This document is an owner's manual for 18 H.P. Garden Tractors, specifically Model Series 820 thru 829 and 840 thru 849. It covers assembly, operation, maintenance, and parts information.
Function Description:
The device is an 18 H.P. Garden Tractor designed for various outdoor tasks, primarily mowing. It is equipped with an internal combustion engine and can be fitted with optional attachments like a grass collector. The tractor is designed for safe operation on slopes up to 15 degrees, with specific instructions provided for navigating different terrains. It features a safety interlock system to prevent accidental starting and ensure safe operation, requiring the clutch-brake pedal to be depressed and the PTO lever disengaged before starting. The engine will also shut off if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged or without setting the parking brake.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine Power: 18 H.P.
- Model Series: 820-829, 840-849
- Recommended Operating Tire Pressure: Approximately 12 p.s.i. (maximum 30 p.s.i.)
- Battery: 12-volt automotive type, 275 Cold Crank Amps (for some models), requiring slow charging (not higher than 10 amps) for 2-5 hours.
- Engine Oil: SAE 30 engine oil for linkage lubrication.
- Transaxle Lubrication: 32 oz. of Shell Darina grease (part number 737-0148).
- Steering Gears Lubrication: Automotive multi-purpose grease.
- Deck Compatibility: Adjustable deck links for 44" and 46" decks.
- Fuse: 7.5 amp automotive type fuse.
- Toe-in (Front Wheels): 1/8 inch.
Usage Features:
- Controls: Ignition switch (START/ON/OFF), throttle control (3/4 to full throttle for attachments), choke control (manual), shift lever (HIGH, LOW, NEUTRAL, REVERSE), parking brake, speed control lever.
- Starting: Requires PTO lever in disengaged (down) position, clutch-brake pedal depressed, parking brake set, shift lever in NEUTRAL, throttle in FAST position, and choke (if needed).
- Stopping: Turn ignition key to OFF.
- Slope Operation: Mow up and down slopes, not across. Use slow speed and keep tractor in gear for engine braking. Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
- Attachments: The PTO lever engages and disengages power to attachments like the mowing deck, snow thrower, or rotary tiller.
- Seat Adjustment: The seat position can be adjusted by loosening four self-tapping screws.
- Steering Wheel Adjustment: Four height positions are available for the steering wheel, adjusted by removing a hex bolt and nut on the steering shaft.
- Deck Leveling: Requires checking tire pressure, ensuring deck wheels are in the same relative location, and adjusting deck links to ensure the front of the deck is 1/4" to 3/8" lower than the rear.
- Speed Control Adjustment: Involves adjusting speed control links with a 1/2" shim to fine-tune ground speed.
- Transmission Ranges: HIGH for normal loads (mowing, transporting), LOW for high-load conditions (tilling, snow removal, hauling).
Maintenance Features:
- Engine Oil: Check oil level before each use and every two hours of operation. Change oil after the first 5 hours for new engines, then every 25 hours.
- Fuel Filter: Replace when contamination or discoloration is noticed.
- Battery Care: Activate by filling with battery acid (UPPER LEVEL line), allow to stand for 30 minutes, then slow charge for 2-5 hours. Check fluid level every two weeks and before/after charging. Add only distilled water after initial activation. Clean terminals with baking soda/water and coat with grease/petroleum jelly.
- Lubrication:
- Steering gears: Automotive multi-purpose grease every 25 hours or once a season.
- Steering shaft: Light oil once a season.
- Transaxle: Sealed at the factory, lubricate with Shell Darina grease if disassembled.
- Linkage: SAE 30 engine oil on pivot points once a season.
- Wheels: Automotive multi-purpose grease once a season (front wheels may have grease fittings, rear wheels require removal).
- Pivot points: Light oil once a season.
- Ball joints and drag link ends: Permanently lubricated.
- Brake Adjustment: Located on the left side of the transaxle. Adjust by removing the cotter pin and castle nut so the brake engages 1/4" to 5/16" from the axle housing.
- Belt Replacement: Instructions provided for Front Drive Belt and Rear Drive Belt, involving removal of the deck, belt keeper assembly, and pins.
- Tire Pressure: Maintain approximately 12 p.s.i. (maximum 30 p.s.i.).
- Off-Season Storage: Clean and lubricate the unit, drain fuel or use stabilizer, fully charge the battery (recharge every two months), and store in a clean, dry area.
- Troubleshooting Guide: Provides solutions for common issues like engine not cranking, engine cranking but not starting, engine smokes, excessive vibration, and mower not discharging grass.
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