C23i Maintenance Instructions
Lubrication
55
DS52 Mower Deck Lubrication
There are several special lubrication requirements
for the DS52 mower deck in addition to the require-
ments detailed in the Chassis and Deck Lubrica-
tion Points illustration. Lubricate the locations
shown in the Gearbox, Dolly Wheel, and U-Joint
Lubrication photo and check and maintain oil in
the belt drive gearbox.
1. Check the oil level in the belt drive gearbox
ev ery 100 hours (or sooner if a visible oil leak
has developed). With the deck in the normal
oper ating position, remove the level plug in the
side of the gearcase. Add SAE E.P. (Extreme
Pres sure) 80W-90 (API GL-5) gear lube to
maintain the oil level to the plug. If the oil level
is low, check the gear box for any indication of
an oil leak. If an oil leak is noted, the gearbox
will need to be removed and rebuilt.
2. Lubricate the dolly wheel pivot every 25 hours
with general purpose grease.
3. Lubricate both drive shaft u-joints every 25
hours with SAE general purpose lithium or
molybdenum base grease.
Belt Drive
Gearbox
Dolly Wheel
Pivot
U-Joints
Gearbox, Dolly Wheel, and U-Joint Lubrication
Mower Deck Spindle Lubrication
For mower decks with belt-driven blades, lubricate
each deck spindle grease tting every 25 hours.
Use SAE general purpose lithium or molybdenum
base grease for grease ttings.
Check Transaxle Fluid Level
● The transaxle oil lubrication is SAE 20W-50
(API Service Class SL or higher) engine oil.
● Inspect both transaxle cases after every 25
hours of operation for visible leaks.
● The uid level of the transaxles can be
checked visually by looking at the uid level in
the expansion reservoir. When the transaxles
are cold, the uid level in the expansion reser-
voir should be between 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. (6-13
mm) from the bottom, near the Cold Level line.
Cold Level
Hot Level
Reservoir Cap
Expansion Reservoir Location
Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication
Lubricate the grease ttings and oil points after
every 25 hours of operation. Lubricate more
often when operating in dusty or dirty condi-
tions. Use SAE general purpose lithium or molyb-
denum base grease for grease ttings and light
machine oil (SAE 10) to lubricate oil points. Lubri-
cate the locations shown in the Chassis and Deck
Lubrication Points illustration on page 57.
NOTE: PTO universal joints (on the deck and
trac tor) require routine lubrication after every 25
hours of running time. Remove tractor PTO quick
disconnect tube assembly for easy access to
grease ttings.
NOTE: The best way to lubricate the PTO tube
half of the universal joint assembly is to remove it
from the tractor. See instructions for removing and
install ing PTO quick coupler, refer to Deck Installa-
tion on page 22.
NOTE: The ball bearings on the PTO drive shaft
are sealed and do not require periodic mainte-
nance.