16
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and
replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace
belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can
restrict cooling.
FIG. 14
OIL DRAIN PLUG
OIL FILL
CAP/DIPSTICK
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 13 and 14)
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” section of this manual.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be
sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate
reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick.
FIG. 13
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the
battery to “leak” power.
• Open battery box door.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery
cable and remove battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “CONNECT BATTERY” in the
Assembly section of this manual).
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.
When operating in temperatures below 0º F (-18º C) synthetic
oil must be used.
* CAUTION: Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive
engines. The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) in temperatures above 40º F (4º C) will result in
higher than normal oil consumption. When using a multi-
viscosity oil, check oil level more frequently.
** CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40º F (4º C), will result
in hard starting and possible engine bore damage due to
inadequate lubrication.
NOTE: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API
certification mark and API service symbol (shown
at left) with "SJ/CF ENERGY CONSERVING" or
higher, is an acceptable oil at all temperatures.
Use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil
change intervals.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 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.
STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20
-20
-10
10
-30
20
20 30
40
0
0
40
80
100
F
C
*
32
60
**
30
Synthetic 5W-30, 10W-30
5W-30, 10W-30
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FOR
GASOLINE
ENGINES
CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 15)
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.
ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 15)
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to
prevent engine damage from overheating.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.
• Remove hex bolts from blower housing and lift housing
off engine.
• Cover oil fill opening to prevent entry of dirt.
• Use compressed air or stiff bristle brush to thoroughly
clean engine cooling fins.
• To reassemble, reverse above procedure.