Assembly

Install Steering Wheel

1. Put John Deere Multi-Purpose lubricant or an equivalent on the steering shaft.

2. Install steering wheel with John Deere logo in the upright position.

MX7592

3. Install shoulder bolt (A). Drive bolt in until head of bolt contacts steering wheel.

4. Install washer and nut (B).

5. Tighten lock nut until it is snug. Do not pull washer or head of bolt into steering wheel.

Charge and Connect Battery

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The battery produces a flammable and explosive gas. The battery may explode: · Do not smoke near battery. · Wear eye protection and gloves. · Do not allow direct metal contact across battery posts. · Remove negative cable first when disconnecting. · Install negative cable last when connecting.

1. Remove and discard the RED positive (+) protective cap from the positive (+) battery terminal.

2. Charge the battery.

· Battery is fully charged at 12.6 volts.

MX10579

3. Connect positive (+) battery cable (A) to battery.

4. Connect negative (-) battery cable (B).

5. Apply general purpose grease or silicone spray to terminal to help prevent corrosion.

6. Slide red cover over positive battery cable.

NOTE: On SST15, make sure the choke cable is routed under black rubber strap when installing.

7. On SST15: put choke cable (C) under black rubber strap (D) and install strap. On SST16 and SST18: install battery strap.

Check Engine Oil Level

MX4898

Picture Note: Briggs and Stratton engine shown.

1. Remove dipstick (A) and wipe off with a clean cloth.

2. Install dipstick tube.

· Kohler engine, do not tighten dipstick. Let dipstick threads rest on top of tube, turn cap counterclockwise until it starts to engage threads.

· Briggs and Stratton engine, tighten dipstick.

3. Remove dipstick.

4. Check oil level on dipstick. Oil must be between ADD and FULL marks.

5. If oil level is low, add oil to bring oil level no higher than FULL mark on dipstick.

6. Install and tighten dipstick.

Move Mower Wheels To Mowing Position (48C)

1. Remove spring locking pins and drilled pins from three mower wheels and remove wheels from the shipping position.

MX7577

2. Install three mower wheels in the mowing position and fasten to mower brackets with drilled pins and spring locking pins (A).

3. Adjust mower level before operation.

Install Mower Discharge Chute

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades can pick up and throw debris laying in grass. Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place. Mower discharge chute is spring-loaded. Hold chute firmly on mower deck when installing. After installing, check that hinge on chute is working properly. Open chute and release it. Chute must spring back to the lowered position.

NOTE: Your mower deck may be shipped with or without discharge chute installed.

1. Hold chute firmly on mower deck when installing.

M47397

2. Install mower discharge chute to mower deck with two bolts (A) and lock nuts (B).

3. Tighten nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb-ft).

4. Check hinge action by opening and releasing the chute. The chute must spring back completely to the lowered position.

Check Tire Pressure

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. · Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. · Do not weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. Heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in an explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel. · Do not stand in front or over the tire assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side.

1. Check tires for damage.

2. Check tire pressure with an accurate gauge.

3. Check that tires have equal air pressure. Add or remove air, if necessary.

Level Mower Deck

Level mower deck. (See Adjusting Mower Level (Side-to-Side) and Adjusting Mower Level (Front-to-Rear) in the OPERATING section.)