CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
18
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF, SG, or SH. 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
10W30
FIG. 18
OIL FILL
CAP/DIPSTICK
OIL
DRAIN
PLUG
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 18)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SF, SG, or SH.
• 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.
• Remove drain plug.
• After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug
and tighten securely.
• Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour
slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 3 of this
manual.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.
Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the
tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when taking
reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten
cap onto the tube securely when finished.
AIR
SCREEN
AIR FILTER (See Fig. 19)
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of opera-
tion or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100
hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
• Loosen knob and remove cover.
TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER
• Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge.
• Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
• Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth.
• Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent
cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil.
TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE
• Remove nut and cartridge plate.
• Gently tap the flat side of the paper cartridge to dis-
lodge dirt. Do not wash the paper cartridge or use
pressurized air, as this will damage the cartridge.
Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged cartridge.
• Reinstall the pre-cleaner (cleaned and oiled) over the
paper cartridge.
• Check rubber seal for damage and proper position
around stud. Replace if necessary.
• Reassemble air cleaner, cartridge plate, and nut.
• Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure by tightening
knob.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 18)
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent
engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush
or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum
fibers.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte-
nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the
transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your near-
est authorized service center/department.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
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.