MTD WHITE GT-185 - Battery Care and Maintenance; Fluid Level Check and Charging; Battery Removal, Installation, and Jump Starting; Tires

DRAG LINK
If the drag link or ball joints are changed, the new
assembly must be adjusted to the exact same length
as the original. If adjusted incorrectly, it will allow the
tractor to turn sharper one direction than the other.
To take off the drag link, remove the nuts and lock
washers holding the ball joint to the steering gear and
right front axle bracket. See figure 23.
BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CHECK FLUID LEVEL
Check fluid level inside each cell of the battery every
two weeks and before and after charging. Always keep
level just below the split rings.
Add only distilled water. Never add additional acid
or any other chemicals to the battery after initial
activation.
NOTE: After operating the lawn tractor for a long
period of time, check the fluid level in the battery as it
can overheat and lose fluid.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The engine is equipped with an alternator which
charges battery when tractor is operated. Under
normal conditions, the battery only needs to be
charged before, during and after off-season storage.
Follow the instructions under “Off-Season Storage.”
To charge the battery: Make certain fluid level in
each cell is just below the split rings. Use a 12 volt
automotive charger which is rated at 6 amps. Charge
for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 5 hours.
REMOVE / INSTALLING / JUMP STARTING
A WARNING: When removing or installing
the battery, follow these instructions to
prevent the screwdriver from shorting
against the frame.
Removing the Battery: Disconnect negative cable
first, then positive cable.
Installing the Battery: Connect positive cable first,
then negative cable.
Jump Starting
1. F irst, connect end of one jumper cable to the
positive terminal of the good battery, then the
other end to the positive terminal of the dead
battery.
2. C onnect the other jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the good battery, then to the FRAME
OF THE UNIT WITH THE DEAD BATTERY.
WARNING: Failure to use this procedure
could cause sparking, and the gas in
either battery could explode.
CLEAN THE BATTERY
Clean the battery by removing it from the unit and
washing with a baking soda and water solution. If
necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire
brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed
wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent
corrosion.
BATTERY FAILURES
Some common causes for battery failure are: incorrect
initial activation, lack of water, adding chemicals other
than water after initial activation, undercharging,
overcharging, corroded connections, freezing. These
failures do not constitute warranty.
TIRES
Recommended operating tire pressure is approxi¬
mately 12 p.s.i. Maximum tire pressure under any
circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire pressure should
be maintained on all tires.
When installing a tire to the rim, be certain rim is clean
and free of rust. Lubricate both the tire and rim
generously. Never inflate to over 30 p.s.i. to seat
beads.
A WARNING: Excessive pressure (over 30
p.s.i.) when seating beads may cause tire/
rim assembly to burst with force sufficient
to cause serious injury.
BELT REPLACEMENT
DECK BELTS (See figure 25)
1. Remove the deck from the tractor by following
“Attaching the Deck” instructions in the Assembly
section in reverse order. Refer to page 8.
2. Remove the left hand pulley cover by unhooking
the spring and removing five self-tapping screws.
3. R e move the first drive belt.
4. R emove the right hand pulley cover by removing
three self-tapping screws.
5. Pivot the spring-loaded idler, and lift belt off.
6. Remove the belt from around the three deck
pulleys.
7. R eassemble new belts in reverse order.
Left Hand
Pulley Cov«u^_^ Belt Guard
Right Hand
Pulley Cover
^ Deck
Stabilizer
Diagonal
Deck Stabilizer Brace
FIGURE 25.-46" Deck Shown
19