Assembly


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Refer to the JOHN DEERE REUSABLE SHIPPING CRATE INSTRUCTIONS to remove bracing. Follow these instructions BEFORE removing tractor from shipping crate.

Fill Fuel Tank Safely

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Handle fuel with care, it is highly flammable:

· DO NOT put fuel in machine while you smoke, when machine is near an open flame or sparks.

· Fill fuel tank outdoors.

· Prevent fires: clean oil, grease and dirt from machine. Clean up spilled fuel immediately.

· Do not store machine with fuel in tank in a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

· To prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge, while you fill tank, use a non-metal fuel container. If you use a funnel, MAKE SURE it is PLASTIC. Avoid using a funnel which has a metal screen or filter.

· Use only clean oil and fuel and clean approved containers and funnels.

· Store oil and fuel in an area protected from dust, moisture and other contamination.

Fill Fuel Tank


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! · Be sure there is fuel in the fuel tank BEFORE you turn the ignition key ON or damage may occur to the fuel pump. · Whenever engine stops, be sure key is turned to STOP (Off) position to avoid fuel pump damage.

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1. Remove fuel tank cap (A).

NOTE: Some tractors may be shipped with a bag in the fuel tank. This bag helps prevent moisture in the tank during shipping.

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2. Remove bag (B) from fuel tank (if so equipped) and discard.

3. Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck.

4. Install fuel tank cap.

Activate Battery (Early Model Dry Batteries)

MIF

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Prevent Battery Explosions:

· Keep sparks, lighted matches, and open flame away from the top of battery. Battery gas can explode.

· Never check battery charge by placing a metal object across the posts. Use a volt-meter or hydrometer.

· Do not charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm battery to 16 degrees C (60 degrees F).


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To prevent damage to tractor from spilled electrolyte, remove the battery from the tractor.

1. Remove grille.

2. Remove the battery from the tractor.

3. Remove and discard tape from across battery cells.

4. Remove and discard blue cell caps.

5. Remove and discard positive post shipping cover.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! BE VERY CAREFUL: Battery acid is a solution of water and sulfuric acid. It is very harmful to skin, eyes, and clothing.

6. Fill the battery:

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· Only use battery acid with a 1.265 specific gravity. Slowly add acid (B) to each cell. The solution should be 6 mm (1/4 in.) above plates (C), but NO HIGHER THAN 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the bottom of the filler neck (A).

7. Install the battery manifold cap from the bag of parts. Be sure manifold cap hose is behind positive cable.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Wait 20 minutes before charging the battery to allow the plates to "absorb" the acid so they take a charge well. Battery must be charged before operation. Adding acid without charging will result in battery damage.

8. Charge the battery for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes at 5-10 amps. If your battery charger has a Deep Cycle or Maintenance Free setting, use this setting to charge the battery. Failure to charge the battery before use will reduce battery performance and life.

Check Battery Voltage (Late Model "Moist" Batteries)

Battery is filled with acid and charged when it left the factory. To extend battery life, charge the battery prior to delivery.

Check battery voltage. Battery should be charged if voltage is below 12.3 volts. Battery is fully charged at 12.6 volts. (See Charging the Battery in the Service-Electrical section.)

Install Battery

1. Install the battery:

· Place battery back in tractor with posts forward.

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Picture Note: Early Model Battery Shown

· Install battery hold-down (D).

· Install two battery hold-down hooks (E).

· Install two nuts (F).

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Picture Note: Early Model Battery Shown

2. Route red positive (+) cable (G) behind battery. Connect cable. Apply petroleum jelly or silicone spray to terminal to prevent corrosion. Make sure connection is tight. Push red positive cover (H) over positive terminal.

3. Connect black negative (-) cable (I) to battery. Apply petroleum jelly or silicone spray to terminal to prevent corrosion. Make sure connection is tight.

Install the Steering Wheel

1. Remove and discard red plastic cap from steering wheel shaft.

2. Install steering wheel on shaft.

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3. Install and tighten nut (A) to 34 to 41 N·m (25 to 30 lb-ft).

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4. Install cap (B).

Install Seat (425)

M96043

1. Install seat on seat base and install hinge pin (A).

2. Install washer (B) and cotter pin (C) from bag of parts onto hinge pin (A).

3. Connect seat switch (D).

Install Seat (445)

M71531

1. Remove rod (A) from seat.

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2. Install seat on suspension (B).

3. Install rod through suspension and seat (C).

4. Install push-on retainer (D) from bag of parts on rod end.

5. Install cotter pin from bag of parts through hole in rod.

Checking Tire Pressure

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause serious injury or death:

· Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

· Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.

· When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in front of or over the tire assembly.

· Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.

1. Check tires for damage

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2. Check tire pressure with an accurate gauge.

3. Add air, if necessary:


Tire Size	Ply Rating	Pressure
16 x 6.50 - 8	4	40-193 kPa (6-28 psi)
16 x 7.50 - 8	2	56-83 kPa (8-12 psi)
18 x 8.50 - 8	4	40-152 kPa (6-22 psi)
23 x 8.50 -12	2	40-70 kPa (6-10 psi)
23 x 10.50 -12	2	40-70 kPa (6-10 psi)
26 x 12.00 -12	2	40-70 kPa (6-10 psi)
26 x 12.00 -12	4	40-138 kPa (6-20 psi)

Introduction

Product Identification

Safety

Operating

Replacement Parts

Service Interval Chart

Service Lubrication

Service Engine

Service Transmission

Service Electrical

Service Miscellaneous

Troubleshooting

Storing Machine

Assembly

Specifications

Warranty

John Deere Quality Statement

Service Record

Assembly

Remove Bracing

Fill Fuel Tank Safely

Fill Fuel Tank

Activate Battery (Early Model Dry Batteries)

Check Battery Voltage (Late Model "Moist" Batteries)

Install Battery

Install the Steering Wheel

Install Seat (425)

Install Seat (445)

Checking Tire Pressure