
maintain straight travel (see tire side wall for proper 
inflation pressure).
•  Keep the valve caps tightened to prevent air pressure loss.
Inflation Pressure
Rear Tires — 10-12 psi max
Front Tires — 20-25 psi max
Leaking Tires
When a flat tire occurs, repair or replace immediately. The normal 
procedure is to remove the wheel and replace it. If a tire is 
getting soft, park the mower on the nearest level, paved area.
1.  Rear Tire
a.  Put blocks on each side of the opposite traction 
wheel and jack up the tire that leaks about an inch 
off the ground.
b.  Loosen and remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
c.  Mount a wheel and tire, replace the lug nuts, and 
using a torque wrench, tighten them to 44-50 ft-lbs.
2.  Front Tire
a.  Set the park brake and block both rear tires and raise 
the front tire so that it is an inch off the ground. 
b.  Loosen the flange lock nut and remove the spacer, 
hex screw and two flat washers  from the yoke. The 
wheel will drop free.
c.  Slip the hex screw, spacer and one flat washer 
through one side of the yoke, then through the 
wheel to the other side of the yoke. 
d.  Place a flat washer and a flange lock nut on the hex 
screw and tighten to 44-50 ft-lbs to secure the wheel.
e.  Lower the mower off the jack and continue mowing. 
The wheel with the leaking tire should be inflated to 10-12 psi for 
the rear tire and 20-25 psi for the front tire . Then place the wheel in 
a large bucket of water. Carefully inspect the tire, rim and valve for 
escaping air bubbles which indicate a leak. Mark each leak with a 
yellow marking crayon and then deflate the tire to 8 psi and repeat 
the inspection. If the leaks you find are pin hole size to ⁄” diameter, 
the tire can be repaired. If the leaks are larger than ⁄” diameter, the 
tire cannot be repaired. If the tire bead is damaged, the tire can be 
repaired or the tire will have to be replaced.
Lubrication
Using a pressure lubricating gun, lubricate all grease fittings and 
points as noted in the Lubrication Chart.
Lubricate all other pivot points with a quality lubricating oil as 
noted in the Oil Chart.
Spindle Pulleys
Once a month remove the belt covers to remove any accumulation 
of grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys and V-belt. 
Clean more often when mowing tall, dry grass.
Pump Control
Blow out or clean out the pump control area under the floor pan.
Tractor Storage
If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period 
of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor should 
be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected 
location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including the tires) to 
protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should 
be performed whenever the tractor is placed in storage.
1.  Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions 
provided in the engine manual.
WARNING! Never store the tractor with fuel in the 
tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where 
fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot 
light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
2.  Service the engine as instructed in the separate engine 
manual.
3.  Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated 
with a gasoline stabilizer such as STA-BIL® and engines stored 
over 90 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration 
and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor 
parts. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, 
you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system 
components, serviced or replaced.
WARNING! Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates 
and will cause serious starting problems. 
 
4.  Remove the spark plugs and pour approximately one 
ounce of oil into each cylinder. Crank the engine one or 
two turns to spread the oil evenly on the cylinder walls. 
Replace the spark plugs.
4.  Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.
NOTE: Use of a pressure washer or garden hose is not 
recommended to clean your tractor. This may cause 
damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, 
bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in 
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
5.  Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use 
when needed.