Service Miscellaneous


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using stale, contaminated or improper fuel can result in engine and fuel system damage. Repairs caused by stale, contaminated or improper fuel are not covered by warranty.

Use regular grade unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 octane or higher. Fuel blends containing up to 10% ethanol or up to 15% MTBE reformulated fuel are acceptable. Do not use fuel or additives containing methanol as engine damage can occur.

Always use fresh, clean fuel that is purchased in a quantity that can be used within approximately 30 days. Fuel stabilizer should always be added to the fuel each time fuel is purchased. Add stabilizer before filling the fuel container to insure proper mixing. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Store fuel in plastic containers to reduce condensation. Make sure the cap on the fuel container is tight to reduce fuel contamination and evaporation. For best fuel storage life, use a self-sealing gas can.

Fuel is blended to give best seasonal performance. To avoid engine performance problems such as hard starting or vapor lock, use in-season fuel. Use fuel during warm weather that was purchased during that season, and use fuel during cold weather that was purchased during that season.

Fuel can become stale in machines with engines that are used seasonally or infrequently during a season. Stale fuel can produce varnish and plug carburetor or EFI components which can affect engine performance.

Keep fuel storage container tightly covered and in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Fuel can break down and degrade if not sealed properly or exposed to sun and heat.

Condensation may collect in the fuel tank because of a variety of operating or environmental conditions and, over time, may affect your machine’s operation. Fill machine fuel tank at the end of the day.

Filling Fuel Tank


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable: • Shut engine off before filling fuel tank. • Allow engine to cool before refueling. • Do not smoke while handling fuel. • Keep fuel away from flames or sparks. • Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area. • Clean up spilled fuel immediately. • Use clean approved non-metal container to prevent static electric discharge.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and water in fuel can cause engine damage: • Clean dirt and debris from the fuel tank opening. • Use clean, fresh, stabilized fuel. • Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to keep condensation out of the fuel tank. • Use a non-metallic funnel with a plastic mesh strainer when filling the fuel tank or container.

Fill fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to prevent condensation and freezing during cold weather.

4. Remove fuel tank cap slowly to allow any pressure built up in tank to escape.

Lifting Machine


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The machine can fall or slip from an unsafe lifting device or supports. • Use a safe lifting device rated for the load to be lifted. • Lower machine onto jack stands or other stable supports and block wheels before servicing.

2. Safely lift rear of machine at machine frame point (A). Place jack stands or other stable supports onto transaxle locations (B) where mounting bolts for frame come through.

3. If only lifting rear of machine, block front wheels remaining on ground to avoid movement of machine.

4. Safely lift front of machine at machine frame point (C). Place jack stands or other stable supports under frame on each side at location (B).

5. If only lifting front of machine, block rear wheels remaining on ground to avoid movement of machine.

6. To lower machine, lift front and/or rear of machine, and remove jack stands or supports. Lower machine.

Checking Tire Pressure

Removing and Installing Hood

Removing


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine, components, and fluids will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing or working near the engine and components.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not operate machine with hood open. Hood must be closed for proper engine cooling and exhaust.

5. Apply pressure to “John” on left side of hood and slowly lower hood. Left side pivot should release after rotating closed approximately 45 degrees. Once left side pivot releases, slide out right side pivot. Lower hood slightly and lift hood from brackets (B).

Installing

1. Slide right side hood pivot into tractor bracket with hood in open position (left side pivot will slide into place as hood closes) and slowly close hood.

Cleaning Plastic Surfaces


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Improper care of machine plastic surfaces can damage that surface: • Do not wipe plastic surfaces when they are dry. Dry wiping will result in minor surface scratches. • Use a soft, clean cloth (bath towel, diaper, automotive mitt). • Do not use abrasive materials, such as polishing compounds, on plastic surfaces.

1. Rinse hood and entire machine with clean water to remove dirt and dust that may scratch the surface.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

4. Wax the surface with a liquid automotive wax. Use products that specifically say “contains no abrasives.”

Cleaning and Repairing Metal Surfaces

Cleaning:

Follow automotive practices to care for your vehicle painted metal surfaces. Use a high-quality automotive wax regularly to maintain the factory look of your vehicle’s painted surfaces.

Repairing Minor Scratches (surface scratch):

Repairing Deep Scratches (bare metal or primer showing):

2. Use paint stick with factory-matched colors available from your authorized dealer to fill scratches. Follow directions included on paint stick for use and for drying.

3. Smooth out surface using an automotive polishing compound. Do not use power buffer.

Removing and Installing Front Wheel Assembly

Removing:


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The machine can fall or slip from an unsafe lifting device or supports. • Use a safe lifting device rated for the load to be lifted. • Lower machine onto jack stands or other stable supports and block wheels before servicing.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Place jack stands under frame, not under transmission or engine, when raising or supporting machine.

2. Safely lift and support machine. Place safe lifting device under end of front hanger bracket at location (A), and place jack stands or other stable supports under frame on each side at location (B). Block wheels remaining on the ground to prevent machine movement.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Components are installed under spring tension. Wear eye protection and use proper tools when installing and removing components with spring tension.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible when they are serviced incorrectly: • Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

Installing

Removing and Installing Rear Wheel Assembly

Removing


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The machine can fall or slip from an unsafe lifting device or supports. • Use a safe lifting device rated for the load to be lifted. • Lower machine onto jack stands or other stable supports and block wheels before servicing.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Place jack stands under frame, not under transmission or engine, when raising or supporting machine.

2. Safely lift and support machine. Place safe lifting device under transmission centered under machine frame point (A). Place jack stands or other stable supports on each side (B) where mounting bolts for frame come through. Block wheels remaining on the ground to prevent machine movement.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not lose the shaft key. Key must be installed for wheels to rotate and tractor to move.

5. Remove shaft key (F) (shown on end of transmission shaft), two washers (G), except for model D105, and spacer (H).


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible when they are serviced incorrectly: • Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

Installing


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not lose the shaft key. Key must be installed for wheels to rotate and tractor to move.

1. Install two washers (G), except on model D105, spacer (H), and shaft key (F).