Service Miscellaneous

Using Proper Fuel

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, or add fuel stabilizer.

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 injector 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 fuel tank at the end of daily use and store fuel in plastic containers to reduce condensation.

For best year-round performance and fuel-handling, add stabilizer to fuel immediately after fuel purchase. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Filling Fuel Tank

Use regular grade 87 octane unleaded fuel.

Add John Deere fuel stabilizer to fuel before using it in your machine to prevent engine damage due to stale fuel. Follow directions on stabilizer container.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable:

· Shut engine off before filling fuel tank.

· 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.

· Use clean approved plastic funnel without screen or filter 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.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Remove any trash from area around fuel tank cap.

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

5. Fill fuel tank only to bottom of filler neck.

6. Install fuel tank cap.

Checking 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. Add or remove air, if necessary.


Tire Size	Pressure
Front: 16x6.5-8	70-97 kPa (10-14 psi)
Rear: 22x11-10	56-70 kPa (8-10 psi)

Checking Wheel Bolt Torque (LX280AWS)

NOTE: Check wheel bolt torque often during the first 100 hours of operation.

M99521

Tighten rear wheel bolts evenly in proper sequence (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) until snug. Finish tightening to 55 N·m (41 lb-ft).

Removing and Installing Hood

Removing Hood

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Raise the hood.

MX30340

3. Disconnect headlight wiring harness (A).

4. Lift and pull hood away from machine.

Installing Hood


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use care not to pinch or scrape headlight harness when installing hood.

M96024 M96435

1. Align hood pivot studs (A) with pivot brackets (B) and install hood.

2. Connect wiring harness.

3. Close hood.

Adjusting Hood Latches

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX8397

2. Lift hood.

3. Loosen cap screw (A).

4. Move latch up or down as needed.

5. Tighten cap screw.

6. Adjust hood latch on other side.

Cleaning and Repairing Plastic Surfaces

Your John Deere dealer has the professional materials needed to properly remove surface scratches from plastic surfaces, do not attempt to paint over marks or scratches on plastic parts.


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. · Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

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

2. Wash surface with clean water and a mild liquid automotive washing soap.

3. Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

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


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use a power buffer to remove wax.

5. Buff applied wax by hand using a clean, soft cloth.

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)

1. Clean area to be repaired thoroughly.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use rubbing compound on painted surfaces.

2. Use automotive polishing compound to remove surface scratches.

3. Apply wax to entire surface.

Repairing Deep Scratches (bare metal or primer showing)

1. Clean area to be repaired with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.

2. Use paint stick with factory-matched colors available from your John Deere 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.

4. Apply wax to surface.

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